While Hardy was on the USL track team, he won the Gulf States Conference high jump competition for two consecutive years.
The defunct Baton Rouge State Times named him the "Outstanding Newcomer" of the year after his first legislative session in 1972.
In 1974, state Senator Hardy was named "Conservationist of the Year" among the elected official category by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation.
[3][4] As lieutenant governor, Hardy led the way to enact legislation creating "Tax Free Shopping," which still today gives foreigners an incentive to visit Louisiana.
In 1989, Phi Kappa Theta national fraternal organization presented Hardy with the "Man of Achievement" award.