Over the 50th Anniversary year, we engaged the community in a variety of ways to help honor our proud past and aspire to an even stronger future. Retired Harper Professor Trygve Thoreson captured five decades of history in Harper College, the First 50 Years. The Educational Foundation’s gala raised more than $1 million for the Promise Scholarship Program, which offers public high school students an opportunity to earn two years of free tuition. Faculty and staff donated 600 hours toward volunteer projects throughout our district. And thousands of people came to campus for Community Day, which featured the College and Career Expo, adult workshops, live performances, founding faculty reception and all-class alumni reunion. We thank you for your unwavering support and promise to continue a steadfast commitment to achieving student success for years to come.
Who is Harper College named after? What famous people have visited campus? Was there really a horse barn on campus? Discover these and other fascinating facts about Harper's history. Get the Facts
How did open farmland and horse stables in Palatine, Illinois, give rise to a vast brick-and-glass complex serving some 35,000 students annually? Retired Harper Professor Trygve Thoreson captures our proud past in Harper College, The First 50 Years.
Throughout our 50th year, we celebrated our community in a variety of ways to honor our proud past and aspire to an even stronger future. From events like the 50th Anniversary Gala to Community Day, we thank you for your unwavering support. See Events Recap
Follow the important milestones in Harper's history, from it's very early days through
the 50th anniversary year. See the Timeline
Hear the story of Harper College from those who lived it, and see how we celebrated
the Harper College 50th Anniversary. Watch the Videos
