Giving it his all at Hampden-Sydney College (H-SC) is something Scott Harwood, a 1965 graduate, is known for.

He knows firsthand that investing in the future of Hampden-Sydney can make an impact by providing young men with a foundation for life.

Famed sportwriter Grantland Rice wrote, “For when the one great scorer comes to mark against your name, he writes not that you won or lost, but how you played the game.”

Harwood first read these words written by Rice when he was at summer camp in the mountains of Virginia.

“I think I have subconsciously lived my life like that,” Harwood said. “I always ask myself, ‘Did I give it my all?’ Because you can’t win at everything.”

Giving it his all at Hampden-Sydney is something Harwood is known for. He is a past member of the board of trustees, is currently a member of the James Madison Society, a group of former trustees who continue to give their time, and has been inducted into the 1776 Legacy Society by including Hampden-Sydney in his estate plans.

“I have a charitable remainder trust (CRT) with Hampden-Sydney,” Harwood said. “Back in the 1990s, I sold my insurance business. With the proceeds, a CRT was a great way to support Hampden-Sydney and receive a lifetime income for my wife, Susan, and me.”

When you understand Harwood’s current dedication to Hampden-Sydney, it may be surprising that he didn’t always feel this level of loyalty to the school.

“I had fun at Hampden-Sydney,” Harwood said with a laugh. “Too much fun. I went to Hampden-Sydney because I wanted to join a fraternity (Theta Chi), make friends and enjoy the social life. And, boy, did I ever.”

When he graduated, a year later than planned, Harwood was “ready to leave Hampden-Sydney behind me for good.” He entered Officer Training School for the Air Force and served four years, including a year in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War.

“I grew up while I was in the Air Force,” Harwood said. “I learned to be responsible for my own actions and not to blame others for my failures or shortcomings.”

Harwood proudly attained the rank of captain in three years and received the Air Force Commendation Medal during his service.

Harwood’s commander gave him some invaluable advice after Southeast Asia.

“He told me I was a maverick, which had served me well in my job there, but instead of pursuing a military career, I should take my talents into the business world,” Harwood said. “I’m glad I listened.”

Returning to his hometown of Farmville, Harwood joined his father’s insurance business. After growing the company, he eventually sold it to a major bank and started another company, Harwood & Son Insurance, led by his son.

“I now work for him,” Harwood said.

Being so close to campus, Harwood began to become more engaged at Hampden-Sydney.

“I realized how much Hampden-Sydney meant to me,” he said. “I was asked to join the board of trustees in the mid-1990s and then served for 14 years. I can’t think of a finer group of men and women who roll up their sleeves and work hard, leaving their egos on the doorstep.”

Harwood’s financial support has grown over the years as well. From his $100 gift to join the Century Club in the ‘70s and the $1,000 gift to become a Founder a few years later, to establishing a CRT and becoming a proud member of the 1776 Legacy Society, Harwood knows firsthand how important giving is to a school like Hampden-Sydney.