The Distinguished Alumni Awards program at Harper College recognizes Harper College
Alumni who have distinguished themselves in their careers and in their service to
the community. The program launched in 2008 and to date, a total of 87 individuals
have been honored. In 2019, a new award, the Outstanding Recent Alumni Award, was
added to honor an alumna/alumnus who is less than 10 years out from Harper College
and making an early impact in their careers and community. Learn more about previous
Harper College Distinguished Alumni honorees by visiting the Distinguished Alumni
digital display on Harper’s campus on the main level in Building A or click here.
Save the Date 2024 Harper College Distinguished Alumni Awards
Honoring exceptional Harper College alumni. Thursday, October 17, 2024 6 - 8 p.m. Wojcik Conference Center at Harper College Announcement of honorees, event details, and registration coming soon!
Congratulations to the 2023 Harper College Distinguished Alumni!
On October 19, 2023, Harper College alumni, community members, friends and college
leadership gathered to honor the achievements of five exceptional alumni at the 2023
Harper College Distinguished Alumni Awards Reception.
For Jennifer Mepham, Harper College was an integral part of her education before, during and after the preparation for her career in nursing, enriching her professionalism every step of the way. Mepham enrolled in summer courses at Harper College while earning her Bachelor of Science degree at Illinois State University (2011), and then completed her Associate Degree in Nursing at Harper (2014).
Meet Jennifer Mepham
Honorees
Veronica Gott
Veronica Gott has used her education, compassion and multiple talents to succeed in a myriad of roles over her adult life. She credits her success in earning a college degree to a helpful Harper College advisor.
Meet Veronica Gott
Doryce McCarthy
Doryce McCarthy’s interest in helping adolescents and her academic start at Harper College launched an impressive social work career spanning 38 years at OMNI, based in Buffalo Grove. Working at OMNI and with the people there “is something I care deeply about,” she said.
Meet Doryce McCarthy
Kari-Ann Ryan
Kari-Ann Ryan’s drive to succeed in her marketing career and community service work is grounded in the important lessons she learned at Harper College: Never give up and hit your goals.
Meet Kari-Ann Ryan
John Schippman
As a high school senior, John Schippman had no idea he was destined for a career in sports media, especially covering historical achievements like the Chicago Blackhawks winning three Stanley Cup Championships.
Meet John Schippman
Distinguished Alumni Award nominations take place each spring. Stay tuned for the
2024 call for nominations. Review previous nomination requirements. For information on sponsoring or about the Distinguished Alumni Awards event, please
contact Harper College Alumni Relations at alumni@harpercollege.edu or 847.925.6701.