ECC Honorees Recognized at 2025 ICCTA Awards Banquet

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Published 07/02/2025
Soma Chattopadhyay, professor of engineering, speaks to students in classroom

Soma Chattopadhyay, professor of engineering, speaks to students in classroom

Elgin Community College (ECC) received top honors at the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) Awards Banquet, held June 6, 2025.

Clare Ollayos, DC, longtime ECC trustee, was presented with Honorary ICCTA Membership and recognized with the 30-Year Trustee Service Award, honoring her decades of dedicated leadership and advocacy on behalf of community college students and institutions.

Soma Chattopadhyay, PhD, assistant professor of engineering, received the Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Member Award, one of the ICCTA’s most prestigious honors. This award celebrates her exceptional teaching, leadership, and unwavering commitment to student success. Chattopadhyay is widely respected for fostering an inclusive and challenging academic environment that empowers students to thrive.

In addition to these honors, several ECC students, faculty, and staff were nominated for statewide recognition in their respective categories:

  • Pacesetter Award Nominee – Cameron Townsend
  • Gigi Campbell Student Trustee Excellence Scholarship Nominee – Jess Heiser
  • Gregg Chadwick Student Service Scholarship Nominee – Abigail Schaber
  • Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Member Nominee – Nina Ulman

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