Harper College will be closed Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day.
Construction crews recently placed a beam on Harper College's Canning Student Center and University Center covered with signatures from Harper leaders, students, elected officials and many other supporters.
Leadership from William Rainey Harper College, the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB), and local and state officials gathered today to celebrate a construction milestone on the new Canning Student Center and University Center. The structural frame is nearing completion, and the college is recognizing the upcoming “Topping Out” of the $101.6 million facility. Full completion of the steel erection is expected in early 2026.
“Harper College’s new Canning Student Center and University Center is a shining example of how Illinois colleges are supporting students’ wellness, academic lives and future careers,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This facility will allow more students to grow, learn and thrive, all while expanding opportunities for hands-on workforce development right here in Illinois.”
The new 144,000 square-foot Canning Student Center and University Center will centralize essential student services, including Admissions Outreach, Academic Advising, Access and Disability Services, the Cultural Center and the Job Placement Resource Center. A community staircase, designated student organization areas, expanded dining, classrooms, laboratories and wellness rooms were designed to foster engagement.
Significant progress has been made on the structure, including the installation of approximately 350 tons of the 871 tons of structural steel required for the Canning Student Center. Concrete work is also moving forward, with 1,300 of the planned 4,800 cubic yards already poured. The elevated decks and slab-on-grade is projected to be finished by the end of March 2026, with remaining site concrete to follow. Additionally, the 59,000-square-foot roofing system is on schedule, with final installation anticipated in July 2026.
The architectural firm Holabird & Root and Path Construction, the general contractor, are advancing the design and construction of the new center. Along with carefully designed spaces for current and prospective students, staff and faculty, a new campus entry sequence from Algonquin Road has been incorporated to create a modern front door for Harper College.
“Today’s beam-signing marks an exciting milestone in bringing the Canning Student Center and University Center to life,” said Dr. Avis Proctor, president of Harper College. “With every step forward, we are building more than a facility; we are building a welcoming, vibrant hub where students can seamlessly access essential services, find community and discover academic and career opportunities that extend from Harper to our university partners and beyond. We are deeply grateful to the state of Illinois, our community and Rita and John Canning for investing in this vision.”
As part of a beam-signing ceremony, Dr. Avis Proctor, president of Harper College, signed a beam to be placed on the college's forthcoming Canning Student Center and University Center.
The Canning Student Center and University Center will focus on expanding the Hospitality Management facilities, with new laboratory and learning spaces to prepare students for in-demand careers. Harper College’s degree pathways with DePaul University, Northern Illinois University, Roosevelt University and Southern Illinois University will allow students to continue pursuing bachelor’s degrees on Harper’s campus within the new facility.
“The Canning Student Center will be a tremendous investment in regional workforce development, especially important fields like food service management,” said TJ Edwards, Executive Director of the Illinois Capital Development Board. “This facility will give students an affordable and convenient way to complete a bachelor’s degree.”
“As a member of the House Education Policy Committee, I have a great appreciation for the contributions our community colleges provide to residents and local economies,” remarked State Representative Michelle Mussman (D - Schaumburg). “This new, state-of-the-art facility will provide an enhanced environment for faculty and staff, while also attracting an influx of future student enrollments.”
“Today marks more than a construction milestone, it’s a reminder of what Harper College means to our communities,” said State Representative Nicolle Grasse (D - Arlington Heights). “For nearly 60 years Harper has grown alongside the northwest suburbs, offering education, support and a sense of belonging to generations of students and staff. I am proud to support this mission that ensures Harper remains a home for learning and opportunity for generations to come.”
“One of the core foundations of community colleges is workforce development at an affordable rate, and this new Student Center will greatly expand that capacity at Harper College,” stated State Representative Mary Beth Canty (D - Arlington Heights). “This level of investment speaks volumes to how much we value and are committed to higher education here in Illinois.”
Left to right: Trustee Walt Mundt, Trustee Diane Hill, Dr. Proctor, Rita Canning, John Canning, Chair Bill Kelley and Student Trustee Adekunbi Aransiola pose behind the structural beam.