Joseph "Joe" Crusau Harris '02
Washington, D.C.

Occupation
Counsel to Senator Joe Lieberman (ID-CT)

Education
A.B., Davidson, 2002
J.D., University of South Carolina School of Law, 2009

Alumni Activities
Former: Member, 10th Reunion Committee; DBAN, Member, Alumni Association Board; DART Admission Volunteer

At Davidson
President, Vice President, and Sophomore Class President, Student Government Association; Bonner Scholar; Hall Counselor; Member, Student Conduct Council; Member, Committee on Campus and Religious Life; Student Representative, Trustee Committee on Admission and Financial Aid; Counselor, Davidson July Experience; Tutor, Mt. Mourne Elementary and Davidson Elementary; Legal Aid Volunteer

Other Activities
Current: President, South Carolina State Society

"Like so many of us, I have vivid memories of the first time I stepped onto the Davidson campus. I was a rising high school senior on my way to participate in Davidson's July Experience program, and I will never forget the awe I felt as I walked past the old campus and saw the imposing Chambers Building in the distance through the big oak trees. Right then and there, I knew... I just knew that this was the place I was meant to be.

It is hard to believe that 10 years have passed since I graduated from Davidson-that it's been a decade since I dropped my clothes off at the laundry and hugged Miss Lula Bell or wandered into one of Dr. Partin's early morning history classes. But what is perhaps more amazing is that, notwithstanding the passage of time, many of the relationships that I formed as a student and my love for this college remain as strong as ever. That connection, which seems to be common among all Davidsonians, would make the opportunity to return to the place that I love and serve as an Alumni Trustee a dream come true.

My experiences, both at Davidson and post-graduation, will provide a valuable perspective on the myriad issues and challenges facing the college during these uncertain economic times. During my eight years on Capitol Hill as a congressional staffer to both Senator Joe Lieberman and former Representative John Spratt (a 1964 Davidson graduate), I have worked on several issues relevant to this position, including financial services, tax reform, budget, and economic policy. I also had the honor of serving on the Davidson Alumni Association Board for two years at a time when a number of important topics, including the religious affiliation requirement of trustee board members, were deliberated and included in policy recommendations to the board. Lastly, I have remained extremely active over the years with Admission and the alumni network to offer guidance to recent Davidson graduates and prospective students. This experience has helped me understand some of the more unique challenges facing our youngest alumni and will prove valuable if I am elected to serve on the Board of Trustees.

Whether by way of the Annual Fund or volunteering my time, I welcome and appreciate every opportunity to give back to the place that has given so much to me. With this feeling in mind, I am deeply honored to be considered for the Davidson Alumni Trustee position and promise to do my level best if elected to serve."