ECC Stories

Passport to Learning

Before Elgin Community College, Anamika Dua’s journey began in India, where she pursued education until she turned 21. When her life trajectory shifted to building a family, her studies stopped.

Man of Steel

When Scott McConnell walks into the rehearsal room at Elgin Community College, it’s more than a return to campus — it’s a full-circle moment.

Finding a Fit

When Julia Wiesbrock first enrolled at Elgin Community College at 21, she had no clear career path. “My goal was just to finish school as fast as possible,” said the St. Charles resident. “But then I started thinking, ‘I don’t want to end up in a career that doesn’t make me happy.’”

Student Profile

Goal Keeper

Elgin Community College student-athlete Brandon Gonzalez, from Elgin, Ill., has dreamed of playing professionally, maybe even internationally, since his days in pee-wee soccer. But in his first semester, as his GPA plummeted to 0.7 on a 4.0 scale, he watched those big goals slip further from reach.

Faculty Profile

Office Space: Dana Kurpius

Dana Kurpius arrived at Elgin Community College through what he calls a series of "happy accidents.”

Alumni Profile

Veterans Day Alumni Spotlight: Zacharia Gai

Alum Zacharia Gai came to Illinois for refuge and was able to find his purpose after obtaining his GED at ECC and serving in the U.S. Army.

Student Profile

Meet Me Monday: Sid

Elgin Community College (ECC) dual-credit student Sid Perkins has found that ECC offers a wealth of opportunities for growth and exploration.

Faculty Profile

Office Space: Ginger Alms

Ginger Alms, associate professor of English, reinvented herself before entering higher education. “Who doesn’t love a plot twist?” Alms said.