Distinguished Scholars have long history

Sept. 11's article, "Harper College pursues the best," holds special interest for me, since I sponsored the Distinguished Scholars program for 15 years before I retired in 2002. The statement that the program was started "four or five years ago" puzzles me.

Harper's idea to award full tuition scholarships to top high school graduates originated in the mid-1980s with Steven Catlin, Dean of Admissions and Registration. Bruce Bohrer, Director of Admissions, and Bonnie Henry, Dean, Student Development, supported this initiative. I was invited to counsel the students. We designed a program for seniors in the top 5 percent of their classes. We developed activities for personal and academic growth, and welcomed 11 students the first year.

The Distinguished Scholars group remained small. Because such high achieving students could select from almost any college, only a few chose Harper, even with free tuition. A number who did were from immigrant families. During my affiliation with the Scholars we had students who immigrated from Poland, Russia, Iran, Mexico, China, and India. One was a Boat Person who, at age 4, had escaped Vietnam on a raft with her family.

I know Distinguished Scholars who are now working professionals, including some in medicine, pharmacy, computer science, accounting, speech, education, environmental science, English, math, physics, engineering, and college administration.

In the late 1990s the Scholars program began admitting graduates in the top 10 percent of their classes. This resulted in around 40 awardees each year. I retired in 2002. Recruitment efforts have increased, and 2008 saw 50 Scholars admitted.

The Distinguished Scholars program existed for a decade before Dr. Breuder joined Harper, and has continued for another, with his support. Before 2001, at his invitation, I made presentations about the program to both the Harper Board and Foundation.

Given this history, the report that Dr. Breuder said the program was launched four or five years ago completely baffles me. This is an error of fact and record.

Frances F. Brantley

Arlington Heights