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Who is Mort Harris?

Mort Harris was a native Detroiter and Wayne State student as of 1939, but enlisted in the Army Air Corps immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor (1941) and chose to leave his degree unfinished. He flew 33 missions as first pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress over Germany, including the most missions over Berlin of any American airman. Following his military career, Harris was president and CEO of the Mercier Corporation, a producer of high-purity raw materials for the steel and foundry industries, and president and CEO of the Erie Coke & Chemical Company.

After retirement, Mort Harris and three associates purchased Gear, Axle and Forge Division of General Motors Corporation in 1993. This business, now American Axle and Manufacturing Corporation, is a major supplier to the auto industry and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

This recreation and fitness center has been endowed in perpetuity through the generosity of Mort Harris. Mort Harris' commitment to Wayne State University and his inspiring dedication to family, community and education stand as examples for all warriors.