ECC In the News
News Releases
/prod01/cdn-pxl-elginedu-prod/media/website/shared-media/images/Meg-resized.jpg)
Author Meg Bucaro Closes Out Women’s History Month at Elgin Community College
Throughout March, Elgin Community College (ECC) has held many different events, activities, and discussions in honor of Women’s History Month. To conclude the monthlong celebration, Meg Bucaro, author of “Put Your Big Girl Pants On….And Other Power Moves,” came to share key insights into her book, share personal stories about what drove her to write it, and answer questions.
/prod01/cdn-pxl-elginedu-prod/media/elginedu/news-and-events/ecc-in-the-news/peggy-heinrich.jpg)
ECC Celebrates Peggy Heinrich, EdD, as Ninth President
On March 19, 2025, Elgin Community College (ECC) hosted a reception to welcome Dr. Peggy Heinrich as the ninth president officially. Dr. Heinrich, who has dedicated 18 years to ECC, ascended from roles including associate dean, dean, vice president, and interim president to her permanent appointment.
/prod01/cdn-pxl-elginedu-prod/media/elginedu/news-and-events/ecc-in-the-news/zach-laidlaw.jpg)
ECC Hosts Internationally Renowned Chef and Alumni Zach Laidlaw for Live Culinary Demo
Elgin Community College (ECC) hosted a live culinary demonstration by internationally acclaimed chef Zach Laidlaw on March 20, 2025, offering students an opportunity to learn from a top finalist on Next Level Chef season 3.
/prod01/cdn-pxl-elginedu-prod/media/elginedu/news-and-events/ecc-in-the-news/original/Experience-ECC-800X500.jpg)
‘Experience ECC’ through campus tours and open house
Elgin Community College (ECC) is hosting its annual Experience ECC open house. This free event will allow community members and prospective students to learn about ECC’s degree and certificate programs. Attendees will connect with faculty members and explore programs, dive into tours based on their interests, and learn about getting involved on campus.
/prod01/cdn-pxl-elginedu-prod/media/elginedu/news-and-events/ecc-in-the-news/original/Seigle-Scholar-Reception-800X500.jpg)
Applications Now Open for New Seigle Scholar Program at Elgin Community College
For the second year, the new Seigle Scholar Program at Elgin Community College (ECC) is accepting applications from high school seniors and first-year college students. This marks the first full-ride scholarship opportunity available through the ECC Foundation for prospective and current ECC students.
/prod01/cdn-pxl-elginedu-prod/media/elginedu/news-and-events/ecc-in-the-news/original/A-More-humane-mikado-800X500.jpg)
Famous Operetta ‘The Mikado’ Celebrates 140 Years at the ECC Arts Center on March 14
The Elgin Community College (ECC) Arts Center and the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players (NYGASP) will celebrate the 140th anniversary of one of the most famous operettas of all time, “The Mikado,” on Friday, March 14, at 7:30 pm.
/prod01/cdn-pxl-elginedu-prod/media/elginedu/news-and-events/ecc-in-the-news/original/Students-800X500.jpg)
UMGC Signs Transfer Agreement with ECC, Increasing Access to Bachelor's Degree Programs
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), a national leader in offering workforce relevant online academic programs, and Elgin Community College (ECC), a two-year institution frequently recognized by The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, have announced a new transfer agreement.
/prod01/cdn-pxl-elginedu-prod/media/elginedu/news-and-events/ecc-in-the-news/original/WHM-800X500.jpg)
'Glow Up' at ECC's Health and Wellness Fair Honoring Women's History Month
Elgin Community College (ECC) is celebrating Women’s History Month with events, discussions, and activities throughout March. The first event on Thursday, March 6, “Glow Up Health and Wellness Fair,” is dedicated to health, wellness, and self-care.
ECC Stories
/prod01/cdn-pxl-elginedu-prod/media/website/shared-media/images/Seiglescholars.jpg)
Why You Should Apply for an ECC Foundation Scholarship
College can be expensive, but scholarships through the ECC Foundation can help make it more affordable. Many students overlook these valuable opportunities, assuming they won’t qualify or that the application process is too difficult. However, applying for scholarships is one of the smartest steps you can take toward funding your education. Here’s why you should apply—and how to do it.
/prod01/cdn-pxl-elginedu-prod/media/elginedu/news-and-events/featured/Story-4.jpg)
Financial Aid Comes in Many Forms
Over 50% of ECC students receive some form of financial aid to help cover the cost of college. Keith Schwartz, ECC’s director of financial aid and scholarships, says the first step is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Schwartz and his team assist students one-on one and connected them to more than $16 million in financial aid last year.
/prod01/cdn-pxl-elginedu-prod/media/elginedu/news-and-events/featured/Cascio-Vinny-Story-1.jpg)
Staff Spotlight: Vinny Cascio
Vinny Cascio, an accomplished higher education leader, is proud to serve as director of TRiO Student Support Services/ESL at Elgin Community College.