2021 - 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. Nash served on several committees and boards and co-authored a 60th-anniversary commemorative history of the college. Her service to the school has been recognized through numerous awards.

A crowd of 100 people attended the memorial, which was held in the VPAC building. The Dean’s Suite in VPAC was named in honor of Nash as the “Polly Nash Memorial Dean’s Suite.” The current resident of the suite is Mary Hatch, Ed.D., Dean of Liberal, Visual, and Performing Arts.

“Polly’s gift was being a great friend and mentor to many staff and students besides all the many college projects she developed. This tribute was for her life well lived, her kindness, generosity, and care for people and the college,” said Wendy Breitmayer, retired director of alternatives/workforce transitions, who helped plan the memorial and spoke in honor of Nash.

The ECC Foundation raised nearly $50,000 in funds through donors, event participation, and former and current staff and administrators. Visitors can find a plaque dedicated to Nash in the VPAC building below the Harry Blizzard plaque.