2024 - 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. “There are so many things I love about being student trustee,” said Kolbusz. “I love that I can talk with students and ask their opinions on certain things or their concerns and work with the board of trustees to address them.” As a student worker for First Stop, Kolbusz is exposed firsthand to all walks of life at ECC, listening to people’s needs, and helping find solutions.

Kolbusz enrolled at ECC after graduating high school, influenced by his sister, who attended previously and found success. He knew he could save money and enjoy the luxury of a five-minute commute from his family’s home. Currently working toward his Associate in Arts degree, Kolbusz is a math lover at heart who intends to major in accounting at North Central College in Naperville upon graduating from ECC this spring.  

Read on to learn more about the ECC student who’s truly here to help others, where you can find him during the summertime, and a few special people he’d like to recognize.

What’s something you do outside of ECC? One of the main things I do during the summer is fish. We have a little fishing boat, so my dad and I will often go out on the Fox River and try out different places. It’s a nice and relaxing time. I also bowl and am in a league over the summer.  

What’s your favorite social media channel? I’m not really into social media, but I have Snapchat and Instagram. I like following our student clubs to see the events they’re throwing so I can attend. Outside of school, I follow my favorite sports teams. I’m a big sports guy. 

What's your favorite spot on campus? First Stop! I spend so much time there. Outside of that, the Office of Student Life. I love mingling with all the different clubs. Jobe Lounge is always cool because there are always good events there.  

What’s your favorite meal to cook or eat out? Steak at Longhorn Steakhouse, with potatoes, green beans, asparagus, or anything like that, is my favorite.  

Shout out an ECC staff member or peer! I’d like to first give a shout-out to my advisor for student government, Gaea. She’s awesome and is always there to help and guide us along the way. Also, everyone at First Stop: Karla, Jurice, Courtney, Jasmin, and our new hire Alex. They make work so enjoyable and help me answer any questions that I don’t know. They’re more than just coworkers; they're my friends that I love hanging out with.