Harper fetes donors to its educational foundation

Nearly 200 benefactors of Harper College mixed and mingled Friday night on campus in support of a $7 million educational foundation campaign.

The invitation-only event recognized a select group of lead donors who collectively have contributed $3.2 million since fundraising began two years ago. To date, pledges and donations top $5.5 million.

Friday marked the public phase of Project Tomorrow, which aims to boost projects, programs and scholarships.

"Harper performs such a comprehensive service to the overall community," said Trustee Laurie Stone. "I think people will recognize this as an opportunity to make a tremendous impact."

Though dubbed Evening by the Pond, the threat of rain moved Friday's event indoors. Accompanying a cocktail reception and dinner were remarks by President Robert Breuder and Stephen West, a nontraditional student and winner of Harper's distinguished Motorola Award.

There was no cost to attend, but one objective was to woo prospective donors in attendance.

Among those recognized were longtime donors Rita and John Canning. The Inverness couple gave $500,000, the majority of which has been earmarked for women's programs scholarships.

"I think Harper provides opportunities that wouldn't exist for many people," said Rita Canning, who is also a trustee on the board.

Harper will also use the Cannings' contribution to offer legal assistance to women, as well as create a class to better train first responders, paralegals, nurses and others in assisting victims of domestic violence.

Harper's longtime neighbor Square D/Schneider Electric was also acknowledged for its $150,000 donation. Their partnership began in 1984, when the company endowed an engineering scholarship that still aids students at Harper and during their subsequent baccalaureate studies.

Bob Fiorani, VP of communications, said the company doesn't care to support brick and mortar, making this campaign a perfect fit.

"There's such a mosaic of people at Harper," he said. "It could be a traditional student who can't afford a four-year institution, an immigrant or someone in their 50s who needs to learn a new craft to earn a living."

Other funds have been allotted to faculty endowed awards, which reward cash gifts to a small number of top performing faculty members.

Some other lead donors include Richard and Jean Hohol; Diane and the late David Hill; and Steven Krempa.

Harper officials are confident Project Tomorrow will hit the $7 million mark by the June 30, 2009 deadline.

"Fortunately, people in the community do understand what they have in their backyard," said Canning.