Daniel Harry Harper

He was born in Springfield, Missouri to Harry and Pauline Harper on March 11, 1950. He lived most of his young life in and around Springfield. He attended Southwest Missouri State University where he earned both a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Master of Education in Counseling.

In 1991, he moved to Louisiana, first to work as a counselor at LSU-Eunice for 5 years, then, at the University of New Orleans.

He was beloved mentor, adviser and instructor at the University of New Orleans for nearly three decades. He retired from UNO earlier this year as the associate director of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies, having positively influenced numerous students over the course of almost 30 years.

“Dan Harper was UNO at its very best,” said Scott Pentzer, assistant provost for international education and interdisciplinary studies. “He believed in our students and knew they were what made UNO special. A deeply gifted adviser and teacher, Dan Harper’s memory is an inspiration to everyone who worked with him.”

He transformed the Bachelor of Arts in General Studies to Interdisciplinary Studies to The School of Interdisciplinary Studies. He taught the IDS Capstone courses and also was a University Success instructor teaching lessons to hundreds of new freshmen. He was an advisor to student athletes and an avid fan and supporter of UNO athletics, donating his time and funds to academic causes for the student athletes. He emphasis always on “education first.”

During his tenure he served on committees from Courses and Curriculum, Advisor’s counsel, Appeal Committee and many, many others. He was member of the Founder’s Club, Friends of the Library and UNO Federal Credit Union.

He was the coordinator of the National Student Exchange for 26 years, helping hundreds of UNO students to experience the adventure of attending another school for a semester or two, and accepting over a thousand if not more students from all over the United States and Canada to study at UNO and enjoy our city. He served on the Coordinator’s Board representing the Southwest region schools for three years. He was given the award for Exemplary Service to NSE, as well as other commendations by the governing board.

He loved UNO; he loved Metropolitan College; he loved UNO athletics; he loved and respected his fellow advisors in all the colleges; and he loved attending the social events hosted by the university.

He was a multiple-time winner of UNO’s Employee of the Month and received the President’s Medallion in 2015.

What he most enjoyed later in life was going to the theatre and Pelicans basketball with his wife and spending time with family and friends. His wit, his sense of humor and his love for all who knew him will never be forgotten.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Donna Reed Harper of Metairie, formerly of Eunice; a step-daughter and her husband, Kathryn Ryan Buller and Will Buller of Sunset, LA; three step-sons, Joey Vidrine and his wife, Tiffany; Zachary Soileau and his wife, Alicia; and Christopher Vidrine and his wife, Brittany, all of Eunice, LA.

He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Micah and Lila Buller, Macie and Kayden Vidrine, Stella Soileau and Sophie, Collins and Navy Vidrine; step-grandchildren, Brennan and Leslie Buller and Carter, Landon and Allie Oliver and one brand new great-granddaughter, Blaire Elizabeth Buller.

He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Jane Harper Dunham and Chuck Dunham, and sister-in-law, Virginia Harper, all of Springfield, MO; two nieces, Deanna Harper Hines and Susan Harper Allgood; his sister-in-law, Kathy Reed Lejeune; his brothers-in-law, Michael, Robert and Patrick Reed and 10 nieces and nephews and 29 great-nieces and nephews and one great-great nephew.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry Harper and Pauline Hutton Harper, his brother, James Harper; and his step-son, Michael Chad Vidrine and brother-in-law, Richard “Poncho” Reed.

There is one more angel in Heaven.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.