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J. Harrison and Barbra Holman – neither one of them alumni nor with traditional connections to ����ֱ�� – have endowed eight scholarships at the University since 1997. When asked why, their answer is clear – the Holmans want to provide an opportunity for students who want to pursue higher education, no matter what their financial background.

Harrison Holman’s story is a classic American tale. As the fourth of eight children, he grew up in Massachusetts, attending Needham High School until his father’s untimely death in 1935. Holman said, “My father was a master woodworker and he was an instinctive teacher. He taught his children the value of learning.” His teaching skill is evidenced in his son’s beautifully handcrafted woodwork in the Holman’s home on Orr’s Island. 

Although his family’s financial circumstances precluded his attending college fulltime,  Holman was able to attend evening courses in business at Boston University while working. He later took courses at Northeastern University and Wentworth Institute of Technology. As he worked his way up in different jobs for a variety of employers, he gained valuable knowledge about the business world. One such job, at Raytheon, put him in the unique position of working on a project of historic proportions – making radar components for the Manhattan Project.

Eventually Holman made his way to Market Forge, a kitchen equipment manufacturer , the field where he would make his 33-year career and where he met his wife Barbra. His experience led him to ultimately become the founder, former chairman and president of Holman Cooking Equipment in Saco, Maine. While he no longer owns the company, he still keeps in touch with some former colleagues, such as Russ Bellerose. He even established scholarships in memory of Bellerose’s brother and for a former employee, Jim Morse.

Despite being unable to pursue his own college degree, Holman has always had a strong interest and involvement in supporting education. He chaired his local school committee, helping to build Masconomet Regional High School in Massachusetts, and was chair of their school board for 10 years.

He said, “I’ve always been conscious of, and involved in education – I had teachers along the way who really made me work and taught me to appreciate education.”

A meeting with former ����ֱ�� President Charles Ford led Holman to become involved with the University. When he first donated money to the University, Holman was amused to see the plaque Ford presented with his name on it –complete with 10 more blank spaces. Over the years, the Holmans’ support has more than adequately filled those slots. Eight scholarships are named in honor of friends, family members, and even one named for Needham High School. More than 35 students have benefited from these scholarships, and they are very appreciative, often expressing their thanks in person.

Barbra Holman said, “We get the most wonderful letters from some of the scholarship awardees, and we’re thrilled to see the benefit we can give these students.”