Alumni Spotlight

Our alumni have some pretty amazing stories to tell. Harper alumni have overcome significant obstacles, worked hard on their journey toward success and are making great contributions in both career and community. If you have an idea for an Alumni Spotlight story, contact alumni@harpercollege.edu.

Read Their Stories

photo of Dana Romero, John & Nancy Castle

photo of Dana Romero, John & Nancy Castle

A meaningful "thanks" from alumna

Dana Romero (A.A. ’19) counts several highlights from her time as a student at Harper College. She was secretary of the Psychology club, a member of Phi Theta Kappa, an orientation leader, in the Honors Program, a member of... Read More

photo of Justin Harty

photo of Justin Harty

Harper Alum's passion for social work, social justice ignited at Harper College

Years before Dr. Justin Harty (A.A. ‘08) became a trailblazer in the field of Social Work and an assistant professor in the School of Social Work at Arizona State University, he was a high school graduate questioning if... Read More

Dr. Christopher J. Schneider and Dr. Stacey Hannem

Dr. Christopher J. Schneider and Dr. Stacey Hannem

Harper alumnus to lead discussion about power, media and #MeToo

Distinguished Alumnus Dr. Christopher J. Schneider and co-author Dr. Stacey Hannem will discuss their new book ‘Defining Sexual Misconduct’ at Harper College on April 13.... Read More

Randal Allen

Randal Allen

Second chance leads to steadfast support of Harper students

Harper College helped Randal Allen turn his life around. The scientist, professor and donor is dedicated to helping others gain new opportunities via scholarships.... Read More

Maria Vargas Paralegal Studies

Maria Vargas Paralegal Studies

Harper graduate's immigration story inspires immigration law career

Maria Vargas received her law degree in Mexico. After becoming a U.S. citizen, she earned her paralegal certification at Harper College to work in immigration law.... Read More

Illini Solar Car

Illini Solar Car

Harper alum leading Illini Solar Car Team

Harper College alum Tim Damisch is president of the Illini Solar Car Team, which will compete this summer in the American Solar Challenge.... Read More

Alumni from left: Ahmed Akinyele, Suliat Akinyele and Veronica Naranjo.

Alumni from left: Ahmed Akinyele, Suliat Akinyele and Veronica Naranjo.

Alumni credit ESL program as catalyst for success

When Veronica Naranjo moved to the Chicago area from Colombia in 2006, she had a college degree but she didn’t speak much English and wasn’t certain about her first steps in her new country. After exploring area colleges,... Read More

Nurse Hanan Aquil wearing personal protective equipment

Nurse Hanan Aquil wearing personal protective equipment

Harper nursing grads working on coronavirus frontlines

As you’d imagine, a shift working with coronavirus patients is completely different than a traditional workday, alumni of Harper College’s nursing program say. “It’s really night and day in terms of how we’re caring... Read More

Anne Harrigan

Anne Harrigan

A start in paralegal studies launches career in public justice for Alumna

For attorney Anne Harrigan, A.A.S. ’96 and A.A. ’97, Harper served as the launching pad to a successful career in public service law. ... Read More

Last Updated: 3/10/23