Harper College will be closed Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day.

The Harper College Educational Foundation’s HOPE Giving Circle recently marked its 10th anniversary, honoring a decade of women-led philanthropy by awarding 10 scholarships each worth $10,000. At an event at Harper’s Wojcik Conference Center, HOPE celebrated a decade of empowerment along with the newest – and largest – cohort of scholars.
From its founding in 2016 by a small group of committed women, the HOPE Giving Circle has grown into a vibrant philanthropic community with 46 active members. Through collective giving, the group has now awarded over a half-million dollars to more than 42 students, pairing each recipient with a dedicated mentor.
“Tonight, we celebrate not only 10 exceptional students, but 10 extraordinary years,” said past chair and founding member Kathy Gilmer at the reception. She introduced the new co-chairs, Susan Heitsch and Ella Liberman, who now lead the HOPE Executive Committee.
“HOPE is more than a scholarship,” Heitsch said. “It’s a community, a legacy and a movement to uplift students through education and mentorship.”

The 10 for 10 HOPE Giving Circle Scholarship recipients include:
Each student is paired with a HOPE mentor – a signature feature of the program that enhances confidence, career exploration and community engagement. Liberman, who is also a member of the foundation’s board of directors, emphasized the accessibility and impact of HOPE membership.
“With a $1,000 pledge or $250 gift, anyone can join this mission,” she said. “Every dollar goes directly to scholarships – and every member shapes the future.”
To learn more or become a member of the HOPE Giving Circle, visit harpercollege.edu/hope.

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