Fabulous at 40

Supporters of Harper College came out last weekend to celebrate 40 years with an evening filled with food, wine and comedy. They left with a greater appreciation of what the community college means to the Northwest suburbs.

Several state legislators, local mayors and other suburban dignitaries attended the $500-a-head event at Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center.

Former Hoffman Estates Mayor and village clerk Virginia Hayter, in town from California, talked about the vision for Harper before it became a college. She helped head up a committee that took around petitions to establish the school.

"It's no surprise to me today what Harper has become," she said.

The event was co-chaired by John and Rita Canning and David and Diane Hill.

Rita Canning now sits on the Harper Board of Trustees and said what amazed her was that everyone on the board and everyone in the school's educational foundation were in attendance.

"I am blown away by the support," she said. "Tears came to my eyes as I walked into the room."

After a cocktail hour, the 300 guests dined on butternut squash soup, petite filet and black sea bass, all paired with wines chosen by Harper President Robert Breuder, a wine connoisseur.

Before the meal, a toast by Breuder: "Happy Birthday Harper!" A chocolate anniversary cake was later served.

As he mingled with guests before the dinner, Breuder stressed the importance of the money raised. All of the funds are going to support future scholarships and this year that totaled $500,000.

"People acknowledge the importance of Harper in this community and the service it's provided for 40 years," he said. "I am stunned by the donations. We've never raised this kind of money."

A last-minute donation was made by Richard Stephenson of Barrington Hills. He's the founder of Cancer Treatment Centers of America. He gave $16,000, which was announced during the gala, which brought total to exactly $500,000.

Harper students served as event greeters and also were responsible for the rose floral decorations, design of the printed pieces and entertainment. Actor-comedian Kevin Pollak also did a stand-up routine.

David Petratis, the president and CEO of North American operations for Schneider Electric spoke about his first-hand experience with community colleges. He started out taking classes at Iowa Western Community College. The event's major sponsor was Square D Company, a brand of Schneider Electric, which gave $100,000.