Northwest suburban briefs

Harper looking to honor alumni

The Harper College Educational Foundation is seeking nominations for its second Distinguished Alumni Award, an honor that salutes one former Harper collegiate for outstanding career and community achievements.

The awards were first given last year as part of the college's 40th anniversary celebration. Winners were an Emmy-nominated screenwriter, a local youth pastor, an urgent care physician and an insurance firm president and avid aviator.

This year, only one winner will be chosen. The honored alum will be a keynote speaker at Harper's May commencement and be a guest speaker at a student/faculty round-table discussion.

Nominees must have completed credit courses at Harper College, made notable moves in their career and shown professional growth within their chosen field, and had a positive impact on their community through leadership or volunteering.

Deadline for nominations is March 15. Forms are available at the Foundation office, Room A317 of Building A on the Palatine campus, or online at harpercollege.edu. Call the Foundation at (847) 925-6490.

Symposium Feb. 12 on child protection

Robert Hugh Farley, a consultant on child sexual exploitation, will be the featured speaker Feb. 12 at a symposium co-sponsored by Maryville Academy and the Des Plaines Park District.

Farley will discuss how to protect children from predators who use the Internet and other electronic means. He has more than 30 years as a highly decorated police detective, Deputy U.S. Marshal and is currently as an international consultant for INTERPOL.

Parents, educators and child care professionals are invited. The symposium is free, 6-9 p.m. at the Prairie Lake Theater, 515 E. Thacker St., in Des Plaines.

Registration is suggested. Call Maryville Academy at (847) 294-1983 or the Des Plaines Park District at (847) 391-5711. Children under 18 will not be admitted.