DEVELOPMENT
Chris and Ron Harris
Harrises’ passions include giving back By Katelyn Kerkhove
R
on and Chris Harris share a passion for philanthropy, but the motivation behind their support for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts often has stumped even them. For years the Harrises have helped fund the Ron and Chris Harris Lectureship Program, which brings successful moviemakers to UNL. Paul Steger, director of the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film, said while the Harrises admit to knowing little about film, they still understand the impact these guests have on the program and its students. “Often they’ll say, ‘I have no idea who
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this person is,’” Paul Steger said. “But it’s such a great thing to have such a fun and loving couple providing this opportunity for our students.” And while the students eagerly await the arrival of these famous guests, the Harrises sometimes struggle to understand who, exactly, the visitors are and why they are so important to the film industry. “Even though they aren’t ‘movie buffs,’ they have a great appreciation.” Steger said. “They’ve always been very gracious. I can see why they would say they aren’t movie buffs, but they help those of us who are.” The Harrises have spent many years helping people by giving to the community and university that have helped shape them individually and as a couple.
Ron Harris grew up in Lincoln, was a Lincoln Southeast graduate and is an alum of UNL’s College of Buisness Administration. Chris grew up with a military family in Europe, but the couple met in college and, since then, has never permanently left Nebraska. For years the Harrises have owned and operated the family business, Harris Laboratories, a medical testing lab in Lincoln that grew to worldwide status. Ron Harris said he feels obligated to give back to the community, and his business networks give him a great advantage in helping bring people and resources to his home town. He serves on numerous community, corporate and university boards while also giving his time to the lectures in honor of
University of Nebraska-Lincoln