WHS Class of 1965 Fund in memory of Stephen J. Hegarty & Eric Ruderman

This fund was initiated anonymously following the death of a prominent member of the WHS Class of 1965. Stephen Hegarty was active in the field of health care, health policy and administration during his short professional life. After being diagnosed with cancer in his mid-forties, he became an even more ardent supporter of the health field. At his death in 1995 at age 47, Hegarty was the president of the Massachusetts Hospital Association. The fund was started in the hope that his classmates would honor his memory. The fund has a preference for students who are pursuing studies in the fields of heathcare policy and administration. In 2001, the class made a donation in memory of their class treasurer, Eric Ruderman, and added his name to the fund. Mr. Ruderman funded his own college education by participating in a five-year work/study program and working additional part time jobs. He served in the National Guard for six years and then joined his father in the Maxwell Furniture company, becoming President in 1984. In 1988 he closed the business to pursue a Masters Degree in Business. He founded Meeting House Mortgage in New Hampshire in 1997 and served as its President until he suffered a massive stroke in 1999 and subsequently died in 2000. He was an active member of Temple Emmanuel in Andover and in activities and services for children.