proposal for what the funds would be used for. "Building
self-confidence is important and is what is lacking in
these kids."
NU For Life is Northwestern Athletics' career preparation
and employer engagement, which began in 2012
following a donation to the department by David Kabiller,
a member of the University's Board of Trustees, a former
Wildcat tennis player, and the son of the Kabiller Award
namesake, Irving.
"Matt is such a selfless individual who consistently tries to
elevate the lives of those around him," said Julie Hammer,
assistant athletic director for NU for Life. "In choosing
to give back to underprivileged youth, he will make an
impact on their lives and, in turn, excel personally and
professionally."
On the field, Harris lead the Wildcat football team with
a career-high four interceptions and helped Chicago's
Big Ten Team win 10 games and earn a trip to the 2016
Outback Bowl. Off the field, Harris is chomping at the
bit for ways he can give back to the community: in the
winter quarter, he is interning at Evanston Township High
School. He says it will help him grow as a person and
determine if that is a path he is interested in pursuing
professionally, much like his two brothers.
In thinking about the workshop, which makes strides
to change the culture in underprivileged communities,
Harris anticipates that the kids who are invited will not
be the only people impacted.
"Having them learn from my story and also learning from
their story and learning what everybody goes through, I
think that'll be important and that will be also inspiring
for me," he said.
By: Preston Michelson (NUsports.com)
MATTHEW HARRIS
41
