William Rainey Harper College Gets A State-Funded Facelift

PALATINE, IL— The Illinois Capital Development Board announced on Wednesday they would be releasing over $1 million in state funds to support a renovation of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system at William Rainey Harper College.

The Palatine junior college will receive a total of $1.7 million due to local matching funds. A press release from CDB said the money is critical to address overlooked maintenance projects on campus that had been stalled by previous administrations.

The majority of the money is made possible by Gov. J.B. Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois capital program, which passed in 2019 with a goal of investing $45 billion into roads, bridges, railways, universities, early childhood centers and state facilities.

Dr. Avis Proctor, president of Harper College since 2019, said the opportunity to improve campus facilities shows elected officials have committed to modernizing higher education institutions.

“This investment will help us maintain a safe and comfortable learning environment for our students and address critical infrastructure needs,” Proctor said.

The governor said in a statement that he views it as his obligation to provide students and staff with the much-needed renovations.

"It is the duty of elected officials to provide young people with the tools and resources they need to shape their future and achieve their dreams," Pritzker said.

CDB will oversee the project's completion, which is the protocol for projects that use state money. The project will include improvements on the steam condensate system and replacement of condensate stations, pumps and flash tanks in specific buildings on campus.

"I appreciate this attention being given to the infrastructure needs of Harper College," said State Representative Thomas Morrison (R-Palatine). "And I'm certain those using the campus will appreciate the improved conditions."