History
MHSAA: Established 1930
The Alumni Association was established in 1930 when a group of alumni were selected and called together by George E. Copenhaver, Superintendent of the school. Copenhaver not only organized the group, but he wrote the first bylaws.
One year after the initial meeting, the Board of Directors, under the leadership of its first president, Arthur R. Whiteman ’27, arranged a banquet for the first 50 members of the Association. In succeeding years, other members were voted into the Association.
Looking after the general welfare of former students
In 1939, the Association put forth their “Constitution” in the School Industrialist. Per this document, the purpose of the HISAA was “…looking after the general welfare of those who were formally students at the Hershey Industrial School and left there with a good record.”
Honorary membership began in 1950 with the induction of Milton S. Hershey, George Copenhaver, and Prudence Copenhaver.
Today, Milton Hershey School Alumni Association inducts all graduates into the Association. We continue the tradition of honoring our difference makers with Honorary Membership status. Our Affiliate membership is made up of former classmates, family members, and those that had an impact our MHS journey.
Our purpose has grown to include the preservation, support, and promotion of the philanthropy of Milton and Catherine Hershey among all Milton Hershey School alumni, students, and staff, in furtherance of and consistent with a common commitment to pursuing the original charitable intent of Milton and Catherine Hershey as set forth in the Deed of Trust documents.