1980-1989

In the 1980s, Illinois experienced dynamic industrial growth driven by technological advancements, globalization, and a diversifying economy, contributing to the state's position as a key player in manufacturing and innovation.

Student reviews sheet of film negatives against a light table in the photo lab. — Gallery of Photographic Art dedicated. Start of Telecourse program. In the 1980s, a telecourse program typically referred to televised courses or educational programs that were delivered via television broadcasts. These courses were often part of distance education initiatives and were designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn remotely.

Several people at a table at ECC — North Annex was purchased after being leased in 1969.

College board members wearing hard hats. — The college and the city of Elgin reached a tentative agreement on restoring a building located in downtown Elgin for a second campus. ECC appoints Searle F. Charles, PhD, as the fourth president of the college, beginning December 14, 1982.

Elgin Community College Fountain Square Campus. Shown is the Henrietta entrance, located on the corner of Spring and DuPage Streets. — Fountain Square Campus in downtown Elgin opens for classes—the ECC Board of Trustees votes for the first time to recognize a union representing college faculty voluntarily. Renner Hall, ECC's first official home at 373 East Chicago Street, is torn down.

A staff member leans against a desk with a computer while holding an open book. — College administration established the ECC Foundation as a not-for-profit organization to provide various private financial support to advance ECC academic programs and support services. ECC support staff affiliated with the Illinois Education Association for collective bargaining ECC faculty joins the Illinois Federation of Teachers for purposes of collective bargaining.

Four board members sit at one side of a table; four others stand behind them. — The ECC Board of Trustees votes to establish trustee scholarships to provide financial incentives for in-district students who demonstrate academic or leadership potential.

Area residents voted, by a 3-2 margin, to reject the college's request for an 8-cent increase in the education tax rate. Local voters approve a 6-cent increase in the tax rate for the college's education fund. President Searle Charles announced his retirement, effective September 2, 1987. North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools renews ECC's accreditation for 10 years, the longest accreditation period possible.

1987

ECC names Paul R. Heath, EdD, the fifth president of the college, with duties beginning September 1, 1987. The college enters into a 20-year lease/purchase agreement with the Kane County Public Building Commission to buy ECC's Fountain Square Campus from the city of Elgin.

Touch Tone Phone — Students used touch-tone phones for college registration as part of a phone-in registration system. Touch-tone phones were standard at the time and had replaced rotary dial phones in most households. College hosts its first CareerFest.

Aerial view of two mobile units on the side of Renner Hall. — The first two mobile classrooms were installed at the main campus—the college commissions master plan to resolve chronic space shortage. ECC Foundation completes a $200,000 "Building a Vision" 40th-anniversary enhancement campaign.

Then and Now

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