Appalachian State University to Dedicate Katherine Harper Hall

CHARLOTTE, N.C.—Appalachian State University’s board of trustees announced that the University has received a financial gift from Ron Harper of Charlotte in honor of his wife, Katherine. The University will name the building housing the majority of the academic programs and administrative offices of its Department of Technology for Mrs. Harper. A naming and dedication ceremony for Katherine Harper Hall will take place at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 26, at 397 Rivers Street on the Appalachian campus.

The Harpers are the founders of global anilox supplier Harper Corporation of America. Anilox rolls are used in flexographic printing, typically used in printing packaging materials such as brown cardboard boxes, retail and shopping bags, food and hygiene bags and sacks, flexible plastics, self-adhesive labels, and wallpaper.

“Not only are Ron and Katherine leaders in their chosen field, they are leaders in philanthropy at all levels of education,” stated Dr. J. Mark Estepp, dean of the College of Fine and Applied Arts. “Rarely have I seen a more giving spirit. They truly live the adage ‘It is better to give than to receive.’ Appalachian is honored by their friendship.”

Harper Corporation has manufacturing facilities in Charlotte and Green Bay, Wis., as well as licensee operations in Bangkok, Thailand, and Herford, Germany. The Harpers have been deeply involved in education and training future flexographers at the high school and college levels.

Appalachian State’s flexography program, within its Thomas W. Reese Graphic Arts and Imaging Technology program, is housed in the Department of Technology which is part of the College of Fine and Applied Arts. The University also is home to the Harper Flexographic Museum, which highlights a chronological history of this unique printing process. In addition to graphic arts, the Department of Technology has programs in Appropriate Technology, Building Science, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Technical Photography and Technology Education. The proceeds of the gift will be used for the flexography education program, university-wide student scholarships, and other needs in the Department of Technology.

“I am so proud of Katherine, that even today after a marriage of fifty-five years, five children, fourteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren, she is still raring and ready to get involved,” said Ron Harper. “Kat has been my greatest personal inspiration in a life and career that has been very rewarding.”