Harper College is accepting nominations for its 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award, an annual honor saluting former Harper students for outstanding career and community achievements. The deadline is Tuesday, May 1.
Recipients will be lauded at a fall reception; they must also agree to return to campus at least once more within the year to be a guest speaker or participate in an activity designed to engage students.
"Recipients of this award have the opportunity to inspire others, including the faculty that taught them and the students who now are attending classes on the same campus that helped so many alumni get their start," Community Relations Manager Fredia Martin says. "It's important that we honor those who have used Harper as a springboard for outstanding accomplishments."
The awards first were handed out in 2008 as part of the College's 40th Anniversary celebration. Nearly two dozen recipients, representing a variety of educational journeys and professional paths, have been honored since then.
Honorees have included an Emmy-nominated screenwriter, a mayor, a National Geographic-honored geoarchaeologist, a songwriter who penned Madonna's "La Isla Bonita," a fire chief and accomplished business leaders, entrepreneurs and healthcare workers - from a doctor to a dental hygienist.
Nominees must have completed at least two Harper credit courses, achieved success in their chosen field, and had a positive impact on the community through leadership or volunteering.
Nomination forms are available online at www.harpercollege.edu/alumni, or at Harper's Alumni Relations Office on the third floor of the Wojcik Conference Center on the main campus, 1200 W. Algonquin Road in Palatine. For more information, call 847.925.6701.