The Highland Soiree is an evening full of food, drinks, live entertainment, and more. The event highlights Highland Community College's vital work and honors recipients of the Delbert Scheider Lifetime Achievement Award.

4:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.: Check-in at the Welcome Center/Cougar Cafe, in Building H. Social hour with drinks and hearty hors d'oeuvres plus silent auction viewing. Meet the new president, Dr. Jamal Scott.

5 - 6:15 p.m.: Optional tours of the Sports Center.

6:30 p.m.: Formal, short program will start with a brief update from Dan Dick and the presentation of the Del Scheider award

7 p.m.: Nighttime jazz entertainment by The Cole Family. Grab a scoop of ice cream for dessert.

Meet Dr. Jamal Scott:

With more than 25 years of experience in enrollment and academic administrative leadership, Dr. Jamal Scott served as Vice President of Undergraduate Education and Dean of the Undergraduate College at National Louis University. Before this role, Scott served as Vice President for Strategy and Community Development at Waubonsee Community College. He is an Aspen Presidential Fellow through the Aspen Institute and has been a Peer Reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 2014.

Scott earned a Doctor of Education in organizational leadership from Illinois School of Professional Psychology, a Master of Public Administration from Illinois Institute of Technology, and a Bachelor of Science in communication from University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. He also completed an Executive Certificate in Marketing Strategy from Cornell University Johnson Graduate School of Management.

The appointment of Dr. Scott reflects our continued focus on enriching northwestern Illinois communities by delivering high-quality education and opportunities that promote both individual and career development. We are confident that Dr. Scott’s leadership will help guide us through our next phase of growth and innovation.

Highland Soiree 2026

HCC Foundation