On Campus: Harper Gala Will Support Scholarships

Winning a scholarship at Harper College helped Elisa Galvan fund her classes.

But more than that, she says, it empowered her to study education – she wants to be a teacher – and showed her what she’s capable of. 

Galvan will share her story at Harper’s President’s Ball, in the hopes of encouraging more scholarship donations that in turn ensure other students can have similar success stories.

“If someone is able to provide a scholarship, you can be sure that student is going to then impact the lives of many people,” says Galvan, a recipient of the Motorola Solutions Foundation Award for Excellence through Harper's Educational Foundation. “It’s partially a building of a community: understanding that your involvement touches someone else, and that they will be able to touch others.” 

The dinner-and-dancing President’s Ball gala will be held Saturday, September 22 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center, 1551 Thoreau Drive North in Schaumburg. 

In addition to Galvan’s remarks, it will include comments from Harper President Dr. Kenneth Ender and serve as the introductory event for newly appointed Chief Advancement Officer Dr. Mary Knight. Harper Professor Jeff Przybylo, who coaches the College’s acclaimed Speech and Debate Team, will emcee.

The event is open to the public. Tickets are $400; tickets for a raffle, which boasts a $2,500 grand prize, are available separately for $25 or five for $100. 

Since its inception in 1973, Harper’s Educational Foundation has supported the College, students and faculty and staff through scholarships, programs and other contributions.

More than 300 Harper students were awarded scholarships through the Foundation last year. 

“State funding for community colleges has decreased, but our students’ need for financial assistance and innovative educational programming is not going away,” says Lane Moyer, immediate past president of the Harper College Foundation Board of Directors. “Events like this one are increasingly important as we look for opportunities to champion our students and, as a community, help them succeed.” 

Moyer, a partner at the Chicago law firm of Vedder Price P.C., is co-chairing the gala planning committee alongside Foundation board member Derrick Hamilton, Vice President of U-Verse Field Operations-Midwest for AT&T. 

The President’s Ball will begin with a 6 p.m. cocktail reception. Dinner and dancing will follow. 

To RSVP, purchase raffle tickets or make a donation toward student scholarships, call 847.925.6490 or visit the Foundation online. 

The RSVP deadline is Tuesday, September 18.