Harper seeks nominations for annual Alumni Awards

The Harper College Alumni Relations Office is seeking nominations for its annual Distinguished Alumni Award, an honor saluting former Harper students for outstanding career and community achievements.

The awards first were handed out in 2008, as part of the college's 40th anniversary celebration. Ten recipients, representing a variety of educational journeys, have been honored since then. This year, between six and eight distinguished alumni will be inducted.

Recipients will be lauded at a November reception; they also must agree to return to campus at least one more time within the year to be a guest speaker or participate in a student round-table.

"The recipient of this award will have the opportunity to inspire others, including the students who are now part of the same campus that helped so many alumni get their start," says Catherine Brod, Educational Foundation executive director and vice president of Community Relations. Previous honorees have included an Emmy-nominated screenwriter, an 80-something retiree still taking - and teaching - courses, a mayor, a fire chief and a National Geographic-honored geoarchaeologist.

To be eligible, nominees must have completed Harper credit courses, made notable moves in their career and shown professional growth in their chosen field, and had a positive impact on their community through leadership or volunteering. The deadline for nominations is midnight Tuesday, April 20. Forms are available at the Alumni Relations Office, Room A317, Building A on the Palatine campus, 1200 W. Algonquin Road in Palatine, or online at www.harpercollege.edu/alumni. For more information, call (847) 925-6490.