Awards & Honors

Elgin Community College Distinguished Alumni Award

Dean Follmann, PhD

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Dean Follmann grew up on a dairy farm in Udina, Illinois, the youngest of six children. ECC sparked his interest in academics and laid the foundation for his lifelong career. While attending Elgin Community College, he worked mornings at the Pingree Grove bull barn and evenings at Ponderosa Steak House. He graduated from ECC in 1977 with an Associate of Arts degree in psychology. Follmann continued his studies at Northern Illinois University, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in mathematics, psychology, and a master of science in mathematics. He earned a Ph.D. in statistics in 1985 from Carnegie Mellon University.

Follmann's professional career started at the Center for Naval Analyses, a think tank for the US Navy, where he worked on weapons systems reliability, logistics, and workforce planning. At the National Institutes of Health, Follmann studied cardiovascular disease and led an infectious disease and immunology group. He was inspired by ECC's dedicated faculty, which provided a rigorous yet supportive learning environment.

Currently, he is an associate director for biostatistics at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. He specializes in the design and analysis of clinical trials that improve human health, especially infectious diseases in Africa. He is a Fellow of the American Statistical Association and the Royal Statistical Society and has published over 200 manuscripts in biology, medicine, and statistics. Follmann mentors other scientists and frequently shares his expertise as a guest lecturer. Follmann benefited from ECC's small classes and flexible hours.

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Elgin Community College Friend of Education Award

Bryant Crawford Family

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Bryant Crawford and his family are stalwart supporters of Elgin Community College and the ECC Transition Academy, providing insights on life and each family member's profession. Bryant Crawford and his wife, Alicia, have been married for nearly 37 years and have one son, Christopher. The couple's niece, Dornetria, and her husband, Chivas, are long-time Transition Academy mentors.

Bryant Crawford holds a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in business administration from Roosevelt University. He is president of 5-Star Computer Services, Inc. Crawford mentors students in the ECC Transition Academy and has served on the board of directors for the Chicago Chapter of BDPA.

Alicia Crawford, EdD, holds a doctorate in counseling psychology from Argosy University-Schaumburg and is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Illinois with over 22 years in counseling. She currently teaches counselor education, supervision, and psychology at Yorkville University, Ashford University, and Grand Canyon University.

Christopher Crawford is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts degree in advanced management. He is an underwriter for group insurance coverages at the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and has started his own marketing business.

Dornetria Hemphill is a subject matter expert in the absence and disability management practice and works for Willis Towers Watson in Chicago. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice with a minor in political science from Illinois State University and a Master of Science in management and organizational behavior from Benedictine University.

Chivas Hemphill attended Illinois State University and earned a degree in construction management. He is a senior superintendent for Ledcor Technical Services. Hemphill's experience includes four years as a residential construction superintendent, three years as a communication technician, and eight years in telecommunications construction.

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Exceptional Friend of the Foundation

Grand Victoria Casino and VP/GM John Koster

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Grand Victoria Casino has worked hard to become the model of what Illinois riverboat casinos were designed to do: bring about economic revitalization in their host communities. It is a first-class entertainment destination, a business leader in Elgin's community, an employer of choice, and a leader in the Illinois gaming industry. Grand Victoria's employees have volunteered and served on boards of local charities and community organizations such as Elgin Area Chamber, Food for Greater Elgin, Centro de Información, Habitat for Humanity. Literacy Connection.

From 2009 to 2014, Grand Victoria sponsored a burger competition exclusively for Elgin Community College's Culinary Arts and Hospitality Program, awarding six finalists with scholarships and being featured in Prime Burger House menu. After completing its acquisition by Eldorado Resorts in August 2018, Grand Victoria Casino remains committed to setting aside 20 percent of its net profits to benefit education, economic development, and environmental causes in Illinois through the Grand Victoria Foundation 1996. Since 1997, the foundation has provided more than $180 million in grants to help Elgin and communities across the state.

Grand Victoria Foundation empowers communities to ensure Illinois is a great place to live and work. Its five focus areas are the economy, education, Elgin, environment, and engagement. The foundation's vision is for a strong, livable, and equitable Illinois, where every resident can thrive. Grand Victoria Foundation has partnered with ECC and the ECC Foundation to advance important work in education and workforce development.

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Lasting Impact Awards

Carol Gieske

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Carol Gieske is president and CEO of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce. She is a graduate of Elgin Community College and Northern Illinois University. Gieske is on the boards of Alignment Collaborative for Education; City of Elgin Parks and Recreation Foundation; Elgin Community College Foundation; and Fox West Philanthropy Network. Recently she has served on the Illinois Comptroller's Women's Advisory Board and Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth's Advisory Committee on Small Business. She is a member of the women's professional organization WIM Fox Valley and has served in many First United Methodist Church capacities.

As a lifelong resident of Elgin, Gieske has selflessly given back to her community through her leadership, volunteer commitments, and professional collaborations. For over 20 years, she has provided strong leadership to the United Way of Elgin and served as president for 15 years. Gieske served as president of the Provena Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation. She was also the first female member inducted into the Elgin Noon Rotary Club and served as its president in 2003-2004. She currently chairs the Elgin Advisory Board to the VNA Health Care; and has been an integral part of the Elgin Area Leadership Academy since its inception in 1991.

Gieske honors include Altrusa International Woman of the Year, Elgin YWCA Leader Luncheon Awards—Marie Grolich Award for Social Service, and Beatrice Dorsey Award for Business & Professions; The Business Ledger's Influential Women in Business; and Elgin Community College's Fabulous Fifty and Distinguished Alumni awards. Gieske and her husband, Patrick, have two adult sons, William and John.

 

Jeff Turner

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Jeff Turner is president and co-founder of Dream Foods, including a café and a Kane County food distribution hub in Elgin named the Dream Hub. He has been in the restaurant business since he was 15, starting as a busboy in an Irish pub. Turner studied in the Elgin Community College culinary program. During that time, he held many jobs, including sous-chef at Lake Barrington Hills Golf Club, executive chef at Ron Santo's, and corporate executive chef for Notable Events Catering. Later, he opened a sandwich shop in Elgin named In the Neighborhood Deli, which he ran for ten years.

In 2009, Turner helped plan a Thanksgiving community dinner in Elgin to aid the homeless population. That evolved into six annual events for the entire community, including summer cookouts and dinners for Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The games have grown each year, serving thousands of people. Turner's goal is for everyone to feel welcome to break bread with neighbors, meet new friends, and have a great time.

Turner is the recipient of many awards, including the Harold T. Seigle Community Service Award, Cosmopolitan Club of Elgin Distinguished Service Award, and the Les Lemke award from Club Guadalupano of Elgin. Turner credits his wife, Megan, and his children, Alec and Katie, with giving him the drive to succeed in his culinary and community service pursuits. He is proud to be a family man, run a small business, and give back to his community.

 

Pat Szpekowski

Pat Szpekowski is an accredited public relations professional and president of PR Strategies & Communications in Elgin, an advertising and public relations firm founded in 1987. Szpekowski served on the Elgin Community. College Foundation board for 18 years. An active community volunteer, she is the community leadership board chair of the Amita Health Saint Joseph Hospital-Elgin and current special events chair and past board member of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce. Szpekowski is a member of several boards and organizations, including the Altrusa International Club of Elgin, Fideliter Club of Elgin; the Planning and Zoning Commission of the village of Algonquin; Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce; Northern Illinois Newspaper Association; and WIM Fox Valley.

She is past president of the Suburban Chicagoland Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. Szpekowski's awards include the YWCA Elgin Leader Luncheon Marguerite Henry Award in Communications; Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce Membership Award; Kane County Business Journal LUCI Award for Business Services; the State of Illinois Reaches Out Award for Community Volunteerism; and the National Women in Management Charlotte Danstrom Award for Entrepreneur Service. Szpekowski has received professional awards in the areas of public relations, writing, and creative work, earning first-place honors from the National Federation of Press Women; Illinois Woman's Press Association; Northern Illinois Newspaper Association; and the Catholic Press Association. Szpekowski and her husband, Dan, reside in Algonquin.

2018 Awards & Honors

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Elgin Community College Distinguished Alumni Award

Julie Lichtenberg

AA, AAS-Nursing '80, MSN, MA, RN, FACHE; Julie Lichtenberg came to Elgin Community College just out of high school eager to become a nurse. She earned an Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science in nursing from ECC, setting a foundation to grow in her profession and become a transformational, servant leader in the community where she grew up.

While raising her three children and working full-time, Lichtenberg earned a bachelor's degree and two master's degrees. She graduated from Grand Canyon University with a Master of Science in nursing, Roosevelt University with a Master of Arts in training and development, Judson University with a Bachelor of Arts in leadership and management.

As Director of Patient Engagement for the West Region of Northwestern Medicine, Lichtenberg's influential leadership inspires caregivers to deliver an exceptional healthcare experience. Lichtenberg's numerous recognitions include the 2007 Altrusa International Woman of the Year and the 2000 YWCA Marie Grolich Social Service Leader Award.

Her passion for nursing facilitates new knowledge, research, and evidence-based practice to deliver excellent patient care.As a member of the Elgin Community College Nursing Advisory Board, Lichtenberg has attended annual meetings to collaborate and share best practices with healthcare leaders and board members from surrounding hospitals.

She is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a board-certified nurse executive-advanced. Her professional memberships include the American College of Healthcare Executives, American Nurses Association, and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Lichtenberg has a public spirit that can inspire children, adolescents, and adults to make a difference.

For over a decade, she led the Elgin Caroling and Caring holiday event created as an Elgin Leadership Academy member to collect the underserved clothing. Lichtenberg has educated schoolchildren to help increase self-esteem and supported lead efforts to raise funds for United Way. Lichtenberg has served as a mentor to many professionals, encouraging them to further their nursing careers and pursue advanced degrees.

 

Ron Krivosik, PhD

A 1984 Graduate of ECC's Culinary Arts and Hospitality Program, Chef Ron Krivosik has more than 30 years of experience with Levy Restaurants. Krivosik has overseen the premium dining and general concessions at some of the most exciting venues around the country, including the US Open Tennis Tournament and Barclays Center in New York; Wrigley Field and US Cellular Field in Chicago; American Airlines Arena in Miami; and Churchill Downs in Louisville. Krivosik has also trained and mentored numerous chefs. His community service includes volunteering and supporting local fundraising for Special Olympics and working with underprivileged Chicago school children to promote healthy cooking and snacks. He enjoys speaking to schoolchildren about opportunities in the hospitality business and always encourages them to dream big.

Krivosik has also volunteered his time at a local women's shelter to promote healthy cooking options for women with HIV. Connecting with fellow ECC Culinary Arts Department alumni is a priority for Krivosik, who seeks opportunities to help graduates find success in the hospitality industry. He has been the featured chef at two Visiting Chef Dinners at ECC, spending the day on campus, lecturing, and working with culinary students before leading the preparation of a four-course meal. Krivosik has also invited ECC culinary arts classes to work at his side during event planning and execution at the Kentucky Derby.

Krivosik credits ECC with helping him lay a solid foundation for his career, from learning the fundamentals of cooking to fine dining. Whether menu planning for 250,000 people at a golf tournament or a private party for 25 people in a high-end restaurant, Krivosik says the foundation of technique and taste he received at ECC always serve him well.

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Elgin Community College Friend of Education Award

Polly Nash and Jack Weiss

After retiring from Elgin Community College, Polly Nash and Jack Weiss collaborated on several college projects. To celebrate the college's 60th anniversary, they co-chaired the college-wide committee to write its history. While creating the book, The Community's College: Sixty Years of Elgin Community College, they discovered several thousand undocumented historical college photographs. With the help of college archivist Armando Trejo, they provided basic documentation and uploaded the photos to the Illinois Digital Archives. Recently, the duo focused their efforts on an ECC Oral History Project, recording and preserving people's contributions important to the college's history. Also, they currently co-chair the ECC Foundation's Retiree Advisory Committee. Polly Nash was a dean for several divisions during her 20 years at ECC, including Liberal Arts and Human Services and Business and Corporate Development. In that role, she worked with faculty on teaching, learning, and auxiliary spaces in the Visual and Performing Arts Center and the Culinary Arts Center. Her final position was associate vice president for education and student services.

After retirement, she helped develop the Alliance for College Readiness and helped coordinate the Summer Bridge Program. She has also served as a mentor for the program's Transition Academy. Nash earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from Murray State University in Kentucky and later served on the MSU's Speech Department faculty. She developed a love for community colleges' mission through her work at East Arkansas Community College and Olympic College in Washington State. She came to Elgin Community College in 1985—describing it as ""home at last."" Nash has served on the board of the Renz Addiction Counseling Center and the Elgin Area Childcare Initiative. She is a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in Kane County and a mentor for new advocates in abuse and neglect cases.

Jack Weiss worked in several leadership positions during his 31 years at ECC. His primary administrative role was as dean of learning resources. He was closely involved in introducing technology-based delivery of instruction. Weiss helped ECC obtain funding for the Amnesty program, making ECC the only community college in the country to get formal government approval to serve residents through the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act. He also provided leadership for the Intensive English Language Program. As an officer and founding member of the Northern Illinois Learning Resources Cooperative, Weiss helped ECC partner with leaders at other community colleges to negotiate reduced prices on library materials and supplies also an officer and delegate to the Illinois Council of Community College Administrators. Weiss received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. He earned his doctorate in education from Northern Illinois University. From 1966 to 1968, he and his wife, Anne, served as Peace Corps teachers. Weiss is an Army veteran and completed a tour of duty as an infantry platoon sergeant in Vietnam. Weiss' community service includes coaching little league, serving as a Cub Scout leader, and creating a not-for-profit organization to teach violin instruction.

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Exceptional Friend of the Foundation

Carolyn M. Kirk-Likou

"Born in Helena, Arkansas, Carolyn M. Kirk-Likou moved her family to Elgin in 1973 and currently lives in West Dundee. She is married to Manny Likou, and they have five children, seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. A lifelong educator, Kirk-Likou received her BS in business education from the University of Arkansas, and later, her MS in business education from Northern Illinois University. She taught at local high schools until 1979 when she accepted a position in the ECC Office Administration and Technology Department. In 1989, ECC honored her with the Orrin G. Thompson Excellence in Teaching Award. She was a professor at ECC for 19 years and, in 1998, became a professor emeritus. Kirk-Likou was passionate about her students. She received many other recognitions during her teaching career and kept in touch with some of her students.

Kirk-Likou is involved in her church and community, but her passion has been the ECC Foundation. She has served on the foundation board since 2000 and now serves as an emeritus director. She was an original member of the ECC Foundation women's giving circle Purses with Purpose and created the Carolyn Kirk-Likou Scholarship Fund. Among other notable mentions, Kirk-Likou was a third-generation Rotarian; past board member of the Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce; past board chair for the Elgin Chamber of Commerce; past Elgin Senior Services; and past ECC Retired Teachers board member."

 

John "Jack" S. Shales

An Elgin native, John "Jack" S. Shales attended Elgin High School and served as a sergeant in the U. S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. Shales married his high school sweetheart, Marlene, in 1954. Their family has grown to include four children, 14 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Shales and Marlene established an ECC Foundation endowed scholarship 25 years ago in support of ECC nursing students.

Shales established a scholarship in memory of a high school friend, Vic Masi, to support veterans. He was involved in the construction business in Illinois for decades. Shales started with Illinois Hydraulic Construction Company and founded Seagren/Shales Construction Company. He is one of four founders of Elgin-based Shales McNutt, LLC.

Shales has been an active member on numerous boards, including the ECC Foundation Board of Directors, Riverfront Action Committee, United Way of Elgin, Jayne Shover Easter Seal Society, and the Elgin YMCA. Until his passing on January 26, 2018, he served as an emeritus director on the ECC Foundation and the United Way of Elgin boards. Shales McNutt Construction (SMC) is a leading construction management, design-build, and general contracting firm serving northern Illinois. It has provided construction services for ECC projects, including Building K and the ECC Center for Emergency Services in Burlington. The firm has a reputation for experience, integrity, and dedication.

 

The Dumoulin Family

With nearly five decades of commitment to Elgin Community College in the classroom and on the athletic field, Hampshire's Dumoulin family has created an impressive legacy that the college community admired and appreciated. Pat Dumoulin started the family's tradition of distinction at ECC when she began teaching at the college in 1970. She went on to teach statistics, economics, and math classes for 30 years. She often videotaped her lectures and continued that spirit of innovation by developing the ECC online business math course. After graduating from ECC, Bill Dumoulin earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Northern Illinois University while operating the family's hog farm.

The next generation of Dumoulin's followed their parent's educational paths and added athletics to the mix. Mike, Pat, and Mary all earned their associate degrees from ECC, and their spouses, Kam, Lisa, and Bill, attended the college as well. Lisa played on the tennis team. Pat and Mary also played on the college's baseball and volleyball teams, respectively. Pat, following in his mother's footsteps, taught math classes at ECC for 15 years.Ten of the 12 Dumoulin grandchildren who joined the ranks of alumni or current students have played basketball at ECC with many all-conference and all-American honors to their credit and several school records and team championships. Each of the 12 has earned a scholarship from the ECC Foundation.

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Lasting Impact Awards

Brett & Carl Lundstrom

Carl Lundstrom earned his Bachelor of Science in finance from the University of Illinois and is a chartered property casualty underwriter (CPCU) with the American Institute of Property and Liability Underwriters. Lundstrom's successful career has seen him serve as CEO of Lundstrom Insurance, and as a director at FNW Bancorp, First National Bank of Elgin, Westfield Bank, and Duraco Products. He is a member of the Elgin Rotary Club and served as president in 1983. Lundstrom has also contributed his experience and expertise as a board of directors for Riverwoods Christian Center, Oak Crest Residence, and Kids Around the world. A perennial supporter of Elgin Community College, Lundstrom has generously volunteered his time and resources for decades. He was on the District 509 Board of Trustees for five years and served as chair in 1985. Also, Lundstrom and his family's business have been long-time supporters of the ECC Foundation, providing sponsorships for events and financial support for the many students who receive scholarships to continue their academic pursuits. Being active in the community is a cornerstone of Lundstrom's life. He is an involved member of the Sanibel Community Church in Sanibel, Florida, and Calvary Community Church in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. Lundstrom has been married to his wife, Kay, for 57 years. He has two children, Brett and Kristin.

 

Ellie Peirce Mackinney

"Eleanor 'Ellie' Peirce Mackinney, of Hampshire, is a retired businesswoman, administrator, and career and technical education curriculum coordinator for School District U-46. Her roots in education also include many years of teaching elementary, middle, and high school, after which she dedicated herself to higher education leadership. Mackinney served on the ECC Board of Trustees from 1999 to 2017. Following two consecutive terms as vice-chair from 2001 to 2003, she was board chair from 2003 to 2005 and 2009 to 2011. She remains an active member of the Illinois Community College Trustee Association, has served as the Diversity Committee regional chair, and is the recipient of three trustee education awards.

Additionally, Mackinney has served as an associate member of the Association of Community College Trustees Diversity Committee. A lifelong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, she is also a scholarship advocate and fundraiser for underrepresented and diverse students throughout the District 509 community. Mackinney is a founding member of the Hamilton Wings Board of Directors, an arts-based program promoting leadership development and academic readiness for socially and/or economically challenged children. Mackinney holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, a Master of Arts degree from Governors State University, and a Certificate of Advanced Study from National Louis University. She also belongs to several states and national educational organizations."

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Illinois Business Education Association Post-secondary Teacher of the Year

Heidi Eaton, Professor I of Digital Technologies

Heidi Eaton is the 2017 Illinois Business Education Association (IBEA) Post-Secondary Teacher of the Year Award. This prestigious award recognizes business educators who have recently provided or are currently providing significant contributions to business education in Illinois. Award recipients are determined by an awards selection committee and honored at the annual fall conference. Eaton has served in numerous capacities at her institutions, community, and state level.

Previously, she was IBEA president and chair of both the conference and registration committees. She has worked at ECC since 2003, where she teaches both office administration technology and computer science classes within the Digital Technologies Department. Besides having been the department's instructional coordinator for many years, Eaton serves on faculty development, distance learning, and tenure committees and created an adjunct faculty orientation training program.

She is currently one of the faculty advisors for SkillsUSA, a national organization serving teachers and students preparing for careers in technical, skilled, and service occupations—including health occupations. The IBEA is a professional organization whose members represent educational institutions throughout Illinois. Since its formation in the mid-1930s, IBEA (formerly known as the Illinois Commercial Education Association) has promoted the study, development, and teaching of business and vocational education in all educational and business settings.