From an Oak Tree to a Lifetime of Giving

Ken Harpe (’71) and his late wife, Cary (Graham ’69), have long been devoted supporters of UTC

Ken’s journey began when he arrived at the University of Chattanooga on a football scholarship. He jokes that at 17, “life began at 3 p.m. each day with football practice.” With Cary’s encouragement and the opportunities he found on campus, he grew into a confident leader and scholar.

Ken stayed busy at UC—hitting the first home run for the new Mocs baseball team, serving as president of Kappa Sigma, playing the lead in “As You Like It,” and leading the ROTC Battalion. He credits faculty and mentors like George Connor, Dr. Dimis Weisbaker, Col. Donald Purrington, and a friend, future Gen. B.B. Bell, for shaping his path. He graduated with honors and received the Echo Award for Outstanding Achievement by a Senior Male.

Professor George Connor encouraged Ken to pursue his dream of teaching English, but the Vietnam War intervened. Ken proudly served as an Army officer and, after returning home, he and Cary built Ken Harpe and Associates—eventually becoming one of the region’s most successful insurance and investment firms. Their daughter, Corin Harpe Runyon (M.Ed. ’12), later joined the family business. “We have consistently finished in the top 5% internationally,” Ken notes.

Supporting UTC has always been central for the Harpes. Ken served as president of the Alumni Association and on the UC Foundation Board of Trustees, while Cary was active in the Alliance of Women Philanthropists. To mark the 25th anniversary of the UC–UT merger, they created the Ken and Cary Harpe Scholarship, initially for a football player majoring in English. Although the criteria have evolved, their commitment to giving back has only grown stronger.

Cary passed away on September 10, 2024, after what Ken calls “57 years of delightful marriage.” Her passing activated the Harpe Family Dynasty Trust. This irrevocable trust provides lifetime income for beneficiaries, with the remaining principal designated for UTC. Ultimately, half will support the College of Arts and Sciences and half will support UTC Athletics—a transformational planned gift.

Ken often reflects on how much UTC shaped their lives. Cary and Ken met under an oak tree outside Dr. Weisbaker’s English class in 1967, and their bond with the university has lasted ever since—as donors, 51-year season ticket holders, alumni leaders, and trustees. As an investment advisor, Ken says their story shows the value of a UTC education.

His message to students is straightforward: “If you want it, you can earn a world-class education that will enable you to compete with anyone, anywhere.”