Gift from alumnus and his wife to support construction of new residence hall, an essential component of a proposed university center at Stevens Institute of Technology to serve as central hub of student life
(Hoboken, New Jersey) June 4, 2018 – Alumnus Richard F. Harries ’58 and his wife, Carol, have given Stevens Institute of Technology one of the largest single gifts made to Stevens in its 148-year history, underscoring an unprecedented period of growth and vision at the premiere technology university.
The gift, which will support the construction of a new residence hall that will bear Mr. Harries’ name and serve as an essential component of a proposed dormitory and university center, propels the university past its $150 million fundraising goal for The Power of Stevens campaign six months early, making it the most successful campaign in Stevens’ history. As of June 1, the campaign total stood at $160.1 million.
“This incredible demonstration of philanthropy by Mr. Harries is a tangible sign of Stevens’ significant progress in all areas of its operations,” said Stevens President Nariman Farvardin. “When a successful alumnus makes such a generous gift, it symbolizes his fervent belief in the mission of the university and his resolute confidence in the ability of the university to carry out its mission. I have had the honor to get to know Mr. Harries in the recent past and am inspired by his character, his success and by his generosity. This gift will lay the foundation for the future success of those who will follow in his footsteps for many generations to come.”
Harries, a philanthropist and successful engineering executive, began transforming Stevens early in his career. After graduating, Harries returned to Stevens from September 1960 to March 1962 as resident engineer to help build two residence halls and the faculty-student center that later was renamed the Wesley J. Howe Center, the main administrative building.
Harries went on to form his own development firm that provided engineering, architectural planning and surveying services for more than 900 projects, requiring a broad knowledge of complex mechanical systems – from HVAC and electrical structures to foundations and piping; work on important and iconic buildings across New Jersey, including the Prudential Financial building, the Anheuser-Busch brewery and Morristown and Overlook hospitals; and serve as chief engineer for the Hackensack Meadowlands Development Commission.
Harries, who also owned and built the Richard F. Harries Industrial Park in Carlstadt in New Jersey, specialized in commercial and industrial design, packaging and development.
Now, Stevens hopes to open the residence hall that will honor his name by fall 2021, which will provide much-needed student housing along with a university center that will include a food court, fitness center and student organization offices.
“Carol and I have been highly impressed by the leadership of President Farvardin and others at Stevens, and the positive momentum and aspiration of the university are infectious,” says Harries. “To look at the expressions on students’ faces – they are so happy to be here and they’re part of something great.”
– Stevens –
Stevens Institute of Technology media contact: Thania Benios (201) 216-5003, [email protected]
