Years of Dedication: Mark Carriveau

Marcom's funny man, photographer and multimedia coordinator, Mark Carriveau started at Elgin Community College 29 years ago. “There were whispers of layoffs at my previous job, and this just came up. I thought ‘I could do this for a year or two before I move on,’” Carriveau said. Little did he know that he would find his photographic calling in higher education. 

While his title has changed a few times, Carriveau has been at the forefront of capturing ECC’s history since 1996. From the college's ever-changing landscape to new presidents and the new groups of students every semester, Carriveau can remember almost everyone he has photographed.  

His position has taken him to many memorable places, such as the Center for Emergency Services burn tower and even an alumni photo shoot at the Signature Room on the 95th floor of the Hancock Building. But photographing ECC alum, Sandro Miller, a world-renowned photographer, still takes the top spot as the most iconic shoot he has had. 

Carriveau says the people at ECC are what make the college so special, especially the ones he works closely with. “Jay Conglis, senior graphic designer, and I work together so much on so many different projects. There is a very comfortable relationship, with a lot of mutual respect.” 

“If I had to sum it up, it has been very fulfilling,” Carriveau said, with a smile.