Highland Community College Foundation and Alumni Association

06/17/2026

The Highland Community College Foundation is proud to recognize the generosity of Jim and Kathy Berberet through their recent naming gift honoring one of Highland's true pioneers, Don Opel.

Thanks to their thoughtful support, the Foundation Executive Director's Office will now bear the name of Don Opel, whose vision, leadership, and dedication helped establish both Highland Community College and the Highland Community College Foundation. As a founding father of the College and Foundation, Don's commitment to educational opportunity helped shape an institution for communities of Northwest Illinois.

The tribute is especially meaningful given the Berberet's own deep connection to Highland. Throughout the years, Jim has served as a faculty member, Foundation Board member, and Executive Director of the Highland Community College Foundation. Few individuals have contributed more time, talent, and leadership to Highland's mission, making this gift a fitting way to honor one of the leaders who helped pave the way.

We are deeply grateful to Jim and Kathy for their generosity and for ensuring that Don Opel's legacy will continue to inspire students, faculty, staff, and supporters for generations to come.

Thank you, Jim and Kathy, for preserving Highland's history while investing in its future.

05/28/2026

The search is on for the next class of outstanding Highland alumni! 🎓

Do you know a former student who has made a lasting impact through their profession, leadership, or service to the community? Nominations are now open for the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards at Highland Community College.

Help us recognize the individuals who continue to represent the very best of Highland Community College through their accomplishments and commitment to others.

Link in the comments:

05/27/2026

⛳️ Thank You for a Great Day! ⛳️

Last Friday, we celebrated the 30th Annual Leadership Golf Outing. Thank you to all of our golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters who helped make the event another success.

For 30 years, this outing has brought together businesses, community leaders, and friends to support the Leadership Institute and Forum programs hosted by Highland Community College. We appreciate everyone who has been part of this tradition over the years and helped continue its impact.

Thank you again for your support and participation!

05/19/2026

We love our Friends over at Stephenson Service Company and thank them for all of their support.

This week, we presented Highland Community College Agriculture with a donation to support the development of their program and their students' futures as part of Highland Community College Foundation and Alumni Association's Day of Giving matching program. Thank you to all who supported the Highland Ag Department this year, and we can't wait to see what's next for the aspiring agricultural leaders at Highland!

Thank you to GROWMARK, Inc. for partnering with us on this initiative.

04/11/2026

What a great night! For the third year, we gathered with our Founders’ Circle contributors for an evening of appreciation.

Each year, this group continues to grow—a true sign of the strong and lasting support for Highland Community College. Thank you to all who support Highland in many different ways!

04/10/2026

Welcome to Highland Dr. Scott!

After an extensive nationwide search that attracted a diverse and highly qualified pool of candidates, the Board of Trustees has appointed Dr. Jamal Scott as the College’s tenth president, effective June 15, 2026. A respected leader in higher education with more than 25 years of experience, Scott is recognized for his collaborative approach, strategic vision, and a strong commitment to academic excellence and student achievement.

04/09/2026

Whew… we made it! 🎉

Because of YOU, this year’s Day of Giving was a success. Every gift, every share, every show of support made a difference for our students and programs.

Rock this Proud Donor logo as your profile picture—you’ve earned it. 💙

We’re still tallying everything up… more to come soon! 👀

04/07/2026

🩺 Honoring a Legacy. Supporting Future Caregivers. 🩺

This HCC Day of Giving, we invite you to support the Tony Romero Memorial Fund for our Nursing & Allied Health programs.

Tony was a 2023 graduate whose passion and dedication left a lasting impact. This fund honors his memory by supporting students who are following a similar path of care, compassion, and service.

Join us in making a difference today.

🔗 www.highland.edu/dayofgiving

04/07/2026

🎭 Support Forensics & Unlock $2,500! 🎭

It’s HCC Day of Giving, and now is the perfect time to support our Forensics team!

Thanks to Terri & Blake Musser, when we reach 25 gifts of ANY amount, we’ll unlock an additional $2,500 for the program.

That means every single gift—no matter the size—gets us closer to unlocking these extra funds and supporting our students as they compete and succeed.

Be part of it and help us hit 25!

🔗 www.highland.edu/dayofgiving