The guiding influence for this Fund is drawn from Dr. Hueston’s lifelong commitment to the intellectual and spiritual development of younger generations. As a Professor of American History he taught for 45 years at the University of Scranton and was the advisor for the Pre-Law Society at the University. During his time in Scranton he volunteered his talent, time and treasure to his local parish.
Upon retirement to Ottsville, Pennsylvania, and having deep personal and family ties to the Parish, he became active in support of St. John the Baptist. Once again the parish school, The Regina Academy at St. John the Baptist, became a strong focus for Dr. Hueston. He volunteered his support at the Academy including, at times, being a Guest Lecturer.
Dr. Hueston was a teacher, role model, devout Catholic, revered family member and reliable friend. He led a quiet and humble life punctuated by his avocation for bird watching and gardening. He regularly donated a large portion of the produce from his garden to the Lord’s Pantry at St. John’s.
Another example of Robert’s charity occurred in the fall of 2013 when his brother in Massachusetts underwent spine surgery and requested his assistance for “about two weeks” during recovery. Due to complications, the recovery lasted over six months during which time Robert never left his brother. One cannot help but think of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who, though pregnant herself, traveled to her relative Elizabeth to assist her during the final months before the birth of St. John the Baptist!
Sacrifice to church, family and complete strangers exemplify the spirit in which the Robert F. Hueston Scholarship Fund was established with the goal to promote the educational and spiritual development of a new generation.
Image on the homepage is of Haycock Mountain, within St. John the Baptist Parish. Eighteenth century Catholics lit a fire atop the mountain to call worshipers to Mass. The “old” parish church and cemetery are at its base.
Robert Hueston Fund 