2023

ECC art students Wanchay Itmis and Tiffany Lu stand in a newly renovated room in Building H at Elgin Community College where equipment is being moved back in

Academics | Accomplishment | Announcement

Published 12/21/2023

ECC provides art students the opportunity to thrive with new and updated facilities

Elgin Community College is nearing the completion of a yearlong renovation project of the college’s art and design, performing arts, and music production classrooms. The updated modern spaces in ECC’s Building H will help students thrive with state-of-the-art technology and equipment.

An Elgin Community College Foundation scholarship recipient

Announcement | Foundation

Published 12/21/2023

The ECC Foundation launches $3 million ‘Bright Futures’ campaign to support students

The Elgin Community College Foundation launched its student-centered Bright Futures campaign to help more students achieve their dreams. With an end goal of $3 million, the Bright Futures campaign will help ensure students’ success and strengthen the region’s workforce.

Graduates at the spring 2023 commencement ceremony at Elgin Community College

Accomplishment | Commencement | Events

Published 12/04/2023

ECC’s Fall 2023 commencement ceremonies take place on December 16

Elgin Community College will recognize the fall Class of 2023 with December commencement ceremonies. Two ceremonies will celebrate students earning their associate degrees and career certificates.

A culinary arts & hospitality course at ECC

Academics | Announcement

Published 11/27/2023

ECC’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality Department partners with Roosevelt University

Elgin Community College’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality Department is partnering with Roosevelt University to provide culinary arts & hospitality students the option to apply directly to Roosevelt University to continue their education in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism management.

NCMPR 2023

Accomplishment

Published 11/22/2023

ECC earns 14 awards from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations

Elgin Community College’s Marketing and Communications team received more than a dozen awards at the 2023 National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) District 3 Conference, October 4-6, in St. Louis, Missouri, for excellence in print design, digital, video, photography, and communications.

Top row from left to right: Sarah Buzzelli, academic advisor; Wendy Chen, grant manager for the recovery support specialist program; Chris Cunningham, instructor of mathematics. Bottom row from left to right: Juan Fernandez, director of art and design; Sean Jensen, assistant dean of college in high school programs; and Joshua Thusat, associate professor of English.

Accomplishment

Published 11/13/2023

ECC announces 2024 NISOD Award winners

Elgin Community College selects six employees to receive the 2024 National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Awards. The award recognizes outstanding faculty, staff, and administrators of community and technical colleges.

Energy Management class at Elgin Community College

Accomplishment

Published 10/31/2023

ECC named again as one of 150 community colleges eligible for 2025 Aspen Prize

The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program named Elgin Community College as one of the 150 institutions eligible to compete for the 2025 $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation's signature recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges.

Nobuntu

Arts Center | Events

Published 10/17/2023

Acclaimed female acapella group brings Zimbabwean music and culture to ECC

The Elgin Community College Arts Center presents the all-women acapella quartet Nobuntu on Saturday, October 28, at 7 pm, in the Blizzard Theatre on ECC’s Spartan Drive Campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, Ill.

Pat Hazell performing

Arts Center | Events

Published 10/11/2023

The ECC Arts Center presents “The Wonder Bread Years” with Pat Hazell on October 14

The Elgin Community College Arts Center presents a fresh and funny salute to Americana, “The Wonder Break Years,” on October 14 at 7 pm in the Blizzard Theatre at ECC’s Spartan Drive Campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, Ill.

ECC students converse with David Zacker, PhD, professor of humanities

Academics | Accomplishment | Announcement

Published 10/03/2023

ECC’s enrollment continues to climb

Elgin Community College’s reported fall enrollment reflects a 7.8% increase over the previous fall, with 9,614 students enrolled as of the 10th day of the fall semester. Total enrollment for the semester will surpass 9,800 students after the late fall start dates for 12- and 8-week courses.

The ECC theatre department put on a short performance from the 2023 spring production of

Foundation

Published 10/03/2023

The ECC Foundation Gala “Dare to Dream” celebrates community and supports students

The Elgin Community College Foundation’s 2023 Gala: Dare to Dream, presented by OTTO, celebrated ECC students with a night of entertainment and fundraising of more than $115,000 for student scholarships and mini-grants.

Rising Tide: The Crossroads Project

Arts Center | Events

Published 09/28/2023

Rising Tide: The Crossroads Project performs at the ECC Arts Center on October 6

The Elgin Community College Arts Center presents Rising Tide: The Crossroads Project on October 6 at 7:30 pm, in Building H, on ECC’s main campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, Ill.

The ECC Observer

Academics | Accomplishment | Student Profile

Published 09/27/2023

ECC student journalists named finalists for national awards

Elgin Community College’s student news publication, The Observer, is a finalist for five national awards: Two Pacemaker Awards from the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP) and three Pinnacle Awards from the College Media Association (CMA).

ECC fire academy students train at the ECC Center for Emergency Services

Academics | Events

Published 09/20/2023

Explore careers and touch a truck at major open-house event

The Elgin Community College Center for Emergency Services is hosting a community open house on Saturday, October 14, at 815 E. Plank Rd., Burlington, Ill.

ECC adult basic education program students

Academics | Accomplishment

Published 09/20/2023

Adult Education enrollment soars at Elgin Community College

During National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, which runs from September 18 through 22, Elgin Community College celebrates the enrollment increase in its adult education programs for the fall semester. Enrollment totals surpassed the fall 2022 numbers for English as a Second Language (ESL) and adult basic and secondary education classes (ABE/ASE).

College Night 2022

Events | Student Resources

Published 09/13/2023

ECC invites students and families to its annual College Night on October 3

Representatives from more than 100 colleges and universities will be at Elgin Community College on Tuesday, October 3, to help students and families explore their options. This free event runs from 6 to 8 pm in Building J, Events Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.

Elgin Community College President David Sam, PhD, JD, LLM and Southern Illinois University Chancellor Austin A. Lane, EdD

Announcement | Events | Student Resources

Published 09/12/2023

Elgin Community College joins Saluki Step Ahead, setting students up for success

Elgin Community College is partnering with Southern Illinois University (SIU) through their Saluki Step Ahead program, which allows ECC students to apply to SIU early, secure a predetermined degree track, and complete a bachelor's degree all at a lower cost.

At ECC, Veteran graduates are recognized with a red, white, and blue cord. SALUTE members also receive a white stole.

Accomplishment | Announcement

Published 09/06/2023

ECC named a 2023-24 Military Friendly® School

Elgin Community College has earned a 2023-24 Military Friendly Schools Silver Designation and a 2023-24 Military Friendly Spouse School Designation by VIQTORY, whose Military Friendly Schools list provides a comprehensive guide for veterans and their families to find the right school to match their needs and preferences.

The Center for Civic Engagement presents a Women in Politics panel on September 19.

Events

Published 09/06/2023

ECC’s Center for Civic Engagement welcomes elected officials for Women in Politics event

Elgin Community College's new Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) mission is to foster engaged civic leaders on campus and create a culture of civic engagement in the community. The center is hosting its first Women in Politics event on Tuesday, September 19, at ECC’s Spartan Drive campus.

The Wooten Brothers

Arts Center

Published 08/25/2023

Welcome to the show: The ECC Arts Center opens the curtain on new season

The Elgin Community College Arts Center is gearing up for the fall 2023-24 season, filled with diverse performances for the college and community. The season starts with Jim Witter, back for the second time to perform songs from the 60s and the music of Simon and Garfunkel.

ECC students

Announcement | Student Resources

Published 08/02/2023

There’s still time to register for fall classes at ECC

Registration for fall credit classes is underway at Elgin Community College and will continue until the semester starts on August 21. College staff are ready and available to help new students through the application and enrollment process.

ECC baseball player and alum Erik Teran

Accomplishment | Alumni Profile

Published 07/31/2023

ECC baseball player and alum named to NJCAA Gold Glove Team

The 2023 NJCAA Division II All-North Central District/Region 4 Rawlings Gold Glove Team named Elgin Community College's Erik Teran II Gold Glove First Baseman. The Gold Glove goes to the top position player with the best fielding percentage in their respective position in the Region.

Four ECC students on colored backgrounds.

Announcement

Published 07/24/2023

ECC launches new ‘You’ll Fit Right In’ campaign for students

Elgin Community College launched its new campaign, “You’ll Fit Right In,” which brings together ECC’s mission and guiding philosophies of equity, diversity, and inclusion. The message highlights the importance of fostering a sense of belonging and community at the college.

From left to right: LaTasha DeHaan, PhD, assistant professor of political science; ECC students Giselle Miranda and Dayana Bagdo; and Antonio Ramirez, PhD, associate professor of history.

Academics | Accomplishment | Announcement

Published 07/20/2023

Center for Civic Engagement launches this fall at Elgin Community College

Starting this fall, Elgin Community College students can apply to be Civic Leaders with the new Center for Civic Engagement (CCE), which will be a regional hub for training civic leaders, political education, and promoting democracy.

David Sam, PhD, JD, LLM, president of Elgin Community College and the Marketing and Communications Department

Accomplishment

Published 07/19/2023

ECC President wins National Pacesetter Award, highlighting awards by ECC marketing team

Earlier this year, the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) recognized Elgin Community College President David Sam, PhD, JD, LLM, with the National Pacesetter Award.

A respiratory care therapist treats a patient

Academics

Published 06/29/2023

New ECC program breathes life into the community

Elgin Community College’s newest health professions program, Respiratory Care, focuses on helping people breathe easier. Starting in the fall of 2024, the new program will train students as respiratory therapists and prepare them to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree.

Spring 2023 graduate Dana Cornwell

Accomplishment

Published 06/29/2023

Dana Cornwell receives 2023 Dr. David Sam Award from Elmhurst University

Elmhurst University selected Elgin Community College graduate Dana Cornwell of Algonquin as the 2023 Dr. David Sam Award winner. Cornwell receives a $3,000 scholarship and is eligible for transfer scholarships from Elmhurst.

Mary Hatch, retired LVPA dean; EYSO Artistic Director Matthew Sheppard; Mary Perkins, dean of LVPA; Patrick Parks, District 509 trustee; Cindy Gaspardo, manager of performing arts. Photo credit: Jen Pierce / On Your Mark Photography

Accomplishment | Arts Center

Published 06/22/2023

ECC receives Legends Award from Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra

The Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra bestowed its inaugural Legends Award to the Elgin Community College to recognize the decades-long partnership between the organizations.

ECC student-athlete Audrey Kellner

Announcement

Published 06/20/2023

Thirty-nine ECC student-athletes earn Academic All-Conference Honors

The Elgin Community College athletic programs had 39 student-athletes earn Academic All-Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference (ISCC) honors for the 2022-23 academic year.

From left to right: Juan Fernandez, director of art and design; ECC art students Yttzel Galia Serrato, Julian Garcia, and Anya Alfante; Mary Perkins, dean of liberal, visual, and performing arts; ECC art student Josh Selvig; and Amy Brandolino, professor of art history

Academics | Accomplishment | Student Profile

Published 06/12/2023

ECC art students use their VOICES to create a uniquely personal exhibition

During the spring 2023 semester, four students from Elgin Community College’s art independent study class developed a concept and created individually compelling art installations in the E. Max Von Isser Gallery, located between Building B and Building C at ECC’s Spartan Drive Campus.

Dual credit student from St. Charles District 303 graduates from ECC and her high school

Academics | Accomplishment | Announcement

Published 06/08/2023

The NACEP grants accreditation to ECC’s dual credit enrollment program

Elgin Community College has earned accreditation for its dual enrollment program. Through the Accreditation Commission of the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP), ECC is only the second college in Illinois to receive the recognition. NACEP is the nation’s only accrediting body for these unique and impactful educational partnerships.

Project Backpack

Events | Student Resources

Published 05/31/2023

ECC’s Project Backpack provides supplies to local students

Elgin Community College and its partners are preparing for Project Backpack, a community-based initiative to benefit area students in need from school districts U-46, CUSD 300, CSD 301, CUSD 303, D20, or ECC District 509. The committee is coordinating backpacks, school supplies, and/or resources for students in need this fall.

ECC students and SkillsUSA 2023 Welding Fabrication team Joshua Palmer, Meralia Gomez, and Colin Dameron

Academics | Accomplishment

Published 05/30/2023

ECC students place at SkillsUSA Illinois State Championship

Elgin Community College career and technical students traveled to Peoria, Illinois, to compete in the SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference on April 29-30.

Patrick Parks and Patricia Arroyo, newly elected ECC trustees.

Announcement | Board of Trustees

Published 05/15/2023

ECC welcomes new District 509 trustees

The Community College District 509 Board of Trustees seated two new members alongside two reelected members at the special board meeting on Monday, May 1, 2023. Board leadership was elected at the May 9, 2023, regular meeting.

ECC student at a commencement ceremony

Commencement

Published 05/09/2023

ECC’s Spring 2023 commencement ceremonies take place on May 20

Elgin Community College recognizes the spring Class of 2023 with May commencement ceremonies. Three ceremonies will celebrate students earning their State of Illinois High School Diploma, associate degree, or career certificate.

ECC's kids college class

Academics

Published 05/08/2023

ECC Kids’ College brings ballet, videography, and firefighting

Elgin Community College’s summer Kids’ College returns in June with back-by-popular-demand classes and several new ones. Children ages 5 to 16 can find something that sparks their interest and feeds their passion at elgin.edu/kidscollege.

Student trustee Ryan Kolbusz and student body president Victor Senese

Academics | Accomplishment | Student Profile

Published 05/02/2023

Student leadership set for the 2023-24 academic year

Five student leaders will represent the students of Elgin Community College for the 2023-24 academic year. Ryan Kolbusz, South Elgin, was elected as the District 509 Board of Trustees student trustee.

Anthony Ramos, EdD, ECC’s executive director of equity, diversity, and inclusion (center) with NADOHE President Paulette Granberry Russell and Interim Awards Chair James Felton III. Photo credit: Tim Trumble for NADOHE

Accomplishment

Published 04/28/2023

ECC wins national award for excellence in diversity efforts

Elgin Community College receives the 2023 Inclusive Excellence Award from the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE). ECC won the Institutional Excellence Award for a two-year institution. The winners were announced during the NADOHE Annual Conference in Baltimore, Maryland.

ECC forensics team members Aleah Janae, Hannah Carpenter, and Damian Hacz

Accomplishment | Events

Published 04/26/2023

ECC forensics team wins big at Phi Rho Pi National tournament

The Elgin Community College Forensics Team showed the nation what they could do during the Phi Rho Pi National Tournament in Bethesda, Maryland. Phi Rho Pi Nationals is the final tournament of their competitive season, with over 50 schools competing.

Heather Martin, DeD, assistant dean of the Center for the Enhancement of Teaching, Assessment, and Learning

Accomplishment | Administrator Profile

Published 04/24/2023

ECC’s Heather Martin named COABE 2023 State Advocate for Adult Education Fellow

Heather Martin, DeD, assistant dean of the Center for the Enhancement of Teaching, Assessment, and Learning at Elgin Community College, is the 2023 Illinois representative for the Coalition On Adult Basic Education (COABE)’s State Advocate for Adult Education Fellowship (SAAEF).

ECC Physical Therapist Assistant student Natalia Martinez

Academics | Accomplishment | Student Profile

Published 04/20/2023

ECC student Natalia Martinez earns IPTF Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Scholarship

The Illinois Physical Therapy Foundation (IPTF) granted Elgin Community College physical therapist assistant program student Natalia Martinez the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Scholarship. The IPTF, along with the Illinois Physical Therapist Association (IPTA), provides the DEI scholarship to recognize the importance of promoting greater diversity within the physical therapy profession to better serve the residents of Illinois and its members.

ECC culinary student AJ Thomsen

Academics | Student Profile

Published 04/14/2023

ECC culinary arts students participate in annual Fisher Nuts scholarship recipe contest

Eight Elgin Community College culinary students competed for scholarship prizes in the annual Fisher Nuts Recipe Competition on Wednesday, April 12, at the college’s Spartan Terrace Restaurant.

From left to right: Frank Cassara, instructor of HVAC; Soma Chattopadhyay, PhD, assistant professor of engineering; and Christopher Purdy, instructor of mathematics

Accomplishment | Faculty Profile

Published 03/24/2023

ECC board grants tenure to three faculty members

At the March 14, 2023, board meeting, the Community College District 509 Board of Trustees accepted the recommendation by the Elgin Community College administration to grant tenure to three ECC full-time faculty.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi presents check to Elgin Community College Board of Trustees and President David Sam, PhD, JD, LLM

Announcement | Board of Trustees | Events

Published 03/21/2023

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi presents ECC with $936,000 for new program

Elgin Community College’s new manufacturing center got a boost in funding on Thursday as Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi presented the college with $936,000 in federal funding for the mechatronics and automation program, one of several new programs to be housed in the $55 million-dollar facility planned for 2024.

Members of the ECC student newspaper, The Observer

Academics | Accomplishment

Published 03/20/2023

ECC student journalists win national honor

The Elgin Community College student newspaper, the Observer, won first place for its digital newsletter, two-year school category, at the 2023 ACP Spring College National Media Conference in San Francisco.

ECC Students

Events

Published 03/08/2023

Community invited to ‘Experience ECC’ at April 5 event

On Wednesday, April 5, Elgin Community College is hosting its annual Experience ECC event at the Spartan Drive Campus from 6 to 8 pm. This event will allow community members and prospective students to learn about ECC’s 130+ degree and certificate programs.

ECC student

Accomplishment

Published 02/27/2023

Double-digit increase in ECC’s enrollment continues into the spring semester

Elgin Community College’s spring enrollment of more than 8,800 students, tabulated on the 10th day of the semester, reflects a 15.1% increase over spring 2022. Enrollment numbers continue to increase because of late-start spring registrations for 12- and eight-week sessions.

Sharla Suggs, instructor of truck driving and ECC alum, trains a student

Academics

Published 02/23/2023

ECC’s SBCT division expands truck driving program

Truck driving students can get trained and on the road faster with Elgin Community College’s new 8-week CDL program. Students interested in a career behind the wheel can enroll in this new accelerated session, which provides the same comprehensive training, smaller class sizes, and behind-the-wheel training with experienced, dedicated instructors as the 16-week program.

Lisa Rock of the tribute band

Arts Center | Events

Published 02/09/2023

The ECC Arts Center presents “Close To You: The Music of the Carpenters” on Feb 11

The Elgin Community College Arts Center will host the longest-running Carpenters Tribute band in North America on Saturday, February 11, at 7 pm in Building H on Elgin Community College’s Spartan Drive Campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. The tribute band consists of Lisa Rock and her six-piece backing band honoring the legacy of Karen Carpenter, half of the brother and sister duo of The Carpenters.

Apollo's Fountain in the gardens at Chateau de Versailles; photo taken by Travis Linville, professor of photography at Elgin Community College

Accomplishment | Faculty Profile

Published 01/31/2023

Four ECC faculty members heading abroad this summer

Four Elgin Community College faculty members will lead summer study-abroad experiences through the Illinois Consortium for International Studies and Programs (ICISP). Students from all ICISP-member institutions, including ECC, can apply for these experiences.

Black History Month 2023: Resistance Through Black Excellence

Events

Published 01/31/2023

Black History Month 2023: Resistance Through Black Excellence

Elgin Community College is celebrating Black History Month through the 2023 theme Resistance Through Black Excellence with in-person events. Join ECC this year in honoring BHM with peer and employee networking and critical conversations through formal discussions, creative outlets, and community gatherings.

ECC students in a music production class

Academics

Published 01/18/2023

ECC expands options for students seeking music production careers

Elgin Community College now offers an Associate of Fine Arts in music production, allowing students to develop the skills necessary to record and produce music professionally. This degree allows ECC students to pursue a Basic Vocational certificate in music production or a full associate degree.