Awards & Honors
Alums who have been outstanding in their professional field and provided service to the community may be honored through the Distinguished Alumni Award.
Previous Award Winners
Elgin Community College Distinguished Alumni Award
This award recognizes the success of a graduate who has completed a recognized program of instruction at ECC and has gone on to have outstanding success and distinction in his or her chosen field, displayed humanitarian service, and continued to support the mission of community colleges.
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Kayla Chase, PhD ('06)
After receiving her Associate in Arts Degree from Elgin Community College in 2005, Dr. Kayla Chase obtained her bachelor's degree from Benedictine University. She holds a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Illinois, focusing on the molecular etiology of mental illness and addiction. During Kayla's time as a post-doctoral researcher and research assistant professor, she identified neuronal to subtype-specific epigenetic modifications in response to acute and chronic opioid use. Kayla transitioned to a medical science liaison position in pain management at Collegium Pharmaceutical. She was designated a "rising star" and conducted scientific due diligence for several BD acquisition projects. In 2021, she moved to rare disease oncology at SpringWorks Therapeutics, where she served as the conference lead for SpringWorks' first conference presentation and coordinated internal training for the medical team. In 2022, Dr. Chase joined the immunology team at Eli Lilly, focusing on biologic therapeutic options for treating ulcerative colitis. As for her interests, Kayla is a gardener and loves caring for her menagerie. Kayla, her husband, and her father recently completed a historic house restoration from the 1800s on the far south side of Chicago. She is an avid volunteer and has served on the board of the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory, Graduate Women in Science, and the Alumni Engagement Committee for Elgin Community College. She also is an Illinois Master Gardener.
Elgin Community College Esteemed Recent Alumni
This award features a rising star who recently graduated from ECC.
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Jacob Arndt ('13)
Jacob Arndt was born in Bartlett, IL, and moved to South Elgin when he was 10. After attending South Elgin High School, he enrolled at Elgin Community College (ECC). During Jacob's time at ECC, he participated in several clubs. He was a member of the Organization of Latin American Students and College Programming Board, Vice President of United Students of All Cultures, and Student Body President. Jacob also worked as a shift manager at the local McDonald's in South Elgin to help pay for tuition at ECC. After graduating from ECC, he transferred to NIU as an accounting major, receiving his bachelor's and master's degrees. During his senior year, he had the opportunity to have an internship at McDonald's Global Headquarters in Oak Brook, IL. After graduating from NIU, Jacob worked as an assurance associate at BDO USA, a public accounting firm. His goal was always to work at McDonald's again eventually. Two years later, an opportunity arose for him to interview at McDonald's as a Financial Analyst in 2019. Towards the end of the year, he was hired and joined the US Financial Planning and Analysis team. Most recently, Jacob was promoted to Senior Financial Analyst in August 2021. He lives in Montgomery, IL, with his beautiful wife, Nancy, and two incredible children, Calvin (3) and Aria (1). His favorite part of each day is getting home from work and spending time with them. They are Jacob's ultimate motivation in everything he does to give them the best life possible.
Elgin Community College Friend of Education Award
The Elgin Community College Board of Trustees bestows this award in recognition of the exceptional support and partnership provided by an individual, a business, an institution, or a corporation within District 509 that has greatly advanced the college in terms of growth, educational quality, workforce development or other key areas.
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Tom Roeser
Tom lives with his wife, Bette, in Barrington Hills. Tom is the President of OTTO Engineering, a company founded 62 years ago by his father in the family's basement. OTTO is a vertically integrated manufacturing company making industrial controls and communications accessories for applications with demanding performance requirements. They employ 550, all located in Carpentersville.
Tom has been called a philanthropist but prefers to be called a "Greedy Capitalist" motivated by self-interest. "I made these investments for me, and if my investments are good for you, that is collateral capitalism, not just philanthropy," others should realize that with their investments, too. He and OTTO have made continual commitments in the Fox Valley. He is a long-time board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Dundee Township. He was the President of the Board of Directors of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. The Salvation Army has recognized his Company employees for 10 years of ringing the bell every day of the Christmas campaign. OTTO sponsors an endowed scholarship for ECC Students and an annual scholarship through the Dundee Rotary. He was recently given the D. Ray Wilson Community Award from Judson University for support of their Roeser Scholars curriculum cultivation leadership through an understanding of Capitalism in a republic emphasizing Christian values. OTTO has several apprentice programs that partner with ECC. ECC has significantly helped OTTO, and they have earned his support.
Exceptional Friend of the Foundation
Each year, the Elgin Community College Foundation recognizes an individual, a business, or an organization that exemplifies the spirit of giving that propels the Foundation and the college toward a promising tomorrow.
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Jeanne Sigman
In the early '70s, Jeanne was the first woman to work on the floor of the Midwest Stock Exchange as a clerk. She has served on countless charitable/not-for-profit organizations as Chairman/President, officer or committee Chair for fundraising, membership, special events Chair, church council member, and many chapters of the League of Women Voters.
Jeanne has always been captivated by museums, orchestras, the opera, and places of art and is committed to being a donor to varying degrees of art throughout her lifetime. She supports the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Music on the Fox, Elgin Master Chorale, and other cultural organizations that strengthen our communities. During COVID-19, Jeanne created a series of musical performances hosted on her front lawn to allow fellow friends, neighbors, and community members to continue to hear the gift of music during seclusion.
Ms. Sigman started a scholarship fund for nurses and physical/occupational therapists through the ECC Foundation. She has worn many hats and is proud to be an ECC supporter.
Lasting Impact Awards
Dr. Sam established the President’s Lasting Impact Award in 2010 to recognize outstanding leadership and service by a District 509 citizen whose actions, over a long period, have positively impacted the community and strengthened the mission and shared values of Elgin Community College, in particular.
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John Duffy, MsEd
John Duffy, a northwest Iowa farm boy, was born October 6, 1934. After graduating from Loras College, he taught for four years in Iowa. From there, he spent a year as a graduate assistant at the University of Iowa before coming to Elgin in 1962. John taught Latin at Larkin H.S. until he retired in 1996. In 1969, he was appointed Chairman of English & Foreign Languages. He continued as a department chairman until he retired. From 1963 to 64 and 1964 to 65, he served as Welfare Chairman & Chief Negotiator for the Elgin Teachers Association. In 1966, he was elected President of the ETA. During his term as president, he and his team negotiated medical insurance paid by the district and a 10% increase to the salary schedule, the largest percentage increase in the history of the ETA for a one-year contract. In the late 1960s, he was the state chairman of the IEA Legislative Committee.
In 1974, he was elected to the St. Laurence Parish Education Committee and chaired the committee from 1974 to 1979. From 1982 to 1990, he served on the Elgin Catholic Social Services Board of Directors.
In 1975, he was elected to the ECC Board of Trustees and is still active today. John was a member or Chair of the Building & Grounds Committee from 1978 to 2009. He served as ECC Board Chair 7 times and Vice Chair 6 times. He has chaired 2 Board Policy Review Committees and 3 Presidential Search Committees.
At the national level, he was first elected to the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Board of Directors in 1983 and re-elected in 1986. He served one year on the International Relations Committee and five years on the ACCT/AACC Joint Commission on Federal Relations. John also Chaired the commission from 1988 to 1989.
After completing his second term on the ACCT Board, he was appointed by the American Association of Community Colleges' (AACC) Board of Directors to their national board for a three-year term. While there, he served three more years on the ACCT/AACC Joint Commission on Federal Relations. Since then, he has been appointed to serve on 14 ACCT national committees.
At the state level, Mr. Duffy has been very active as a trustee. From the beginning, he has been the ECC Board's representative or alternate to the Illinois Community College Trustee Association (ICCTA) Board of Representatives. He has served on most of their committees and chaired many, including the Trustee Education and Professional Development Committee and the ICCTA Federal Relations Committee (1982 to 1989). Mr. Duffy has been honored with the ICCTA Trustee of the Year Award twice and has been named ACCT Central Region (13 states) Trustee of the Year twice. John and his wife, Anne, have been married for 64 years. They have four children: Jane, Paul, Sarah, and Steve. They have eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. John and his wife, Anne, have been married for 64 years. They have four children: Jane, Paul, Sarah, and Steve. They have eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
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JPMorgan Chase
JP Morgan Chase is a leading global financial services firm with operations worldwide. Their rich history spans over 200 years. They are a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing, and asset management. JP Morgan Chase serves millions of customers in the United States and many of the world's most prominent corporate, institutional, and government clients under the JP Morgan and Chase brands. They are committed to working to uplift all communities. Through ongoing investments, business initiatives, and philanthropic commitments, they aim to help employees, customers, clients, and communities grow and thrive sustainably—with opportunity for all.
Elgin Community College Distinguished Alumni Award
This award recognizes the success of a graduate who has completed a recognized program of instruction at ECC and has gone on to have outstanding success and distinction in their chosen field, displayed humanitarian service, and continued to support the mission of community colleges.
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Darryl Tyndorf, PhD ('99)
Lead Economist and Lead Data Scientist, Equifax
Tyndorf, Jr. focuses on the small business economy, helping understand market patterns and developing products that improve access to capital and bridge socioeconomic gaps. Previously, Tyndorf was a professor teaching research methodology, higher education, and economics, and he continues as an adjunct professor of economics at American University in Washington, DC. He has worked at multiple community colleges, leading research, analytics, assessment, and evaluation. He has also traveled internationally, seeing and learning the value of all levels of education on individual and societal growth.
Tyndorf grew up with dreams of the Olympics and a competitive athletic career. After suffering a neck injury, he attended Elgin Community College, where he reassessed his life direction. His instructors helped him learn to be a student and not just an athlete. He attained an associate degree, which built the Foundation to receive his bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. His education included research on the role of International Monetary Fund loans on developing countries and the impact of higher education on economic development, which he has published and presented. Tyndorf continues to explore the impact of education on economic development.
Elgin Community College Esteemed Recent Alumni
This award features a rising star who recently graduated from ECC.
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Adrian Bautista ('17)
Managing Partner Inside Sales for SMB (Small and Medium Businesses), Verizon
Bautista was born and raised in Mexico City and moved to the United States at 19. He has lived in the Chicagoland area most of his life. Bautista earned an Associate Degree in accounting at Elgin Community College and a Bachelor's in business administration with a concentration in marketing from Judson University. The 42-year-old Bautista is married and has two sons. He enjoys spending time with his family, volunteering at church, and playing or watching sports.
Elgin Community College Friend of Education Award
The Elgin Community College Board of Trustees bestows this award in recognition of the exceptional support and partnership provided by an individual, a business, an institution, or a corporation within District 509 that has greatly advanced the college in terms of growth, educational quality, workforce development or other key areas.
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Mark Hacker
Motorola Solutions, represented by Mark Hacker and Jim Companik
Since 1928, Motorola Solutions has revolutionized communications – creating innovative mission-critical communication solutions and services that help public safety and commercial customers build safer cities and thriving communities. Motorola Solutions connects people through technology. Public safety and commercial customers worldwide turn to Motorola Solutions innovations when they want highly connected teams with the information they need throughout their workdays and in the moments that matter most to them.
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Jim Companik
Motorola Solutions Foundation, represented by Mark Hacker and Jim Companik
At Motorola Solutions, our work makes a difference in the critical moments that shape lives, businesses, and the world, but our contributions don't end there. Our company gives back to the communities where it operates through the Motorola Solutions Foundation.
The Motorola Solutions Foundation, which has donated $100 million over the past 10 years, prioritizes support for first responders, technology and engineering education, and underrepresented groups.
Exceptional Friend of the Foundation
Each year, the Elgin Community College Foundation recognizes an individual, a business, or an organization that exemplifies the spirit of giving that propels the Foundation and the college toward a promising tomorrow.
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The Hoffer Foundation
It's not just plastics; it's personal. When the Foundation for Hoffer was laid by brick and thought, Robert Hoffer kept his local community top of mind. He didn't just claim to believe in Integrity, Service, Family, and Trust; he lived it—and encouraged others to follow.
Since 1966, the Hoffer Foundation has donated and raised millions of dollars for local charities, organizations & families in need. We've built lasting partnerships with organizations like Sherman Hospital, Judson University, Fox Valley Hospice, the YMCA, Habitat for Humanity, Elgin Chamber of Commerce, Boys and Girls Club of Elgin, and United Way, to name a few.
This Foundation promised to give passion towards education and faith to grow opportunities for generations. In this community, Robert Hoffer knew that getting into this business would be more than just manufacturing—his mission was to build a legacy that would give back tenfold.
Lasting Impact Awards
Dr. Sam established the President's Lasting Impact Award in 2010 to recognize outstanding leadership and service by a District 509 citizen whose actions, over a long period, have positively impacted the community and strengthened the mission and shared values of the Elgin Community College, in particular.
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Karen Fox
Fox began her career in education as an English teacher. She moved on to roles as an adult education instructor and then a resource developer at the Community Crisis Center, where she volunteers. Later, as an Elgin Area School District U-46 administrator, Fox coordinated competitive grants, school-business partnerships, and special projects. She later joined the U-46 superintendent's staff and retired in 2012 as the family and community engagement chief.
Fox represented U-46 in many local and state collaborations, including those resulting from federal grants acquired by the school district and university partners. Some were multi-year projects and included Elgin Community College.
Fox moved to Elgin in 1975 with her husband, Dan. There were many reasons to get involved in the community, and she met people with a vision of what Elgin could be. She has volunteered with the City of Elgin, Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, ECC, Gail Borden Public Library, YWCA, and others. She chaired Elgin's 150th Commemoration Commission in 2004 and worked with the teams that won Elgin's All-America City Award and two Governor's Hometown Awards. Fox helped lead Elgin's Census 2020 campaign and was a long-time volunteer for the United Way of Elgin.
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Cherie Murphy
Murphy moved to Chicago in 1971 and began a career in marketing and sales with some major consumer products companies. She married Glenn Murphy in 1975 and moved to Elgin in 1988. After volunteering for many local organizations, she began working for the City of Elgin. Murphy became one of the city's greatest advocates, seeing all the community could become and working to make it happen.
Murphy worked in various capacities with the city and focused on building community partnerships and special projects over the years. Murphy served as the City of Elgin's representative on many projects, including organizing a new neighborhood outreach program and establishing the Elgin Community Network. She was a Chamber of Commerce Enhancing Elgin Committee charter member and served on the United Way Board of Directors for several years. Murphy was integral to the successful Elgin Artspace project, bringing 55 live/workspaces for local artists to Elgin's downtown. She acted as the point person for helping create the Alignment Collaborative for Education. In her third term on the alignment board, Murphy has volunteered in the city and civic groups.
Carolyn O'Neal, EdD
O'Neal is a long-time educator who worked in Elgin Area School District U-46 as a high school math teacher, a high school dean of students, and an elementary school principal. After serving as principal, she retired, ending her 38-year career in education. O'Neal's professional and service experience has steered her to volunteer and support various community organizations. In addition to supporting local causes, she has shared her skills and knowledge, volunteering at schools, working on committees, and serving on boards of nonprofit organizations. She served on the Amita Health St. Joseph Hospital Foundation Board and currently serves on the Hamilton Wings Board.
O'Neal annually provides multiple scholarships in memory of her late husband, Ronald O'Neal, Sr., who shared her passion for education and service. Among their shared passions was family. The O'Neals' three grown children have blessed them with eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. O'Neal prepared for her career by earning Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and her doctorate from Loyola University Chicago. She plans to spend the rest of her life giving and serving.
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Mayor Ray Rogina
Rogina began his college education at his local community college, Joliet Junior College. He went on to earn Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in business education from Illinois State University. He taught Law and Economics at St. Charles East High School for three decades while serving as union president, department chairperson for business education, and the school's mock trial team coach. Rogina was recognized for outstanding and influential instruction and leadership by numerous organizations, including the National Education Association, Illinois Education Association, Kane County Regional Office of Education, School Districts 303 and 204, and the University of Chicago. He received the Liberty Bell Award from the Kane County Bar Association for promoting a better understanding of the rule of law, civic responsibility, and good government. Rogina was an adjunct instructor of School Law at Aurora University for 19 years.
Rogina served on the City Council of St. Charles and, in 2013, was elected as mayor of the City of St. Charles, where he served two terms. Rogina and his wife Diane have a son, Matthew, an Elgin Community College graduate, daughter-in-law, Anna, and Henry's grandson.
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John Steffen
Steffen is a lifelong resident of Elgin. He attended Elgin Area School District U-46 and graduated from Larkin High School in 1982. Steffen currently practices law as an attorney in private practice in downtown Elgin. He has been involved in numerous volunteer and service groups, including Kiwanis, a past president.
Steffen and his wife, Kerry, have four kids. Two of their children attended ECC; one is returning this fall to complete an internship. Steffen's father attended ECC in the 50s and served as a District 509 trustee in the 90s.
Steffen co-founded Elgin's Downtown Neighborhood Association and served on its board as president. He currently helps coach the Elgin River Rats, a high school rugby team, and contributes his time organizing the Dennis Jurs Memorial Bike Race.
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Pastor and Mrs. Willie Tate
Watch the Tate family's story.
Reverend Tate is married to the lovely Patricia Crumbley Tate. He was installed as Pastor of Progressive Baptist Church in Elgin in September 1986. He received his spiritual training from the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. He has training in theology/religion and counseling and completed the Young Pastoral Training Classes at the National Baptist Educational Congress. He trained in family and youth counseling at the Chicago Bible Institute and early childhood development in Toronto, Canada.
In 1998, he retired from the City of Elgin as a supervisory Manager of Parking Operations. He is the president of the African American Christian Ministers Alliance, was past Vice President of the Bethesda Community Development Center and past Elgin Police Department Chaplain, and held several other leadership roles.
Reverend Tate is a board of directors member for South Elgin's Boys & Girls Club, Chaplain at the Elgin Mental Health Center, and Sponsor of The United Black Scholarship Fund. He is a man of vision and faith, devoted to the church's work and dedicated to the mission of winning souls for Christ. He believes the church should be an outreach ministry for all.
Elgin Community College Community Crisis Leadership Award
ECC is also honoring the hospitals and health care systems in District 509 for their heroism throughout the pandemic.
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AMITA Health St. Joseph Hospital – Represented by Fernando Gruta, Administrator
For more than 100 years, AMITA Saint Joseph Elgin has brought top medical care to the Fox River Valley. Our 184-bed, the full-service hospital has been recognized for excellence in multiple specialties. We are known nationwide for our heart and vascular institute, which offers the latest high-tech, minimally invasive cardiac care. Our Cancer Care Center brings together board-certified doctors and specialists to provide the region's most advanced cancer treatment and rehabilitation. Whatever your needs, our caring doctors are here for you. In sickness and health.®
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Advocate Sherman Hospital – Represented by Sheri De Shazo, MBA MHA RN, FACHE, President
In an acute care facility in Elgin, Advocate Sherman Hospital, highly skilled physicians and clinical professionals offer comprehensive health care services. Since 1888, Sherman has provided quality, compassionate care to its patients and communities and is a leader in delivering the most advanced technologies and services available in the northwest suburbs. Sherman Hospital is part of Advocate Health Care, one of the country's top 12 not-for-profit health systems and Illinois's largest health care delivery system.
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Elgin Mental Health Center – Represented by Michelle Evans, DSW, Hospital Administrator
Elgin Mental Health Center (formerly Elgin State Hospital) is a mental health facility operated by the State of Illinois in Elgin.
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Greater Family Health – Represented by Robert M. Tanner, President and Chief Executive Officer
"Greater" represents access to more services and higher quality care. "Family" supports the diverse patients we serve and the organizational culture we value. "Health" emphasizes the future we envision for our patients and community.
Greater Family Health offers a comfortable, welcoming, inclusive, and personal approach to health care for all. Our doctors and staff will take the time to understand your physical, emotional, and financial needs.
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Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital – Represented by Gina Reid Tinio PhD, MS, MPH, NPD-BC, Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive
An acute-care facility in Geneva, Illinois, Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital is regionally known as a state-of-the-art cancer center and breast health center.
As part of Northwestern Medicine, Delnor Hospital offers patients access to leading-edge clinical trials through Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. This integration also fosters an environment of world-class patient care, academic inquiry, and innovative research. More than 600 physicians in 80 medical specialties practice at Delnor Hospital, providing compassionate and comprehensive patient care. Delnor Hospital has also earned Magnet® recognition*, the gold standard for nursing excellence, from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Elgin Community College Distinguished Alumni Award
This award recognizes the success of a graduate who has completed a recognized program of instruction at ECC and has gone on to have outstanding success and distinction in his or her chosen field, displayed humanitarian service, and continued to support the mission of community colleges.
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Linda Deering Dean
Linda Deering Dean has achieved outstanding success in the field of health care leadership. With over 35 years of experience in the health care industry, Linda most recently served as President and CEO of Advocate Sherman Hospital. Through her exemplary leadership and passion for change, Linda increased patient, physician, and employee satisfaction while decreasing employee turnover during financial challenges, downsizing, building a new replacement hospital, and joining a major health system.
Before working at Sherman, Linda served as the Vice President for Patient Services and Chief Nurse at Delnor-Community Hospital, leading their outcomes to top-tier performance. Delnor and Advocate Sherman Hospital received the prestigious Magnet Designation awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center during her tenure.
Linda aspired to be a nurse at a young age and began her journey at Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where she earned a nursing diploma. She earned an Associate in Arts and Science degree at Elgin Community College and then earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in nursing at Northern Illinois University. While working as a full-time nurse, wife, and mother, she quickly learned the value of community college support to advance her education and achieve her professional dreams.
Elgin Community College Friend of Education Award
The Elgin Community College Board of Trustees bestows this award in recognition of the exceptional support and partnership provided by an individual, a business, an institution, or a corporation within District 509 that has greatly advanced the college in terms of growth, educational quality, workforce development or other key areas.
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Robert Malm
Following four and a half years as a U.S. Naval Officer during the Vietnam War, Bob Malm started his career as an intern in the Elgin city manager's office in the late 1960s. He became assistant city manager and chief operating officer until retiring in 1998. During that time, he served as interim city manager on four separate occasions. Malm holds a master's degree in public administration from Northern Illinois University. Malm joined the Elgin Area Chamber in 2004 as director of the chamber's Challenge 21 Campaign, a public/private partnership committed to creating a more vibrant, diverse, and prosperous community. The campaign's success led to the Elgin Development Group, a division of the Elgin Area Chamber, delivering economic development services to the community through a Purchase of Service Agreement with Elgin's City. Malm received the United Way of Elgin Willis A. Reed Humanitarian Award and is active with the Shepard of the Prairie Lutheran Church, Citizens for Council-Manager Government, Elgin Area Leadership Academy, and has been head of several local civic organizations. He volunteers with the Alignment Collaborative for Education as the Educational Pathways A-Team chair.
Exceptional Friend of the Foundation
Each year, the Elgin Community College Foundation recognizes an individual, a business, or an organization that exemplifies the spirit of giving that propels the Foundation and the college toward a promising tomorrow.
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Adrienne Butler
Adrienne Butler was born in a small town in central Massachusetts and lived there until she attended Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. After graduating from medical school at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, she spent the next three years of post-graduate training in Boston and San Francisco. She decided to become an oncologist and spent two more years in San Francisco training to be an oncologist. After becoming a specialist, she moved to Rockford, Illinois, and joined an oncology practice. Butler eventually became a hospice physician—her true calling. But she had always wondered what it would be like to be an attorney, so she earned a degree from Loyola University Law School.
Medicine was her true love, so she returned to hospice work, traveling around Chicago and seeing home patients. Butler married Dr. William Pelz, a European history and political science professor, and the couple had two boys. Bill died unexpectedly in December 2017. Butler describes her late husband as a gifted writer of numerous books, a respected teacher who loved his students, and an excellent travel companion. In Bill's honor, Adrienne donated a portion of his estate to Elgin Community College, where he had taught for nearly 20 years. The Bill Pelz Memorial Scholarship is now awarded annually to first-generation history and political science students. Adrienne and Bill had been the first in their families to attend college, so she knew that Bill would have wanted her to support students in this way. Adrienne enjoys helping students attend ECC, the college where Bill spent many happy and productive years.
Lasting Impact Awards
Dr. Sam established the President’s Lasting Impact Award in 2010 to recognize outstanding leadership and service by a District 509 citizen whose actions, over a long period, have positively impacted the community as a whole and strengthened the mission and shared values of Elgin Community College, in particular.
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Ed Hunter
Elgin native Ed Hunter is a retired Lutheran minister. He served as the Mission Officer and Head Chaplain at Amita Saint Joseph Hospital in Elgin and Mercy Medical Center in Aurora. Ed has been a board-certified Catholic chaplain since 1982, serving various positions in Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois. In its changing formats for 31 years, he served Amita Health as a representative on the regional executive team and as a member of the organization's Mission Services Leadership Team. As a leader, Ed developed and maintained the Mission and Spiritual Care program for 974 associates at Mercy Medical Center and 874 associates at Saint Joseph Hospital.
After a year of formal retirement, he rejoined the hospital's spiritual care staff as a registry-part-time Chaplain. Ed continues to serve and be involved in the community. He is a volunteer chaplain for the Elgin Fire Department and Elgin Police Department. He serves on boards for non-profit agencies in the county, including the Kane County Health Department, Greater Elgin Family Care Center, Hands of Hope, and Family Service Association of Elgin. Hunter is a domestic violence task force member for the Community Crisis Center, Salvation Army Advisory Board in Elgin, and Hesed House in Aurora and serves on the Eversight Eye Bank advisory committee. Ed has also been a member of the Northern Illinois Critical Incident Debriefing team since 1991. He has been a Coalition for Elgin Religious Leaders member for the past 33 years.
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Mike Shales
"Michael G. Shales was born and raised in Elgin. He graduated from Larkin High School in 1973 and Western Illinois University in 1978 with an accounting degree. Mike passed the CPA exam in November 1978 while working for Elgin-based CPA firm Mueller, Sieracki, Kahn, Miller, and Co.
Mike met his wife, Petrecia, while taking computer classes at ECC in early 1980. He had two jobs after the Elgin CPA firm before joining Seagren/Shales, Inc. in 1991, an Elgin construction company co-founded by his father in 1983. In 2000, Seagren/Shales, Inc. was dissolved. In 2001, Mike co-founded Elgin contractor Shales McNutt, LLC, and his father, brother John M. Shales, and friend John R. McNutt. He works at Shales McNutt to this day, although he plans to retire in 2021. Mike's parents, Jack and Marlene Shales, were very involved in the Elgin community and passed this love on to their children. They were extremely proud of Elgin and always looked for ways to improve it. They had been involved in Elgin Community College over the years because they recognized a huge asset in making our area a better place to live and work. They would be proud to know that ECC has recognized Mike and their legacy continues.
Elgin Community College Distinguished Alumni Award
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Dean Follmann, PhD
Dean Follmann grew up on a dairy farm in Udina, Illinois, the youngest of six children. ECC sparked his interest in academics and laid the foundation for his lifelong career. While attending Elgin Community College, he worked mornings at the Pingree Grove bull barn and evenings at Ponderosa Steak House. He graduated from ECC in 1977 with an Associate of Arts degree in psychology. Follmann continued his studies at Northern Illinois University, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in mathematics and psychology and a master of science in mathematics. He earned a Ph.D. in statistics in 1985 from Carnegie Mellon University.
Follmann's professional career started at the Center for Naval Analyses, a think tank for the U.S. Navy, where he worked on weapons systems reliability, logistics, and workforce planning. At the National Institutes of Health, Follmann studied cardiovascular disease and led an infectious disease and immunology group. He was inspired by ECC's dedicated faculty, which provided a rigorous yet supportive learning environment.
Currently, he is an associate director for biostatistics at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. He specializes in designing and analyzing clinical trials that improve human health, especially infectious diseases in Africa. He is a Fellow of the American Statistical Association and the Royal Statistical Society and has published over 200 biology, medicine, and statistics manuscripts. Follmann mentors other scientists and frequently shares his expertise as a guest lecturer. Follmann benefited from ECC's small classes and flexible hours.
Elgin Community College Friend of Education Award
Bryant Crawford Family
Bryant Crawford and his family are stalwart supporters of Elgin Community College and the ECC Transition Academy, providing insights into life and each family member's profession. Bryant Crawford and his wife, Alicia, have been married for nearly 37 years and have one son, Christopher. The couple's niece, Dornetria, and her husband, Chivas, are long-time Transition Academy mentors.
Bryant Crawford holds a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in business administration from Roosevelt University. He is president of 5-Star Computer Services, Inc. Crawford mentors students in the ECC Transition Academy and has served on the board of directors for the Chicago Chapter of BDPA.
Alicia Crawford, EdD, holds a doctorate in counseling psychology from Argosy University-Schaumburg and is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Illinois with over 22 years in counseling. She currently teaches counselor education, supervision, and psychology at Yorkville University, Ashford University, and Grand Canyon University.
Christopher Crawford is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts degree in advanced management. He is an underwriter for group insurance coverages at the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and has started his own marketing business.
Dornetria Hemphill is a subject matter expert in the absence and disability management practice and works for Willis Towers Watson in Chicago. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice with a minor in political science from Illinois State University and a Master of Science in management and organizational behavior from Benedictine University.
Chivas Hemphill attended Illinois State University and earned a degree in construction management. He is a senior superintendent for Ledcor Technical Services. Hemphill's experience includes four years as a residential construction superintendent, three years as a communication technician, and eight years in telecommunications construction.
Exceptional Friend of the Foundation
Grand Victoria Casino and VP/GM John Koster
Grand Victoria Casino has worked hard to become the model of what Illinois riverboat casinos were designed to do: bring about economic revitalization in their host communities. It is a first-class entertainment destination, a business leader in Elgin's community, an employer of choice, and a leader in the Illinois gaming industry. Grand Victoria's employees have volunteered and served on boards of local charities and community organizations such as Elgin Area Chamber, Food for Greater Elgin, Centro de Información, and Habitat for Humanity, Literacy Connection.
From 2009 to 2014, Grand Victoria sponsored a burger competition exclusively for Elgin Community College's Culinary Arts and Hospitality Program, awarding six finalists with scholarships and being featured in the Prime Burger House menu. After completing its acquisition by Eldorado Resorts in August 2018, Grand Victoria Casino remains committed to setting aside 20 percent of its net profits to benefit education, economic development, and environmental causes in Illinois through the Grand Victoria Foundation 1996. Since 1997, the foundation has provided more than $180 million in grants to help Elgin and communities across the state.
Grand Victoria Foundation empowers communities to ensure Illinois is a great place to live and work. Its five focus areas are the economy, education, Elgin, environment, and engagement. The foundation's vision is for a strong, livable, and equitable Illinois where every resident can thrive. Grand Victoria Foundation has partnered with ECC and the ECC Foundation to advance important work in education and workforce development.
Lasting Impact Awards
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Carol Gieske
Carol Gieske is president and CEO of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce. She is a graduate of Elgin Community College and Northern Illinois University. Gieske is on the boards of Alignment Collaborative for Education, City of Elgin Parks and Recreation Foundation, Elgin Community College Foundation, and Fox West Philanthropy Network. Recently she has served on the Illinois Comptroller's Women's Advisory Board and Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth's Advisory Committee on Small Business. She is a women's professional organization WIM Fox Valley member and has served in many First United Methodist Church capacities.
As a lifelong resident of Elgin, Gieske has selflessly given back to her community through her leadership, volunteer commitments, and professional collaborations. For over 20 years, she has provided strong leadership to the United Way of Elgin and served as president for 15 years. Gieske served as president of the Provena Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation. She was also the first female member inducted into the Elgin Noon Rotary Club and served as its president from 2003-2004. She currently chairs the Elgin Advisory Board to the VNA Health Care and has been an integral part of the Elgin Area Leadership Academy since its inception in 1991.
Gieske honors include Altrusa International Woman of the Year, Elgin YWCA Leader Luncheon Awards—Marie Grolich Award for Social Service and Beatrice Dorsey Award for Business & Professions; The Business Ledger's Influential Women in Business; and Elgin Community College's Fabulous Fifty and Distinguished Alumni awards. Gieske and her husband, Patrick, have two adult sons, William and John.
Jeff Turner
Jeff Turner is president and co-founder of Dream Foods, including a café and a Kane County food distribution hub in Elgin named the Dream Hub. He has been in the restaurant business since he was 15, starting as a busboy in an Irish pub. Turner studied in the Elgin Community College culinary program. During that time, he held many jobs, including sous-chef at Lake Barrington Hills Golf Club, executive chef at Ron Santo's, and corporate executive chef for Notable Events Catering. Later, he opened a sandwich shop in Elgin named In the Neighborhood Deli, which he ran for ten years.
In 2009, Turner helped plan a Thanksgiving community dinner in Elgin to aid the homeless population. That evolved into six annual events for the entire community, including summer cookouts and dinners for Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The games have grown each year, serving thousands of people. Turner's goal is for everyone to feel welcome to break bread with neighbors, meet new friends, and have a great time.
Turner is the recipient of many awards, including the Harold T. Seigle Community Service Award, the Cosmopolitan Club of Elgin Distinguished Service Award, and the Les Lemke award from Club Guadalupano of Elgin.
2018 Awards & Honors
Elgin Community College Distinguished Alumni Award
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Julie Lichtenberg
AA, AAS-Nursing '80, MSN, MA, RN, FACHE; Julie Lichtenberg came to Elgin Community College just out of high school, eager to become a nurse. She earned an Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science in nursing from ECC, setting a foundation to grow in her profession and become a transformational servant leader in the community where she grew up.
While raising her three children and working full-time, Lichtenberg earned a bachelor's and two master's degrees. She graduated from Grand Canyon University with a Master of Science in Nursing, Roosevelt University with a Master of Arts in Training and Development, and Judson University with a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Management.
As Director of Patient Engagement for the West Region of Northwestern Medicine, Lichtenberg's influential leadership inspires caregivers to deliver an exceptional healthcare experience. Lichtenberg's numerous recognitions include the 2007 Altrusa International Woman of the Year and the 2000 YWCA Marie Grolich Social Service Leader Award.
Her passion for nursing facilitates new knowledge, research, and evidence-based practice to deliver excellent patient care. As a member of the Elgin Community College Nursing Advisory Board, Lichtenberg has attended annual meetings to collaborate and share best practices with healthcare leaders and board members from surrounding hospitals.
She is a fellow American College of Healthcare Executives and a board-certified nurse executive-advanced. Her professional memberships include the American College of Healthcare Executives, the American Nurses Association, and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Lichtenberg has a public spirit that can inspire children, adolescents, and adults to make a difference.
For over a decade, she led the Elgin Caroling and Caring holiday event created as an Elgin Leadership Academy member to collect underserved clothing. Lichtenberg has educated schoolchildren to help increase self-esteem and supported lead efforts to raise funds for United Way. Lichtenberg has mentored many professionals, encouraging them to further their nursing careers and pursue advanced degrees.
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Ron Krivosik, PhD
A 1984 Graduate of ECC's Culinary Arts and Hospitality Program, Chef Ron Krivosik has over 30 years of experience with Levy Restaurants. Krivosik has overseen the premium dining and general concessions at some of the most exciting venues around the country, including the US Open Tennis Tournament and Barclays Center in New York; Wrigley Field and US Cellular Field in Chicago; American Airlines Arena in Miami; and Churchill Downs in Louisville. Krivosik has also trained and mentored numerous chefs. His community service includes volunteering, supporting local fundraising for Special Olympics, and working with underprivileged Chicago school children to promote healthy cooking and snacks. He enjoys speaking to schoolchildren about opportunities in the hospitality business and always encourages them to dream big.
Krivosik has also volunteered at a local women's shelter to promote healthy cooking options for women with HIV. Connecting with fellow ECC Culinary Arts Department alumni is a priority for Krivosik, who seeks opportunities to help graduates succeed in the hospitality industry. He has been the featured chef at two Visiting Chef Dinners at ECC, spending the day on campus, lecturing, and working with culinary students before leading the preparation of a four-course meal. Krivosik has also invited ECC culinary arts classes to work at his side during event planning and execution at the Kentucky Derby.
Krivosik credits ECC with helping him lay a solid foundation for his career, from learning the fundamentals of cooking to fine dining. Whether menu planning for 250,000 people at a golf tournament or a private party for 25 people in a high-end restaurant, Krivosik says the foundation of technique and taste he received at ECC always served him well.
Elgin Community College Friend of Education Award
Polly Nash and Jack Weiss
After retiring from Elgin Community College, Polly Nash, and Jack Weiss collaborated on several college projects. To celebrate the college's 60th anniversary, they co-chaired the college-wide committee to write its history. While creating the book, The Community's College: Sixty Years of Elgin Community College, they discovered several thousand undocumented historical college photographs. With the help of college archivist Armando Trejo, they provided basic documentation and uploaded the photos to the Illinois Digital Archives. Recently, the duo focused their efforts on an ECC Oral History Project, recording and preserving people's contributions important to the college's history. Also, they currently co-chair the ECC Foundation's Retiree Advisory Committee. Polly Nash was a dean for several divisions during her 20 years at ECC, including Liberal Arts and Human Services and Business and Corporate Development. In that role, she worked with faculty on teaching, learning, and auxiliary spaces in the Visual and Performing Arts Center and the Culinary Arts Center. Her final position was associate vice president for education and student services.
After retirement, she helped develop the Alliance for College Readiness and helped coordinate the Summer Bridge Program. She has also served as a mentor for the program's Transition Academy. Nash earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from Murray State University in Kentucky and later served on the MSU's Speech Department faculty. She developed a love for community colleges' mission through her work at East Arkansas Community College and Olympic College in Washington State. She came to Elgin Community College in 1985—describing it as "home at last." Nash has served on the Renz Addiction Counseling Center board and the Elgin Area Childcare Initiative. She is a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in Kane County and a mentor for new advocates in abuse and neglect cases.
Jack Weiss worked in several leadership positions during his 31 years at ECC. His primary administrative role was as dean of learning resources. He was closely involved in introducing technology-based delivery of instruction. Weiss helped ECC obtain funding for the Amnesty program, making ECC the only community college in the country to get formal government approval to serve residents through the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act. He also provided leadership for the Intensive English Language Program. As an officer and founding member of the Northern Illinois Learning Resources Cooperative, Weiss helped ECC partner with leaders at other community colleges to negotiate reduced prices on library materials and supplies also an officer and delegate to the Illinois Council of Community College Administrators. Weiss received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. He earned his doctorate in education from Northern Illinois University. From 1966 to 1968, he and his wife, Anne, served as Peace Corps teachers. Weiss is an Army veteran who completed a duty tour as an infantry platoon sergeant in Vietnam. Weiss' community service includes coaching little league, serving as a Cub Scout leader, and creating a not-for-profit organization to teach violin instruction.
Exceptional Friend of the Foundation
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Carolyn M. Kirk-Likou
"Born in Helena, Arkansas, Carolyn M. Kirk-Likou moved her family to Elgin in 1973 and lived in West Dundee. She is married to Manny Likou, and they have five children, seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. A lifelong educator, Kirk-Likou received her BS in business education from the University of Arkansas and her MS from Northern Illinois University. She taught at local high schools until 1979 when she accepted a position in the ECC Office Administration and Technology Department. In 1989, ECC honored her with the Orrin G. Thompson Excellence in Teaching Award. She was a professor at ECC for 19 years and, in 1998, became a professor emeritus. Kirk-Likou was passionate about her students. She received many other recognitions during her teaching career and connected with some of her students.
Kirk-Likou is involved in her church and community, but her passion has been the ECC Foundation. She has served on the foundation board since 2000 and is now an emeritus director. She was an original member of the ECC Foundation women's giving circle Purses with Purpose and created the Carolyn Kirk-Likou Scholarship Fund.
Contact
Alumni
Building B, Room B230.08
847-214-7746
eccalumni@elgin.edu