Edna Harrison

San Jose State University’s Advancement Office has received a $1.2 million estate gift from Edna Harrison, ’51, Recreation with a Specialist in Reading Teaching Credential, which will benefit the Connie L. Lurie College of Education.

After completing her education at SJSU, Harrison devoted her life to teaching, including a stint working at an elementary school in Germany that afforded her the opportunity to travel around Europe and the Middle East. When she returned to San Jose, she taught in the Alum Rock School District for many years while living in the Willow Glen area with her husband Richard, a niece and two nephews.

“Through her gift to our campus, Edna will continue her legacy of supporting education for a new generation of teachers,” said Paul Lanning, vice president for University Advancement. “The generosity of donors such as this allow us to provide an exceptional experience for our students and this is especially important in our College of Education as our graduates have a wide reach through their service in K-12 schools throughout our community.”