Biography - Patricia (Taylor) Hanna, UC’74, H’98
When her employer offered to pay for college, Patricia Hanna didn't hesitate. More than five decades later, she remains loyal to the company that gave her an opportunity to further her education. She has worked for Houghton Chemical Corporation since 1952, when she accepted a secretarial position. Now the senior vice president of administration and finance, she has proved that industry knowledge, a willingness to learn new skills, and dedication to a passion can all aid in the climb up the corporate ladder.
Patricia has shown the same level of dedication to Northeastern University. Since receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Arts and Management from University College (now the College of Professional Studies) in 1974, she has remained actively involved in the Northeastern community. She is vice chair emerita on the Board of Trustees and established the H. Patricia Hanna Scholarship, awarded annually to undergraduate students who are enrolled in the College of Professional Studies or Lowell Institute School, and are candidates for a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or Engineering.
Patricia is a longstanding annual donor to Northeastern. She is a proud supporter of the Torch Scholars Program, which awards scholarships to individuals who have overcome exceptional odds and demonstrate the potential to excel academically. Patricia is also dedicated to the Fund for the Public Interest at the law school, which provides loan relief assistance, as well as co-op stipends, to students and graduates committed to pursuing careers with public interest law organizations.
In 1999, Patricia received a Medallion Award, which recognizes the professional attainment and community service of a Northeastern alumnus/a. She is ex officio director of the National Council, and also a member of Northeastern's Varsity Club, the Frank Palmer Speare Society, and the Huntington Society. She received an honorary doctorate from Northeastern in 1998. A resident of Lexington, MA, she was married to the late Warren T. Hanna.