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Dr. Bill Harper honored with the 2009 Lafayette Cor Vitae Award
April 2009
LAFAYETTE, Ind. - William "Bill" Harper, PhD was honored at the American Heart Association’s 2009 Lafayette Heart Ball with the Cor Vitae Award on Friday, June 12, 2009 at the Shively Club, Ross-Ade Pavilion on the Purdue University campus.
The Cor Vitae Award is given each year to a member of the corporate community who enhances the quality of life in their community through innovation, philanthropy, vision and leadership
"We are privileged to award Dr. Harper with the Cor Vitae award for his commitment and dedication to childhood wellness, health and education," said Dawn Barrack, Corporate Events Director, American Heart Association. "His contributions to the community are unmatched."
Dr. Harper is currently the Professor and Department Head of the Department of Health and Kinesiology in the College of Liberal Arts at Purdue University. He is also the program administrator of a local community program (PALS) that provides sports, fitness and health instruction to area youth. “This program has provided life skills education for thousands of kids in our community with real results. Dr. Harper has been quietly running this program on campus for years and deserves this honor for his dedication to this program and these kids,” said Bob Falk, President/CEO, of Purdue Employees Federal Credit Union (PEFCU).
"Bill Harper has been the heart and soul of an effort that has benefited hundreds of kids in greater Lafayette over the past eight years. Because of his inspiration, leadership and passion for the success of young people PALS is the most dynamic children’s program available in our community," said Mike Piggott, Director of Community Relations/Visitor Information at Purdue University. Lisa Decker the Director of Marketing and Business Development for St. Elizabeth Regional Health, added, "I have worked with Bill for many years with the NYSP and now with PALS. His tireless dedication to this program helps ensure an outstanding experience for so many youth and young adults in our community. Bill is helping create leaders for our future that will undoubtedly go on to do great things!"
Dr. Harper graduated from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, in 1971. He is a published author with a focus in the areas of philosophy and history of sport, play, and leisure.