2021
Under the Streetlamp Alumni return to the ECC Arts Center on Dec. 18 and 19
Elgin Community College Arts Center presents “Jingle Bell Rock” with nationally recognized performers Michael Ingersoll and Christopher Kale Jones on Saturday, December 18 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 19 at 3 p.m. The performances will be in the Blizzard Theater located in Building H on the Spartan Drive Campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.
College and career readiness workshops offered for area high-school students and families
Elgin Community College’s College Transitions Department will be holding a College and Career Readiness (CCR) workshop tomorrow and during the spring semester. Trainings are free and open to anyone interested. District 509 students, parents, and guardians are encouraged to participate.
ECC’s fall virtual commencement ceremony is December 18
Elgin Community College will hold two virtual commencement ceremonies for the fall 2021 graduating class on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021. Both ceremonies will stream at youtube.com/ElginSpartans. Students are assigned to the graduation ceremony based on the credential(s) earned.
ECC joins SHIELD Illinois in expanded community COVID-19 testing day on Nov. 23
Elgin Community College will be participating in the SHIELD Illinois Thanksgiving Community COVID-19 screening on Tuesday, November 23 from 3 – 8 p.m. at its main campus located at 1700 Spartan Dr., Elgin, Ill. ECC is joining SHIELD Illinois alongside nine other colleges and high schools in providing free COVID-19 testing.
ECC hosts in-person adult education information session on Dec. 1
Elgin Community College will hold an adult student information session on Wednesday, Dec. 1, from 6 - 7:00 p.m. in Building G, Spartan Auditorium, Room G100, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Adults who are considering returning to school or enrolling in college for the first time are invited to attend this free event.
Black Lives Matter series at ECC explores critical race theory
Elgin Community College’s Multicultural and Global Initiatives Committee (MAGIC) presents Part 8 of the series, “Black Lives Matter,” on Tuesday, November 30, at 2 pm. The discussion will take place via Zoom and is open to the public to attend. The link to join is https://bit.ly/31ze4tJ.
ECC Arts Center presents “Baltimore” on Nov. 19 through 21
Elgin Community College Theatre’s production of “Baltimore” by playwright Kirsten Greenidge and directed by Susan A. Robinson, ECC Theatre Instructor and Program Coordinator, runs at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 19 and Saturday, November 20. On Sunday, November 21, the performance will run at 3 p.m.
ECC announces 2022 NISOD Award winners
Five Elgin Community College employees have been selected to receive the 2022 National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Awards. The award recognizes outstanding faculty, staff, and administrators of community and technical colleges.
ECC celebrates International Education Week with virtual and in-person events
Each fall, Elgin Community College celebrates International Week, a showcase of the cultures, history, food, and more of ECC’s international students, faculty, and staff. This year, ECC’s International Education Week will take place both in-person and virtually from November 15 to 19, with daily events and activities for all to enjoy.
My Future Starts Now: ECC Spring 2022 Registration Now Open
Registration for spring credit classes is underway at Elgin Community College and will continue until classes start on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. Continuing students can register for classes at elgin.edu/accessecc.
ECC student-athletes earn All-Region and All-Conference honors
Eight student-athletes from Elgin Community College have been granted National Junior College Athletic Associate (NJCAA) and Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference (ISCC) All-Region and All-Conference honors and honorable mentions for their performance in their fall season.
ECC board grants tenure to nine faculty members
At the October 19, 2021 board meeting, the Community College District 509 Board of Trustees accepted the recommendation by the Elgin Community College administration to grant tenure to nine ECC full-time faculty.
ECC named again as one of 150 U.S. Community College Eligible for 2023 Asen Prize
The Aspen Institute named Elgin Community College one of the 150 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation's signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America's community colleges. Awarded every two years since 2011, this is the fourth time ECC has been recognized as a top 150 college.
ECC hosts second Bill Pelz Global Speaker Series on Nov. 16
Elgin Community College will host a second Bill Pelz Global Speaker series titled “Afghanistan, ‘The Graveyard of Empires’: Lessons Learned?” on Tuesday, November 16, from 2 pm to 3:30 pm, as part of ECC’s International Education Week activities. This event is free and open to the public. Join via Zoom at https://bit.ly/InternationalWeekDiscussion Passcode: 455706.
New student success coaching program at ECC
Elgin Community College now offers a new Student Success Coaching (SSC) program, providing students with individualized, equitable, high-touch, holistic support. The program's primary goals include increasing course success, course progression, and student retention.
Nov. 11 job fair for healthcare professions openings at ECC
Elgin Community College will host a Healthcare Professions Job fair on Thursday, November 11, from 5 pm to 9 pm in Building A, Atrium. ECC’s health care department is seeking passionate individuals to fill several key administration, faculty, and staff positions.
ECC recognized with 15 Medallion awards from NCMPR District 3 Conference
The Elgin Community College Marketing and Communications team earned top honors at the 2021 National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) District 3 Conference, Oct. 3-5 in Grand Rapids, MI. The NCMPR Medallion Awards recognize outstanding achievement in design and communication in each of NCMPR's seven districts.
ECC graduates gain a $600,000 advantage according to economic impact study
Graduates of Elgin Community College earn nearly $600,000 more over their career than those who did not complete an associate degree or long-term certificate, according to a new study from the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB). The return on investment for a student pursuing their education at ECC is 28 percent, above the statewide average of 26.8 percent.
ECC Foundation welcomes five new directors to its board
The Elgin Community College Foundation recently added five new directors to its board. A five-member executive committee and 16 directors now make up the ECCF board, all of whom are independently elected.
The ECC Foundation Gala “Dare to Dream” tops $100,000 for the ECC Students
Celebrating the spirit of student achievement, the Elgin Community College Foundation’s 2021 Gala Dare to Dream presented by OTTO raised more than $100,000 in support of ECC students, including funding for projects such as emergency assistance for students and mini-grants for innovative projects.
2021 Bill Pelz Global Speaker Series continues conversation on COVID-19
Elgin Community College will host a Bill Pelz Global Speaker Series event titled “COVID-19: From Global Pandemic to Global Endemic?” on Tuesday, Oct. 5, from 2 – 3 p.m. Part of ECC’s International Week activities; this event is free and open to the public. Join via Zoom at bit.ly/BillPelzSeries2021 Passcode: 958222
Learn how to pay for college at Oct. 9 event at ECC
Learn about financial aid and how to pay for college at ECC at Financial Aid 101, a free, virtual event hosted by Elgin Community College on Saturday, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. The event will take place on Zoom. Register at elgin.edu/financialliteracy.
ECC Writers Center Reading Series Present Fall 2021 Line Up
The Writers Center at Elgin Community College will host three authors for the Fall 2021 Reading Series. Due to ongoing social distancing practices, the events will take place virtually. All readings begin at 7:30 p.m.
Somos La Fuerza y Esperanza: Together We Rise – ECC Celebrates Latinx Heritage Month
Elgin Community College’s Latinx Heritage Month (LHM) will include in-person, outdoor celebrations this year, with events built around the 2021 theme “Somos La Fuerza y Esperanza: Together We Rise.” The month’s events begin with the first-ever outdoor Latinx Heritage Month Kick-Off Celebration on Friday, September 17, from 6:30 – 9 p.m. in the green space behind Building C (Renner Academic Library).
ECC holds memorial service in honor of former staff member
Elgin Community College held a memorial service on August 9 honoring Polly Nash, a former ECC staff member who passed away in December 2019. Nash was considered the heart of ECC for more than 20 years, serving as dean of several divisions and acting as the administrative design liaison for the Visual and Performing Art Center (VPAC - Building H) during its construction.
Early-Bird Ticket Price Extended Until Sept. 10 for ECC Foundation Gala
Ticket pricing for the ECC Foundation Gala: Dare to Dream is extended to Friday, Sept. 10. Individual tickets include dinner and drinks.
New state COVID-19 mandates announced by Gov. Pritzker affects higher education employees
Gov. J.B Pritzker announced new statewide mandates that require all educators and staff working pre-K through college, college students, and health care workers to be vaccinated.
ECC’s African American Connection promotes student success and community support
Elgin Community College will hold the fall African American Connection event both in-person and virtually on Thursday, September 2, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Spartan Hub located in Building B. Those wishing to participate virtually can do so via Zoom at tinyurl.com/aafallconnect.
ECC’s Project Backpack is back
Elgin Community College and its partners are preparing for Project Backpack, a community-based initiative to benefit area students in need. Following COVID-19 protocols, there will not be an on-site event, but the committee is coordinating backpacks, school supplies, and/or resources for students in need for fall 2021 from school districts U-46, CUSD 300, CSD 301, CUSD 303, D20, or ECC District 509.
ECC student services offices open for in-person assistance on two Saturdays in August
Extended business hours will be available on campus at Elgin Community College to support students from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 14 and August 21. Offices that will be open include academic advising, admissions, registration, financial aid, student accounts, and first stop.
The ECC Foundation Gala encourages support for students who ‘Dare to Dream'
The Elgin Community College Foundation invites the community to celebrate the achievements of students, faculty, and staff at the ECC Foundation Gala: Dare to Dream event at 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 18, 2021.
ECC to cover tuition for class of 2021 dual credit high school graduates
Elgin Community College President David Sam, PhD, JD, LLM, recently announced that all spring 2021 high school graduates in District 509 who have completed and received credit for any number of ECC's dual credit courses are eligible to have all tuition and fees covered for the 2021-22 academic year. The offer is part of many efforts taken by ECC to ensure that in the wake of the pandemic, financial barriers are removed for residents of District 509.
Update: All ECC employees, students, and visitors must wear masks indoors
Effective immediately, all ECC employees, students, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear masks indoors. With the rise of the Delta variant of COVID-19, Kane County has been designated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as having a “substantial” risk of COVID-19 transmission, even by vaccinated individuals.
ECC sees 27% increase in summer enrollment as excitement builds for fall semester
Elgin Community College is experiencing a significant rise in enrollment for the summer 2021 semester, with a 27.5 percent increase compared to summer 2020. More than 4,300 students are currently enrolled in summer programming at ECC.
ECC Committed to Providing Vaccine Access for Community with a Vaccination Clinic
ECC is helping to increase ease and access to vaccines through upcoming vaccination clinics to be held on July 21 and Aug. 11 (second shot clinic).
ECC student-athletes awarded NJCAA academic honors
Each year the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) honors student-athletes for their academic achievement in maintaining a GPA of 3.6 or higher throughout the year. Elgin Community College is proud to announce that five of its student-athletes have made the 2020-21 NJCAA All-Academic Team for their outstanding commitment and dedication to their studies.
ECC’s athletic program returns to NJCAA Division II Level
The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCCA) and Elgin Community College President David Sam, Ph.D., JD, LLM, and the Board of Trustees approved ECC Athletics to return to Division II. ECC Athletics has been in the Division III level for the past five years, having previously been a Division II level school.
ECC women’s soccer makes program history
For the first time in 12 years, the team won the Regional Championship this past spring, going undefeated in regional play. They then went on to make history and be the first team in their program to compete at the NJCAA Division III National Championship in Newark, New Jersey.
Affordable coding bootcamps offered at ECC aim to close skills gap
To help meet the growing demand and close skills gaps, Elgin Community College is partnering with Promineo Tech to offer coding and data engineering boot camps in July, August, and September 2021.
ECC faculty member and student receive ICCTA awards
The Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) recently honored 2021 Elgin Community College graduate Taylor Vitacco and Professor Timothy Kaar with two prestigious awards. Vitacco and Karr were recognized at a banquet in Springfield, Ill., on Friday, June 4.
$500 in ECC bookstore cash offered to new students now through June 30
Elgin Community College is offering $500 gift cards to the bookstore and ECC merchandise to new students who register for fall 2021 classes between 12:00 am CDT on June 7 and 11:59 pm CDT on June 30, 2021.
ECC Project Backpack continues to help local students, despite pandemic protocols
Elgin Community College and its partners are preparing for Project Backpack, a community-based initiative to benefit area students in need.
ECC discussion series checks in one year later
Elgin Community College’s Multicultural and Global Initiatives Committee (MAGIC) presents Part VII of its “Black Lives Matter” series this month. The community is invited to ‘One Year Later: What Has Changed? What Work Remains?’ on Tuesday, May 25, at 2 pm.
ECC and NIU celebrate first Elementary Education Transfer Pathway graduating class
Elgin Community College and Northern Illinois University hosted a recognition event on May 7 on ECC’s campus to celebrate the first cohort of 15 students who completed the ECC-to-NIU College of Education transfer pathway degree.
ECC Foundation’s annual Golf Classic is back on June 21
Tickets and sponsorships are now available for the 23rd Annual Elgin Community College Foundation Golf Classic on Monday, June 21, at the Elgin Country Club, 2575 Weld Road, Elgin. Golfers of all ages and abilities are invited.
ECC Arts Center presents “These Shining Lives” – a drama with roots close to home
The Elgin Community College Art Center will premier “These Shining Lives” on Saturday, May 15, at 7 p.m. Tickets for the virtual performances are free.
Enjoy student piano showcase American Grands XXVI from anywhere
On Saturday, May 1 at 7 pm, the Elgin Community College Arts Center presents the 2021 American Grands XXVI as a virtual concert.
Registration begins for ECC summer sessions
Registration for summer credit classes at Elgin Community College is underway and will continue until the first day of classes for each summer session beginning on June 7, June 14, and July 12. space permitting.
Family Mariachi Band Cielito Lindo Performs for the ECC Arts Center
The ECC Arts Center presents Cielito Lindo, a family mariachi band, for a free virtual performance on Saturday, April 16, at 7 p.m.
Timothy Kaar and Robert Russ receive 2021 Orrin G. Thompson Teaching Excellence Award
Timothy Kaar, professor of graphic design, and Robert Russ, business unit adjunct faculty, were recently recognized with the 2021 Orrin G. Thompson Teaching Excellence Award from Elgin Community College.
Bill Pelz Global Speaker Series explores international relations in the Biden Era
This webinar, titled “Seismic Shift or Status Quo? U.S. International Relations and Immigration in the Biden Era,” will take a critical look at the first movement on international relations in the new Biden administration.
ECC’s Vobornik Wins National State Advocate for Adult Education Fellowship
Elgin Community College Adjunct Faculty in Adult Education, Erin Vobornik, MA, has been named an inaugural Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) State Advocate for Adult Education Fellow for 2021.
ECC stands with the Asian American Pacific Islander community; condemns acts of violence
We were deeply saddened once again at Elgin Community College last week, as we discussed the most recent incident. ECC is unequivocally steadfast in condemning all acts of violence, hatred, and racism.
ECC hosts April Apprentice and Career Fairs
Elgin Community College's Office of Strategic Partnerships and Experiential Learning will host a virtual Apprentice Fair on Thursday, April 8, from 12 – 2 p.m., followed by a career fair on Friday, April 9. Both fairs are free and open to the public.
ECC Professor Receives Inaugural Elevating Equity Grant
Antonio Ramirez, assistant professor of history and political science at Elgin Community College, was awarded an inaugural Elevating Equity Grant from the Grand Victoria Foundation for his Chicagolandia: Oral Histories of Chicago's Latinx Suburbs project.
Community invited to ‘Experience ECC’ on April 7
District 509 community members interested in attending or learning more about Elgin Community College programs are invited to Experience ECC on Wednesday, April 7.
ECC’s Michelle Kershner receives Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Award
Michelle Kershner, MEd, a professor of mathematics, is a 2021 recipient of the American Association of Community Colleges’ (AACC) Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty award. One of only 23 recipients nationwide, the award recognizes faculty members who make a difference in the community college classroom.
#MakeArtAlways Spring Virtual Series at ECC
The #MakeArtAlways virtual series continues this spring with the first event on Friday, Feb. 1, 2021. Featuring Brazillian jazz guitarist Diego Figueiredo.
Bill Pelz Global Speaker Series returns and explores art in the midst of chaos
"Art Reaction! How Major Crises Inform, Impact, and Inspire Art" explores the fascinating history of art created during Global and national crises–from periods of pandemic, war, and unrest.
ECC Recognizes Fall 2020 Academic Scholars
Together, the President of ECC and the Assistant Vice President of Student Services and Development/Dean of Students recognizes the level of high academic scholarship demonstrated during the semester.
ECC Writers Center Reading Series Present Spring 2021 Line Up
The Writers Center at Elgin Community College will host three authors for the Spring 2021 Reading Series. Due to ongoing social distancing practices, the events will take place virtually. All readings begin at 7:30 p.m.
ECC presents Math and Science STEM Speaker Series
Elgin Community College Health Professions, Math, Science, and Engineering hosted STEM to encourage students to consider coursework and careers in these fields.
ECC discussion series delves into the history of racism in the Midwest
Elgin Community College’s Multicultural and Global Initiatives Committee (MAGIC) presents the next installment of its popular “Black Lives Matter” series in conjunction with Black History Month. Part VI, titled ‘A Historical Perspective,’ is scheduled for Thursday, February 25, at 2 pm.
ECC Partners with Illinois Department of Health for COVID-19 Testing in February
Elgin Community College will host daily COVID-19 testing by the Illinois Department of Health throughout February.
Celebrate Representation, Identity, and Diversity during Black History Month
Elgin Community College's celebration of Black History Month brings the themes of diversity, representation, and family directly to the community with a line-up of virtual presentations, discussions, and interactive events.
Elgin Community College District 509 Bonds Available to Community
Elgin Community College District 509 will issue approximately $92,990,000 in tax-exempt and taxable municipal bonds.
ECC trustees approve tuition freeze and tax relief measures saving taxpayers more than $2
Elgin Community College District 509 Board of Trustees approved measures to freeze tuition rates for the 2021-2022 academic year and provide taxpayer relief for the 2020 tax levy year during its December Board Meetings.
ECC retains Moody’s Aaa credit rating
Elgin Community College maintained its ‘Aaa’ credit rating according to Moody’s Investor Services, the highest rating attainable among municipal entities and one of the few Illinois Community College Districts to achieve the prestigious credit mark.
ECC student services offices special hours for enrollment assistance
Extended business hours will be available at Elgin Community College to support students with enrollment for ECC’s spring semester, which begins Tuesday, Jan. 19. There is still time to register for spring classes. Classes are offered online and a hybrid format that combines online learning and in-person instruction.
ECC Student Services offers weekend hours for enrollment assistance
Extended business hours will be available at Elgin Community College to support students with enrollment for ECC’s spring semester, which begins Tuesday, Jan. 18. There is still time to register for spring classes. Classes are offered online, in-person and in hybrid (online learning and in-person instruction) formats.