Donna Harr

Donna Harr didn't attend USF. Neither did her husband, her kids or any of her extended family.

Yet when she was approached about an opportunity to financially support USF through a friend in the development office, the idea of giving to the faith-based university immediately felt right.

"Todd Knutson (USF development officer) talked to me about providing a financial gift. I like schools, especially when they offer a Christ-based education," she explains. "At the time, USF had just lowered their fees and I appreciated that they were trying to make tuition more affordable."

Harr married her husband John (Jack) in 1962 and built a life in Sioux Falls, raising four boys and helping her husband and his brother launch Harr Construction in 1964. She managed the bookkeeping for the growing business until 1980.

"They built a lot of houses and apartments," she says. "Jack was very generous and liked helping people. I like helping people, too."

Harr is a dedicated member of Faith Lutheran Church, where her family has been in attendance since 1960. She continues to serve the church as a volunteer and is an active member of the congregation. Her humble spirit and charitable heart have guided her through every season. Even after Jack passed away in 2012, the couple's shared commitment to giving back continued.

"He left me with a bank account and I don't plan to hold onto it," she says simply. "I want to use the money to make sure people and places that need it can continue to do good work."

In addition to leading a generous life, Harr appreciates spending time with family, exploring genealogy, gardening, sewing and cross-stitch. Now 85, she admits to slowing down, but her enthusiasm for faith, service and sharing her life's blessings remains strong.

"It's an honor to give to a school like USF. If that donation can make a difference, that's just wonderful."