Harper graduates reach first goal in educational career

For Parminder Reehal, the path to earning a college degree had been hindered by every imaginable hurdle one could encounter.

After battling medical, financial and family problems, the Schaumburg resident received an associate degree in arts and science Sunday from Harper College in Palatine.

"It's been a long and difficult road, but I'm glad to be at my goal," she said.

Because of the help she received at Harper, Reehal said she can now pursue her goal to earn an MBA in health care management from DeVry University's Keller Graduate School of Management.

"They (Harper) are very attentive and helpful for people in any situation," she said.

Reehal's story is that of many nontraditional students - among the 430 who graduated Sunday - juggling jobs, families, children and other priorities with the determination to gain an education despite the odds.

Jonathan Tolomeo of Arlington Heights celebrated his 34th birthday Sunday as well as graduated with an associate of arts degree.

"It's great," he said searching for his wife in the crowd as his young niece ran up to congratulate him.

"I want to move on and do it again," said Tolomeo who hopes to begin studying for his bachelor's degree in construction management soon.

Harper awarded degrees to 430 students this weekend, but the college had a total of 2,200 graduates for fall, spring and summer 2010.

Elizabeth Roiland, 16, who earned a certificate but did not participate in Sunday's ceremony, is the youngest Harper graduate for 2010.

Harper's oldest graduate this year is 78-year-old Paul Rollins, who earned an associate of arts degree but also was not present to collect it since he recently moved to Florida.

For many students, they are the first in their families to graduate with any degree.

Harper President Kenneth Ender said the college is working to meet President Barack Obama's challenge to make the United States a world leader in college graduates by 2020.

Harper would have to graduate more than 10,000 students within the next 10 years to do its part, Ender said.

Gov. Pat Quinn, the featured speaker at the graduation ceremony, pledged more support for community colleges, which have seen enrollment increase.

"Harper Community College is a shining example of what communities can do to make sure we educate everybody," Quinn said. "Jobs follow brain power and in this tent here, we have a lot of brain power. That's why I support an education budget that fully funds community colleges in Illinois."

Quinn called on the new graduates to give back to their communities through service.

"We are a community of shared values. Service to others is the rent we pay for our place on God's earth," he said.

Quinn honored former Harper student and Marine Lance Cpl. John T. Olson of Elk Grove Village who died in 2005 serving his third tour of duty in Iraq, and recognized Olson's sister Courtney, who was graduating Sunday.

"Really, the genuine heroes of our society are the John Olsons," Quinn said. "He understood that American democracy required volunteers."