In memory of Elaine and John J. Harmon ’59 ’83P, their love of the university, and the ideas they believed in, the Harmon family has made a multi-million-dollar gift benefiting Lehigh students through several of the institution’s top priorities.
Designed by daughters Debra Harmon ’83 and Wendy Harmon, the gift supports three key initiatives: the renovation of the Clayton University Center at Packer Hall; a new endowed scholarship; and the Compelling Perspectives program, which creates a forum for respectful discourse on issues of societal importance.
President Joseph J. Helble ’82 expressed his gratitude: “The Harmon family’s generosity increases access to a Lehigh education, elevates the student experience, and builds the spirit of our Lehigh community. This gift is extraordinarily thoughtful because not only does it support the university’s most important initiatives, it also lifts up the people and the ideas that Elaine and John cared about most.”
The support for the Clayton University Center, a top university priority, demonstrates John and Elaine Harmon’s commitment to strengthening Lehigh’s community. The center, built in 1868 by university founder Asa Packer and last renovated in the 1950s, will re-open as a modern focal point for student life in 2025. In recognition of their gift, the renovated boardroom, which will be used by students and others in the Lehigh community for meetings and conferences, will be named in their honor.
“The Harmon family’s gift continues the momentum of the Clayton University Center renovation. Behind the scaffolding, a new hub for student life is taking shape, and this gift will literally help build that exceptional environment for everyone,” said Kevin L. Clayton ’84 ’13P, former chair of the Board of Trustees and past interim president. “The boardroom is just one of the many spaces in the building that will bring together the Lehigh community to celebrate, collaborate, and do great work.”
The family also had Elaine Harmon’s passion in mind when envisioning a scholarship gift. A first-grade teacher, Elaine understood the importance and impact of education. The Elaine and John J. Harmon ’59 Endowed Scholarship Fund will enrich the lives of talented students for generations to come by enabling affordable access to a Lehigh education and all the opportunities it offers.
Finally, John J. Harmon’s belief in the value of civil discourse sparked the gift to Compelling Perspectives, which intentionally encourages open conversations and modeling respectful discourse on challenging topics. In 2023-24, the program presented perspectives on national security from both Theresa May, Member of Parliament and former UK prime minister (2016-19), and Leon Panetta, who served as the 23rd U.S. secretary of defense and director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
John J. Harmon, from Lawrenceville, New Jersey, earned a B.A. with a major in mathematics. While at Lehigh, he was a founding member of the Gryphon Society; station manager, business manager, and music director of the WLRN campus radio station; and president of Pi Delta Epsilon. After graduation, he became a computer programmer and systems analyst, working for various Fortune 500 companies.
Elaine Harmon graduated from Cedar Crest College in 1959 with a B.A. and a major in elementary education. She earned a master’s in education from Trenton State College, now The College of New Jersey. She taught first grade in Metuchen and then Lawrenceville, New Jersey. After retirement, the Harmons were active volunteers at Lehigh and in their community.
Mark Erickson ’91G, interim vice president for development and alumni relations, also expressed his gratitude: “John and Elaine were passionate about making the Lehigh experience the best it could be for students. This gift and the family’s long history of philanthropy are fantastic examples of how people who care can make a lasting impact. I hope they inspire others.”
The Harmon family has a long history of support for Lehigh. A lifelong fan of Lehigh sports, especially wrestling and football, John J. Harmon attended hundreds of games, matches, and events during his lifetime. Among the projects and initiatives realized because of commitments by John and Elaine were the wrestling scholarship program, the Grace Hall and Caruso Complex facilities, an endowment fund to support wrestling assistant coaches, the Lehigh Fund, the Athletics Partnership, the renovation of Williams Hall, and the renovation and expansion of the John J. Harmon Skybox and Parlor Suites as part of the expansion at Goodman Stadium.
John passed away in 2017, while Elaine passed away in 2023.
The Harmon family’s gift is part of GO Beyond: The Campaign for Future Makers, a $1.25 billion campaign fueling the university’s strategic plan, Inspiring the Future Makers, and its top priorities, which include endowed scholarships, the renovation of the Clayton University Center, and other building projects. For more information about the campaign and its progress, visit the campaign website.
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