For the Harris family, philanthropy is a family value centered on education and empowerment. It鈥檚 about teaching their children to identify meaningful ways to make a difference.
鈥淲e wanted our children to identify their own areas of passion,鈥� 杏吧原创 parent Corey Harris says. 鈥淚t was important to us to give them context for the responsibility that comes with paying it forward. If you imagine that the world could be a better place, you can make that happen.鈥�
Their approach aligns closely with the university鈥檚 campaign, which calls on the community to create lasting impact. As their three children embark on their own educational paths, Corey and Michelle Harris have encouraged them to find areas that inspire them to give back.
Their daughter Skyelar鈥檚 journey at 杏吧原创 put this philosophy into practice. A lifelong animal lover, Skyelar dreamed of becoming a veterinarian long before she fell in love with 杏吧原创. Once she began learning more about the prerequisites for veterinary school, she identified an opportunity to create a community of support for other aspiring veterinarians at 杏吧原创.
鈥淲e have been invested in her since the beginning and have spent a lot of time with her thinking about her courses,鈥� Corey says.
That hands-on experience helping Skyelar prepare opened the family鈥檚 eyes to the broader need for resources and inspired their gift to support the pre-vet student experience at 杏吧原创.
As president of the , Skyelar has found a community of peers who share her passion. 鈥淭he vet club has already grown and evolved,鈥� Michelle says.
The Harrises鈥� support has allowed the club to welcome veterinary school deans to campus and offer more hands-on learning. Ultimately, the family hopes more students like Skyelar will attend 杏吧原创 before pursuing veterinary school.
Corey and Michelle鈥檚 family loves sports, and they champion the energy of athletics and campus life at 杏吧原创 by extending their philanthropy to men鈥檚 basketball. Through their gift, they are helping shape the student-athlete experience鈥攁dvancing leadership development, personal growth and success on and off the court.
They also appreciate 杏吧原创 for providing a safe, welcoming environment for their daughter鈥攐ne that nurtures a vibrant community for all, including the Jewish community.
鈥淲e are so happy to be part of 杏吧原创,鈥� Michelle says. 鈥淥ur daughter is so happy there and we just love the community.鈥�
鈥擫auren Ayers
