2020-2024

In the post-COVID college landscape, the 2020s have seen colleges prioritize health safety, integrate technology for flexible learning and student mental health, and emphasize diversity, equity, inclusion, and social responsibility.

A beautiful colorful posters which use great typography, with Inspirational Quote racism and hate have no place here — Elgin Community College's commitment to fostering inclusivity and promoting dialogue on critical social issues is exemplified through the Multicultural and Global Initiatives Committee (MAGIC) endeavors. In a recent series entitled "Black Lives Matter," MAGIC facilitated a thoughtful and informative discussion addressing the pressing issues that weigh heavily on society. This series explored the multifaceted aspects of the movement, highlighting the importance of advancing racial equity and justice for Black Americans. The college aimed to engage its community in meaningful conversations by creating a platform for open dialogue, fostering understanding, empathy, and a collective commitment to dismantling systemic barriers.

ECC police officer and staff member stock dozens of cases of water bottles on a pallet. — Like many other higher education institutions, ECC closed on March 16, 2020, to ensure the safety of students and employees during the global pandemic. The closure aligned with statewide efforts to mitigate the impact of the unprecedented public health crisis. Throughout this period, ECC remained committed to adapting its educational delivery methods, embracing virtual platforms, and implementing safety measures to continue providing accessible and quality education for students and their families during a difficult time.

ECC campus police conducting temperature checks on patrons at the Building A checkpoint. — Offices are open for academic advising, admissions, registration, financial aid, student accounts, and the First Stop. Saturday hours provided incoming and returning ECC students with in-person assistance before classes started in August 2021.

Two students work at a table in the TRiO office. — Two U.S. Department of Education grants will fund Elgin Community College's TRiO Student Support Services (SSS) and Student Support Services/English as a Second Language (SSS/ESL) programs for an additional five years.

ECC nursing student administers vaccine to community member — Elgin Community College actively participated in the collective endeavor to curb the spread of the virus by joining the White House and the U.S. Department of Education's COVID-19 College Vaccination Challenge. As part of this commitment, the college collaborated closely with the Kane County Health Department and the Illinois Department of Public Health to organize and conduct vaccination clinics on the campus. This strategic partnership facilitated convenient and accessible vaccination services to the college community, contributing to the broader community-wide efforts to increase vaccination rates.

A volleyball team clapping on the court — The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and Elgin Community College President David Sam, PhD, JD, LLM, and the Board of Trustees approved ECC Athletics to return to Division II. ECC Athletics has been at the Division III level for the past five years; previously, it was a Division II level school.

A group of soccer players preparing for practice — The ECC team won the Regional Championship for the first time in 12 years, going undefeated in regional play. They then made history, becoming the first team in their program to compete at the NJCAA Division III National Championship in Newark, New Jersey.

Board member speaks to ECC employees at a celebration — Elgin Community College is a semifinalist for the 2023 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, joining an elite group of community colleges from across the country recognized for achieving high, improving, and equitable student outcomes. Being selected as a semifinalist reflects ECC’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and equitable support for every student who walks through our doors.

Students behind a podium speak at the first CURIC research symposium on campus. — CURIC provides a student-centered environment featuring faculty-mentored research and engagement opportunities to help students interested in research get started as undergrads. The program offers workshops, research opportunities, and campus-wide events that help students build confidence, discover academic interests, and prepare for future internships, graduate school, or research careers.

Student in a coat walks across a snowy campus. — The Elgin Community College District 509 Board of Trustees approved the college’s first Indigenous Land Acknowledgment Statement at the December 13, 2022, meeting. The statement was researched and drafted by students in Antonio Ramirez, PhD, professor of history’s new HIS-150, History of Native America, course. It is a formal recognition that acknowledges and respects the Indigenous peoples who have historically inhabited and cared for the land on which an event, institution, or community is located. It is a way to honor and show respect for the Indigenous communities deeply connected to this area within District 509. Today, ECC’s service region covers 360 square miles.

David Sam and community leaders stand in front of the financial wellness center on campus. — KCT Credit Union and ECC opened a branch on campus to offer financial literacy workshops and seminars for ECC students, employees, and community members, providing access to financial information in both English and Spanish. Originally, KCT was chartered to serve teachers of Kane County. Throughout the years, KCT has expanded its reach to encompass the broader community, and today, it provides financial literacy resources and services to its surrounding counties. Did you know? In FY 2024, a full-time ECC student pays $3,180 annually for tuition and fees.

Female politicians speak at a campus women in politics symposium — History professors LaTasha Chaffin DeHaan, PhD, and Antonio Ramirez, PhD, opened the center to foster the skills and experiences Elgin Community College students need to be thoughtful and engaged civic leaders on campus, in their communities, and in our democracy. Scholarships are available to students who serve as civic leaders.

Then and Now

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