Harper Talks

Harper Radio
  • 5.0 (8)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Listen in as Harper College alumni share their stories, experiences, and life journeys. Through Harper Talks conversations lead by Assistant Professor of Communication Arts Brian Shelton, Alumni are invited to share how education, career successes and failures and human connection have impacted them along the way.

  1. DEC 6

    Episode 49 – Phyllis Higgins

    US Army veteran and Harper College alumna Phyllis Higgins joins Harper Talks to share her inspiring journey from military service to corporate success. Phyllis reflects on returning to school through Harper’s Fast Track program, balancing work and family, and finding her passion in supporting others. Now an apprenticeship talent navigator at Zurich Insurance, she champions opportunities that help students and career-changers thrive. Phyllis discusses the reminder to take the leap, invest in yourself, and “just do it.”

    15 min

  2. NOV 3

    Harper Talks Episode 48 – Izabela Pieniadz

    Meet Izabela Pieniadz, 2012 Harper College graduate and a 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. From discovering her passion for art and history at Harper to leading the Ellwood House Museum in DeKalb, Illinois, Izabela shares how curiosity, saying “yes” to opportunities, and a love of historic preservation shaped her path. Tune in as she discusses her time at Harper College, getting her start at the Art Institute of Chicago, earning two master’s degrees, her impactful work in arts and culture, and her advice for students finding their own way.

    26 min

  3. SEP 15

    Harper Talks Episode 47 - Maria and Jose Macias

    Meet Maria and Jose Macias, a Harper College love story that grew into a life of leadership, community impact, and successful careers. On this episode of Harper Talks, the married alumni duo shares how Harper gave them opportunities to explore their educational curiosity, build connection through Latinos Unidos, and ultimately meet each other. Today, Jose leads in real estate and financial literacy education, while Maria drives innovation in restaurant design around the world. Their journey highlights resilience, passion for curiosity, and the power of finishing what you start.

    35 min

  4. MAY 19

    Harper Talks Episode 46 – Dr. Joseph Sagerer

    Dr. Joseph Sagerer, a 2024 Harper College Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, began as an uncertain high school student and flourished into a physics Ph.D. and pioneering researcher. In this episode of Harper Talks, Dr. Sagerer shares how Harper helped launch his academic career and discusses his current work using cosmic rays to map the ancient Chichen Itza pyramid in Mexico —offering his undergraduate students at Dominican University a rare hands-on research experience. Tune in to hear how physics, archeology, and education collide in this real-life Indiana Jones story.

    34 min

  5. APR 29

    Harper Talks Episode 45 – Ushna Zamir

    In this episode of Harper Talks, alumna Ushna Zamir shares how Harper College shaped her journey—from finding lifelong friendships to discovering a passion for communications. She shares how her experience on the speech team and support from mentors helped her shift from a STEM path to a new field of study. Now thriving in HR at Raytheon, she encourages students to be open to new opportunities, get involved, and trust the process.

    15 min

  6. MAR 11

    Harper Talks Episode 44 – Steven Mastandrea

    Harper College alumnus Steven Mastandrea shares his journey from Harper to the University of Illinois, where he studied computer engineering. During his time there in the 1990s, he gained early exposure to the internet boom which helped shape his career.  Mastandrea also discusses his dual career paths — serving as Vice President of Engineering at Vibes while dedicating years to firefighting, EMS, and dive rescue work. Steven emphasizes the value of starting at a community college to explore interests and save money before transferring to a university.

    29 min

  7. FEB 21

    Harper Talks Episode 43 – Andrew Payette

    Harper Talks host Brian Shelton sits down with alumnus Andrew Payette, a 2018 Harper College graduate and current constituent services liaison for U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. Andrew shares how his involvement with Harper’s speech and debate team led to an internship that evolved into a full-time role in public service. He discusses the apolitical nature of his work, assisting constituents with government-related issues, and reflects on how his Harper experience prepared him for his continued studies at Northwestern University. Andrew also offers insight into the realities of working in government and his aspirations for a future in public service.

    18 min

  8. JAN 17

    Harper Talks Episode 42 – John Lawson

    Harper College Police Chief John Lawson, a 1987 Harper College graduate, reflects on his journey from Harper's criminal justice program to leading the campus police department. He shares insights into his 40-year law enforcement career including 28 years with the Roselle Police Department, the challenges of campus policing, and his dedication to community engagement and safety. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about resilience, leadership, and making a difference.

    17 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Listen in as Harper College alumni share their stories, experiences, and life journeys. Through Harper Talks conversations lead by Assistant Professor of Communication Arts Brian Shelton, Alumni are invited to share how education, career successes and failures and human connection have impacted them along the way.

Information

  • Creator
    Harper Radio
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 732439
  • Show Website
    Harper Talks