Harper College presidents having a real ball

Vera Davis of Schaumburg had a modest dream: She had never taken a class for college credit.

"I knew how expensive an education was," Davis says. "I figured it was out of reach."

Nearly four years ago, encouraged by her sister, Davis approached the Women's Program at Harper College. The decision changed her life, she told a crowd of more than 300 supporters at the President's Ball, hosted by its Harper's Educational Foundation.

Taking courses through the fast track adult program, and ultimately transferring to National Louis University, Davis now is on track to graduate in December with a bachelor's degree in management.

The single mom, who wanted to advance beyond her longtime secretarial position, now is pursuing her degree at the same time as her daughter.

"Without the Women's Program scholarships, my teachers, tutors, classmates, family and friends, I never would have come this far," Davis said. "I live my life by faith, perseverance and dedication, and I have come to realize that you can do anything you set your mind to."

Davis had the audience in the palm of her hand, but then they were sympathetic to her cause. They came to help raise money for student scholarships, as well as programs and educational experiences provided by Harper's Education Foundation.

The foundation is the fundraising arm of the College, which annually tries to make more than $500,000 available in scholarships. Last year alone, foundation members awarded scholarships to more than 300 students.

"Today, our foundation is working even more diligently in the face of decreased state funding and increased demand for higher education opportunities," said Catherine Brod, foundation executive director.

Dr. Kenneth Ender, Harper College president, said student success, like the kind of empowerment experienced by Davis, benefits the entire community.

"Even though our price point is reasonable, most of the life situations of our students means having money to go to college is scarce," Ender said, pointing out that 60 percent of the Harper student body works full time and nearly all of its students work at least part time.

"Community colleges are the engine of the middle class," Ender added. "We have to make college education accessible."

Foundation members host the black tie optional fundraising dinner every two years. This year, guests attended the dinner dance at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center.

Bob Fiorani, retired vice president of Square D/Schneider Electric and an education foundation board member co-chaired the gala with his wife Roberta, as well as Mike and Sue Gilfillan of Arlington Heights, and Jack and Linda Lloyd of Palatine.