For the Harris family, philanthropy is a family value centered on education and empowerment. It’s about teaching their children to identify meaningful ways to make a difference.
“We wanted our children to identify their own areas of passion,” Vanderbilt parent Corey Harris says. “It 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.”
Their approach aligns closely with the university’s Dare to Grow 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’s journey at Vanderbilt put this philosophy into practice. A lifelong animal lover, Skyelar dreamed of becoming a veterinarian long before she fell in love with Vanderbilt. 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 Vanderbilt.
“We have been invested in her since the beginning and have spent a lot of time with her thinking about her courses,” Corey says.
That hands-on experience helping Skyelar prepare opened the family’s eyes to the broader need for resources and inspired their gift to support the pre-vet student experience at Vanderbilt.
As president of the Vanderbilt Pre-Veterinary Medicine Society, Skyelar has found a community of peers who share her passion. “The vet club has already grown and evolved,” Michelle says.
The Harrises’ 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 Vanderbilt before pursuing veterinary school.
Corey and Michelle’s family loves sports, and they champion the energy of athletics and campus life at Vanderbilt by extending their philanthropy to men’s basketball. Through their gift, they are helping shape the student-athlete experience—advancing leadership development, personal growth and success on and off the court.
They also appreciate Vanderbilt for providing a safe, welcoming environment for their daughter—one that nurtures a vibrant community for all, including the Jewish community.
“We are so happy to be part of Vanderbilt,” Michelle says. “Our daughter is so happy there and we just love the community.”
—Lauren Ayers
