Making QU Better Than He Found It

When I was sick, a lot of people helped me. That left an impression on me because you learn in grade school, ‘Make this place better than you found it,’” Harrison said. “I know the feeling of people being there for me, so I want to give that in return.

HELPING HANDS

When home on breaks, Harrison makes time to visit his six-year-old friend, TJ, who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2016.

Harrison’s helping hands extend far beyond spending time as a companion and role model to pediatric cancer patients. Since coming to Quincy University, Harrison has been involved in the QU Day of Service; Night to Shine; and the Quincy mentor program. Through the Student of the Year campaign, he raised $75,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in two years.

COMMUNITY MINDED

“Sports led me to QU. But, when I visited the school, the people were genuine and cared about how others felt,” Harrison said. “I’ve made good friends here. That’s big. To me, a community is about inclusion, loving everyone regardless of their differences and adversities.”

In 2017, Harrison and Matthew Griese founded the Griese-Harrison Foundation. The Foundation provides scholarships to students affected by blood cancer by reducing some of the financial burden of college. The Foundation has already assisted two students on their journey to pursue higher learning.

“Everyone has the power to change someone’s life,” Harrison said.

It’s time for me to give back. It's my duty and obligation to leave this world a better place than I found it.

While one person cannot change the world single-handedly, Harrison has taken great strides to positively impact the communities he is a part of, especially the community created through the bond of a shared diagnosis.

“Everybody has a story to share,” Harrison said. “Community is listening to that story.”

INSPIRATION GIVER

Harrison has seen firsthand how mental health is an issue in society. He would like to help erase the stigma associated with seeking help. In response, he recently wrote a poetry chapbook entitled Virtues and Vices. The book was written with the hope that readers would be inspired to live a life of happiness and fulfillment.

AWARD WINNER

Harrison was a recipient of the prestigious Lincoln Academy Student Laureate Award for 2018. The award is presented to a senior from each four-year college or university in Illinois who demonstrates excellence in the classroom and leadership throughout the campus and community. Harrison was honored by The Lincoln Academy of Illinois during the annual Student Laureate Convocation on Saturday, November 17 at the Old State Capitol State Historic Site in Springfield.

Story by Faith Mountain ’19