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Harper Talks 49 Phyllis Higgins

Alumna Phyllis Higgins shares how the Fast Track program jump-started her education on Harper Talks

January 12, 2026

The Army veteran shares how Harper College’s accelerated program helped her balance work, education and long-term career goals. Read More

Harper Talks 48 Izabela Pieniadz

From design classes to museum leadership: Alumna Izabela Pieniadz shares her journey on Harper Talks

November 19, 2025

The arts and preservation professional reflects on how saying ‘yes’ to opportunities at Harper College shaped her path. Read More

Harper Talks 47 Maria and Jose Macias

Alumni Maria and Jose Macias share love, leadership and lifelong learning on Harper Talks

September 29, 2025

The husband-and-wife duo reflects on their Harper experience, from student clubs to relationship and career success. Read More

Lillian Xie, Harper College Distinguished Scholar alumna and youngest planned giving donor.

Lillian Xie: A Full-Circle Journey of Purpose and Philanthropy

September 23, 2025

The Distinguished Scholar alumna shares how a Harper scholarship shaped her journey and why she became the college’s youngest planned giving donor. Read More

Harper Talks 46 Joseph Sagerer

Alumnus Dr. Joseph Sagerer explores ancient pyramids, student potential on Harper Talks

May 27, 2025

The Dominican University physics professor – and real-life Indiana Jones – discusses how curiosity and hands-on learning shaped his journey from Harper student to groundbreaking researcher. Read More

Ushna Zamir Harper Talks

Alumna Ushna Zamir shares how Harper’s Speech and Debate team changed her career path on Harper Talks

May 08, 2025

The human resources professional discusses the lifelong friends she made as a Harper College student and the impact of one professor’s belief in her. Read More

Harper Talks 44 Steven Mastandrea

Alumnus Steven Mastandrea discusses how Harper connected him with internet pioneers on Harper Talks

March 17, 2025

The software engineer’s time at Harper College helped him decide to pursue a career in computer engineering, landing him on the ground floor of the modern internet in the ’90s. Read More

Harper Talks 43 Andrew Payette

Alumnus Andrew Payette shares how Harper connected him with a public policy career on Harper Talks

March 07, 2025

The constituent services liaison for the office of Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi discusses how his Harper College experience prepared him for apolitical work helping constituents on the newest episode of the Harper Talks alumni podcast. Read More

Luigi De Matteo

Harper Talks Episode 36 – Luigi De Matteo

April 03, 2024

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

Dr. Ruth Morales

Harper Talks Episode 35 – Dr. Ruth Morales

March 04, 2024

Dr. Ruth Morales’ road to becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy started with a single anatomy class at Harper College. From teen mom to Harper Honors Program to graduating with honors from Northwestern University’s esteemed physical therapy program, Dr. Morales shares her inspiring journey on Harper Talks. Listen to Episode 35

Last Updated: 11/17/25