Years of Dedication: Efrain Matias

Efrain Matias started working in Elgin Community College’s Print Shop when he was 26 years old. As a young man, he married and started his family in New Jersey before moving to Illinois to be closer to his wife’s family. He learned about the printing trade in high school, which always intrigued him. “My uncle would show me his silkscreen designs from when he was younger, and it sparked something in me,” Matias said. “Printing is an art. There are graphics and other elements in the trade.” 

Once settled from the relocation, Matias tried his hand at a smaller printing shop. After one day, he knew it wasn’t a good fit for either of them. Soon after, a copier position at ECC became his. On his first day, Matias said he felt at home. “Everyone was so welcoming, I saw all the machines I knew and was comfortable with. It was such a blessing,” Matias said. 

His most influential coworker was Donna Zielinski. Not long after he started at ECC, he noticed Zielinski struggling with the printing machines. Knowing he couldn’t watch this much longer, Matias offered to switch positions with Zielinski, who was all too eager to accept. The two approached their supervisor, and the switch was made. “She said I was her angel. After that, we both had positions we were very happy with,” Matias said. “I had been printing on those machines for so long, I was very comfortable. Then 35 years went by.”  

This avid walker recalls how much the college layout has changed by adding buildings like A and the former Visual and Performing Arts Center (Building H). “I remember seeing the round building going up, it was incredible. It changed my walking path, but that was ok. I like seeing the changes and growth,” Matias said. 

His biggest piece of advice? Take advantage of the benefits ECC offers employees. He plans to graduate in May 2026 with an associate degree, recalling that all of his children have attended ECC. “There are so many benefits for families, the summer Fridays, tuition reimbursement, and wonderful people,” Matias said. “Donna used to tell me this place is paradise, and she was right.”