Irving Harris
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Irving B. Harris (August 4, 1910- September 25, 2004) was an American businessman and philanthropist.
Born and raised in Saint Paul, Minnesota, much of his charitable work was done in Chicago, Illinois, but he also donated substantially to the arts in Aspen, Colorado. Harris contributed most of his money to programs for children and the arts. He attended Yale University and graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1931. In 1986, Harris ga]]ve a donation that established The Irving B. Harris Graduate School of Public Policy Studies at The University of Chicago. Mr. Harris gave the lead gift in 1954 to create public television station WTTW in Chicago - he later served as the station's Chairman of the Board. His philanthropy created several non-profits in Chicago - the Erickson Institute, Family Focus (with Bernice Weissbourd) and the Ounce of Prevention Fund are all "children" of Irv Harris.
Harris and his brother made much of their fortunes by founding the company Toni Home Permanent, which was sold to the Gillette Safety Razor Co. in 1948.
His book, "Children in Jepordy," was published in 1992.
Harris had a wife named Joan; two daughters, Roxanne Harris Frank and Virginia Harris Polsky; and a son, William Harris.
