Hallie Harrison, class of 2019, didn’t just gain an education at University High School—she found a lifelong community. Now a Scientist at Eli Lilly, Hallie reflects on the connections she formed at University that still shape her today.
“University was different from the very beginning. I was never just a student in the crowd—I was seen as an individual,” Hallie says. Whether it was the generosity of her teachers’ time and care or the relationships she built with classmates, Hallie experienced the deep belonging that defines the University experience. “The sense of community at University is something special—you’re never just a number.”
Even after graduating, Hallie experienced the lasting generosity of the University community. When she faced a particularly challenging chemical engineering course at Purdue, University teachers Meredith and Brandon Hogan stepped in to help. Even though neither had a background in the specific class, they eagerly offered their support.
“Despite my being a few years out of school, Dr. and Mrs. Hogan took time out of their schedules to help me through the material,” Hallie recalls. “They spent hours with me on a Zoom call, walking through complex engineering problems in an area outside their specialty. They didn’t have all the answers, but their willingness to help and their dedication meant so much to me.”
This experience speaks volumes about the type of community University High School fosters. For Hallie, University wasn’t just a school—it was a place where authentic relationships extended far beyond graduation day.
“The fact that my high school teachers were still there for me, years after I’d left, shows the unique bond this school creates,” she reflects. “I wouldn’t have gotten through that class without their help.” For Hallie, University was more than a place to learn—it was a place where she was known, supported, and truly belonged.
As we recognize the incredible dedication of our teachers and the lasting impact they have on students’ lives, your gift to the U Fund ensures that University High School remains a place where every student is known, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive. Join us in honoring 25 years of generosity by making a gift today.