Student trustee fills vacant Harper board seat

Carlos Borro already had a seat at the table as Harper College's student trustee; now he's moved one spot to his right.

Trustees tapped the 40-year-old Borro to fill the seat left vacant by the late Patrick Botterman. His appointment was unanimously approved at Tuesday's board meeting.

"I'm an unusual candidate but I think (the trustees) took my life experience and time on the board into consideration when making their decision," Borro said.

The Palatine resident played an active role on the board during his one-year term as student trustee, serving on numerous committees and lobbying for Harper's bachelor's degree pilot program. Last month, he spoke on Harper's behalf at a state budget hearing on community college funding.

"He clearly distinguished himself as a student trustee," said Harper College President Robert Breuder.

"(Borro) always put the students' vote first and brought a sense of purpose and responsibility to his service," added board of trustees Chair Laurie Stone.

Borro, a father of 9-year-old twin boys, says he's most passionate about keeping Harper affordable and accessible. His term runs through spring 2009.

"Nobody can take (Botterman's) place, but I hope to honor his memory by further serving the Harper community," said Borro, who will serve as the board's liaison to the Illinois Community College Trustee Association.

Borro is a nontraditional student, already holding a bachelor's degree from Tulane University and a master's from the University of Maryland University College. In 2005, he enrolled in Harper, and in December he received his paralegal certificate. He'll take part in graduation next month.

State statute required Botterman's seat be filled within 60 days. The 44-year-old political strategist suffered a fatal heart attack March 10.

Replacing Borro as student trustee is Alaine Garcia, who was elected student senate president earlier this month.

The 32-year-old music major said an objective will be to get students of diverse backgrounds involved in school life.

"All of us, despite our differences in appearance, share the same dream and are here to learn," said Garcia as she addressed the board. "I intend to recognize and honor that diversity."

Garcia says she plans to approach community leaders about sponsoring organizations at Harper's Center for Multicultural Learning.

And when it comes to any future tuition hikes, Garcia says she'll work to "keep the blows to a minimum."