Harper College will be closed Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day.
Sara AbualreeshSara Abualreesh is a health sciences student at Harper College, currently completing prerequisites for UIC’s nursing program while earning her associate’s degree. With a strong academic foundation and a passion for helping others, she is committed to a career in nursing where she can support people during their most vulnerable moments.
She has a passion for community service and volunteering with organizations like Feed My Starving Children and her local mosque during Ramadan. These experiences deepened her desire to serve others and inspired her to pursue a profession centered on compassion and care. She believes nurses are the heart of healthcare—combining knowledge with empathy to advocate for patients when they need it most.
After transferring to UIC, Sara plans to become a travel nurse, gaining experience in diverse healthcare environments and adapting to a wide range of patient needs. She also hopes to study abroad to explore global healthcare systems and broaden her cultural understanding. Long-term, she aspires to become a nurse practitioner, continuing to grow in a field that constantly evolves.
Murtaza Anjarwala Born and raised in Illinois to South Asian immigrant parents, Murtaza Anjarwala has always embraced the value of education and perseverance. A graduate of Schaumburg High School, he challenged himself with coursework and participating in extracurriculars, including Ultimate Frisbee and a MATLAB coding society, where he developed a strong foundation in teamwork, leadership, and technical problem-solving.
Currently, Murtaza maintains a 4.0 GPA and is pursuing an Associate of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Harper College, and is passionate about the intersection of physics, technology, and innovation. His academic journey includes active participation in the Honors Program and the Harper Society of Engineers, where he collaborates on research and engineering projects. Murtaza also took part in a pioneering liberal arts research cohort at Oakton College’s RICE Center, exploring the intersection of immigration and linguistic landscapes.
With plans to transfer to the University of Illinois to complete a bachelor’s degree
in engineering, Murtaza aspires to become an engineer focused on developing real-world
solutions in fields such as renewable energy, biomedical technology, or emerging innovations.
His long-term goal includes pursuing a master’s degree and contributing meaningfully
to technological advancement and societal progress.
Devon FreitagDevon Freitag is a full-time nursing student at Harper College, maintaining a 4.0 GPA while pursuing her Associate Degree in Nursing. Entering her final year at Harper College, she brings a unique blend of academic excellence, lived experience, and frontline healthcare service to her studies. Her journey began as an EMT, where she served during the COVID-19 pandemic, gaining invaluable insight into emergency medicine and the human side of healthcare.
Growing up in the Illinois foster care system and overcoming a learning disability, she has transformed adversity into purpose. Her passion for mental health advocacy led her to volunteer with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), where she shares her story through public speaking engagements at schools, libraries, and community events to help destigmatize mental illness.
At Harper, she fosters peer support by leading a study group and mentoring fellow students, aiming to create a more inclusive and empowering learning environment. She plans to transfer to a four-year university to earn her BSN, with long-term goals of becoming a nursing educator specializing in psychosocial care and pharmacology.
Her mission is to uplift underserved communities, advocate for mental health awareness, and inspire future nurses through education, empathy, and resilience.
Nour HusseiniNour Husseini is an aspiring software engineer pursuing an Associate in Engineering Science at Harper College through the Pathways program, with plans to transfer to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for a Bachelor’s and accelerated Master’s in Computer Science. Her passion for programming began in high school and evolved through nearly four years as a research assistant to an astrophysics professor at Loyola University Chicago. There, she developed Python animations, engineered Arduino devices, and built data-matching tools—contributions that earned her credit in three scientific publications.
Nour also interned at the Wisconsin IceCube Particle Astrophysics Center, creating interactive tools to teach elementary students about neutrino physics, blending technical skills with educational outreach. Professionally, she completed two internships at Opteam AI, where she contributed to AI-powered construction solutions and independently developed a backend module now used by clients.
At the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, Nour co-founded SUSTAIN, a sustainability-focused app, and won national awards through Future Business Leaders
of America. On campus, she’s active in Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) and
Phi Theta Kappa, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. This summer, she will intern at Labiba AI,
working with large language models. Her long-term goal is to develop mission-driven
technologies that promote sustainability, accessibility, and social impact.
Adepeju Oyefusi Currently pursuing an associate’s degree in accounting at Harper College, Adepeju Oyefusi is a driven and resilient student with a passion for financial literacy and community empowerment. Growing up in a modest household, Adepeju learned early on the value of perseverance and hard work. Despite financial hardships and the demands of multiple part-time jobs, she remains committed to academic excellence and balances her coursework with being a mom of three children.
At Harper, Adepeju has embraced the challenges of a rigorous accounting curriculum, motivated by a desire to use financial knowledge as a tool for positive change. Her goal is to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and work with reputable firms to support small businesses and promote economic growth in underserved communities. Ultimately, she aspires to establish their own accounting firm to provide accessible and reliable financial services to those in need. She plans to transfer to Southern Illinois University to continue her accounting studies after Harper.
Beyond academics, Adepeju is deeply committed to community service. As a church donation
volunteer, she helps organize and distribute essential items to local families, an
experience that has strengthened her compassion and sense of purpose. Her dedication
to both personal growth and community impact makes them a deserving recipient of this
scholarship.
Mehak RizviA dedicated and high-achieving student, Mehak Rizvi is pursuing an associate degree focusing on Marketing and Business at Harper College, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. With a strong foundation in analytical thinking from the British education system in Pakistan, Mehak brings a unique perspective to her academic and professional journey. She relocated with her family to the United States in 2023 and has embraced the challenges of cultural adaptation with resilience and curiosity.
Passionate about the intersection of consumer psychology, digital marketing, and multiculturalism, Mehak aspires to transfer to a four-year university to earn a bachelor’s degree in Marketing with a minor in International Relations, followed by an MBA. Her ultimate goal is to work in fashion marketing, promoting sustainable and inclusive branding strategies that resonate across global audiences, while leveraging her background in international relations to foster cross-cultural understanding and global brand appeal.
Beyond academics, Mehak is actively involved in the Business and Entrepreneurship
Club, Phi Theta Kappa, the International Students Club, and the Muslim Student Association.
She has participated in Model United Nations, advocating for gender equality and global
education initiatives. Through these simulations, she developed a deeper understanding
of international policy, diplomacy, and the importance of cross-cultural collaboration
in addressing global challenges. She is also committed to social impact, participating
in food drives and fundraising efforts to support underprivileged children with education
and basic necessities through the NGO that she founded called, Taameer-e-Milat, which
provides mentorship programs for young women in Pakistan, empowering them through
education and career guidance which she continues to stay involved in today. Mehak
works to build community and inspire others with her leadership, empathy, and drive
for positive change.
Jaskirat SinghJaskirat Singh is pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering with the goal of becoming a research engineer at NASA, focusing on astronaut programs and the study of exoplanets. Inspired by a family legacy in the Indian Air Force and childhood memories of listening to stories from his grandfather, Jaskirat developed a deep fascination with the science behind flight and space exploration.
At Harper, Jaskirat is a member of the Honors Program and the Harper Society of Engineers, continuing a strong academic record that began in high school. Beyond academics, he led the Robot Rumble club as president, gaining hands-on engineering experience by designing and building robots from scratch—an experience that solidified his passion for innovation and problem-solving. He was a member of NASA Community of Aerospace Scholars, National Technical Honor Society Leader, and was Tennis team captain in high school.
Equally committed to community service, Jaskirat has volunteered with the Sikh Religious Society since middle school and worked to help organize community events, preparing and serving langar (free meals), and delivering food to hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. These acts of seva (selfless service) have instilled a lifelong commitment to giving back.
Driven, compassionate, and curious, Jaskirat is determined to make a meaningful impact
in both aerospace and his community.
Jeremiah SomervilleJeremiah Somerville is pursuing an associate’s degree in liberal arts at Harper College, with plans to transfer to the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) to earn a bachelor’s degree in political science. His goal is to attend law school and become a constitutional attorney, advocating for justice and defending the rights of underserved individuals. Jeremiah’s passion for law is deeply rooted in his belief in equality, justice, and the power of legal systems to protect individual freedoms.
A former All-Conference athlete in cross country and track at Hoffman Estates High School, Jeremiah also served as team captain, where he developed leadership, discipline, and teamwork. His academic journey has been enriched by his involvement in the National Honor Society, Debate Club, and the Multicultural Student Association, where he honed his public speaking skills and deepened his appreciation for diverse perspectives.
Jeremiah is also deeply committed to community service. Through his church’s Life
Changers program, he delivered meals and essentials to disadvantaged individuals and
volunteered to serve meals to underprivileged children in his hometown. These experiences
have shaped his empathetic worldview and strengthened his resolve to be a voice for
the voiceless through a career in law.
Maria TovarA proud immigrant from Venezuela and the daughter of a single mother, Maria Tovar brings resilience, gratitude, and perseverance to every aspect of her life. Currently pursuing an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing at Harper College, she is in her second semester of nursing school and on track to graduate in Spring 2026. Her passion for healthcare was ignited during a family medical emergency, inspiring her to become a nurse who can act swiftly and compassionately in times of crisis.
Beyond academics, Maria is deeply involved in her campus and community. She serves on the executive board of Latinos Unidos, is a member of the Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa, and participates in the GLIDE mentorship program. She also volunteers regularly as a room coordinator at Willow Creek Community Church, continuing a commitment to service that began in high school.
After completing her associate degree, she plans to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Illinois Chicago and work in an orthopedic unit. Her long-term goal is to pursue a Master’s in Nursing Education, combining her love for caregiving with a passion for teaching and giving back to the next generation of nurses.
Natalia VonderheideNatalia Vonderheide is a dedicated Radiologic Technology student at Harper College, driven by a passion for healthcare, education, and community service. Inspired by a fascination with human anatomy and a desire to make a tangible impact, she aspires to become a radiologic technologist and pursue a bachelor’s degree in diagnostic medicine. Her long-term goal includes contributing to the field through both clinical excellence and education.
A strong advocate for mental health, Natalia co-founded Huntley High School’s first suicide prevention group, Hope Squad, where she led awareness campaigns and peer support initiatives. Her commitment continued post-graduation through active involvement with the McHenry County Suicide Prevention Task Force, where she serves as head of marketing and participate in community outreach and educational events.
Beyond mental health advocacy, Natalia has volunteered in Elgin to support the houseless community and helped reduce food waste by organizing donations to local food pantries while working at Jewel Osco. These experiences have deepened her empathy and reinforced their commitment to service.
At Harper, she is a member of the Rad Tech Club and is completing clinical training
at St. Alexius Medical Center. With a passion for teaching and helping others, Natalia
is poised to make a lasting impact in healthcare and beyond.
Click here to register for the scholarship awards reception.