2000-2009

In the 2000s, Illinois community colleges adapted to the evolving needs of students and focused on technological integration, workforce development, and fostering community engagement.

Five students pose with a wooden award and their medallions in a classroom on campus. — College Programming Board wins national Programming Board of the Year Award. Culinary students win National Culinary Knowledge Bowl. These competitions can cover a range of topics, including cooking techniques, food safety, nutrition, culinary history, and more.

Three faculty members with books in their hands stand between library bookshelves. — The Elgin Community College Faculty Association stages the first strike in the college's history. By a 2-1 margin, voters approve the college's $41 million referendum for new buildings and campus renovations to meet the needs of students and the community through 2020.

Exterior of Industry Training Center with the sidewalk still under construction. — The college celebrates the grand opening of the Industry Training Center (Building O). The college has undergone significant campus development and expansion, including new buildings, facilities, and improvements to enhance the learning environment for students.

Kent Payne, basketball coach, holds up All-Sports trophy. — ECC wins the Skyway Conference All-Sports Trophy for the first time in school history. The award is given to one community college annually for the most points accumulated for men's and women's team play.

Four board members cut a large ribbon that reads "Health & Business Technology Grand Opening" — ECC celebrates the new Health and Business Technology Center's (Building M) grand opening and the Advanced Technology Center's (Building G) reopening.

Six students in culinary uniforms each hold up a plate of food. — The college celebrates the grand opening of the Culinary Arts Center.

exterior photo of Building J the campus events center. — ECC celebrates the grand opening of the Spartan Events Center (Building J). This dazzling venue is the heartbeat of excitement on campus. This state-of-the-art facility, pulsating with energy and equipped to host a myriad of captivating events,

Focus on an empty ECC dugout taken from across the empty baseball field. — The college officially opened a baseball field, named Spartan Field, at the intersection of Spartan Drive and Renner Drive on the Spartan Drive campus. This hallowed ground promises to be a stage for thrilling moments, where the spirit of competition and the love for America's favorite pastime intertwine, creating an electrifying atmosphere.

Michael Shirley sitting on the edge of a desk while holding a book. — District 509 voters rejected the college's request to increase its education fund tax rate by 5 cents. The college purchases 466 Renner Drive at the northwest corner of campus for general use. President Michael Shirley announces his retirement, effective December 31.

David Sam speaking at a podium. — David Sam, PhD, assumes the role of ECC's eighth president on February 12, transitioning from his previous presidency at North Harris College in Houston, Texas. ECC achieved significant milestones during his tenure, including receiving a Bellwether Award for College and Career Student Success. Dr. Sam led ECC to join Achieving the Dream in 2009, earning and maintaining Leader College status from 2012 to 2022, ultimately achieving the prestigious Leader College of Distinction designation. ECC was recognized as an Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence Top 150 Institution five times and ranked among the Top 25 Colleges nationally out of 1,047 community colleges in April 2022, just before his retirement in 2024.

John Duffy and his wife in front of a large banner that reads "Partners on the Pathway to Learning" — ECC celebrates the opening of the extension of Spartan Drive to Randall Road with the official naming of Duffy Drive, a portion of Spartan Drive, in honor of the college's longest-serving trustee, John Duffy, and his family.

Benjamin Franklin On A One Hundred Dollar Bill With American Flag And Gold Bar — ECC Board of Trustees votes to freeze tuition at $91 per credit hour for the 2008-09 academic year, and ultimately the next three academic years, to provide financial assistance to students attending college during the high unemployment and recession years at the end of this decade and the start of the next.

ECC Grand Opening of Renner Library — Formally designated by the US Department of Education as a Hispanic Serving Institution. The college purchases 410 Renner Drive at the northwest corner of campus for general classroom and office space. Voters approve a $178 million bond referendum for the college to build a new academic library and learning center, health careers center, and regional public safety training facilities. The college successfully received re-accreditation from the North Central Association/Higher Learning Commission with additional follow-ups in 2015-16.

A student interviews another student in a colorful Peruvian poncho and knit cap. — Formally designated by the US Department of Education as a Hispanic Serving Institution. The college received re-accreditation from the North Central Association/Higher Learning Commission with additional follow-ups in 2015-16.

Student using 911 call center equipment in the new public safety training center. — Voters approved a $178 million bond referendum for the college to build a new academic library and learning center, health careers center, and regional public safety training facilities. The college successfully received re-accreditation from the North Central Association/Higher Learning Commission with additional follow-ups in 2015-16.

Community members point to a board with renderings of the Renner buildings — The college purchased 410 Renner Drive at the northwest corner of campus for general classroom and office space. In 2009, ECC was designated a Hispanic-serving institution. Also in 2009, Dr. Sam led the College’s efforts to pass a $178 million capital referendum, transforming the campus into a modern state-of-the-art learning environment. Additionally, ECC’s financial stability and sound fiscal management have earned the College the AAA rating from Moody’s Investor Services since 2009

Then and Now

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