For more than two decades, Mike Harper has been a quiet constant at Swarthmore — reliable, generous, and deeply committed to the College community. That dedication was formally recognized earlier this academic year when Harper, post office supervisor, received the Greg Brown Award.

The award, named in honor of former Vice President for Finance and Administration Greg Brown, pays tribute to the extraordinary contributions staff members from the areas of Campus Services, Facilities Management, and Public Safety make to the life of the College.

Harper’s path to the award reflects years of steady service. He first joined the College in 2004, working at what was then the College Bookstore, and became post office supervisor in 2022. Harper received multiple nominations for this year’s award.

“Mike is a hardworking problem-solver who is respected by staff, faculty, and the student workers whom he supervises,” President Valerie Smith said at an all-staff meeting in November. “He's viewed as a go-to campus partner who is always gracious and professional.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Anthony Coschignano, associate vice president for campus services, who has known Harper for more than a decade. From his early days at the Campus & Community Store to his current role overseeing the Post Office, Harper has exhibited many forms of dedication to the College, said Coschignano.

Among them, his “thoughtfulness, willingness to help, and legendary patience,” he added. “Mike is a steady force, ensuring that all of our campus mail system runs like clockwork.”

Nominations from across campus painted a picture of someone who consistently goes above and beyond. Coschignano quoted one nominator: “No student, faculty member, or department would be able to get their mail or send anything without him. He can make everything happen.” Another wrote, “Mike is always willing to help with whatever's needed. He goes above and beyond to help.”

But Harper’s influence extends beyond logistics, Coschignano said. 

“Mike's true legacy lies in the way he serves the greater good of our community,” he added, describing Harper’s support for student workers, his respect for colleagues, and his habit of lifting others up.  

Recipients of the Greg Brown Award, first bestowed in 2022, receive a $1,000 prize and have their name engraved on a plaque in the Dining and Community Commons. For Harper, the recognition is deeply meaningful. 

“It is a huge honor for me to win this award,” he says. “I truly enjoy contributing to the College community. To know that my efforts resonate with staff, faculty, and students means a great deal to me.”