2023

Noor, digital marketing specialist

Announcement

Published 09/18/2023

Take Five with…Noor

Noor joined Elgin Community College’s Marketing and Communications Department as the Digital Marketing Specialist in 2022. Originally from Pakistan, Noor obtained a Bachelor’s in Marketing before completing his MBA at the Hult International Business School in Boston, MA.

Julia Perez, student success coach

Staff Profile

Published 09/08/2023

Take Five with…Julia Perez

Julia Perez, student success coach, grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana, and began her educational journey at Purdue University Northwest for her bachelor’s degree. After graduating, she made her way to Illinois, working at the National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) while completing her Master’s program at Loyola University.

Evelyn Lozano, student success coach

Staff Profile

Published 09/08/2023

Take Five with…Evelyn Lozano

As a student success coach, Evelyn Lozano’s favorite thing about working at ECC is meeting and guiding students during their time at the college. This passion is driven by her own educational experience growing up.

Melanie Schaefer, sports information and academic support specialist

Staff Profile

Published 09/05/2023

Take Five With…Melanie Schaefer

Have you met Melanie? Melanie Schaefer is the Sports Information and Academic Support Specialist, a driving force behind ECC student-athlete success. In July 2021, the ECC Athletics Department added a new position to their team to provide direct academic support; this was the perfect fit for Schafer.

ECC's first medical assisting class

Academics | Accomplishment

Published 09/05/2023

Responding to local health care needs: Inaugural medical assisting class graduates

The first cohort of ECC’s new medical assisting program completed their final class in August 2023. Launched last year, the program is ECC’s response to local health care agencies who alerted the college to the increasing regional demand for these skilled health care professionals.

Victor Brito, student success coach

Staff Profile

Published 08/25/2023

Take Five With…Victor Brito

“Working with students is my favorite part of the job,” said Victor Brito, one of ECC’s Student Success Coaches. “Their energy brings so much joy to ECC, making our work environment great and special each day.”

ECC nursing graduate Esmeralda Guerra

Academics | Accomplishment | Alumni Profile

Published 07/12/2023

ECC student turns trials into triumph

Esmeralda Guerra’s life has revolved around helping others even when she had nothing. That’s how her passion to become a nurse was born.

ECC Student Gabe Bueno performs at

Academics

Published 06/27/2023

In Their Own Words: Students share life experiences through stories

Brian Bohr is reinventing the classroom experience to embrace and enhance what students can bring to storytelling. In his communications course, Oral Interpretation of Literature, students take stories that are not traditionally performative and bring them to life from their personal perspectives through different mediums, including poetry, personal narratives, and digital storytelling.

Chasity Gunn, instructor of English, and LaTasha DeHaan, PhD, assistant professor of history and political science

Academics | Staff Profile

Published 06/26/2023

Tag Team Teaching: Instructors create a community for learning

When LaTasha DeHaan, PhD, assistant professor of history and political science, noticed students struggling with assignments in her African American history classes, she took action. DeHaan's colleague, Instructor of English Chasity Gunn, saw similar struggles in her African American literature course. The instructors formed a learning community called Unshackled Voices to foster student success.

John Duffy, retired ECC Board of Trustees member

Board of Trustees

Published 06/26/2023

Journey of Service

John Duffy, of Elgin, retired from the ECC Board of Trustees in April with 48 years of service, making him the longest-serving trustee in both District 509 and Illinois community college history. A retired Larkin High School (Elgin) educator and administrator, Duffy first won his trustee election race in 1975.

The first CURIC fellowship cohort

Academics | Student Profile

Published 06/26/2023

Good Fellows

The first CURIC fellow cohort consisted of 12 students. Fellows commit to one semester or one year, and Hardy pairs students with a faculty member to guide and assist them throughout the research process.

ECC truck driving program graduate Frank Dean

Academics

Published 06/26/2023

Driving Demand: ECC prepares truckers for the long haul

The truck driving industry is experiencing a shortage of an estimated 70,000 qualified drivers, a number expected to double within the next decade, according to American Trucking Associations. With Elgin Community College’s expanded truck driving program, including accelerated sessions, newly hired instructors, and plans for a larger facility, ECC is ready to meet that demand.

Susan Taylor-Demming, executive director of Institutional Advancement

Administrator Profile | Foundation

Published 06/26/2023

Building Futures

Susan Taylor-Demming, the new executive director of institutional advancement and the Elgin Community College Foundation, hangs up the phone after thanking an ECC alumni donor for a recent gift that will help several current students pay for college.

Melanie Schaefer, sports information and academic support specialist

Staff Profile

Published 06/08/2023

How the game can change your life: Schaefer shares her journey

As the sports information and academic support specialist, I work directly with our student-athletes to ensure they have the necessary support to balance life as a collegiate athlete, one that is busy and stressful but worth every moment. I know the lives of our student-athletes because I am a former student-athlete.

Mark Carriveau, ECC's photographer and multimedia coordinator

Accomplishment | Staff Profile

Published 05/25/2023

SkillsUSA Illinois names ECC’s Carriveau board chairman

Mark Carriveau, college photographer and multimedia coordinator at Elgin Community College, will serve as the 2023-24 board chair for SkillsUSA Illinois.

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.

Kira Spears, student speaker for the Spring 2023 Career and Technical Programs Commencement Ceremony

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 05/22/2023

Kira Spears: I want you to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel

During my time at ECC, I have learned a lot about my fellow Spartans. They are talented, skilled, and full of wit. They are strong, determined, and wise. Today is a day to celebrate these incredible humans.

Sheronda Murray-Jamison, Class of 2023 State of Illinois High School Diploma graduation speaker

Accomplishment | Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 05/22/2023

Sheronda Murray-Jamison: I now have options for my future

For Sheronda Murray-Jamison, her State of Illinois High School Diploma has opened the door to new career options.

Chioma Echefu, student speaker for the Spring 2023 University Transfer Commencement Ceremony

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 05/22/2023

Chioma Echefu: I charge you to venture into the unknown with courage as I did

I am a foreign student from Ibadan, Nigeria, and I would never have imagined myself giving a commencement speech in a reputable college in the United States of America.

Cristina Bahena Benitez, 2023 State of Illinois High School Diploma graduation speaker

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 05/22/2023

Cristina Bahena Benitez: My diploma is just the beginning of my journey

For Cristina Bahena Benitez, the Education and Work Center provided the support and guidance she needed to earn her State of Illinois High School Diploma.

Paulina Sequeda Malave, student speaker for the Spring 2023 University Transfer Commencement Ceremony

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 05/22/2023

Paulina Sequeda Malave: This is not over; life is barely beginning

You welcomed me to this country with smiles and open arms, and I will personally miss all of you. I've never been one to give good pep talks, so I'll keep it honest. This is not over; life is barely beginning, and I can say that many challenges await us in the coming months.

Elgin Community College Spring 2023 graduate Ariana Marchan

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 05/18/2023

Ariana Marchan: ECC helped me balance school and athletics, preparing me for my future

On my first attempt at college, I went away to school, as most 18-year-olds leaving high school wanted to do. I quickly realized it wasn’t for me, and when I moved back home, I enrolled at Elgin Community College. I was excited; I felt better being back at home with my family, and at ECC, I was awarded a scholarship to play for the women’s basketball team – a sport I absolutely love.

Elgin Community College Spring 2023 graduate Laureano Escobar

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 05/17/2023

Laureano Escobar: My ECC education gave me the tools to improve lives in my community

I am a first-generation college student. My parents were immigrants from central Mexico, and both came to this country at a young age but did not have the same opportunities I had. Thanks to their efforts and sacrifices, I discovered what I truly wanted to do with my life.

Elgin Community College Spring 2023 graduate Jordan Williams

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 05/17/2023

Jordan Williams: My advice for future students is to never give up

My time at Elgin Community College has been quite the experience! I first enrolled in 2016 to start my journey to qualify for the nursing program.

Elgin Community College Spring 2023 graduate Dominic Di Palermo

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 05/17/2023

Dominic Di Palermo: ECC experience prepared me for my future

After deciding that I would stay home and enroll at ECC, I decided that I would make the absolute most out of the two-year associate degree I was pursuing - A goal I definitely achieved.

Elgin Community College Spring 2023 graduate Megan Petronella

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 05/15/2023

Megan Petronella: From ECC employee to ECC graduate

My journey to discovering what I wanted to be when I grew up was very long and winding. I have started and stopped college multiple times. Right out of high school, I originally went to college for another science-based degree and struggled.

Elgin Community College Spring 2023 graduate Kip Kane

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 05/15/2023

Kip Kane: Though the journey was difficult, I learned I am stronger than I know

In the fall semester of my senior year of high school, I took on one of the hardest challenges of my life. My school offered a dual-credit program where I could simultaneously work on my high school diploma and an associate degree from Elgin Community College.

Elgin Community College Spring 2023 graduate Juliet Duncan

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 05/15/2023

Juliet Duncan: Sometimes dreams take a long time to fulfill, but it’s worth it in the end

My love for the medical profession began when I was just two. I was in a sledding accident and had to go to the ER to get eight stitches in my right eyebrow. That experience sparked something in me.

Elgin Community College Spring 2023 graduate Jocelyn Thammavongsa

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 05/15/2023

Jocelyn Thammavongsa: I experienced a strong sense of community and belonging at ECC

My time at Elgin Community College was a life-changing experience that I will always treasure. I’d never reflected on the past two years here until I was asked to write this essay.

Elgin Community College Spring 2023 graduate Hannah Garcia

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 05/15/2023

Hannah Garcia: ECC gave me a platform to make an impact

I have been a student at Elgin Community College since the fall of 2021. In this short time, I had the opportunity to engage in our diverse student organizations and be involved in our theater productions. Most importantly, I have been blessed with a robust education.

Elgin Community College Spring 2023 graduate Beth Barnes

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 05/15/2023

Beth Barnes: I am beyond grateful for all of the experiences ECC has provided me

My time at Elgin Community College has been the best years of my life. Since a freshman in college, even during the height of the pandemic, I was able to make new friends and get involved, whether virtual or in person.

ECC student Edwina Watkins

Accomplishment | Student Profile

Published 05/09/2023

Education scholarship changes future for ECC student Edwina Watkins

“I still have chills because I didn’t think I would actually get it,” said Elgin Community College early childhood education student Edwina Watkins (Streamwood), recipient of the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship. The ECACE Scholarship helps educators pursue credentials to build a robust and well-prepared workforce.

Kent Payne, director of athletics and wellness

Administrator Profile

Published 04/24/2023

Take Five With…Kent Payne

Kent Payne, director of athletics and wellness, is embarking on his 23rd year with the Elgin Community College athletics department. Growing up in Schaumburg, Ill., his coaching career began early with his first-ever job coaching for the Schaumburg Park District.

Kaile Raimondi, web technologist

Staff Profile

Published 04/17/2023

Take Five With…Kaile Raimondi

While you may not have ever met him in person, nearly all of us have had the opportunity to be helped by Kaile Raimondi, web technologist. Now you can finally put a face with the name! A South Korean adoptee, Raimondi grew up not too far from here in Elburn, Ill.

Carrie Gorr, academic advisor

Staff Profile

Published 04/10/2023

Take Five With…Carrie Gorr

Carrie Gorr came to Elgin Community College as an academic advisor in 1995, but that wasn’t the start of her career in higher education. Before joining ECC, Gorr began working at Harper College, where she was also a student.

ECC students Elizabeth Barnes and Ely Thompson

Academics | Accomplishment | Student Profile

Published 03/24/2023

Two from ECC’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society receive Coca-Cola Academic Scholarships

Elgin Community College students Elizabeth Barnes (West Dundee) and Ely Thompson (South Elgin) have been named 2023 Coca-Cola Academic Team Silver Scholars and will receive a $1,250 scholarship. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver, and 50 Bronze Scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually.

Elizabeth Herrera, academic advisor

Academics | Staff Profile

Published 03/23/2023

Elizabeth Herrera: Paying it Forward as an Academic Advisor at Elgin Community College

I am a first-generation college student. If it weren’t for being in the right place at the right time and having at least one person expect college from me, the process for me would have been different.

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.

Sarah DeLoncker, marketing operations specialist

Staff Profile

Published 03/13/2023

Take Five With…Sarah DeLoncker

This week, take five out of your day and learn about Sarah DeLoncker, marketing operations specialist. Growing up in Streamwood, Illinois, she attended Northern Illinois University after high school.

Ray Jones, academic advisor

Staff Profile

Published 03/06/2023

Take Five With…Ray Jones

One of ECC’s Academic Advisors, Ray Jones, is coming up on ten years in higher education. He has served in various roles but found his calling in academic advising while cross-training at DeVry University, where he worked as financial aid advisor.

ECC alum Leah Murphy

Alumni Profile

Published 02/27/2023

Set for the future, ECC student-athlete Leah Murphy fulfills dreams on and off the court

In the fall of 2022, Elgin Community College’s reverse student population — meaning students who already earned a bachelor’s degree or higher — increased by 40%. One of those new students was Leah Murphy.

Victoria Turner, technical services librarian

Staff Profile

Published 02/24/2023

Take Five With…Victoria Turner

Take a fast five today and learn more about Victoria Turner, technical services librarian. Turner began at ECC in 2022, but her career working in libraries began as a teenager in 1999. Since then, Turner has worked in both public and community college libraries.

Elgin Community College across Lake Spartan

Academics

Published 02/22/2023

Virtual exchange program brings a global perspective to ECC campus

Even before the pandemic curbed global travel, not all students had an opportunity to participate in a study abroad program. To give more Elgin Community College students a chance to experience an international education, the Global/International Studies Taskforce developed the Virtual Exchange Program.

Tyler O'Donnell, associate dean of sustainability, business & career technologies

Administrator Profile

Published 02/21/2023

Take Five With…Tyler O’Donnell

Tyler O’Donnell started with ECC 2016 as an academic advisor. At the beginning of the 2023-23 academic year, he made the move to associate dean of the Sustainability, Business & Career Technologies division.

Todd Anderson, director of truck driving program

Administrator Profile

Published 03/20/2023

Take Five With…Todd Anderson

Todd Anderson, director of the truck driving program, began at ECC in January 2022 and has already transformed and expanded ECC’s offerings to reflect the growing need of the truck driving industry. Anderson, a seasoned driver of 14 years, not only leads the program, but you can also find him out in the truck driving yard, helping instruct the next crop of drivers.

Lauren Sullivan, reference librarian

Staff Profile

Published 02/13/2023

Take Five With…Lauren Sullivan

If you are looking for Lauren Sullivan, the Elgin Community College Renner Academic Library is where you’ll find her. Sullivan is a reference librarian and has been with the college since 2021. An Elgin native, Sullivan’s professional life began as a theatre technician.

Vincent Gaddis, PhD, professor of history

Academics | Accomplishment | Faculty Profile

Published 02/08/2023

Resistance Through Black Excellence: Its History, Meaning, and Leaders

Elgin Community College’s theme for Black History Month, “Resistance Through Black Excellence,” truly captures an essential ingredient to the centuries-long struggle for Black liberation, human rights, equality, and equity.

Ron Two Bulls, senior director of academic programming & public safety training

Administrator Profile

Published 02/06/2023

Take Five With…Ron Two Bulls

Ron Two Bulls is only the second senior director of academic programming and public safety training in the Elgin Community College Center for Emergency Services’ seven-year history, taking over in 2022. He brings 26 years of service with the Buffalo Grove Fire Department and a passion for making ECC’s emergency services programs the premiere training in the area.

Sharon Baker, PsyD, associate professor of psychology

Faculty Profile

Published 01/17/2023

Take Five With…Sharon Baker

Take five this week and learn more about Sharon Baker, PsyD, associate professor of psychology. Baker has been with ECC since 2002 – beginning as an administrator for seven years and then transitioning to a full-time psychology faculty member.

Shelby Stanley, ophthalmic technician program director

Administrator Profile

Published 01/09/2023

Take Five With…Shelby Stanley

This week, take five minutes with Shelby Stanley, ophthalmic technician program director. Stanley joined ECC one year ago, helping to launch ECC’s newest health care program, which was developed in response to regional demand for the position from local health care providers.