This fall, Franklin & Marshall College will debut a new honor and celebrate the career and leadership of one of its most accomplished graduates.

The inaugural recipient of the Benjamin Franklin Distinguished Innovator Award is Patricia E. Harris, Bloomberg Philanthropies CEO, former first deputy mayor of New York City, Trustee Emerita, and graduate of the Franklin & Marshall Class of 1977.

"F&M has shaped so much of my life – from the classes in government and art history that helped set me on my career path, to the friends who are still part of my life today."

- Patricia E. Harris '77

The Benjamin Franklin Distinguished Innovator Award was established by the Board of Trustees and the Office of the President and honors individuals who embody the highest levels of leadership and accomplishment in their life and profession. Recipients are accomplished innovators, advancing excellence that spurs progress across sectors and society, and their impact aligns with the vision and values of Franklin & Marshall College.

“This new award celebrates the very best of an F&M education, the application of curiosity and bold, collaborative leadership to solve global problems,” said Board of Trustees Chair Matt DesChamps ’93. “Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s earliest practitioners of the liberal arts, famously observed that, ‘Well done is better than well said.’ Patti Harris is the true embodiment of this belief. Throughout her career, she has applied thoughtfulness, humility, and contagious leadership to address some of our world’s most complex challenges.”

“F&M has shaped so much of my life – from the classes in government and art history that helped set me on my career path, to the friends who are still part of my life today,” said Patricia E. Harris. “My time on campus also taught me how to take on tough issues: find creative solutions, work collaboratively, and turn ideas into action. I’ve always tried to stay connected and give back to a place that gave me so much, so receiving this award is especially meaningful. I’m deeply grateful to F&M for all the ways it continues to prepare students to make a difference.”

“Patti is an exceptional leader and a model for those seeking to make a transformational difference in the world,” said F&M President Andrew Rich. “The Benjamin Franklin Distinguished Innovator Award is among the College’s most important honors, and I am thrilled to celebrate Patti as our inaugural recipient in recognition of her vision, impact, and leadership in New York City, nationally, and globally. We could not be more proud to call her one of our own.”

Leader, Public Servant, Diplomat

Harris is the chief executive officer of Bloomberg Philanthropies, where she oversees programs dedicated to the arts, education, the environment, government innovation, and public health, with the mission of ensuring better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. In 2025 alone, Bloomberg Philanthropies invested $4.3 billion across 700 cities and 150 countries around the world. Harris serves on the board of directors for both Bloomberg Philanthropies and Bloomberg LP, as well as the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, the Perelman Performing Arts Center, and the Public Art Fund in New York City.  

Harris previously served in New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg’s administration from 2002 to 2013, making history as the first woman to hold the position of the city’s first deputy mayor. Her extensive career in public service began in 1977 as an assistant to Ed Koch, later serving in his mayoral administration as executive director of the New York City Art Commission. Harris also formerly managed Bloomberg's corporate communications department and worked in public relations.

Harris graduated from Franklin & Marshall with a degree in government. She served the Franklin & Marshall College Board of Trustees from 2006 to 2024 and is among the College’s most dedicated alumni. She has generously supported a number of important initiatives at the College, including the Patricia E. Harris Center for Business, Government and Public Policy, dedicated in her honor in 2009; and the Susan and Benjamin Winter Visual Arts Center. She is a charter member of F&M Women & Philanthropy, making a gift to honor her classmates Laura Ensler ’77 and Mary Schapiro, Esq. ’77, P’16, P’18.

The College will host a reception in New York City to honor Harris and to present her with the Benjamin Franklin Distinguished Innovator award this December.