Harper College is closed on Friday, April 18, for Reading Day.
A co-production of Harper Alumni Program and WHCM Radio.
Listen in as Harper alumni share their stories , experiences , and life journeys. Through Harper Talks conversations led by Associate Professor of Communication Arts Brian Shelton , Alumni are invited to share how education, career successes and failures and human connection have impacted them along the way.
Harper Talks is a co-production of WHCM 88.3 Harper Student Radio and Harper Alumni Relations. WHCM students assist with editing and production of each episode. Original podcast theme music composed by former Harper College student Aidan Cashman.
Harper Talks episodes can be found on all podcast streaming services including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or other platforms and downloaded below. Learn more about WHCM and support radio students.
In this episode of Harper Talks, alumna Ushna Zamir shares how Harper College shaped her journey—from finding lifelong friendships to discovering a passion for communications. She shares how her experience on the speech team and support from mentors helped her shift from a STEM path to a new field of study. Now thriving in HR at Raytheon, she encourages students to be open to new opportunities, get involved, and trust the process. Listen to Episode 45
Harper College alumnus Steven Mastandrea shares his journey from Harper to the University of Illinois, where he studied computer engineering. During his time there in the 1990s, he gained early exposure to the internet boom which helped shape his career. Mastandrea also discusses his dual career paths — serving as Vice President of Engineering at Vibes while dedicating years to firefighting, EMS, and dive rescue work. Steven emphasizes the value of starting at a community college to explore interests and save money before transferring to a university. Listen to Episode 44
Harper Talks host Brian Shelton sits down with alumnus Andrew Payette, a 2018 Harper College graduate and current constituent services liaison for U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. Andrew shares how his involvement with Harper’s speech and debate team led to an internship that evolved into a full-time role in public service. He discusses the apolitical nature of his work, assisting constituents with government-related issues, and reflects on how his Harper experience prepared him for his continued studies at Northwestern University. Andrew also offers insight into the realities of working in government and his aspirations for a future in public service. Listen to Episode 43
Harper College Police Chief John Lawson, a 1987 Harper College graduate, reflects on his journey from Harper's criminal justice program to leading the campus police department. He shares insights into his 40-year law enforcement career including 28 years with the Roselle Police Department, the challenges of campus policing, and his dedication to community engagement and safety. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about resilience, leadership, and making a difference. Listen to Episode 42
Harper College alumna Sarah Alhayek reflects on her journey from an undecided high school graduate to an accomplished employee engagement generalist at Aldi. Sarah shares how Harper College helped her discover herself, build lasting friendships, and develop essential skills through involvement in campus activities. She discusses her career in industrial-organizational psychology, her passion for fostering workplace belonging, and the lessons she carries forward from her time as a student. Listen to Episode 41
A self-proclaimed “theater kid” from the age of 7, Jeremy Lucas’ passion led him to pursue theater education at Harper College, Illinois State University, and ultimately earning his BFA from Roosevelt University. Jeremy joins Harper Talks and discusses his education, founding Jaxx Theatricals, a full inclusion theatre company and performing arts education nonprofit in Los Angeles, his international experiences as a Cultural Arts Envoy for the U.S. Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Exchange Program where he helps bring American musical theatre all over the world, and the honor of being named a 2024 Harper College Distinguished Alumnus. Listen to Episode 40
Esmeralda Guerrero Lopez, Harper College alumna and current coordinator for student diversity initiatives at Harper College, shares her journey as a first-generation college student, the challenges of being undocumented, and how she became involved in campus life. She discusses her role in supporting diverse student populations, particularly through the Glide Peer Mentorship program, which aims to address equity gaps and enhance student retention. Esmeralda emphasizes the importance of involvement and connection in the college experience. Listen to Episode 39
Alumna Dana Romero saw Harper College as a new beginning. Dana joins Harper Talks and discusses how getting involved as a student, an impactful study abroad trip, and continued education made a significant difference for her in her goal of becoming a mental health therapist. Dana shares insight into her work in the field of clinical mental health counseling and the surprise of being selected as the 2024 Harper College Outstanding Recent Alumni Award recipient. Listen to Episode 38
Alumnus Dr. Hector Martinez joins Harper Talks to discuss the love for science, education close to home, his dual duties as both business owner and principal Chiropractor at Tri-Modern Health and becoming the team Chiropractor for the Schaumburg Boomers baseball team. Listen to Episode 37
Alumnus Luigi De Matteo discusses emigrating from Italy, learning a new language and culture, and his a determination to succeed by taking advantage of all educational opportunities available. He joins Harper Talks to discuss Harper’ s role in his education, his start at Jewel Osco and longevity with the company, and why mentoring international students is so important to him. Luigi is the District Manager for Jewel Osco, overseeing stores in the northwest suburbs. Listen to Episode 36