Harry Moppins Jr.

Harry Moppins Jr. earned at B.F. in Sociology in 1967 from Washington University in St. Louis’s University College. Today, Harry is being recognized for the longevity and extent of his mentoring and volunteering efforts, which have undoubtedly left the St. Louis community stronger. As a child, Harry learned the importance of giving back from his parents. From that lesson, a lifetime of service took root and sprang from Harry’s home into the extended community, school, scouting, the YMCA and church outreach programs.

Lillian Curlett, Harry’s nominator, describes Harry as “…one of the most compassionate people I know. He is always quick to support friends, foes and strangers alike, wherever he may be needed to lend moral support to any hurting individual, give leadership for a cause such as raising awareness…or his willingness to ‘put his money where his mouth is’ for the United Way, hurting children and causes about which he is passionate.”

These words and Harry’s ethic of service are brought to life through his contributions. For 28 years, Harry has volunteered in the St. Louis Public Schools’ Career Education Program, regularly presenting workshops for students and serving as a role model for those mentees. He plays a similar role as an active community volunteer at the YMCA and within the Boy Scouts of America’s Greater St. Louis Area Council.

Harry is president of the Washington University Black Alumni Association, a member of the St. Marti’s Child Center Board and Treasurer of the Board of Directors of Jamison Memorial Human Resource and Development Agency—an organization that mentors African American youth. A recently appointed member of the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis and a leader of a men’s fellowship at the Church of St. Michael & St. George, Harry continues to be immersed in his community.

“[He] is often teased for being the person among his friends who visits ‘the sick and shut in’ in nursing homes, hospitals and their homes on a regular basis just to bring a little sunshine and cheer to the sick and elderly,” says Curlett. Whether he’s working hard as a member of the Missouri Department of Family Service Advisory Board or to bring Christmas cheer and music to youth incarcerated at the St. Louis County Juvenile Center for the 20th consecutive year, Harry’s compassion is unwavering.