UNCG staff member dies in car wreck

UNCG lost one of their own Wednesday March 30 in a tragic car accident that claimed the life of Betty Hardin, director of University Advancement Services. "She had a heart of gold," agreed employees that worked in Hardin's office. Hardin, a 1980 accounting graduate from UNCG's Bryan School of Business, died from injuries sustained in a fatal car accident just outside of campus on Aycock Street, at the West Market Street overpass. Authorities report that speed and rainy weather conditions are to blame for the crash that claimed the lives of both Hardin and Daniel Culpit, a senior at Northwest High School, whose vehicle struck Hardin head-on. UNCG employee and friend of 15 years, Lennie Alexander described Hardin as "not only my director, she was my friend. Coming back to work has been hard. I miss her." "[Betty] went beyond her job description," said Advancement Services staff member James Smith. Hardin became director of Advancement Services in the University Advancement Division in 2001 - a job that in addition to many responsibilities, oversees the receipting of money from donors and the creation of funds for student scholarship and endowments. She was employed at UNCG since 1987, except of a two-year period at Jefferson-Pilot Financial, and had since then received the 1994 Gladys Strawn Bullard Award. The Bullard Award is a university honor that recognizes exemplary service by a staff member. Hardin's staff likened their relationships with their director to that of a family. "She was a mother more than a friend. She was there for me and my children," said staff member Pamela Ulmer. Hardin is survived by her husband, Ron Hardin, and two adult children, Kimberly and Kenneth Hardin. ?She cared about her children,? said Ulmer. All staff members agreed that they will remain in touch with Hardin's family. "That's a promise we have made," Alexander said. ---- The Carolinian extends their best wishes to the Hardin family, the Advancement Services staff, and all who have been touched by the life and work of Betty Hardin.