Mike Harris top fundraiser in Dancing with the Stars; Dances his way to $43,700+ for Rowan students

October 21, 2011

Rowan University Vice President of Facilities and Operations Mike Harris was the top money raiser in Gloucester County’s Dancing with the Stars, earning $43,766 for the Rowan Emergency Scholarship Fund. The Fund assists students who are experiencing life-altering crises in their families. (For a look at Mike on the dance floor and to hear a message from him, go to http://youtu.be/ZSVXGsCLOCw.)

Harris was awarded the title at the Sept. 29 finale, in which he competed against a handful of other amateur dancers teamed with pros in the event sponsored by the Greater Woodbury Chamber of Commerce.

For months, Harris practiced with his partner, Liz Deal from LaPierre Ballroom Dance Studio, Glassboro, while also working behind the scenes with a team to coordinate fundraising activities. Among numerous events were benefits at the Landmark and “I Like Mike Week” on campus in September.

Harris and Deal competed in two preliminary events in August before taking to the floor at Auletto Caterers in late September to do the West Coast Swing to “Mustang Sally.”

Harris praised Rowan community members and friends for their involvement in the competition and the support they provided, including financial.

“I’m extremely privileged and honored to do this,” Harris said after learning of his award. “It was a team effort. It was a full institutional effort.”