Alumni Community Service Award

honors alumni who have enhanced the prestige of the University by virtue of their character and integrity through outstanding service in their community.

Adele (Sohn ’43) Harrison earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Valparaiso University with a major in history.  After graduation she attended Valparaiso University’s School of Law and then attended graduate school at the University of Michigan, where she pursued social work.  She has been very active in her community in numerous ways.  She organized and helped people in need in the Sonoma Valley area.  This organization became known as Friends in Sonoma Helping (FISH) and she served as coordinator for many years until her retirement.  She also contributed to her community by serving with Care-A-Van, a transportation service, participated in Meals on Wheels and the Vintage House Senior Center.  Harrison also helped found Sonoma Overnight Support (S.O.S.), a homeless shelter.  As a long-time local volunteer in her community, the school board of trustees voted to name a new middle school in her name.  The Adele Harrison Middle School was dedicated in 2001.  She also has served as president of her congregation at Faith Lutheran Church, when women were not often asked to serve in such positions.  Her husband, Dr. Paul Harrison, passed away in 1997.  She lives in Sonoma, Calif.