2020 - Code Hands, Warm Heart: Meet Mark Krukowski

It’s like they say - there are 10 types of people in this world, those who understand binary and those who don't.

One person who understands that joke is Mark Krukowski, adjunct faculty and lab coordinator for the computer information systems (CIS) department. And when he’s not teaching students programming basics or work on technology upgrades for the CIS lab, you can find him in the most unexpected places, like in the background of a scene on Chicago Fire!  

Get to know more about Krukowski – and his Hollywood connection - below:

In your words, what do you do at ECC? What do you want others to know about your job? Or what would help others understand your job?

I actually have two jobs at ECC - I first was hired as an adjunct faculty for the CIS Dept. I teach an assortment of classes, which include Linux, C++, and Intro to Computers, and now I also coordinate the lab for the CIS department.

What is your greatest accomplishment since you’ve been at ECC?

Besides teaching students and getting them interested in computers and technology, I am in the process of updating the classrooms for the CIS department. There are two classrooms going through some significant updates to accommodate new classes and to allow expansion of the CIS course offerings.

Name a job or role at ECC that you would like to try for one day and explain why.

It would be interesting to serve as college president for a day to learn more about the college. Maybe one day I can work my way up to that role!

If you could instantly be an expert in one thing, what would you choose?

Learning. It’s kind of like what they had in the Matrix – it’d be great to be able to download information and instantly become an expert on anything.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work (i.e., hobbies/interests)?

Right now, work keeps me very busy. But what I like is the outdoors, from camping to skiing to traveling.

If you could live in a TV show, which show would it be and why?

I always thought it would be fun to be a game show host. I would love to host Family Feud.

Where is the best place you’ve traveled? Or where would you like to visit?

So far, I would say the best place I’ve visited is Colorado. Eventually, though, I would like to do a world cruise – there is so much to see.

You have to wear a t-shirt with just one word on it for an entire year. What would that word be, and why?

TRY. Just by the definition alone, one always needs to TRY something just for the experience.

Share a fact about you that might surprise people to learn.

I have been a background actor! I have been on Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Chicago Med, Empire, and a few other tv shows and movies.

What job have you held (besides ECC) that was the most fun, interesting, or difficult? Explain why.

It would have to be my first job, which was at McDonald’s. It was all three things, often at the same time!

Name someone you admire and explain why.

This is a tough one! The more one learns about other successful people, the harder it is to admire just one. Everyone has a unique story. But the person that stands out the most is, Napoleon Hill. If you know who he is, you would know why. (Editor’s Note: Google him, you won’t be sorry!)

What was your most valuable life lesson?

Take the time and pay attention to your intuition.

Complete this sentence: “I enjoy working at ECC because … “

I enjoy working at ECC because of all of the people at the college. Everyone that I have met fits the role of their job. Everyone shares the passion to make this college the best it can be for our students.