Gov. Quinn to address Harper graduates

Preparations for Harper College's spring graduation were in full swing Friday, with workers erecting an enormous white tent to house the pomp and circumstance.

Nearly 430 graduates are expected to walk at the 2 p.m. Sunday ceremony, up 30 percent from last year. A total of 2,300 students will graduate with degrees and certificates.

Harper officials anticipate a full house on hand for the program, which will include a commencement address by Gov. Pat Quinn. He's expected to discuss the critical role community colleges play in providing affordable access to higher education and training workers for 21st century jobs.

It's the first Harper commencement President Ken Ender will preside over since coming to the Palatine campus last July from Cumberland County College in New Jersey.

The program will include recognition of both Motorola's "Award for Excellence" scholars, the highest honor a Harper College student can earn.

One is traditional student Lindsay Tobia, a Buffalo Grove resident who earned a 4.0 GPA and will graduate with an associate degree in Hospitality Management. The second is nontraditional student Nicole Kremer, a wife and mother from Schaumburg who balanced school with family, a full-time job and numerous community service activities. She plans to transfer to Northwestern University in the fall and major in sociology.

For its 2010 Class Gift, the Student Senate has earmarked $700 for native vegetation, flowers and grasses. Student Senate President Carl Evans will make the presentation.