Schaumburg mayor is distinguished alum

Schaumburg Mayor Al Larson will be honored as the winner of Harper College's 2009 Distinguished Alumni Award at its graduation ceremony May 21 at the Rosemont Theatre in Rosemont.

Larson graduated from Harper in 1972, not long before beginning a career in public service that has lasted more than 35 years - 22 of them as mayor.

He credits his skills in public speaking to the classes taught at Harper by the now-retired John Muchmore.

Larson was chosen as this year's distinguished alumni from among 40 nominations.

"Through his leadership, Al Larson has helped position Schaumburg as a municipal and economic leader in the state of Illinois, and his support of Harper has been unwavering," said Catherine Brod, vice president of community relations and executive director of Harper's Educational Foundation. "He is a shining example of what community colleges can help you accomplish."

Larson majored in science at Harper, taking evening classes while holding down a full-time day job. His first job after earning his associate degree was serving as Schaumburg's public relations director.