Office Space: Dana Kurpius

Dana Kurpius arrived at Elgin Community College through what he calls a series of "happy accidents.” As a college student, he felt a bit lost.   After four years at Kishwaukee Community College, he finally discovered an aptitude for biology, partly due to “just spinning his wheels” and in part, inspired by movies and TV shows he loved growing up, like Jurassic Park and The X-Files. 

He went on to Northern Illinois University with the ultimate goal of working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). While waiting for his name to be selected, an FBI recruiter encouraged him to get his master's degree. He did just that and, during that time, began teaching biology at Rock Valley College in Rockford.  

On a whim, he saw an opening at ECC and applied. He accepted the position of professor of biology in the summer of 2009. “I love it here. ECC is a great institution, we have the best students,” Kurpius said. 

By the time the FBI call finally came, nearly six years later, Kurpius had settled in at ECC. “At that point, I was almost at the maximum age,” Kurpius said. “Biology and teaching were happy accidents, but I think that is how things go for a lot of people.” 

Read more about this fun guy and his office below. 

What is the theme of your space? Fun. I just like having fun. Every time a student or anyone comes in for the first time, they are awe-struck. It instantly puts students at ease.  

What is your favorite thing in here and why? The coffee machine, I have it loaded. I have different kinds of coffee, I have several kinds of sugar, and half and half. The coffee machine in my life blood. 

Where is your snack stash and what is your go to? When my fridge was working, I had a lot of cheese. Now, I have nuts like pistachios and cashews.  

Do you listen to anything while you are working? I was listening to it when you came in! Kerry Muzzey, he makes music for movie trailers. When you are watching a trailer, he’s probably done the 2 min bit. 10 or 12 years ago, he started making albums of them. I can listen to 200 songs and never get tired of it.  

Is there something unexpected in here? That little green 1965 freshman ECC beanie. My dad is an alum of ECC, he graduated in 1967. He got it during his freshman year and he gave it to me when he started working here.  

Do you have a dream desk accessory? Two monitors or even a bigger one? That would be a dream.