2018

Achievements

Published 12/07/2018

Shuang Li: ECC is a great place to study

I have been studying at Elgin Community College for two years, and I am majoring in hospitality. I started in ECC’s intensive English program.

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Achievements

Published 12/07/2018

Qilin Liu: My experience was priceless

I’m an international student from China and decided to study abroad when I finished secondary school.

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Achievements

Published 12/07/2018

Lee Mcintosh: Just keep pushing

When it comes to obtaining success, there is no clear guide on exactly how to achieve it. Therefore, I decided to create my own.

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Achievements

Published 12/07/2018

Kwanyin Linares: This is just the beginning of something big

I left my house, my family, my career and my native country when I moved to the United States from Venezuela.

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Achievements

Published 12/07/2018

Justine Walker: I came to ECC looking for a promotion; what I found was freedom

How is it that an associate degree altered my perspective on life so dramatically?

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Achievements

Published 12/07/2018

Joseph Agnello: Purpose, passion, and relationships make life meaningful

Following my retirement, I enrolled in a philosophy class at Elgin Community College. When family and friends questioned me why I took this class at my age, I was stunned.

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Achievements

Published 12/07/2018

Jessica Mata: ECC’s nursing program changed my life

I still remember the day I got the news that I was accepted into Elgin Community College’s nursing program.

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Achievements

Published 12/07/2018

Fernando Camacho: Everyone at ECC wants students to succeed; I represent what is possible here

My time at Elgin Community College has been nothing short of amazing. In the beginning, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

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Achievements

Published 12/17/2018

ECC President David Sam: Start at ECC, succeed anywhere

A message from ECC President David Sam about Illinois' bachelor’s degree completion rates among community college students who transfer to four-year colleges.

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Achievements

Published 12/07/2018

De’Reen Vyleta: My journey at ECC has been fun; my future is a little brighter

My experience at ECC has been outstanding! The people and staff here have helped me change my life.

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Achievements

Published 12/07/2018

Chris Young: Failure is not fatal when you grow from your mistakes

My journey at Elgin Community College has been an emotional rollercoaster.

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Achievements

Published 12/07/2018

Carla Mares: ECC’s honors program ignited my interest as a student

I came to Elgin Community College in the fall of 2016, undecided and a little disappointed in myself for not being away at school.

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College Publication

Published 11/26/2018

Your community college at a glance

From life-changing academic programs to powerful community partnerships, ECC takes a leading role in improving people's lives through learning.

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Dave Reich and a student work on a welding technique

College Publication

Published 11/26/2018

Passing the torch: ECC's dedication to developing new generations of skilled workers burns bright

As the demand for skilled welders heats up, ECC has lit a spark in teenage residents by providing them with valuable experience in a field with high growth potential.

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Elgin Community College across Lake Spartan.

College Publication

Published 11/26/2018

Leading the Way: A message from the ECC President and Board Chair

Dear ECC Community, 6.9 million. That is the number of job openings reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics at the end of July 2018.

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Faculty Profile | Newsletter

Published 12/03/2018

Guy’s global perspective and belief in students helps them achieve their goals

Associate Professor of Adult Basic Education Sally Guy brings her worldview to the classroom. Guy loves to travel and spent a semester abroad in Europe during college.

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Administrator Profile | Faculty Profile | Newsletter

Published 11/26/2018

From farm to table: Loiacano lives for family, cooking and giving back

In her position as Director of Spartan Terrace Restaurant, Jenn Loiacano gets to do two of her favorite things every day—teach culinary classes and plan events. She’s overseen operations of the student-run restaurant since joining Elgin Community College in January 2017.

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Dental assisting students work with a patient

College Publication

Published 11/26/2018

Four-handed dentistry builds strong relationships

In fall 2018, Elgin Community College Dental Assisting Program alumni and members of the area dental community gathered to celebrate the program’s 50th year.

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College Publication

Published 11/26/2018

Earn while you learn: Apprenticeships meet the needs of employers and students

Kwanyin Linares’ educational journey began in 2017 in Venezuela, where she was a university student pursuing her dream to become a nurse.

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Two students greet others during HBCU Fair

College Publication

Published 11/26/2018

Dreaming in color, succeeding in life: ECC’s celebration of diversity and commitment to equity runs year-round

At Elgin Community College, our values of inclusivity, diversity and equity are tangible the moment you set foot on campus.

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College Publication

Published 11/26/2018

50 years, 7,000 leaders: ECC’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society celebrates 50 years of leadership

Give us 50 years, and we’ll give you 7,000 leaders who are well-equipped to become paragons of success within the community.

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Faculty Profile | Newsletter

Published 11/09/2018

Collins’ passion for welding, teaching ignites a spark in students

If you asked adjunct welding instructor Chester “Al” Collins how to perfect your weld, he’d tell you: proper technique and practice. But how about finding the perfect, fulfilling career? For Collins, it’s blending his burning passion for helping Elgin Community College students succeed with years of [metal] strong experience in the field he’s teaching.

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Administrator Profile | Newsletter

Published 11/01/2018

Strossner sees the beauty of books

For Managing Director of Retail Operations Kelly Strossner, it’s all about the books. Her love for literature goes way back to her first job in a bookstore when she was 15 and her school days when she became fascinated with fiction (and nonfiction).

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Newsletter | Staff Profile

Published 10/26/2018

Family is foundational for Bosteder

To say that family plays a large role in Adult Basic Education Center Office Coordinator Theresa Bosteder’s life is an understatement.

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Newsletter | Staff Profile

Published 10/22/2018

Jackson tackles students' questions and coaches them to the end zone

Technical Enrollment Facilitator Jurice Jackson is the ultimate fan—of sports and seeing Elgin Community College students reach their dreams.

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Faculty Profile | Newsletter

Published 10/15/2018

Zelms empowers students to succeed

In marathon running and in life, preparation is key. English Unit Adjunct Faculty member Susan Zelms helps Elgin Community College students during the degree completion “race,” giving them a leg up in life—and cheering them on as they cross the finish line to walk across the stage during commencement.

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Newsletter | Staff Profile

Published 10/08/2018

Carriveau goes the distance for the perfect shot

Electronic Imaging Specialist and resident comedian for Elgin Community College’s Marketing and Communications department Mark Carriveau spends his time searching for the perfect shot.

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Academics

Published 09/27/2018

ECC President David Sam: Community colleges can best train the new generation of skilled workers

A message from ECC President David Sam about community colleges' role in training the new generation of skilled workers.

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Administrator Profile | Newsletter

Published 09/24/2018

‘Deaning’ involves a lot of passion and a touch of magic for Miller

Walt Disney World may be the most magical place on earth, but for Wendy Miller, dean of health professions, math, science and engineering, Elgin Community College is the most rewarding place on earth.

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Faculty Profile | Newsletter

Published 09/17/2018

Renovations and revisions: Alms enjoys developing potential

In the classroom and with her flip houses, Instructor of English Ginger Alms enjoys developing potential.

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Newsletter | Staff Profile

Published 09/10/2018

For Clemmons, career satisfaction is all in the job

Aristotle’s quote “Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work” rings true for Brandi Clemmons, event coordinator, who works in Elgin Community College’s Facilities Rental and Food Services division.

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Events

Published 09/10/2018

Empowering students to pursue goals and dream big, ‘I Dream in Color Week’ kicks off Sept. 10

A special “I Dream in Color Week” kick-off message from event creator Brittany Barber

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Administrator Profile | Newsletter

Published 09/04/2018

For Kepley, theatre deserves a standing ovation

Theatre takes center stage for Susanne Kepley, Elgin Community College Arts Center’s resident manager of marketing and patron services, who has long loved the art form.

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Faculty Profile

Published 08/27/2018

Peterhans aspires to radiate her passion as an instructor

Adjunct Digital Technologies Instructor Mary Peterhans, an Elgin Community College veteran of 35 years, knows what it takes to be successful at ECC: Put students first.

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Staff Profile

Published 08/20/2018

For Albino, ECC is home [court]

Admissions Coordinator Ramon Albino has been a Spartan for over 13 years since first beginning as a student employee in 2005. He’s held various positions within the college including student trustee, student worker and technical enrollment facilitator, but his latest move has him on the Admissions office roster.

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Administrator Profile

Published 08/13/2018

Gundrum’s guidance supports students on their educational journey

Associate Dean of Advising, Transfer and Career Development Services Peggy Gundrum, remembers the challenges of being a college student and recent graduate. Her passion for serving students at Elgin Community College is fueled by her own experience.

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Staff Profile

Published 08/06/2018

Gray connects through intercultural communication and a global perspective

Education and Work Center (EWC) Transitions Coordinator Peter Gray seeks to make meaningful connections with people through the intercultural communication skills he’s acquired along his educational and professional journey.

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Student Resources

Published 08/01/2018

Your guide to a great fall semester at ECC (You’ll want to save this.)

The beginning of fall semester at Elgin Community College will be here before you know it! Are you as excited as we are?

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Student Profile

Published 07/16/2018

Julissa Alvarez: 'ECC challenged me and provided me with career-oriented skills'

Elgin Community College helped graduate Julissa Alvarez earn a paralegal certificate and start a new career.

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Student Profile

Published 07/16/2018

Andrew Pratt: 'Student resources at ECC helped me succeed'

Elgin Community College helped graduate Andrew Pratt overcome obstacles and pursue his dream of becoming an animator.

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Student Profile

Published 07/16/2018

Alex Theimer: 'ECC gave me the tools and coursework I needed to prepare for MIT'

Elgin Community College helped veteran Alex Theimer earn his associate degree and transfer to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

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A garden plot in the Advocate Sherman Hospital

Student Resources

Published 07/12/2018

ECC’s Spartan Food Pantry is growing [vegetables]

A hearty supply of fresh garden-grown vegetables are now available at Elgin Community College’s student-run Spartan Food Pantry thanks to two garden beds in the Advocate Sherman Hospital Natural Prairie and Community Garden.

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Academics

Published 07/10/2018

Students experience reality and rewards of cold case police work

The case is over for Michelle Cortez, but future students of Elgin Community College’s Cold Case Investigative Research Institute will continue to research the mysterious 2013 disappearance of 24-year-old model Ryan Singleton, whose unexplained death in California made national headlines.

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Achievements | Foundation | Newsletter

Published 06/25/2018

IMPACT: Purpose and Passion

After high school, Aimee Padilla did not know what she wanted to do, so she came to Elgin Community College to explore. She took classes she liked, including biology and math, hoping to find her passion.

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Pietrek Kubasak poses with a welding draft

Achievements | Foundation | Newsletter

Published 06/25/2018

IMPACT: Integrating Interests

People often treated Pietrek Kubasak differently when they learned he was homeschooled–it was usually in a good way. “A veterinarian explained biology and surgery to me. An HVAC specialist described how a system worked,” Pietrek recalled.

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Staff Profile

Published 06/04/2018

In life and in yoga, less is more for Richmond

Senior Director of Human Resource Information Systems Kristin Richmond "makes molehills out of mountains…of paper." She supervises the area that is responsible for HR systems strategy, implementation and maintenance, in addition to the function that maintains data related to Elgin Community College employees

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Achievements | Events

Published 05/18/2018

Adult Basic and Secondary Education celebrates student achievement

On Saturday, April 28, Elgin Community College’s English as a Second Language Program celebrated with an annual tradition. The event honored 89 students who transitioned from one ESL level to the next, or who have completed ESL and transferred into college-level classes.

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