Innovative Chicago Based Design School Hosts “Retrospectacle” Event to Celebrate Past Achievements and a Bright Future

CHICAGO – October 16, 2006 – 1931 was a landmark year for American design; the revolutionary Empire Sate Building and the historic Waldorf-Astoria Hotel opened in New York and, in Chicago, construction on the Merchandise Mart and the Shedd Aquarium was completed, and Harrington College of Design held its first class. On October 21, 2006, 75 years later, Harrington College of Design will celebrate its past achievements and bright future by hosting “Retrospectacle,” a creative black-tie scholarship fundraiser.

Established as The Frances Harrington Professional School of Interior Decoration, the school's first small lectures were taught by its founder, Frances Harrington, in Chicago's historic Allerton Hotel. As the school grew over the years, it relocated to various sites along Chicago's magnificent mile until its most recent move in 2003 to an 83,000 square foot vertical campus in the Loop on Madison and Wells.

As the design industry evolved, Harrington consistently evaluated and revised its curriculum to ensure the school provided its students with an education that mirrored innovations in design, technology and business. In 2003, Harrington launched a digital photography program and in 2006, a course of study in communication design. Current President Erik Parks has brought a passion for design education and a fresh vision for the school. As Harrington celebrates its rich history, Parks leads the charge for a successful future at the school.

“During the past 75 years, Harrington has grown into a prestigious institution that produces highly sought designers,” said current school president Erik Parks. “As we look to the future, I'm committed to maintaining the same standards of excellence that enabled the school to achieve its present level of success.”

Harrington College of Design and the city of Chicago have long had a mutually beneficial relationship. The city has provided Harrington with a home rich in design inspiration and accomplishments, as well as a faculty base of practicing professionals, allowing students insight and application of skill in the professional world even before graduation. Harrington graduates have established themselves as a significant presence in the Chicago and global design community, a testament to the quality of education received at Harrington.

Retrospectacle will celebrate Harrington's 75-year history as well as individual contributions to design excellence. The Honorable Mayor Richard M. Daley and the City of Chicago, Lucien Lagrange, Eva Maddox, Robert Marks, Victor Skrebneski, and Stanley Tigerman will all receive honorary awards in front of an expected 500 guests. The event will take place Saturday, October 21 in the Grand Hall of Union Station, beginning with a 6:00PM cocktail reception. Sponsors include Clune Construction Group, I4design magazine, Interior Construction Group, Jewell Event Catering, Randolph Street Press, and Synergy Creative, Inc. Tickets are $150 ($100 for Harrington students, faculty and staff ) and can be purchased through mail by sending checks made payable to CESF Harrington College of Design Anniversary Scholarship Fund to: Harrington College of Design, 200 West Madison St., 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60606, attn: Nelson Sears. Additionally, anyone unable to attend the event who wishes to support Harrington's scholarship fund is asked to submit donations in the same manner as above.

About CESF Harrington College of Design Anniversary Scholarship Fund

CESF Harrington College of Design Anniversary Scholarship Fund is a part of and managed by the Career Education Scholarship Fund, a qualified 501(c)(3) organization.

About Harrington College of Design

Harrington College of Design, committed to creating the next generation of design professionals to lead and serve the global community, is a four-year college that offers flexible scheduling for a bachelor of fine arts degree in interior design, an associate of applied science degree in interior design or digital photography and a new bachelor of fine arts degree in communication design. Founded in 1931, the college celebrates its 75th anniversary this year.

Located at 200 W. Madison St., Harrington seeks to foster an environment that maximizes students' intellectual and artistic potential. The majority of the faculty is practicing interior designers, architects, photographers and fine art professionals. Harrington is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). Harrington is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Harrington is recognized as a private college by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. The College is authorized by that board to confer baccalaureate and associate degrees. The bachelor of fine arts degree program in interior design is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, formerly known as the Foundation for Interior Design Education and Research (FIDER).

For more information, visit www.harringtoncollege.com.

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