When You Give a Farm Boy a Chance
“If you establish a pattern of regular giving, that is a joy and a blessing that brings rewards to your heart.”
— Marv Hackert ’66
Growing up on a farm south of Pella, Iowa, Marv Hackert ’66 never imagined college was in his future. His parents finished schooling with eighth-grade educations, and higher education seemed out of reach until a high school teacher connected him with an admission counselor at Central College. A scholarship followed — and a life changed.
Now, 60 years later, Hackert is a semi-retired professor at the University of Texas at Austin and an internationally respected crystallographer whose work influenced generations of students, advanced molecular science and contributed to discoveries that have improved lives around the world.
At Central, chemistry professor Dave Crichton became the mentor who helped shape Hackert’s future. Crichton encouraged him to study chemistry, helped him secure campus jobs and introduced him to undergraduate research. Alongside chemistry professors at that time Harold Kolenbrander ’60 and Art Bosch ’51, Crichton showed Hackert the power of personal investment in students.
That lesson stayed with Hackert.
After earning his degree with honors at Central, then his Ph.D. at Iowa State and a successful postdoc at Purdue University, Hackert built a distinguished career at UT Austin, where he has spent more than five decades teaching, conducting research and mentoring future scientists. Hackert measures success not only by scientific achievement but also by the opportunities he can create for others. As department chair and as a faculty member, he helped recruit and support faculty whose work had far-reaching impact.
One of his fellow structural biology colleagues conducted groundbreaking research on the structure of the SARS CoV-2 spike protein, work that became foundational to the development of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines that benefited hundreds of millions of people worldwide. It’s the kind of impact Hackert always believed multiplies: One person investing in another, rippling outward in ways neither can fully anticipate.
Remembering the scholarship that opened the door for him, Hackert began giving back to Central by treating his scholarships as loans and contributing annually at least the equivalent of the interested owed on what he had received as a student. Over time, his generosity expanded.
He established an endowed fund at Central to support faculty research in math and science, helping professors access resources for projects, equipment and professional development.
He and his wife, Bretna, also created the Henry and Johanna Hackert Family Scholarship in honor of his parents. The scholarship reflects Hackert’s belief that education changes lives — a truth he witnessed within his own family as multiple relatives went on to earn Central degrees.
Beyond the classroom and laboratory, Hackert has served in leadership roles across UT Austin, championed graduate education and helped bring new graduate housing to fruition. In retirement, he continues to support the university community, managing the Dobie Paisano ranch and residency program for writers and artists, helping faculty and students with their 3D printing needs and creating exhibits that help visitors understand the beauty and importance of scientific discovery.
“I feel very blessed,” Hackert says, “to have had the opportunity to lead an impactful life.”
For a farm kid who never expected to attend college, Hackert’s story is a powerful example of what can happen when someone is given a chance. Through teaching, mentorship, scientific leadership and philanthropy, he has spent a lifetime doing a world of good — one student, one discovery and one opportunity at a time.
For information about how to establish an endowed scholarship or to contribute to other scholarships or programs at Central, contact Michelle Wilkie at 641-628-5281 or wilkiem@central.edu