Harper College

News & Stories

Harper College President Ken Ender shakes the hand of a graduate

Student success agenda continues upward trajectory

May 15, 2019

Harper College has made an unwavering commitment under President Ken Ender to helping students finish what they start. Significant strides have been made in graduation rates, persistence and other student success measures as a result. Read More

A display case features the photographs and bios of 7 fallen police officers

Harper dedicates police memorial to honor fallen officers

May 13, 2019

A new police memorial display at Harper College will honor those who have lost their lives while serving and protecting the public. “Students need to acknowledge the commitment to this career and know what it takes,” said Associate Professor Wayne Johnson, who served on the Chicago Police Department for 25 years. “This pays homage to those who serve every day and have paid the ultimate sacrifice.” Read More

Dean Kapolas

Harper student becoming a force for positive change

May 08, 2019

Dean Kapolas suffered from a crippling self-hatred when he first started at Harper College, unable to live authentically. He struggled with drug abuse, mental illness and homelessness. Today, the 26-year-old transgender man is preparing to transfer to a four-year college, finally able to envision a promising future for himself. Read More

David Santafe-Zambrano

New student trustee thriving despite violence, extreme poverty

April 24, 2019

New Harper College Student Trustee David Santafe-Zambrano has overcome remarkable odds to get to where he is today. The Colombian native grew up in urban slums, faced horrendous violence and experienced homelessness after moving to the U.S. “My biggest dream has always been to get educated and break the cycle of continuous poverty and lack of education that my family has known for so long,” he said. Read More

Drs. Ken and Cathy Ender

Harper dedicates pavilion in honor of Enders’ service

April 17, 2019

Harper College has dedicated the Drs. Kenneth and Catherine Ender Pavilion in honor of their 10 years of service and generous philanthropic investment in Harper’s students. Read More

A group of Ambassador School students pose with the William Rainey Harper bust

Ambassador School Program gets kids to see college as a possibility

April 17, 2019

Poverty’s impact on a student’s academic achievement is significant. The more poverty you experience, the less successful you’re likely to be. Under Dr. Ken Ender's direction, Harper College established the Ambassador School Program to spark an early interest in college. Read More

Claudia Mercado

Assistant provost named Aspen Presidential Fellow

April 16, 2019

Dr. Claudia Mercado has committed her career in higher education to serving historically marginalized populations, working tirelessly to transform what is to what could be. In July, Harper College’s assistant provost for enrollment services will embark on a 10-month fellowship aimed at preparing the next generation of community college presidents to transform institutions to achieve higher and more equitable levels of student success, both in college and in the labor market. Read More

Two Expo participants take part in a chemistry activity

Ignite your child's excitement for learning at College and Career Expo

April 15, 2019

The community is invited to explore 21st century careers and areas of study at the College and Career Expo at Harper College, a popular event aimed at igniting an excitement for learning and higher education. The ninth annual expo, which is free and open to the public, takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 27. Read More

Members of the Harper Rover Team

Harper engineering team competing in NASA Rover Challenge

April 09, 2019

Harper College students have been hard at work preparing to compete in the NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Read More

Harper apprentices and graduates gather for a photo at Zurich North America

Harper, Zurich North America recognize apprenticeship partnership

April 05, 2019

To help develop its workforce for years to come, Zurich North America partnered with Harper College three years ago to offer a first of its kind General Insurance Apprenticeship. Since then, the company has hired 62 individuals into the program, graduated two classes of apprentices and launched a Cybersecurity Technician Apprenticeship. Harper recently recognized current apprentices and graduates alike through its Stand Up and Be Counted program. Read More

For more posts, For articles from previous years, see the News Archives.

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Last Updated: 12/19/24