'Supermodel' grad will help Harper work it
Ronnie Kroell's recent stint on Bravo's reality TV show "Make Me a Supermodel" isolated the Harper College grad from -- well -- reality.
Kroell, who'll be at the Palatine college today to host its 2008 fashion show, spent three months taping the show and finished as runner-up. During that time, he was cut off from friends, family and election news.
"I don't like sitting on the sidelines," Kroell said. "Three months of not paying attention to the presidential campaign really killed me inside."
More Coverage Links Ronnie Kroell's MySpace page
Now that he's back at home, living in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood, he's trying to catch up on the race. Using his newfound fame, he's spent a few days campaigning for Hillary Clinton in Indiana and even met her. He's a big fan of Clinton's experience and toughness.
"Not that Obama would be bad," he said.
Kroell graduated from Harper in 2004, where he was student senate president. Attending Harper, he said, was one of the best moves of his life.
Right now, Kroell is taking a break from the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he is studying political science. He said he plans to finish his degree in three to five years. He's thinking about moving to New York, possibly living with "Make Me a Supermodel" costar Ben DiChiara.
The pair's friendship struck a chord with viewers, as Kroell is gay and DiChiara is straight. He said he's received comments from people all over the world thanking him for giving the public a nonstereotypical view of being gay.
This evening, Kroell will escort Harper faculty down the runway and hand out awards to high schoolers.
He said being back home has re-energized him.
"I can't tell you how much I'm excited for this," he said.
If you go
What: Harper College's ReFashion show hosted by Ronnie Kroell and featuring garments designed by students.
When: Shows at 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Where: Building M at Harper College in Palatine, off of Algonquin and Roselle roads.
Admission: Tickets are $15, discounted for students. Proceeds fund student scholarships.