2024
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5 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Time at Elgin Community College
We know that college is more than just classes, so here are 5 tips to help you make the most of your time here.
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Meet Percy Schulz
Elgin Community College (ECC) student Percy Schulz of East Dundee, Illinois, isn’t afraid to expose his vulnerability to a crowd. During a storytelling event at ECC called “ECC Speaks,” Schulz told a story about his hair.
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Meet Mariana and Paola Gomez Garcia
Twin sisters Mariana and Paola Gomez Garcia, students at Elgin Community College (ECC), have led ECC’s student club, the Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS), for two semesters now. Although identical twins, they appear as opposites sitting behind their club table or out at a student life event, but they are on their academic journeys together.
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From Student to Staff: Melissa Corral Quinones
When Melissa Corral Quinones, a post-secondary success coach for Elgin Community College’s (ECC) TRiO Talent Search, began her role in 2022, she remembers experiencing “a total 360,” having been a student not too long ago.
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Meet Maya Wade
Maya Wade of Elgin, Illinois, decided to attend Elgin Community College (ECC) originally to pursue law. That changed drastically after her former pastor asked her to take over the video responsibilities at their church.
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5 Accommodations to Help Students Achieve Academically
The struggle is real. But does it have to be? At Elgin Community College (ECC), we know that it takes hard work and dedication to succeed on your academic journey. We also understand that you’re more than just a student; you’re a person with an entire life outside of campus walls.
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Meet Maddy Fraser
Elgin Community College (ECC) student and Bartlett, Illinois resident Maddy Fraser, who uses they/them pronouns, found solace in the atmosphere ECC provided them.
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From Student to Staff: Destiny Guevara
Destiny Guevara graduated from Elgin Community College (ECC) in the spring of 2024. After the Saturday, May 18, 2024, commencement ceremony, she was back on campus that Monday, but this time, as a part-time administrative assistant for ECC’s Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, where she previously held a student worker position.
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Meet Seth Hernandez
Elgin Community College student Seth Hernandez of South Elgin, Illinois, has been elected to serve as the student body president for the 2024 and 2025 academic years. As an advocate for his fellow students, Hernandez said he is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive campus environment.
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From Student to Staff: Diane Kerruish
Diane Kerruish, senior executive assistant to the president, has celebrated many milestones, both professional and personal, since enrolling at Elgin Community College in 1974.
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Meet Spartacus
There's a new face around campus! Spartacus, Elgin Community College’s newest mascot, joined our campus community this fall. SpartaCat, ECC’s original mascot, gracefully handed over the position, ready to head into a much-deserved retirement.
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What is New Student Convocation?
Celebrate new beginnings at ECC with New Student Convocation
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Applying to College: 3 Tips
Applying to college can seem daunting. Do they really need ALL this information? Yes, they do! Here are three tips to ensure your application process goes as smoothly as possible!
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Go to school, get a job: 4 in-demand career program options at ECC
Going to college can be a life-changing decision for many, but that doesn’t mean you can’t feel uncertain about your future. When choosing a college degree or program or finishing one, that inevitable yet essential question, “Will I be able to get a job?” looms on us until it lands hard.
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Paying for College
You often hear “scholarships,” “free tuition,” “grants,” and “financial aid,” as if paying for college should be a breeze. But then you look into the cost of college and start asking yourself, “How can I afford it?”
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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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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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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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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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“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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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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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.
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Kimberly Carreto-Duran: I decided I wouldn't let my fear bring me down
During my senior year of high school, I had the opportunity to join the Dual Credit Program at Elgin Community College. At first, I was very doubtful about it. I didn't know if I was capable enough to take on this challenge and if it was going to be good for my mental health.
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Julian Juarez: I have found purpose and meaning in my life and future
My time at Elgin Community College has been nothing short of an enlightening experience and the beauty of graphic design. I have been supported by encouraging professors, talented classmates, and kind friends throughout my three years.
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Fitz Ramirez: I have learned and accomplished much more than I thought I ever would
When I first graduated high school, I was unsure what career I wanted to pursue. So, when I enrolled at Elgin Community College, I went for an Associate in Arts degree to get my general education courses out of the way and explore different fields to discover the career I am passionate about.
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Fatima Ahmed: Every opportunity I discovered, I attempted to take advantage of
I didn’t expect much of ECC, especially since I had heard little about it. However, in an effort to act alongside my mindset of ‘new school, new me,’ I entered excited yet neutral with the simple goal of having better experiences than my past two years. ECC began to exceed my expectations quickly.
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Elizabeth Del Rio: Do not be afraid to put yourself out there
I am a first-generation college student; both my parents are Mexican immigrants. They wanted me to have better opportunities than they did, and thanks to their sacrifice and daily motivation, I am now the first in my family to graduate college.
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Diana Ayala: I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t stepped out of my comfort zone
My time at Elgin Community College has been a journey of self-discovery. Right after school, I felt lost in what career path to follow. I decided to attend a community college to explore my options and transfer to a four-year college because I ultimately knew I wanted to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
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Chuck Snoad: At ECC, I recognize the values that brought me to the mental health field
I have lived experience with mental illness, specifically depression and anxiety. In the spring of 2022, I heard about the Recovery Support Specialist program at Elgin Community College while attending a National Alliance on Mental Illness support group. Open to sharing my recovery story to help others heal—the core component of working as a recovery support specialist—I applied online and was accepted within a week.
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Christopher Ferrusca Nava: It’s not always about how you start; it's how you finish
On March 20, 2022, I was honorably discharged from the United States Navy, culminating almost four years of active duty service. Many people have asked me why I chose to join the military, particularly at 18. The truth is, at that time, I didn't have a clear direction for my life after high school.
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Arielle Gonzalez-Guerra: I’ve never been prouder to be a student at ECC
I knew I wanted to do something to help survivors of abuse, and I knew that a degree might open doors. In my first semester, I took an English course. It was through that class that I discovered my love for writing.
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April Ramangkoun: The world is full of good people. If you can’t find one, be one
In 2010, fresh out of high school at the age of 18, I enlisted in the United States Army as a combat medic. During my service, I experienced many things that forced me to ‘grow up’ faster than the average person my age. I spent my 21st birthday celebrating with Welch’s grape juice while deployed in Afghanistan.
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Adrian Nevarez: ECC provides such a great opportunity
Every day here mostly seems the same. Students, both younger and older, make their way to classes, and the faculty all work to ensure that this area is a great place for that. For the two years I attended Elgin Community College, that’s what it looked like on the surface.
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Matt Brady: This college lives up to its name: A community
My attendance at Elgin Community College was born out of uncertainty about the future. Right on the heels of leaving for an expensive four-year college in 2021, I began to question whether the life-changing decision I was about to make was right.
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Loreanne Ugochukwu: Don’t let anyone make you believe you can’t
I remember driving past Elgin Community College a few times over the years and thought, “Wow, such beautiful grounds.” It didn’t look anything like I had envisioned a community college to look like. I got the nudge to go back to school after hearing an ad on the radio that talked about obtaining a degree in two years would allow you to work with children in foster care.
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Meet Michael Hall
Elgin Community College student Michael Hall interacts with many faces on campus as a student worker for the café and cafeteria. The convenience of an on-campus job has kept Hall behind the counter for the past two years.
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Take Five with...Nick Brown
Nick Brown, student success coach, is an Elgin Community College Alum and happy to be back in the hallways he once graced as a student.
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Meet Ty Sierpien
Elgin Community College student-athlete Ty Sierpien’s last semester at ECC is coming to a bittersweet end this spring. The second baseman and occasional pitcher for the ECC baseball team said he’s enjoying his final season and plans to transfer to Northern Illinois University in the fall.
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Take Five with…Ami Kalisek
Ami Kalisek, massage therapy adjunct faculty member, began at Elgin Community College just over 20 years ago. She began teaching at ECC at the start of the Massage Therapy Program and has been a massage therapist since 1989.
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Meet Nichole Drab
Nearly 20 years after graduating high school, Nichole Drab, is following her passion for nursing.
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Shelby Stanley shares unconventional journey into ophthalmic tech
Since childhood, my fascination with biology and health care sciences has been unwavering. It began with seeing my mother work hard for her nursing degree from a community college.
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Meet Isabela Olivarez
Math lover Isabela Olivarez, a student at Elgin Community College, has had a passion for numbers since she was a little girl. “I’ve taken a lot of math classes here, and when I got into calculus and higher-level classes, I found that I really liked it,” Olivarez said. “It’s a challenge for me, and I like getting to know the answer because there always is one.”
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Meet Rida Lakhani
When Elgin Community College student Rida Lakhani of West Dundee entered the nursing program, she was the youngest in her class but held little fear in pursuing her passion for becoming a nurse. Lakhani got her early start in the nursing program because she completed her Associate of Arts degree while simultaneously receiving her high school diploma as a Dual Credit Program student.
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Meet Lesley Kwarteng
Elgin Community College student Lesley Kwarteng of Elgin said he was a curious child, always asking questions and raising his hand in the classroom. Unexpectedly, a skinned knee when he was younger led to his passion for chemistry, as he questioned what ointments his mom was putting on the injury and why they would help him heal.
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Take Five with…Chris Foster
Chris Foster, multimedia and creative services coordinator, brought his talents to ECC’s Marketing and Communications Department in October 2022. He was doing similar work at another college, and we couldn’t be happier he’s here as a Spartan, helping develop and produce award-winning video content for the college’s marketing and enrollment efforts.
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Take Five with…Maggie Wright
Maggie Wright, communications and social media manager, knows what she’s doing when she snaps your photo for a social media post on ECC’s channels. Wright owned her own photography business for 12 years before working in a nonprofit as their fundraising and event coordinator and finding her home here at Elgin Community College in 2023.
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Meet Daniel Alves
Elgin Community College international student Daniel Alves is embarking on his next journey here in the US. Originally from Parana, Brazil, the culinary arts graduate decided to enroll in ECC’s criminal justice program.
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Meet Jess Heiser
Elgin Community College student Jess Heiser of St. Charles said the drive to help people started as a child. Heiser plans on majoring in social work and is pursuing an Associate of Arts degree and an Associate of Applied Science – Human Services Generalist degree.
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Take Five with…Sarah Bass
Sarah Bass, English adjunct faculty member, is a natural teacher and leader. Bass, who grew up in West Chicago, was the oldest of seven siblings. She graduated with her Bachelor’s degree from Amherst College, double majoring in English Literature and Black Studies.
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Take Five with…Sarah Stayner
Many roles at Elgin Community College spill over and splash into multiple departments. That’s never been truer for Sarah Stayner, office coordinator of enrollment services. Stayner supports Admissions & Recruitment, Registration & Records, First Stop, Testing, Global Engagement, and Financial Aid.
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Meet Esme Rodriguez
Elgin Community College student Esme Rodriguez said that as high school graduation approached, she was still unsure about which career path to take. But it turns out she didn’t have to search for long. Her passion for automotive work stemmed from a young age, and in the fall 2023 semester, she enrolled at ECC.
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Take Five with…Tremayne Simpson
Tremayne Simpson, EdD, associate dean of sustainability, business, and career technologies, is no stranger to higher education. Having worked in the industry for over 15 years, he decided to bring his skills and experience to Elgin Community College in 2023.
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Meet Innocent Ngalewa
In his home country of Tanzania, Africa, Elgin Community College student Innocent Ngalewa practiced medicine — a childhood dream he made his reality through hard work, focus, and grit. Although Ngalewa was living his dream, he said he was barely surviving, making anywhere between $600 and $700 a month. So, in January of 2021, Ngalewa made the courageous decision to move to the United States in search of a better life.
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Take Five with…Patrick Carberry
Patrick Carberry, assistant professor of English, joined Elgin Community College just last year, commuting over from Evanston, Ill., where he’s lived for about ten years. Growing up in the south suburbs of Chicago, Carberry attended Illinois State University on a speech and debate scholarship.
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Meet Ian Smith
Like many kids, Ian Smith, of Bartlett, wanted to be a professional athlete, his sights set on the NBA. Although childhood dreams change over time, he showed up strong on the court to play Varsity for three years at his high school and continued to play for the Elgin Community College men’s basketball team.
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Meet Wanchay Itmis
A mother. A wife. A lawyer. An immigrant. After enrolling in one art course at Elgin Community College to allow her daughter access to ECC’s early childhood lab school, Wanchay Itmis adds the title “Artist” to her resume.
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Take Five with…Stephen Stassen
Stephen Stassen, emergency management administrator, is here for each of us on Elgin Community College’s campus. In his role, Stassen helps support routine matters like weather forecasts for special events and coordinating responses for potential major disruptions that may affect the college.
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Meet Ryan Kolbusz
Ryan Kolbusz, of South Elgin, is charting his way through his final semester at Elgin Community College. As ECC’s 2023-24 student trustee and a student worker at ECC’s First Stop, the college’s information desk, he’s a familiar face ready to go above and beyond to help his peers and the campus community.
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Take Five with…María de los Angeles Borrero
Welcome back, María de los Angeles Borrero! Maria joined ECC in August 2023 as the manager of community engagement and legislative affairs but became a Spartan long before that when she enrolled at ECC as a student in 2009.