Andre Harvey

Bellwood Mayor Andre Harvey attributes Triton College with much of his success. As the first African American mayor of Bellwood and the village’s first African American firefighter and fire chief, he says Triton equipped him with the skills that shaped his distinguished career.

“When I was in high school, I didn’t like school,” explained Mayor Harvey, who graduated from Proviso West High School in 1981. “Without much of a direction after high school, I joined the Army. I returned home in 1985, and I didn’t know where to turn.”

Inspired by his father, a Triton graduate from the 1970s, Mayor Harvey decided to take a business class at Triton. After some soul-searching, Mayor Harvey became a firefighter in 1988.

“I had a lieutenant on the fire department who nudged me to take fire science classes at Triton,” he recalled. “The military paid for my college tuition. It was the best decision I ever made.”

As a student at Triton, Mayor Harvey met people from all walks of life and developed new interests.

“Thanks to my art classes, I grew a deep respect for artwork and the Frank Lloyd Wright homes in Oak Park,” he said. “I enjoyed meeting fellow residents and learning their struggles.”

Beyond academics, Triton helped him become a talented public speaker. Admitting that he never liked speaking in front of crowds, Mayor Harvey said his speech classes at Triton helped him overcome his fear and developed the voice of a leader. He recalls his instructors as kind and down to earth, and genuinely cared for him.

“Triton broadened my horizons and improved my life,” he said. “I was able to learn so many skills, such as writing, English and how to speak. I was taught to be a leader and a good listener.”

“Mayor Pasquale and I accomplished so many good things,” he said. “When he was about to retire, he asked me if I wanted to run for mayor. I successfully ran for mayor in 2017.”

Going forward, Mayor Harvey wants Bellwood to continue moving forward with strong leadership. He takes pride in ensuring that Bellwood remains on the “map” as one of the best communities in the county.

Reflecting on his journey, Mayor Harvey credits Triton for his many accomplishments.

“Triton College stands out because it’s close to home, it’s affordable and it offers so many programs to people in the community,” said Mayor Harvey. “It brings access, growth and helps residents and local businesses.”