Harper College turns 50, throws a party
A caption has been updated to identify Robert Woodworth III in the first photo.
Named in honor of William Rainey Harper, the first president of the University of Chicago and "father of the junior college movement," Harper College celebrated its 50th anniversary Saturday with a community day open house for all ages.
Kids in grades four through eight and their parents participated in a college and career expo that allowed students to explore many career options.
For the first time, an art exhibit of work by an impressive list of alumni was on display in the Art Exhibition Space. A series of mini-classes gave adults a taste of what Harper has to offer, and anyone who had ever taken a class was invited to a reunion that featured a special celebration honoring Harper College's founding faculty and staff.
Musical presentations were available throughout the day, which ended with performances of scenes and songs from 50 years of musical theater, performed by the Harper Ensemble Theatre Company Alumni under the direction of Laura Pulio Colbert.