ASU lauds Harpers with honorary doctorates

In a dramatic surprise at the end of an address to leaders of the flexo industry, Dr Kenneth Peacock, chancellor of Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, presented Ron and Katherine Harper, retired founders of global anilox supplier Harper Corporation of America, each with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

‘Ron and Katherine Harper demonstrate every day the characteristics we strive to instill in our graduates: a love of lifelong learning, dedication to providing service to others, and a commitment to excellence in their professional and personal lives,’ Peacock said. ‘It is with great pleasure and pride that Appalachian State University and its Board of Trustees present honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees to both Ron and Katherine.’

Peacock explained that the honorary doctorate of humane letters is the highest tribute a university can confer: Nominees must be approved by the school’s Board of Governors, its Board of Trustees, the university’s chancellor and the president of the North Carolina University System. Dr Mark Estepp, former dean of the College of Fine and Applied Arts at Appalachian, nominated the Harpers for their longtime support of education, contributions to society and innovation in business.

The Harpers are legendary in the flexography industry for their philanthropy in flexo education. Appalachian State University has benefited significantly from the couple’s time, expertise and resources: Katherine Harper is a former member of Appalachian’s Graphic Arts and Imaging Technology Advisory Board, as well as the Appalachian State University Foundation Board of Directors. ASU’s flexography program received the Harpers’ assistance with acquiring its first flexo press, and a financial gift from the couple created the Harper Flexographic Museum, which chronicles the history of this unique printing process. Most recently, Ron Harper presented a generous gift to the school’s foundation to honor his wife. This gift will support the school’s flexography program, student scholarships and other needs of the Department of Technology. To honor the Harpers' support, ASU dedicated Katherine Harper Hall last April.

(Picture) Ron and Katherine Harper receive Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees from Dr Kenneth Peacock, Chancellor of Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C.