HOPE Giving Circle Inaugural Reception

The HOPE Giving Circle inaugural reception was held on October 20, 2015. Thank you to all those who attended and to our generous sponsors for their support: Hoffman Estates Community Bank; Chicago Prime Italian and Chicago Prime Steakhouse.

Guests mingle and enjoy hors d’oeuvres - Guests mingle and enjoy hors d’oeuvres during the reception.
Reception attendees pause for a photo - Reception attendees pause for a photo: (Left to Right) Nancy McDonald (Rita and John Canning Women’s Program), Dr. Robin Turpin (HOPE Executive Committee and Harper College Educational Foundation Board Member), Linda Lang (Harper Retiree and HOPE Scholarship Awards Committee Chair); Sam Oliver (Harper College Educational Foundation Board Member)
Sam Oliver and Christel Kedzie - Sam Oliver (left), Harper College Educational Foundation Board member and Christel Kedzie, Harper retiree catch up at the event.
Linda Kolbusz-Kosan greets guests - Linda Kolbusz-Kosan (center), Harper retiree and HOPE Executive Committee Member, greets guests during the reception.
Guests Talking with each other - Guests enjoy good company and conversation before the program begins.
Guests enjoy mingling - Guests enjoy mingling and hors d’oeuvres during the reception.
Lori Meier Speaking - Lori Meier, HOPE Executive Committee Chair, opens the program with an overview of the new HOPE Giving Circle.
Caroline Wawro sharing her story - Harper College student and scholarship recipient, Caroline Wawro, shares her story and describes the significant way in which scholarship support has contributed to her academic success.
Luz Canino-Baker speaking - Luz Canino-Baker, HOPE Executive Committee and Harper College Educational Foundation Board Member, introduces special guest speaker, Elizabeth Colon.
Elizabeth Colon Speaking - Featured guest speaker, Elizabeth Colon, captivated the audience as she shared her personal story of self-empowerment and success.
Elizabeth Colon Speaking - Elizabeth Colon, President and Founder of Metaphrasis Language & Cultural Solutions, LLC, shared her amazing story of success as the featured guest speaker for the evening.
Georgeanna Mehr Speaking - HOPE Executive Committee and Harper College Educational Foundation Board Member, Georgeanna Mehr, invites attendees to make a difference in the lives of women pursuing higher education at Harper College by becoming a member of the HOPE Giving Circle.
Lori Meier talking with Elizabeth Colon - Following the program, Lori Meier, HOPE Executive Committee Chair thanks Elizabeth Colon for sharing her inspirational story.
Georgeanna Mehr thanks Elizabeth Colon - Georgeanna Mehr thanks Elizabeth Colon for speaking at the event.
Kathy Gilmer and Caroline Wawro talking - Kathy Gilmer (right) HOPE Executive Committee and Harper College Educational Foundation Board President thanks Caroline Wawro for speaking at the event.