Category: Olive-Harvey College
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Jason Gary
Jason Gary was eager to learn more about careers in the up-and-coming cannabis sector, so when Olive-Harvey College launched the Basic Certificate in Cannabis Dispensary Operations last spring, he knew it was for him. Jason said he got a much better understanding of the cannabis industry, from the basics of cultivating through current laws and…
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Joann Sirles
When Joann Sirles retired after a successful career at Amtrak, she hadn’t planned on finding a whole new career – but that is just what happened at Olive-Harvey College. Originally from Philadelphia, Joann left high school before she was able to graduate because she had to go to work. After a job in retail and…
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Tunde Oderinde
Tunde Oderinde is setting an example for his two children by not only earning his GED, but by pursuing a career in nursing so that he can help others and provide a good future for his family. When Tunde moved to Chicago from Nigeria twelve years ago, he had already been to college, where he…
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Lovetta Houston
Lovetta Houston inspires her students, supports them, and encourages them before, during, and after work hours. She wants to see students succeed and helps them any way she can, including supporting clubs like the African American Studies Association with events. She has even been known to help students out with food and clothing – out…
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Suzzette Anderson
Suzzette Anderson grew up in Jamaica but moved to Chicago six years ago. The 49-year-old mother of two started at Olive-Harvey with GED classes. Once that hurdle was cleared, she was encouraged by Gateway staff to take credit classes at the college. As she worked toward her Associate of Applied Science in Supply Chain Management…
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Daquari Hollins
When future game designer Daquari Hollins graduated from high school in Minnesota, he knew college was in his future. Before he started classes at Olive-Harvey College, he spent a year working as an administrator at an after-school program – but he always knew he would start out at a community college. “College was my number…
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Kyle Reid
Looking back, Kyle Reid would never have imagined that someday he would be studying bats and pursuing a PhD in ecology and evolutionary biology. Kyle dropped out of high school as a sophomore and ended up getting his GED, then working at a grocery story. After a few years, he decided maybe he could go…
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Patrice Henderson
It didn’t happen until later in life, but once Olive-Harvey College’s Disability Access Center (DAC) director Patrice Henderson found her passion, she committed herself fully to her profession. Patrice grew up on Chicago’s South Side and attended Kenwood Academy. Once she completed high school, the mother of one took classes at Daley College and at…
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Nekeda Kirkwood
Nekeda Kirkwood says the same thing to all the students she advises: “Whether you are just out of high school or an adult learner, you will be ok. You may have challenges or setbacks, but you will be able to recover. You can do this!” And with over 18 years working in higher education, she…
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Adonay Dominguez