Stennis Institute to honor Phil Hardwick Wednesday

Phil Hardwick

A public tribute to the retiring program coordinator at Mississippi State’s John C. Stennis Institute of Government and Community Development will take place Wednesday [Aug. 27] at a Starkville restaurant.

Phil Hardwick of Jackson is stepping down from the university center after more than a decade.

Beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Harvey’s restaurant, institute leaders will begin the tribute. They also are inviting any interested individual from around the state who may have worked with Hardwick during his time with MSU.

Persons planning to attend should make a reservation at 662-325-3328 by the end of business Tuesday [Aug. 26].

“Phil has been with the Stennis Institute for 11 years, serving as a valuable member of the staff and helping to foster the Stennis Press Luncheon (in Jackson),” said professor P. Edward French, the institute’s interim director.

French also praised Hardwick for being “an excellent facilitator who has conducted numerous workshops for the institute focused on enhancing various aspects of local government management and operations across the state.”

Hardwick holds degrees from Belhaven College (now University) and Millsaps College. He joined the Stennis Institute after retiring as vice president of community and economic development at Mississippi Valley Gas Co. (now Atmos Energy).

Visit www.msgovt.org to learn more about the Stennis Institute.

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