TRAil of A TERRoRisT - Point Park University

Alumni ProfileProfileBy Colleen C. DerdaJohn Isaac HarrisAlumnus Serves DetroitKids as Teacher, Coachand Community Leader“Larry Anderson was a big influence on my life,”says John Isaac Harris (A&S 1983) about the PointPark University Hall of Fame member. “As a coachand member of the student affairs staff, he took aninterest in me, helping me to determine my major andsucceed in both basketball and academics.”The combination remains a big part of John Harris’life, thanks to Anderson and other Point ParkUniversity faculty and administrators. Today Harris isa teacher, basketball coach and civic leader in Detroit.After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in publicadministration, Harris returned to his hometown togain a master’s degree in education from Wayne StateUniversity and serve his community.He is running for Detroit City Council this year(www.johnharristodetroitcitycouncil2009.com),while maintaining a busy schedule of teaching 10 thand 12 th grade special education students and runningH.O.P.E., or “Helping Other People Everyday,”a program he founded to promote communityinvolvement. He stays active in basketball through hiscompany “Shooting for Excellence,” which providesconditioning and offensive skills drills at clinics andcamps.“I believe a coach is a teacher first,” says Harris.Kids from elementary school through high schoolattend “Shooting for Excellence” sessions to work onfundamentals. Along the way, they absorb more thana few lessons about the importance of education andworking hard. The boys and girls can earn copies of amanual with photos of all of the offensive drills shownin the session plus conditioning tips, all based onHarris’ more than 35 years in the sport.“Sometimes jobs choose you,” says John Harris of hisability to combine sports, community service andeducation. “Working with kids always seemed to be anatural fit,” he says, noting that he is the oldest siblingin his family. “I certainly enjoy teaching and coaching.I also enjoy working with community groups.”Harris was a candidate for mayor in 1989 and 1993.The time is right, he says, for his election to DetroitCity Council in 2009.“People are fed up with some of the political leadershere,” he says. “They are looking for new, qualifiedpeople. I am ready to serve.”www.pointpark.edu 21