Harris Calls Graduation "Biggest Achievement"

AMES, Iowa - More than 3,300 former Iowa State students walked the Hilton Coliseum stage to receive their degrees in mid-May, all having reached an important goal in life. But among the individuals earning their bachelor's degrees, only one was an Olympic silver medalist who had triumphed over adversity. His graduation ended a journey that had began more than 25 years earlier, a journey in which he realized the depth of feeling expressed on his behalf by the whole Iowa State University community.

Danny Harris came to Iowa State in the fall of 1983. His career as a world-class hurdler included three NCAA championships in the 400-meter hurdles and a world championship silver medal. But there was also adversity through which the Perris, Calif. native struggled that have been well-documented. For Harris, who earned his degree in liberal arts and sciences, athletic achievements can't compare to his pride in his ISU degree.

“It is by far the biggest and best thing that I have ever done in my own life personally and I have had some pretty exciting moments,” Harris said. “To walk across that stage and receive my degree from this institution, Iowa State University, is something that I have thought about for 25 years. It fulfilled promises made to my grandmother, to myself, to my coaches and anyone else that has been there for me. It is a great feeling to close that circle.”

There was no question where Harris wanted to receive his degree.

“It was important pursue an Iowa State degree,” Harris said. “I started here and I finished here and it was very important that I graduate at ISU.”

Then, for a moment, Harris sounded like any other matriculating Iowa State senior.

“I am so grateful and so happy to be done,” Harris said.

Now, Harris wants to return to his athletics roots as a collegiate coach.

“At this time I am casting a wide net for future employment as a Division I coach of hurdles and sprints,” Harris said. “I am actively searching for a job. I'm also decompressing a little bit, enjoying some time with my wife and working on a book that we have been writing together.”

Harris had come back to Iowa State in 2008 as a volunteer track coach while finishing his degree. He is ready to turn the page to the next chapter of his life.

“I love coaching,” Harris said. “I know what makes a good coach. I was taught by great teachers like Joe Smith, Steve Lynn, Bill Bergan and Bob Kersee. I model my own style based on things I learned from each of the them and combine that with my own experience. The formula is a really good one and I am positive that it works. I still have much to learn but I want to give back a little of what was given to me.”

Ultimately, he will always be grateful to the people of Iowa State and Ames.

“There are so many people to thank and those people will be with me wherever I go,” Harris said.

Iowa State University Athletics

Harris Calls Graduation "Biggest Achievement"

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