Harper fundraising effort rakes in over $8 million

Members of the Harper College Educational Foundation had big reasons to celebrate Thursday night. Their most ambitious fundraising effort to date surpassed their original goal - by more than $1 million.

Three years ago, they launched the "Project Tomorrow" campaign, with the goal of raising $7 million for student scholarships and programs.

Instead, they wound up raising $8.3 million.

"It's absolutely amazing," said Rita Canning of Inverness, Harper College trustee and one of the campaign's leading donors.

Foundation officials concurred, adding that the support was not just from major donors, but was widespread. "It's the power of community," said Jeff Butterfield of Palatine, foundation president. "This was one of the worst environments to raise money, so it says a lot about how the college is perceived in the community and about the role it plays."

Nearly 75 guests celebrated at a dinner held at the Inverness Golf Club, including Harper College President Kenneth Ender, in one of his first public appearances since taking office July 1.

"I firmly believe that Harper can redefine what a 21st century community college can be," Ender said. "We are a good community college, but we can become an extraordinary community college, because of the work and resources of the people in this room."

In all, donations came from more than 1,800 individuals, including 1,000 people who had never given to Harper College before, foundation officials said. The drive also drew contributions from every Harper administrator and foundation director, as well as 45 percent of faculty and staff.

Guests learned of the 40 new scholarships established by the campaign and a host of new programs, including campuswide instructional technology in classrooms and new nursing lab equipment.

Foundation members said enhancements established by this campaign were outside the $156.3 million capital referendum passed by voters in November.