Paul Harris
University of Cincinnati, class of 2013, industrial design major
Paul Harris first attended the Jubilee conference during his freshman year, and according to CCO staff member Chris Bean, that’s when Paul gained a new vision for his future.
“Because of Jubilee, Paul grew tremendously in his understanding of vocation and calling,” Chris says. “In one of the workshops, he sensed that God was affirming his desire to pursue a career in industrial design and live that out as a calling. Shortly after Jubilee, he changed his major from mechanical engineering to industrial design and has been totally academically engaged ever since.”
Chris and Paul first met when Chris was serving as a youth pastor during Paul’s junior high days in Columbus, Ohio. Chris started working with college students in Cincinnati in the fall of 2009, which is also when Paul arrived at the University of Cincinnati as a freshman. They immediately reconnected and started a Bible study with a couple of other guys.
“Over the past couple of years, Paul has demonstrated a continuous trend of spiritual growth,” Chris says. “And as he has gotten more socially comfortable at the University of Cincinnati, I notice that his desire to influence other students for Christ increases. Recently, I’ve challenged Paul to take on some leadership during our Thursday night gathering. He has stepped up to that task and skillfully engages the rest of the group in the Word and questions about living faith out on campus.”
Chris has enjoyed watching Paul grow into a leader, both amongst his Christian peers and other students on campus. A member of the Bearcat marching band for the past couple of years, Paul has grown into a leader within that context. This summer, Paul will serve in the prestigious role of Student Orientation Leader for the University, through which he gets to interact with incoming freshman and their parents.
“I love Paul’s contagious spirit,” Chris says. “His attitude and genuine love for God and his fellow students is very inviting to those around him.”
