Willamette’s culture of academic excellence calls Harrison Beattie BA’26 to service

The opportunity to lead

Harrison Beattie BA’26 is a perfect example of putting Willamette’s motto — “Not unto ourselves alone are we born” — into action. At Willamette, he’s built a strong record of leadership experiences and rigorous academics, all of which have prepared him to serve his country after graduation as an Officer in the Marine Corps and as a military lawyer.

With ample opportunities to lead under his belt, Harrison is ready to put the ideals of a liberal arts education into practice.

“Willamette’s motto is a recognition of our responsibility to care for and better the lives around us,” Harrison says. 

“More, it calls on us to view ourselves as a means for the flourishing of others, be it those directly surrounding us, or those who might feel our impacts far in the future. Our desires, values, and ideals are one among many. It is our duty to ensure that the many are given as much light as our own, and that together we may find a compromise to enhance the lives of all humanity.”

Harrison’s time at Willamette helped him grow not just as a student, but as a leader. He led the Sigma Chi chapter as part of Willamette’s rich Fraternity & Sorority Life, gaining experience with the nuts and bolts of leadership while serving the community at the same time.

“I learned how to manage different aspects of a non-profit organization, none more rewarding than philanthropic endeavors, such as raising money for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation,” Harrison says.

Serving as an ASWU senator on Willamette’s student government, Harrison was also introduced to policymaking, skills that will help him as he prepares to attend law school. 

When not studying or leading, Harrison was also able to play on the club soccer team. Playing a club sport allowed him to connect with other students outside of the academic setting who shared a passion for athletics — giving him a well-rounded collegiate experience.

“I was able to do all of this while playing the game I love in a supportive, competitive, and fun environment,” Harrison says.

With majors in Mathematics and Philosophy, Harrison learned how to think flexibly and approach life’s biggest questions with intellectual curiosity. 

The rigors of his coursework were guided by supportive faculty. In the math department, Harrison was heavily influenced by Professor Erin McNicholas and Professor Kathryn Nyman.

A class on existentialism with Professor Randall Havas challenged Harrison’s thinking and helped him understand more about his own goals and life’s purpose. In addition, Havas’s expertise in the work of Frederich Nietzsche heavily influenced Harrison’s thesis project.

“The class made me confront transformative questions and encouraged me to think for myself rather than referring to the thoughts of others,” Harrison says. “The class also reoriented my view of participation in society, inclining me towards authentic conversation and productive interactions.”

Ready to serve

After graduation, Harrison is continuing his path to service at Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia. Then, he’ll begin law school at the University of Colorado, where he hopes to serve as a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Marine Corps.

The skills and experiences he gained at Willamette will prepare him for the challenges ahead.

“Willamette allowed me to explore various disciplines in order to find what I truly love doing, all while strengthening my general knowledge and skill set in various fields,” Harrison says. “As a result, I feel competent and confident in many different rooms and situations, which I would not have the opportunity to be in if not for Willamette.”

“Put simply, Willamette has given me the tools necessary to seek out and succeed in fulfilling and rewarding opportunities, and given me the motivation to do so for the right reasons.”