Leone “Lee” Spencer Harlan, whose philanthropic activity provided wide-ranging support to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, died on June 21 at age 92.
Major donations for university programs, faculty research innovation and agribusiness scholarships stood out among the decades of energetic support to the university from Harlan and her husband, Neal, president and CEO of The Scoular Company, who died in 2003.
In 2000, the Harlans established the Neal and Leone Harlan Vice Chancellorship within IANR, the first named vice chancellorship in NU System, a position currently held by Tiffany Heng-Moss.
“Lee was a tremendous supporter and advocate for the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, with a particularly deep commitment to the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources,” said Jessie Brophy, director of external relations for IANR. “Her generosity, leadership and steadfast belief in our mission made a lasting impact on our students, faculty and communities across the state.”
Harlan, born on Dec. 17, 1933, grew up in Lincoln and earned two degrees from the university: a bachelor’s degree in education in 1955 and a master’s degree in 1970. She dedicated 24 years to teaching, spending much of her career providing instruction and mentorship to students in Omaha Public Schools.
The Harlans’ range of philanthropic supports for the university include:
- The annual Omtvedt Innovation Awards, fostering advancement in research, teaching, and outreach while recognizing outstanding achievements among faculty, staff and students in IANR.
- Two endowed professorships: the Neal E. Harlan Professorship of Agribusiness and the Judge Harry A. Spencer Professorship of Law, honoring Lee Harlan’s father, a former Nebraska Supreme Court justice and NU graduate.
- Major donations for the Lied Center for Performing Arts, the Nebraska Leadership Education Action Development (LEAD) Program and the Agricultural Research and Development Center.
In 2008, Lee Harlan established the Neal E. Harlan Agribusiness Scholarship to be awarded to six freshmen students in the Department of Agricultural Economics. In 2009, she extended these scholarships to provide support for 16 freshmen with an interest in agribusiness.
She was an active board member of the Methodist Hospital Foundation and the Methodist College of Nursing, contributing her leadership and dedication to improving healthcare and education in the community.
Her philanthropic endeavors continue through her daughter, Stephanie Harlan, and her granddaughter, Sharlan Skrupa.
“We are incredibly grateful for the role Lee played in advancing our work and strengthening our connections beyond campus,” Brophy said. “Her legacy will continue to be felt for years to come.”
The funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30, at Presbyterian Church of the Cross in Omaha.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be directed to the University of Nebraska Foundation for the Neal Harlan Agribusiness Scholarship Fund, the Methodist Hospital Foundation or the Nebraska Talking Book and Braille service trust.
