Russell Harris, chief dream director for The Future Project, will give the keynote address at Wartburg College’s Opening Convocation on Tuesday, Aug. 28.

Harris, a 2010 Wartburg graduate, will speak on “Overcoming Adversity” during the college’s annual academic year kickoff, which begins at 10:15 a.m. in Levick Arena in the Wartburg-Waverly Sports and Wellness Center.

As a youth, Harris battled through homelessness and instability before finding his way to Wartburg, where he was a leader on the college’s track and field team and three-time All-American in hurdles while earning his bachelor’s degree in fitness management. He later earned his master’s degree in organizational management and leadership at Ashford University. His experience as a college admissions counselor led him to the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy in Detroit, where he eventually became the principal. Under Harris’ leadership, 99 percent of the academy’s class of 2016 graduated and gained acceptance to post-secondary opportunities.

In 2017, Harris became vice chair of the board of the Black Male Educators Alliance in Michigan. That summer, Harris joined The Future Project in Detroit, Michigan, a nonprofit aimed at unlocking the potential and purpose of students across the country. He is a 2018 recipient of Wartburg’s Young Alumni Award.