A Wichita attorney’s lifelong commitment to education, service and community will live on through a new generation of Wichita State University students. Harvey Najim, a 1964 Wichita State graduate and nationally recognized business leader and philanthropist, has established two scholarships in memory of his brother, Harry Louis Najim. At the heart of the gift is the Harry Najim Business Scholarship, which will provide significant support to a Kansas student pursuing a degree through Wichita State’s Barton School of Business.
“My brother believed deeply in education and in the responsibility each of us has to make a difference in the lives of others,” Harvey Najim said. “This scholarship will carry Harry’s name forward by helping a talented Kansas student pursue their ambitions, build a meaningful career and create opportunities for others.”
The Harry Najim Business Scholarship will provide $40,000 to an incoming Kansas freshman enrolled full time in the Barton School. Selection will consider academic achievement, community service and financial need. Recipients also must participate in the annual Allen, Gibbs & Houlik L.C. Scholarship Competition.
The scholarship is designed to support a student throughout their undergraduate experience. If the recipient completes a bachelor’s degree in fewer than four years, the remaining scholarship funds may be applied toward graduate-level studies in the Barton School.
“This scholarship represents the kind of investment that can change the direction of a student’s life,” said Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. “It will give a talented Kansas student greater freedom to pursue applied learning, professional development and leadership opportunities while preparing for a meaningful career. We are deeply grateful to Harvey Najim for honoring Harry’s legacy through an investment in the future of our students.”
Harry Najim practiced law for more than 50 years, specializing in aviation, business and family law. He spent most of his life in Wichita and shared his professional knowledge with students as a business law instructor at Wichita State. Known for his vibrant personality, humor and curiosity, Harry was devoted to his family, friends and community.
As part of the broader tribute to his brother, Harvey Najim also established the Harry Najim Legal Education Accelerated Degree Scholarship. It will provide two annual $10,000 awards to Kansas residents enrolled full time in Wichita State’s LEAD program.
Harvey Najim founded Sirius Computer Solutions in 1980 and helped grow the company into a nationally recognized technology provider. He is chairman of the Harvey E. Najim Charitable Foundation and has been inducted into the San Antonio Business Hall of Fame and the Texas Business Hall of Fame. His foundation continues to support programs benefiting children and families.
“Harvey’s generosity is a meaningful example of how philanthropy can connect the past, present and future,” said Telly McGaha, president and CEO of Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement. “These scholarships celebrate Harry’s life and legacy while giving future Shockers the resources to achieve their goals and make an impact of their own.”
The scholarship comes during the Barton School’s centennial year, a celebration of 100 years of business education, leadership development and service. It also reflects the school’s commitment to expanding opportunity for students as it begins its next century.
Through the scholarships, Harry Najim’s legacy will remain rooted in the city where he built his career, taught students and formed lifelong relationships, while helping a new generation of Wichita State students shape the next century.
Prospective students interested in scholarship opportunities at the Barton School can learn more about academic programs, student resources and the admissions process at wichita.edu/barton. The application deadline for the 2026 AGH Scholarship competition is Nov. 8, 2026, and more information is available at https://www.wichita.edu/agh.