ECC Stories
In the Spotlight
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Student Profile
Elgin Community College student Joseph Patino turns internship into employment
Elgin Community College student Joseph Patino dove into higher education after high school, beginning at ECC in August 2023. Determined to forge a path for his future, Patino sought further guidance through ECC’s Future Workforce Leaders Program.
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Alumni Profile | ECC 75
The photographer: Sandro Miller
Sandro Miller's story is one of resilience, passion, and the transformative power of photography. The world-renowned photographer has collaborated with icons such as Michael Jordan and John Malkovich. But his journey began far from the glitz and glamour of success — it started at Elgin Community College (ECC), fueled by a desire to escape a difficult childhood and a deep fascination with capturing the world through a lens.
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Alumni Profile | ECC 75
The CEO: Lisa Marshall
Lisa Marshall recently celebrated her first year as the CEO of the Wisconsin Board of Realtors, an affiliate of the National Association of Realtors. Marshall, who said she is also the first Black CEO in her role, said she learned to strive for excellence through missteps.
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Alumni Profile | ECC 75
The Musician: Frank Catalano
Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Frank Catalano has graced stages across the globe with his Frank Catalano Quartet jazz band. A former Elgin Community College Jazz Band member, Catalano’s musical journey has seen him collaborate with iconic American rock band The Smashing Pumpkins on six albums.
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Alumni Profile | ECC 75
“Bright Future” campaign empowers students to succeed
Elgin Community College Foundation initiated the public phase of a student-centered “Bright Futures” fundraising campaign in December 2023 to help more students achieve their dreams. Despite the affordability and accessibility offered by community colleges, many students increasingly require assistance to persist in pursuing higher education.
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Accomplishment | Commencement | Graduation Essays | Student Profile
Melia Delaney: It was ECC that helped me make that difference
Let's give another round of applause for our graduates here today! All that work and effort to bring each one of us here. It's the work of these 200-plus students that fills this space, with so many more watching online right now.
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Accomplishment | Commencement | Graduation Essays | Student Profile
Alexander Greiff: Never forget what you have accomplished here
The American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “It’s not the destination; it’s the journey. Truer words were never spoken. My journey here at ECC has been nothing short of remarkable.
ECC in the News
Elgin Community College Earns 3 State-Level Awards from ICCTA
Elgin Community College recently received high honors from the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) with three state-level awards and an equity and diversity award.
Thirty-six ECC student-athletes earn Academic All-Conference Honors
The Elgin Community College athletic programs had 36 student-athletes earn Academic All-Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference (ISCC) honors for the 2023-24 academic year.