Dorothy Hudgins Scholarship
Dorothy Hudgins was a pioneering woman whose life was defined by her fierce independence, unwavering commitment to public service, and her deep belief in the power of education. Born in Chico, Dorothy grew up in a family of peach and almond farmers, learning the values of hard work, resilience, and community. She began her journey of service and education by joining the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) during World War II. After her service, she pursued her academic goals, earning a Bachelor’s degree from Chico State College and continuing her studies at Stanford University and the London School of Economics, where she focused on psychology and political science.
A trailblazer in every sense, Dorothy was the first woman to be awarded a prestigious scholarship from the Coro Foundation in San Francisco, where she trained people heading into public service. Her work at the Coro Foundation laid the foundation for a lifelong dedication to improving communities through civic engagement. She later met and married Arthur Hudgins in 1955 and moved to Livermore, where she would become involved in Chabot College.
As a community leader, Dorothy became the first woman elected to the Livermore Planning Commission in 1961, and, in 1965, she became the second woman to be elected to the Chabot College Board of Trustees. In this role, she played a key part in the establishment of the Valley Campus, now Las Positas College, advocating for the creation of an educational facility to serve the growing needs of Livermore and the surrounding communities. Dorothy’s passion for education was matched only by her belief in equal access to it, and she worked tirelessly to ensure that students had the opportunity to pursue higher education close to home.
Her legacy continues through the Dorothy Hudgins Memorial Scholarship, which she established to support students pursuing careers in political science, government, or economics—fields she was deeply connected to through her work with the Coro Foundation. This scholarship honors Dorothy’s belief in the power of education to change lives and shape communities. It serves as a tribute to her work in public service, her leadership in the creation of Las Positas College, and her lifelong advocacy for equal access to education for all.
The Dorothy Hudgins Memorial Scholarship provides financial assistance to students who demonstrate a commitment to public service, civic engagement, and the values that Dorothy championed throughout her life. Through this scholarship, her legacy lives on, inspiring future generations of students to follow in her footsteps and make a difference in their communities.