A Message from President Denise Trauth in Memory of Dr. Patti Strickel Harrison

Dear Friends of Texas State University,

I am deeply saddened to share with you that Dr. Patti Strickel Harrison, a Texas State Hero, friend, and ardent supporter of our students and university, has passed away.

Dr. Harrison was vivacious, smart, and a true visionary. She loved her family and friends and was loved deeply in return.

Patti is among Texas State’s most generous benefactors, giving more than $11.5 million to our university. Her gifts have positively impacted many lives and areas of the university, including general scholarship support through the Patti Strickel Harrison Scholarship Fund, College of Education scholarship support through the Mary Jane Hamilton Memorial Presidential Endowment, the Harrison New Musical Works Commission supporting the development of new musicals premiered at Texas State, and the PSH (Patti Strickel Harrison) Foundation Endowment in Musical Theatre. Patti also gave of her time to Texas State, providing valuable leadership as chair of the Fine Arts Pillar of the “Pride in Action Campaign” that continues to benefit Texas State and our students today, serving as a member of the College of Fine Arts and Communication Advisory Council, and she was an honorary life member of the Texas State Development Foundation Board. 

One of the wonderful tributes to Patti’s generous spirit and love for Texas State is our Performing Arts Center on the San Marcos Campus. Her commitment of $8 million to the project helped Texas State build this beautiful space that includes the Patti Strickel Harrison Theatre. It makes me smile to think of the outstanding artistic events for Texas State and the surrounding community that have taken place in that space and will continue for future generations. 

Patti will be remembered as a philanthropist and an innovator. She attended Texas State in 1947 and 1948. Although she had planned to be a medical doctor, she was also interested in the then-new field of medical technology. After she earned one of the first medical technology degrees offered, she eventually became technical director of the blood bank at Hermann Hospital in Houston and discovered her talents as an entrepreneur. Patti went on to start and run clinical diagnostic companies. She was awarded an honorary doctoral degree by Texas State in 2013.

Patti’s love for Texas State and our students will be greatly missed.  She has made an everlasting impact not only on our community, but also on the state of Texas.  We send our deepest condolences to Patti’s family and many friends.

                Sincerely,
                Denise M. Trauth
                President