Overcoming many obstacles in her life, Lori Ann Harris graduated magna cum laude this year with a B.A. in Criminology, Law and Society. Lori's educational journey at UC Irvine began back in 2006, after her firefighter husband died in the line of duty. At the time, Lori felt her family’s foundation was destroyed. Alone and afraid about her family's future, Lori returned to college to redefine herself and rebuild. She needed to provide for her five children and saw that UC Irvine would give her this opportunity.
While studying at UC Irvine, Lori took full advantage of the many student and faculty resources on campus. She has worked as a research assistant with Professors Victoria Basolo and Henry Pontell and served as a mentor for the Saturday Academy of Law under Professor John Dombrink. One of Lori's proudest accomplishments was her Honors Research Project. For this project, Lori had Professor Donna Schuele as her mentor and became part of a Panhandling (Flyers) Community. She actually dressed up as a panhandler and stood on corners with fellow flyers (someone who holds a sign asking for money) and learned about their social norms and self-governance.
Lori graduated magna cum laude and 3.9 GPA. She has been the recipient of numerous honors including the Excellence in Research Award, Exceptional Achievement in Field Study Award, Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research, Dean's Scholar Award for Excellence in Research, Distinguished Anteater Award, Mohan Scholarship, and Golden Key Award
In the future, Lori hopes to pursue a career that will combine teaching and law. She plans to enroll in a joint JD/Ph.D. program this fall.
Lori says that her "accomplishments are due to the compassion and encouragement of my instructors, scholarships, and awards. UC Irvine came alongside me and helped redefine a scared widow into a successful woman. More importantly, UC Irvine has been a part of rebuilding my family’s foundation. From me and my children, I would like to say thank you for giving us so much.”