Celebrating Jack and Mae Harris
The late Jack ’49 and Mae ’52 Harris cared deeply about their alma mater and church-related higher education, and Carthage celebrated their lifelong connection in a memorial service on June 13.
The ceremony included the dedication of a sculpture titled “A Teaching Moment” outside the Walter Fritsch Meditation Chapel. The sculpture, which depicts three curious children exploring nature, is a bequest from the generous couple.
In addition to teaching middle school in Kenosha, Mae (Voth) Harris was a master gardener and a talented quilter and chef. She passed away in August 2021, just 17 months after her husband died.
Known for his whimsical personality, Jack Harris made an indelible mark on the College over a 29-year career. He guided publicity for Carthage when it moved to Kenosha, secured significant funds as its vice president for development, and served on the Board of Trustees. Mr. Harris received the Carthage Flame in 1994.
The couple met on the College’s previous campus in Carthage, Illinois. They raised three children: Jolie Prasser ’78, Scott Harris ’82, and the late Jennifer Badertscher.
Their decades-long legacy of giving includes establishing the Mae and Jack Harris Scholarship Fund, which continues to benefit students.