The Bucky and Lorraine Harris Scholarship honors two Philadelphia University legends. Bucky, who passed away at the age of 80 on December 6, 2006, worked in several capacities in his 46 years at the University including Director of Athletics as well as Director of Physical Plant, but gained national notoriety for his accomplishments as head men’s basketball coach. Lorraine worked in the Athletic Department as a secretary.
During his tenure as the head men’s basketball coach, Harris compiled a 240-56 overall record in 13 seasons and remains the all-time winningest coach in NCAA Division II history in winning percentage. This stretch included winning the Eastern Regional Championship in 1963 when his team was led by two-time All-America and current Rams’ coach Herb Magee. Harris also coached the program’s first All-American, Charles ‘Chickie’ Barnes in 1958 and led the Rams to a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances.
In addition to basketball, Harris also coached the University’s men’s soccer team from 1956 through 1960, registering a 20-13-3 mark. As the Director of Athletics, Harris was instrumental in expanding the University’s intercollegiate programs and intramural program as well as spearheading the addition of tennis courts and a baseball field to campus.
The Bucky and Lorraine Harris Scholarship is awarded to sophomore and higher students who are involved with the Department of Athletics through recreation, office assistance and/or work study. This scholarship is not for members of an intercollegiate program and awarded students will assist in the management of the campus Fitness Center and support the facility director in daily building operations.
