Harper to celebrate 2025 Distinguished Alumni

Harper College will welcome alumni, campus leaders and community partners to recognize the accomplishments of five Harper alumni at the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards. Taking place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Wojcik Conference Center on Harper’s campus, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine, the event will honor the 2025 cohort, who embody an enduring spirit of excellence, leadership and service to their communities.

Launched in 2008, the Distinguished Alumni program recognizes graduates who have distinguished themselves in their professions and service. With more than 92 honorees to date, the program stands as a vibrant testament to Harper’s role in preparing students for meaningful lives and careers.

From innovators in technology and organizational leadership to arts administrators and community champions, the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards recipients represent a breadth of fields and paths:

• Karen Durante – A 1982 graduate of Harper’s renowned Fashion Design program, Karen now serves as vice president of partnerships and member development for Finishing Contractors Association International. Karen has also championed the contributions of women in non-traditional fields.
• Marc Klemencic – After lacking motivation as a teenage Harper student, Marc returned to campus to build his career in management, graduating with an Associate in Applied Science degree in 2002. Marc has since embarked on a distinguished career in human resources and organizational development – an example of resilience and reinvention.
• Maryfran H. Leno – With nearly 32 years in public service, Maryfran has devoted her career to parks and recreation, serving as executive director of the Itasca Park District for the past 21 years. Her leadership in the realms of health and wellness underscores the power of community-centered work.
• Izabela Pieniadz – Harper’s transformative influence is visible in this 2012 graduate’s career in arts administration and historic preservation. As executive director of DeKalb’s Ellwood House Museum, Izabela brings culture to life, overseeing a 10-acre historic site and stewarding its role as a community resource.
• Ryan Suby – The Outstanding Recent Alumni Award recipient, Ryan is director of technology operations for legal operations at Zurich North America. He rose quickly through technology and analytics roles, after embarking on a general insurance apprenticeship that was created via a partnership between Harper and Zurich North America.

“The Distinguished Alumni Awards are a wonderful reminder of how one Harper education can ripple outward, creating lasting impact across disciplines and generations,” said Shannon Hynes, director of alumni and affinity groups. “This celebration will honor five outstanding alumni whose dedication, vision and drive continue to inspire Harper students and strengthen our communities.”

Visit the Distinguished Alumni Awards webpage for more about the celebration and this year’s honorees.