Harper College celebrates Class of 2026 and the power of beginning again

Harper College proudly celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2026 during its 58th Annual Commencement Ceremony on May 15 at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates. 

About 800 graduates gathered with family, friends, faculty and staff to commemorate the degrees and certificates they earned during the 2025-26 academic year. Dr. Avis Proctor, Harper College president, opened the ceremony by recognizing the perseverance, purpose and individuality that define Harper students. 

“You are more than graduates adorned in caps and gowns; you are bold navigators who have charted your own unique paths,” Dr. Proctor told graduates. “Every degree and certificate earned today tells a story of determination, a testament to your courage to pursue your dreams.” 

In a moving moment of collective celebration, Dr. Proctor invited graduates to turn on their cell phone flashlights and hold them high as the arena lights dimmed. 

“Look around. Graduates, this is the light you carry forward,” she said. “You have been a shining light for your families, and as Harper alumni, you will serve as beacons of hope in your communities as you venture into your next steps and help change the world.” 

Dr. Proctor also celebrated graduates from two distinctive Harper programs: those earning their Illinois High School Diploma and those completing Harper’s Career Skills Institute, a two-year postsecondary certificate program for young adults with differing abilities. She recognized both groups for their perseverance, hard work and commitment to making meaningful contributions to their communities. 

This year’s graduating class represented 25 countries, five states and 116 communities. Graduates ranged in age from 16 to 73. The Class of 2026 also included 1,072 first-generation college students, 297 Promise Scholars, 99 Ignite Scholars, 44 apprentices, 67 student veterans and military-connected graduates, nine Global Scholars, 12 Social Justice Scholars and seven All-American athletes. Graduates also broadened their horizons through study abroad experiences in countries including Austria, England, France, Ireland, Japan, Korea and Spain. 

The Class of 2026 included a mother and daughter whose Harper journeys became intertwined. Kaylin Prouza, 19, of Hanover Park, earned her Associate in Arts degree and will transfer to North Central College to study communications with a minor in marketing. A Harper Promise student, Kaylin worked as a student aide in Marketing Services, where she contributed creative ideas to the college’s social media accounts. She also supported social media efforts for Harper’s Photo Club, Triple H Dance Club and Business Club, and participated in the “Hawk Tank” competition. 

Kaylin credits Harper with helping her gain confidence, stand out and find her path in a supportive, community-focused environment. Her experience also helped inspire her mother, Erika Prouza, to return to Harper more than 30 years after she first attended the college. 

Erika, a student supervisor at Hoffman Estates High School, accompanied Kaylin to an advising appointment last year and learned she was just 10 credits short of completing her degree. Encouraged by Kaylin — who Erika said “forced her out of her shell” — she returned to Harper and completed her Associate in General Studies. 

Mother and daughter even shared part of their Harper experience, taking ceramics at the same time and working side by side in the studio. For Erika, finishing her degree opened new career possibilities and renewed confidence in her skills. 

“I didn’t think this would ever happen,” Erika said. “It wasn’t even on my radar a year ago.” 

Their story echoed a central message of the ceremony: that education does not always follow a straight line, and it is never too late to begin again. 

The Commencement address was delivered by Marc Klemencic, a 2002 Harper graduate and 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. Klemencic, vice president of talent management at AAR CORP., reflected on his own winding educational journey and reminded graduates that life does not follow a universal timeline. 

After initially enrolling at Harper after high school, Klemencic stepped away from college for more than five years before returning with renewed purpose. He later completed his Associate in Applied Science in Supervisory and Administrative Management at Harper before earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Roosevelt University. 

“Timing matters, but responsibility matters more,” Klemencic told graduates. “Your life is not late. It is not early. It is not behind. It is unfolding on time for you.” 

Klemencic encouraged graduates to move forward with intention, patience and confidence, reminding them that success is built through consistent choices over time. He also emphasized the importance of using one’s time to lift others through listening, encouragement and mentorship. 

“Leadership is not about how fast you climb, but how many people you help along the way,” he said. “Your impact won’t be measured only by titles or paychecks, but by how people felt after spending time with you.” 

He closed with a message that captured the spirit of the day. 

“Today is not the end of your story,” Klemencic said. “It’s a timestamp — proof that you showed up, stayed the course, and grew. So step forward with confidence. Move at your own pace. Honor your time and the time of others. And when life feels uncertain, remember this: you already know how to begin again.”