Background
He was born in Philadelphia on May 3, 1844, the son of George Leib and Sarah Ann (Waples) Harrison.
He was born in Philadelphia on May 3, 1844, the son of George Leib and Sarah Ann (Waples) Harrison.
His early education was at the private school of Mission Tatham on Pine Street in Philadelphia and the parish school of Saint Luke"s Episcopal Church before entering Episcopal Academy. He received the Bachelor of Arts in 1862, the Masters of Arts in 1865, and an honorary Doctor of Laws in 1911 from the.
As the co-owner of a very profitable sugar refinery, he became a Trustee of the University in 1876 and continued in this capacity until his death in 1929. In 1894, at the urging of his colleagues, he became the of the University. His years as, 1894-1910, were a time of expansive growth for the University of Pennsylvania, especially in the number of buildings added to the campus.
Using his extensive personal contacts from his business and political associates, Harrison raised funds (making large contributions himself) for dormitories as well as Houston Hall, the University Museum, the Medical Laboratory, the Law, Engineering, and Dental School buildings from the wealthy of Philadelphia society.
After stepping down as, he continued his involvement with the University as the Vice President and later, President, of the Board of the Managers of the University Museum (1911-1929). During this period, joint expeditions with the British Museum were planned and carried out and many works of art were procured for the Museum.
He died in Philadelphia on February 12, 1929. This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Gilman, Doctorate. C. Thurston, H. T.
Colby, F. M., eds.
(1905). "article name needed". New International Encyclopedia (1st ed).
New York: Dodd, Mead.