Steadfast Harper supporter Dick Kolze passes away

Harper College has lost one of its greatest supporters. Richard “Dick” Kolze, of Inverness, recently passed away at the age of 94. Dick championed Harper and its mission, serving as a member of the college’s board of trustees and assisting students with an endowed scholarship.

Dick was a military veteran and teacher before becoming superintendent of Township High School District 211 from 1970 to 1990. In this role, he collaborated with decades of Harper presidents and leaders. After retiring, he joined the Harper Educational Foundation Board.

“I became keenly aware of the excellent opportunities available to students, and the excellence and quality of the Harper staff,” Dick reflected in 2019. “My positive experience with the foundation created a desire to become more involved in the college.”

He was soon elected to the Harper Board of Trustees, serving for 12 years — including a 4-year turn as board chair. He strongly advocated for placing technology at the center of Harper’s strategic vision, foreseeing how it would transform education for students and instructors. He became a trustee emeritus in 2005.

In honor of their late son, Dick and his wife Jean established the Timothy A. Kolze Memorial Endowment Scholarship, which continues to help students achieve their education and career goals. In recognition of Dick’s longstanding support, Harper named the road that leads from Roselle Road to campus Dick Kolze Lane.

Harper College expresses its deepest sympathies to Dick’s family and friends. Visitation will take place from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, October 25, at Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home in Palatine. Visitation will continue at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 26, at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Palatine, with a funeral service at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Dick’s family is recommending donations be made to the Timothy A. Kolze Scholarship Fund or St. Paul United Church of Christ.