At the age of 17, longtime University College donor Spencer S. Harris began his undergraduate studies at a local university in Chicago, Illinois, majoring in speech and drama with minors in business and music. Although not financially wealthy, his loving and hardworking parents put a high priority on the importance of a good education and found a way for all 10 of their children to acquire a quality education.
Harris recalls, “I would have loved to have received a scholarship for my speaking and communication skills that would have helped to highlight my passion for connecting with people and to help fulfill my dreams. . . . Students need to know when and how to apply for [scholarships]. I think the IUPUI University College staff is greatly qualified to help guide students in the right direction.”
Following retirement from a long and successful career in retail, which allowed Harris the opportunity to be involved in numerous community outreach programs that helped many people, he wanted to find a way to still stay active with helping people. “The needs of the community never stop,” he states, “and as long as I am able to still help contribute and to make a positive difference in people's lives, I wanted to be counted in!”
Harris found the opportunity to continue helping people through Primerica, an independent financial services marketing company. He quickly identified with the values of the organization and the mission they are on to help the people of Middle America find solutions to their financial needs and to become debt free and financially independent. He is also able, through recruitment, to expand the opportunity to help even more people.
