Menu
Author and former area teacher Madge Fisher Harrah honored
On Saturday, April 18, the University of Missouri College of Education honored was Madge Fisher Harrah of Albuquerque, N.M., who received bachelor's degree in education from the MU College of Education in 1953. Harrah is the daughter of Lester and Blanche Fisher who taught school for many years in El Dorado Springs and also in Bronaugh. She also has done book signings in Nevada.
The Education Alumni Organization led by president Barbara Bambini, recognized Harrah as the recipient of the Citation of Merit Award. "We're very proud of Madge for her outstanding work both in the field of education and in the arts," Bambini said. "She has achieved a great deal to be proud of in her work and personal life." Harrah, the daughter of two teachers from Barton County, Mo., earned a bachelor degree in art and English education, with a minor in music. While a student at MU, she exhibited in student art shows, accompanied music majors in recitals, supervised a student art lab, and worked as a graphic artist and student librarian. In addition, she played violin in the university orchestra, sang in the University Chorus, taught art to fourth graders in the University Lab School, and had two, one-act plays produced by the Drama Department.
Since she wrote her first book, "Teenagers of the Bible," in 1969, Harrah has published a total of 12 books. In 1997, her novel, "My Brother, My Enemy," took grand prize in a national competition for best juvenile fiction sponsored by the National Association of Press Women. Her 2004 biography, "Blind Boone, Piano Prodigy," was named notable social studies trade book for young readers by the National Council of Social Studies.
As a playwright student of Rod Serling, creator of "Twilight Zone," she studied at Antioch College in Ohio where she placed first in an international radio playwriting competition in 1964. She later won the grand prize in an international playwriting competition in 1983 and throughout her career has published more than 400 articles, stories and short pieces in local, regional and national publications.
In addition to her writing credits, Harrah has written lyrics, composed and arranged music for plays, floor routines and radio broadcasts. For over 30 years, she has lectured and taught creative writing seminars to children. She served on the faculty of Highlights for Children Writers' School at Chautauqua, Tenn., and continues to write plays and musicals.
Harrah is married to Larry Harrah, who earned a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from MU 1961. They have two children and five grandchildren.
"We are honored to recognize the great work of our world-class alumni who have achieved so much," said Rose Porter, interim dean of the MU College of Education. "Madge has helped add to our great Mizzou tradition of excellence."
In all, the university honored honored 18 outstanding alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends during its 41st annual Recognition Awards Banquet. Guests traveled from across the state and nation to MU's Reynolds Alumni Center for the annual celebration.