advertisement

Harper College grads told to be optimistic, take break from social media

Harper College graduates were urged to take an occasional break from social media and focus more on living in the present as they begin their journey after college.

The advice came from Laurie Stone, a longtime Northwest suburban business leader and retiring Harper board member who addressed more than 3,500 people attending Saturday's spring commencement ceremony.

"Once in a while, promise you won't multitask, and you'll try to give all your attention to each experience you encounter," Stone told graduates. "See if you can survive one day without connecting to social media. If you can, use the time you saved to reach out and call an old friend or a family member, preferably your mother. Never forget the value of a face-to-face conversation."

Stone received an honorary degree from Harper, which she called one of the greatest gifts of her life.

"As rich as my life has been, nothing but this degree could add such a powerful sense of completion. It is truly the capstone of my years as a Harper College Trustee," said Stone, who is retiring after serving 15 years on the board.

More than 3,700 students earned a degree or a certificate at Harper over the past academic year. Many of the 560 graduates who participated in the commencement ceremony had to overcome obstacles and challenges to walk across the stage and receive their degree. Harper graduate Angelica Avila from Schaumburg was the first person in her family to attend college and plans on transferring to Southern Illinois University to study social work. Avila credits a summer bridge program and her Harper adviser, Travaris Harris, for helping her complete her Associate in Arts degree.

"Dr. Harris connected with me right from the beginning," Avila said. "He urged me to work hard, get involved in student clubs and be a leader. He was with me every step of the way and it paid off."

Harper College graduate Angelica Avila of Schaumburg, the first person in her family to go to college, celebrates with her family and friends after the commencement ceremony Saturday. Courtesy of Harper College
Joe Haynes, Harper College student trustee and former Student Senate president, addresses the graduates Saturday at the commencment ceremony in Palatine. Courtesy of Diane M. Smutny
Harper College Class of 2015 commencement ceremony Saturday in Palatine. Courtesy of Diane M. Smutny
Students celebrate at the Harper College Class of 2015 commencement ceremony Saturday in Palatine. Courtesy of Diane M. Smutny
President Ken Ender hands out diplomas at the Harper College Class of 2015 commencement ceremony Saturday in Palatine. Courtesy of Diane M. Smutny
A student celebrates getting her degree at the Harper College Class of 2015 commencement ceremony Saturday in Palatine. Courtesy of Diane M. Smutny
Commencement speaker Laurie Stone addresses 3,500 people at the Harper College Class of 2015 commencement ceremony Saturday in Palatine. Courtesy of Diane M. Smutny
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.