2022

Elgin Community College

Announcement

Published 12/21/2022

Elgin Community College Board approves student-drafted Land Acknowledgement Statement

The Elgin Community College District 509 Board of Trustees approved the college’s first Indigenous Land Acknowledgment Statement at the Dec. 13, 2022, regular meeting. The statement was researched and drafted by students in Antonio Ramirez, PhD, professor of history’s new HIS-150, History of Native America, course.

Elgin Community College across Lake Spartan

Accomplishment

Published 12/20/2022

ECC Receives Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting

Elgin Community College received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, presented by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States (GFOA).

Christina Marrocco, PhD, associate professor of English

Accomplishment | Faculty Profile

Published 12/13/2022

ECC’s Christina Marrocco wins the Chicago Writers Association 2022 Book of the Year

Christina Marrocco, PhD, associate professor of English at Elgin Community College, is the 2022 winner of the Chicago Writers Association Book of the Year Award for Indie Fiction. Marrocco’s novel, “Addio, Love Monster,” tells a series of linked stories spanning generations on the ‘regular’ yet remarkable Singer Street of fictional midcentury Mulberry Park, just outside of Chicago.

ECC adult education students from left to right: Maria Nino, Aysha Khan, Maria Garcia Moreno, Anna Ewko, Viktoriya Kondratyuk-Melnychuk, Christopher Rios, Detrice Bradley, and Aurora Aguirre

Academics | Accomplishment

Published 12/08/2022

ECC holds first National Adult Education Honor Society Induction Ceremony

On Wednesday, Dec. 7, Elgin Community College inducted its first group of adult education students into the National Adult Education Honor Society (NAEHS). The NAEHS was founded in 1991 by Lloyd Weaver, an adult education practitioner, to provide meaningful recognition to his students who had demonstrated remarkable perseverance in achieving their educational goals.

Catherine Moushon, professor of mathematics

Accomplishment | Faculty Profile

Published 12/08/2022

ECC’s Catherine Moushon receives ICTM Award

Elgin Community College’s Catherine Moushon, MA, professor of mathematics, was honored with the Max Beberman Mathematics Educators Award this past October from the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM). This award honors one outstanding person each year who has made significant contributions to the field of mathematics education through research, curriculum design, or teacher training.

Top Row: Mia Hardy, PhD, assistant professor of sociology and Roxana Idu, PhD, assistant professor of economics; and Tracy Meyer, MS, associate professor of mathematics; Bottom Row: Geoffrey Pynn, PhD, associate professor of humanities and Adam Schlipmann, MME, instructor of music

Accomplishment | Announcement

Published 11/15/2022

ECC board grants tenure to five faculty members

At the October 11, 2022, board meeting, the Community College District 509 Board of Trustees accepted the recommendation by the Elgin Community College administration to grant tenure to five ECC full-time faculty.

ECC students Salma Yatsil Armenta as Henrietta Leavitt and Cameron Graber as Peter Shaw

Arts Center | Events

Published 11/02/2022

ECC Theatre presents Silent Sky throughout November

The Elgin Community College Arts Center and Theatre presents “Silent Sky,” directed by Susan A. Robinson, theatre instructional coordinator and associate professor of theatre at ECC. The show opens on Friday, November 11, at 7:30 pm. “Silent Sky” is the true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt exploring a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries when women’s ideas were dismissed until men claimed credit for them.

ECC instructor demonstrates to students in class

Academics | Announcement

Published 11/02/2022

ECC receives state grant for health care worker pipeline

Elgin Community College has been awarded $695,000 from the State of Illinois for the Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce (PATH) Program. This program aims to address the shortage of workers in health care, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, by expanding opportunities for individuals to obtain credentials and degrees in select health care fields and providing current health care systems the ability to upskill or reskill their workforce.

ECC students and Observer staff Indie Wilson, Kip Kane, Dominic Di Palermo, Nick Obradovich, Eric Rangel, and Michelle Doherty

Accomplishment | Alumni Profile

Published 11/01/2022

ECC alum Shelby Ann Taylor excels in Pacemaker Awards

ECC alum Shelby Anne Taylor, ’21, former Observer editor-in-chief, earned 3rd place in the Story of the Year Feature Writing category of the Pacemaker awards from the Associated Collegiate Press. The Observer is Elgin Community College’s student-run newspaper.

Steve Leslie

Arts Center | Events

Published 10/20/2022

Grammy Award winner Steve Leslie to play at ECC Arts Center

Grammy Award-winning songwriter and recording artist Steve Leslie performs “How Sweet It Is!” at the Elgin Community College Arts Center on Saturday, October 22, at 7 p.m. Leslie will cover classic James Taylor songs such as “You’ve got a Friend” and “Fire and Rain.”

Tourismusschulen school in Semmering, Austria and the ECC culinary department

Events

Published 10/17/2022

Austrian Chef Gerhard Fuchs visits ECC culinary arts department

The Elgin Community College Culinary Arts Department held a Visiting Chef Event with Chef Gerhard Fuchs on Thursday, October 13, in the Spartan Terrance Restaurant. The event showcased the partnership between Tourismusschulen school in Semmering, Austria, and the ECC culinary department, which goes back more than 30 years.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Events

Published 10/13/2022

Domestic Violence Hurts Everyone: ECC hosting awareness rally on October 27

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Elgin Community College’s Office of Student Life is partnering with the Community Crisis Center to bring Jamie Mosser, Kane County State’s Attorney, as the keynote speaker for a Domestic Violence Awareness Rally on Thursday, Oct. 27, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Seigle Auditorium, Building E, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Admission is free and open to the public.

Elgin Community College across Lake Spartan

Events

Published 10/11/2022

ECC Hosts Fall Bill Pelz Global Speaker Series Event on Oct. 18

Elgin Community College is hosting a Bill Pelz Global Speaker Series event titled “Political Pawns: Global Migration and the Case of Migrant Bussing” on Tuesday, October 18, from 2 pm to 3:30 pm. This series is sponsored by the ECC Global/International Studies Taskforce (GIST).

Kristina Garcia, PhD, dean of the communications and behavioral sciences division

Accomplishment | Administrator Profile | Announcement

Published 10/10/2022

Kristina Garcia of ECC Selected to Serve as Impact Fellow for the Aspen Institute

The Aspen Institute (Aspen) announced Kristina Garcia, PhD, dean of the communications and behavioral sciences division at Elgin Community College, has accepted the offer to serve as an inaugural Aspen Index Impact Fellow. This fellowship will bring together more than 90 community stakeholders in a movement to advance the future of youth leadership development.

David Sam, PhD, JD, LLM, president of Elgin Community College

Accomplishment

Published 10/07/2022

ECC President and marketing team earn top honors from NCMPR

Elgin Community College President David Sam, PhD, JD, LLM, and the Marketing and Communications team walked away with more than a dozen awards at the 2022 National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) District 3 Conference, Sept. 28-30 in Chicago, Ill.

Robin Seigle and Linda Hefferin, co-chairs of the ECC Foundation Gala Committee

Accomplishment | Events | Foundation

Published 10/03/2022

The ECC Foundation Gala “Dare to Dream” tops $110,000 for ECC Students

Celebrating the essence of student achievement, the Elgin Community College Foundation’s 2022 Gala: Dare to Dream, presented by OTTO, raised more than $110,000 in support of ECC students, including funding for scholarships and mini-grants for innovative faculty projects.

ECC student

Accomplishment | Announcement

Published 09/23/2022

Double-digit increase in ECC’s fall enrollment shows positive post-pandemic trends

Elgin Community College’s reported fall enrollment, tabulated on the 10th day of the fall semester, reflects an 11% increase over the previous fall. More than 8,900 students are enrolled for the fall semester, with numbers continuing to increase to more than 9,000 students beyond the 10th day due to later fall start date registrations for 12- and 8-week courses.

A Brother's Revival

Arts Center | Events

Published 09/21/2022

ECC Arts Center fall season opens with renown “A Brother’s Revival” Allman Brothers legac

The Elgin Community College Arts Center’s first stage performance of the fall season will be A Brother’s Revival on Saturday, September 24, from 7 – 9:30 pm in the Blizzard Theatre, located in Building H on the Spartan Drive Campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, Ill.

Aerial photo of Elgin Community College.

Board of Trustees

Published 09/20/2022

Nominating Petitions for ECC Board of Trustees Available Sept. 20

Petitions for nomination for trustee of Community College District 509 (Elgin Community College) may be downloaded beginning Tuesday, September 20, 2022.

Tommy Hensel, Senior Director of Performing Arts

Accomplishment | Administrator Profile | Arts Center

Published 09/13/2022

ECC’s Tommy Hensel to receive Chicago Cabaret Presenter Award

Elgin Community College Senior Director of Performing Arts Tommy Hensel will receive the Chicago Cabaret Presenter Award at the Chicago Cabaret 2022 Gala at the Epiphany Center for the Arts on Monday, October 17.

From left to right: Yolonda Barnes, EdD, associate dean of sustainability, business, and career technologies; Mia Hardy, PhD, assistant professor of sociology; and LaTasha DeHaan, PhD, associate professor of history

Academics | Student Resources

Published 09/09/2022

New center provides first-of-its-kind research opportunities for students at ECC

Elgin Community College is pleased to introduce the opening of a new outreach program for ECC students interested in learning about academic research or working on a creative project with the mentorship of an ECC faculty member. The Center for Undergraduate Research, Innovation, and Creativity (CURIC), officially opened with the start of the fall 2022 semester.

Representatives from colleges and universities at ECC for College Night

Events | Student Resources

Published 09/06/2022

ECC to host college night featuring over 150 colleges and universities

Representatives from more than 150 colleges and universities will be at Elgin Community College on Wednesday, October 12, to help students and families explore their options. The event is free and open to the public and will be held from 6 to 8 pm in Building J, Events Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.

ECC Physical Therapist Assistant student Natalia Martinez

Accomplishment | Student Profile

Published 09/02/2022

ECC Physical Therapist Assistant student Natalia Martinez receives a $3,000 scholarship

The Illinois Physical Therapy Foundation (IPTF) and PT Solutions Physical Therapy (PTS) selected Elgin Community College Physical Therapist Assistant student Natalia Martinez (Streamwood, Ill.) to receive a one-time $3,000 scholarship on behalf of the PTS Future Leadership Scholarship Program.

Latinx Heritage Month 2022

Events

Published 09/01/2022

ECC’s Latinx Heritage Month 2022 celebrates legacy

Elgin Community College’s Latinx Heritage Month (LHM) will include in-person events built around the 2022 theme “Los Caminos de la Vida: Celebrating Our Legacy.” The month’s events begin with the annual kickoff brunch honoring the late Jane Barbosa on Friday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Building E, Rm 121, dining room, on ECC’s campus, 1700 Spartan Drive.

ECC Nursing Graduate Michael Lacala

Accomplishment | Alumni Profile

Published 08/24/2022

ECC nursing graduate awarded national scholarship for nursing exam

Elgin Community College nursing graduate Michael Lacala is one of 15 Phi Theta Kappa members in the country to be awarded the Hurst Review National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) Scholarships to help cover the cost of the NCLEX exam fees and study materials. Lacala graduated this past spring from ECC’s nursing program.

Peggy Heinrich, EdD, vice president of teaching, learning, and student development

Accomplishment | Administrator Profile | Announcement

Published 08/22/2022

Peggy Heinrich of ECC Selected for the Aspen Institute’s Rising Presidents Fellowship

The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program (Aspen) announced today that Peggy Heinrich, EdD, vice president of teaching, learning, and student development at Elgin Community College, is one of 31 leaders in the nation selected for the 2022-23 class of the Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship.

Students from the TRIO Talent Search, one of ECC's college preparation programs, participating in college & career readiness curriculum

Academics | Events | Student Resources

Published 08/18/2022

ECC to host College and Career Readiness Sessions throughout the upcoming academic year

Elgin Community College’s Division of College Transitions and Secondary Partnerships will provide free College and Career Readiness (CCR) workshops throughout the 2022-23 school year to help students prepare for their futures. All events are free, open to the public, and geared towards middle and high school students and their parents.

ECC student

Academics | Student Resources

Published 08/08/2022

There’s still time to register for fall classes at ECC

Registration for fall credit classes is underway at Elgin Community College and will continue until the semester starts on August 22. College staff are ready and available to help new students through the application and enrollment process.

Luis Alarcon, recruitment coordinator

Academics | Student Resources

Published 08/04/2022

Extended service hours available to help students enroll for fall classes

ECC’s extended campus will be open to assist students on Saturday, August 13, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Saturday, August 20, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Two students work on a welding assignment

Academics | Announcement

Published 08/03/2022

ECC Receives New Grant to Support Accelerated Skills Training

Elgin Community College has partnered with the Kane County Office of Community Reinvestment to offer job skills training services through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act* (WIOA). WIOA is a federally funded program geared toward helping individuals gain the professional skills necessary to start or advance their careers.

ECC alumna Natalie Kusnierewicz and David Strossner, emergency services unit adjunct faculty

Accomplishment | Alumni Profile

Published 08/02/2022

ECC alum’s heroic actions recognized

Elgin Community College alumna Natalie Kusnierewicz ‘21 received a Life-Saving Award from the South Elgin & Countryside Fire Protection District for saving her uncle's life, who collapsed in June. Kusnierewicz graduated from ECC’s Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Basic Operations Firefighter (BOF) programs.

ECC student James G. Allen Jr. speaking at the 2021 Foundation Gala

Events | Foundation

Published 08/01/2022

ECC Foundation Gala ‘Dare to Dream’ to be held Sept. 17

The Elgin Community College Foundation invites the community to celebrate the achievements of students, faculty, and staff at the ECC Foundation Gala: Dare to Dream event, presented by OTTO, at 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 17, 2022. The gala will be an in-person celebration at the Q Center in St. Charles, with an option to attend virtually at 7 p.m.

Spartacat with Elgin Police Department officers

Events

Published 07/25/2022

Visit the Elgin Community College booths at upcoming community events

Elgin Community College is hitting the road this summer and attending several community events. Stop by the ECC booth for information about fall classes, applying, financial aid, and more. Plus, grab some cool ECC swag.

ECC students Jolie Swanson as Audrey and Cameron Graber as Seymour

Arts Center | Events

Published 07/25/2022

ECC Arts Center presents “Little Shop of Horrors” on July 29

The Elgin Community College Arts Center’s summer production “Little Shop of Horrors” will be performed from July 29 through August 7 in the SecondSpace Theatre. Located on Elgin Community College’s campus in Building H, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.

Silhouette of student in graduation cap making the Arizona State SunDevil hand gesture.

Academics | Announcement

Published 07/20/2022

ECC and ASU Partner to Offer College Students MyPath2ASU™ Collaboration

Elgin Community College is pleased to announce a new alliance with Arizona State University to provide students with a seamless transfer experience with the MyPath2ASU™ program. MyPath2ASU allows students to take the steps needed at the start of their college experience to successfully plan their transfer to ASU, ensuring a smooth transition process and student success.

Aerial photo of Elgin Community College.

Accomplishment | Student Profile

Published 06/29/2022

ECC students shine at SkillsUSA National Championship

Elgin Community College career and technical students traveled to Atlanta, Ga., to compete in the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in June. Nine ECC students competed in six categories: Culinary Arts, Customer Service, Cybersecurity, Welding, Welding Fabrication, and Welding Sculpture.

An adult student

Academics | Events

Published 06/22/2022

ECC to host in-person information session for adult students interested in college on Jul

Elgin Community College will hold an in-person information session on Tuesday, July 12, at 5:30 p.m. in Building B, Alumni Room 182, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Adults considering returning to school or enrolling in college for the first time are invited to attend this free event open to the public.

David Sam, PhD, JD, LLM, president of Elgin Community College and Kelly Owens, financial aid technical specialist

Accomplishment

Published 06/15/2022

Kelly Owens Receives President’s Award for financial aid excellence

Kelly Owens, financial aid technical specialist, received the President’s Award at the Illinois Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators’ annual conference in April. The President’s Award is considered to be one of ILASFAA’s highest awards and is awarded at the discretion of the president.

Project Backpack

Events | Student Resources

Published 06/08/2022

ECC’s Project Backpack helps local students in need

Elgin Community College and its partners are preparing for Project Backpack, a community-based initiative to benefit area students in need. The committee is coordinating backpacks, school supplies, and/or resources for students in need for fall 2022 from school districts U-46, CUSD 300, CSD 301, CUSD 303, D20, or ECC District 509.

ECC student-athlete Nick Schumann

Accomplishment

Published 06/08/2022

Thirty-Five ECC student-athletes earn Academic All-Conference honors

The Elgin Community College athletic programs had 35 student-athletes earn Academic All-Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference (ISCC) honors for the 2021-22 school year.

ECC students in the Ophthalmic Technician program

Events | Student Resources

Published 06/01/2022

Learn about two new health profession programs coming to ECC this fall

Elgin Community College is launching two new programs in its health and sciences division in Fall 2022 - Medical Assisting and Ophthalmic Technician. Local healthcare employers expressed a need for more trained workers for both in-demand positions currently facing staffing shortages.

ECC student-athlete Sam Bonick

Accomplishment | Alumni Profile

Published 05/31/2022

ECC student-athlete Sam Bonick earns Dick Durrant Award

Elgin Community College baseball player Sam Bonick was named an Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference (ISCC) Dick Durrant Sophomore Academic Athlete of the Year Winner.

Cathy Taylor, MBA, dean of sustainability, business, and career technologies

Accomplishment | Administrator Profile

Published 05/19/2022

ECC Dean Cathy Taylor honored with YWCA Education Award

Cathy Taylor, MBA, dean of sustainability, business, and career technologies at Elgin Community College, received the 2022 Harriet Gifford & Hattie Griffin Award for Education at the YWCA Elgin’s 38th annual Leader Luncheon on May 12, 2022. Taylor was recognized for her strong commitment to helping students reach their academic and career goals.

Tyler Garza, 2022 Dr. David Sam Award Winner

Accomplishment | Alumni Profile

Published 05/18/2022

Tyler Garza receives the 2022 Dr. David Sam Award

Elmhurst University selected Elgin Community College graduate Tyler Garza (Streamwood) as the 2022 Dr. David Sam Award winner. The scholarship awarded is $3,000, and Garza is eligible for other transfer scholarships from Elmhurst. Garza graduated from ECC in the fall of 2021 with an associate in arts degree.

Marcia Luptak, associate dean of adult education and Aurora Morales Aguirre, ECC student

Accomplishment | Administrator Profile | Student Profile

Published 05/17/2022

ECC student and administrator receive adult education awards

The Illinois Adult and Continuing Educators Association (IACEA) awarded Elgin Community College Associate Dean of Adult Education Marcia Luptak the annual award for Administrator of the Year and ECC student Aurora Morales Aguirre (Streamwood) the annual Outstanding Adult Learner of the Year Award.

ECC student-athlete Nik Panico

Accomplishment

Published 05/16/2022

Spartan Baseball’s Panico Headlines All-Conference Selections

The Elgin Community College baseball team had four individuals earn All-Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference (ISCC) honors. Nik Panico (pitcher) headlined the group as a First Team designated hitter selection. Luis Rodriguez (outfield) was named Second Team as an outfielder with Adrian Ruiz (pitcher) and Derek Angelo (catcher) earning Honorable Mention status as a pitcher and catcher, respectively.

From left to right: Tom Limberis, instructor of welding; Chuck Timm, volunteer; Debora Culajay, student; Susan Timm, EdD, professor of business; Yeung Ming Li, student; Christian Cruz, student; William J. Lietzow III, student; Saffron Bruno, student; Meralia Gómez, student; Brendan Schoneberg, student; Zachary Kuhlman, student;

Accomplishment

Published 05/13/2022

ECC students excel at SkillsUSA Illinois State Championship

Elgin Community College career and technical students traveled to Peoria, Ill., to compete in the SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference on April 29-30. This was the first SkillsUSA competition to take place in person in three years.

Students at Spring commencement ceremony

Announcement | Events

Published 05/09/2022

ECC returns to in-person commencement ceremonies for spring 2022

Elgin Community College will hold in-person commencement ceremonies for the spring 2022 graduating class. Three ceremonies will take place starting with the High School Equivalency ceremony on Friday, May 20, 2022, at 7 p.m., followed by the University Transfer ceremony on Saturday, May 21, at 10 a.m., and the Career and Technical programs ceremony at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 21, 2022.

ECC math, science, and engineering students Malyika Hussain, Reese Scarnato, Brillina Wang, and Mack Vongsa

Accomplishment

Published 05/05/2022

ECC STEM team take first place at Illinois Skyway Competition

Elgin Community College math, science, and engineering students won first prize at the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference 2022 STEM Poster Competition for their project titled “Green Synthesis of Noble Metal Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications.” The competition, held on April 22 at Morton College in Cicero, was split into environmental science projects and projects in the STEM field. ECC won first in the STEM grouping out of eight other participating schools.

24th Annual Elgin Community College Foundation Golf Classic

Events | Foundation

Published 05/02/2022

ECC Foundation’s annual Golf Classic tees off

Tickets and sponsorships are now available for the 24th Annual Elgin Community College Foundation Golf Classic on Monday, June 13. The event will be held at the Elgin Country Club, 2575 Weld Road, Elgin. Golfers of all ages and abilities are invited.

Aerial photo of Elgin Community College.

Accomplishment

Published 04/27/2022

ECC named a semifinalist for $1 million 2023 Aspen Prize

Elgin Community College is a semifinalist for the 2023 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, joining an elite group of community colleges from across the country recognized for achieving high, improving, and equitable student outcomes.

ECC Phi Theta Kappa members Jackson Stoneman and Elizabeth Barnes

Accomplishment

Published 04/27/2022

Two ECC Students Win Awards at Phi Theta Kappa National Conference

Elgin Community College students and Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) members Elizabeth Barnes (West Dundee), and Jackson Stoneman (St. Charles) were granted Distinguished Officer and Member awards at the Phi Theta Kappa Catalyst convention on April 7-9 in Denver, Colorado.

ECC students Brett Barry and Anika Thorenson in “The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays”

Arts Center | Events

Published 04/26/2022

The ECC Arts Center presents “The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays"

The Elgin Community College Arts Center’s spring performance is Ken Ludwig’s “The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays.” Patrons have six opportunities to see the play, which will take place in the SecondSpace Theatre, located in Building H, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.

2022 NCMPR Paragon Silver Award Winner for Computer Illustrated Graphic

Accomplishment

Published 04/26/2022

Marketing and communications team recognized with 17 national awards

The Elgin Community College Marketing and Communications team earned top honors at the 2021 National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) National Conference, held Mar. 26 in Denver, Colo., and as part of the 37th Annual Educational Advertising Awards announced in March 2022.

Student trustee Alison McVey and student body president Leslie Gracia

Announcement

Published 04/22/2022

Student leaders elected to represent the 2022-23 student body

Elgin Community College welcomes five new student leaders for the 2022-23 academic year. Alison McVey (South Elgin) has been selected as the new student trustee, Leslie Gracia (Elgin) as student body president, Alexia Smith (Elgin) as executive vice president, Fitz Ramirez (Pingree Grove) as executive secretary, and Di Lan Johnson (Bartlett) as executive treasurer.

Physical Therapist Assistant Class at ECC

Announcement

Published 04/21/2022

Physical Therapist Assistant Program extends the application deadline

Elgin Community College’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program is accepting applications through Wednesday, June 15, for prospective students interested in physical therapist assistant (PTA) education. Graduates of the program earn an associate in applied science degree (AAS) in PTA and are eligible to take the required PTA state licensure examination.

Corky Siegel's Chamber Blues ensemble playing with Jazz Saxophone player Ernie Watts

Arts Center | Events

Published 04/21/2022

ECC Arts Center presents Corky Siegel’s Chamber Blues

The Elgin Community College Arts Center presents Corky Siegel’s Chamber Blues ensemble with special guest jazz saxophone icon Ernie Watts on Friday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. The show will be in the Blizzard Theatre located in Building H on the Spartan Drive Campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, on April 2, 2022, at 7 p.m.

A poster displaying the proposed elements of ECC's next strategic plan

Announcement

Published 04/20/2022

The public was invited to offer feedback on ECC’s five-year strategic plan

Every five years, Elgin Community College updates its institutional strategic plan. The plan contains essential language encompassing the college’s core mission, future vision, guiding values, beliefs, and philosophies.

ECC speech and debate team members: Hannah Carpenter, Aleah Janae, Damaris Zamudio-Hernandez, and Melissa Fessler

Accomplishment

Published 04/20/2022

ECC speech and debate team dominate in tournaments

This past spring semester, the Elgin Community College speech and debate team competed in multiple debate competitions, exceeding in both team and individual wins. The team competed in the Illinois Intercollegiate Forensics Association (IIFA) Tournament, the International Forensics Association Annual Tournament (IFA), and the Phi Rho Pi National Tournament.

ECC culinary student Riley Bartlet

Accomplishment

Published 04/15/2022

Fisher Nuts scholarship returns to ECC with a $5,000 award

Eight Elgin Community College culinary students put their skills and creativity to the test as they competed for scholarship prizes at the return of the annual Fisher Nuts Recipe Competition on Wednesday, April 13, at the college’s Spartan Terrace Restaurant.

Summer 2022 Enrollment

Student Resources

Published 04/14/2022

Registration begins for ECC summer sessions

Registration for summer credit classes at Elgin Community College will continue until the first day of classes for each summer session, beginning on June 6, June 13, and July 11, space permitting. New students can learn more about summer registration at https://elgin.edu/admissions/register-for-classes.

Adult student learner

Events | Student Resources

Published 04/13/2022

ECC hosts an in-person adult education information session

Elgin Community College will hold an in-person adult student information session on Monday, April 25, at 5:30 p.m. in Building B, Community and Heritage Rooms 180 and 181, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Adults considering returning to school or enrolling in college for the first time are invited to attend this free event open to the public.

Recovery Support Specialist

Academics

Published 04/05/2022

New grant-funded recovery support specialist program launching in fall 2022 at ECC

Elgin Community College is among a select few Illinois colleges to be awarded a state grant by the Illinois Department of Human Services to support a new program for Certified Recovery Support Specialists (CRSS) and Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS). The program will begin accepting applications this spring, with classes launching in the fall of 2022.

ECC students in the Medical Assisting program

Academics

Published 04/04/2022

Learn about two new health profession programs coming to ECC this fall during free inform

Elgin Community College is launching two new programs in its health and sciences division in Fall 2022—Medical Assisting and Ophthalmic Technician. Local healthcare employers expressed a need for more trained workers for both in-demand positions currently facing staffing shortages.

Jordan Wilkins (guard)

Accomplishment

Published 03/31/2022

ECC student-athlete named Second Team All-American

Elgin Community college men’s basketball student-athlete Jordan Wilkins (guard) earned the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Second Team All-America recognition for his performance during the 2021-22 season.

2022 Orrin G. Thomson Teaching Excellence Award Winners

Accomplishment

Published 03/29/2022

Parul Raval and John Karnatz receive the 2022 Orrin G. Thompson Teaching Excellence Award

Parul Raval, Ed.D., professor of education, and John Karnatz, MA, communications studies unit adjunct faculty, were recently recognized with the 2022 Orrin G. Thompson Teaching Excellence Award from Elgin Community College. Raval received the full-time faculty award and Karnatz received the part-time faculty award.

two students working on a project

Academics | Announcement

Published 03/17/2022

ECC’s Kids’ College returns to in-person classes this summer

Elgin Community College’s summer Kids’ College will be fully in-person for the summer sessions. Registration is now open for a variety of new and returning classes. There are classes for children and teens ages 6 to 15.

Colin Mochrie and Asad Mecci

Arts Center | Events

Published 03/17/2022

HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis returns to the ECC Arts Center

The Elgin Community College Arts Center presents the return of “HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis” with Colin Mochrie, the star of the long-running television show Whose Line Is It, Anyway?, and Master Hypnotist Asad Mecci. The live show combines hypnosis and improv for a unique comedy experience.

Kimberly Tarver, PT, MPH, professor of physical therapist assistance

Accomplishment | Faculty Profile

Published 03/16/2022

Professor Kimberly Tarver honored with IPTA Outstanding Academic Educator Award

Kimberly Tarver, PT, MPH, professor of physical therapist assistant, is the recipient of the 2022 Illinois Physical Therapy Association (IPTA) Outstanding Academic Educator Award. Established in 2019, the award recognizes a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant who has demonstrated excellence as a faculty member in preparation of entry level physical therapist students or entry-level physical therapist assistant students.

Art exhibit by artist Javier Jimenez

Events

Published 03/16/2022

The art exhibit by Javier Jimenez challenges limitations

A new art exhibit by Rockford, Illinois printmaker Javier Jimenez is now viewable until April 18, 2022, in Elgin Community College’s Safety-Kleen Gallery One located in Building H, Rm H100. The gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Attendance is free and open to the public.

Jordan Wilkins (guard)

Accomplishment

Published 03/10/2022

ECC student-athlete earns First Team All-Region honor

Elgin Community College men's basketball student-athlete Jordan Wilkins (guard) earned First Team All-Region recognition by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) for his performance during the 2021-22 season.

ExperienceECC and get a feel for academic and student life at Elgin Community College

Events | Student Resources

Published 03/10/2022

Community invited to learn about programs during ‘Experience ECC’

District 509 community members interested in attending or learning more about Elgin Community College programs are invited to Experience ECC on Wednesday, April 6. The event will be held virtually via Zoom from 5 - 7 p.m.

Emergency Services Instructor Brian Thompson receives award from Illinois Society of Fire Service Instructors

Accomplishment | Faculty Profile

Published 03/07/2022

Brian Thompson recognized by the Illinois Society of Fire Service Instructors

ECC is proud to announce that Brian Thompson, emergency services adjunct faculty, received the 2021 Instructor of the Year award from the Illinois Society of Fire Service Instructors.

Salma Armenta

Accomplishment | Student Profile

Published 03/02/2022

ECC students represented at Skyway artists competition

Fifteen Elgin Community College students were selected to represent Elgin Community College in the 2022 Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference Juried Art Competition. Out of the hundreds of submissions across the Skyway Conference, only 40 pieces were selected to be represented at the exhibit. The work of four ECC students will be showcased.

Jordan Wilkins (guard)

Accomplishment

Published 03/01/2022

ECC student-athletes earn All-Conference honors

Three student-athletes from Elgin Community College have been named to the team and earned an honorable mention to the All-Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference (ISCC) team.

Tommy Hensel, Senior Director of Performing Arts

Arts Center

Published 02/15/2022

ECC Arts Center Announces new Senior Director of Performing Arts

Tommy Hensel will join the Elgin Community College Arts Center as its new Senior Director of Performing Arts. Hensel brings more than 30 years of working professionally as a director, actor, and arts presenter.

A side view of Elgin Community College's Building A, with Building B in the background

Accomplishment | Announcement

Published 02/15/2022

ECC Recognized as a 2021 Leader College of Distinction

Elgin Community College today announced that it has been designated a Leader College of Distinction by Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing community colleges as hubs of equity and mobility in their communities.

ECC student Adriel Gahol

Accomplishment | Student Profile

Published 02/11/2022

Adriel Gahol accepted into the accounting scholarship program

The Illinois CPA Society announced the 10th class of the highly competitive Mary T. Washington Wylie Internship Preparation Program for 2022. Elgin Community College student Adriel Gahol has been accepted as one of 29 scholars across the state.

Marc Moran, vice president of operations at Swiss Automation; Umberto Tinajero, ECC professor of IMT/CIM; Alejandro Murillo, ECC instructor of IMT/CIM

Academics | Announcement

Published 02/09/2022

Equipment donation helps gives ECC's CNC training program a competitive edge

Helping to recognize National Career Technology Month in February is the addition of a 9-axis computer numeric control (CNC) machine donated by Swiss Automation, Inc. The donation, valued at more than $175,000, helps distinguish Elgin Community College’s Industrial Manufacturing Technology/Computer Integrated Manufacturing program further.

ECC Professor of History and Political Science Antonio Ramirez

Events

Published 02/08/2022

The history of Latinos in Elgin and beyond topic of ECC’s Bill Pelz Global Speaker Series

Elgin Community College will host a Bill Pelz Global Speaker series titled “The History of Latinos in Elgin and Beyond” on Wednesday, February 23, from 2 – 3:30 p.m. This series is sponsored by the ECC Global/International Studies Taskforce (GIST). This event is free and open to the public. Join via Zoom.

ECC Celebrates Black History Month

Events

Published 02/07/2022

Focus on mental health in the Black Community during Black History Month

Elgin Community College's celebration of Black History Month reflects the 2022 national theme of Black Health and Wellness: Fortifying the Mind, Body, and Soul, with in-person, virtual, and hybrid events topics such as mental health, healthy eating, and relationships.

Three authors will join the ECC Writers Center for a virtual spring reading series.

Events | Student Resources

Published 02/04/2022

ECC Writers Center Spring Reading Series

The Writers Center at Elgin Community College will host three authors for the Spring 2022 Reading Series. Due to ongoing social distancing practices, the events will take place virtually. All readings begin at 7:30 p.m.

Sergio Rodriguez, MBA, was appointed to fill the vacancy on the District 509 Board of Trustees

Announcement | Board of Trustees

Published 02/01/2022

ECC Alum Sergio Rodriguez appointed to fill trustee vacancy

The Community College District 509 Board of Trustees has appointed Sergio Rodriguez to fill the trustee seat vacated by Jeffrey Meyer, JD, who resigned on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2021. Rodriguez, of Pingree Grove, was selected unanimously at the board’s Wednesday Jan. 26, 2022 special meeting.

Joe Rosenfeld, PsyD, professor of human services

Accomplishment | Faculty Profile

Published 01/28/2022

ECC’s Dr. Joe Rosenfeld has work featured in an industry publication

Joe Rosenfeld, PsyD, CRADC, HS-BCP, professor of human services, was recently featured in the Fall 2021 publication of Advances in Addiction and Recovery, the official publication of the NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals for his article “Neuroscience Informed Interventions.” Rosenfeld’s article is also spotlighted on the cover of the magazine.

Elgin Community College across Lake Spartan

Academics | Accomplishment

Published 01/19/2022

ECC Recognizes Fall 2021 Academic Scholars

President of ECC, Assistant Vice President, and Development/Dean of Students recognize the high level of academic scholarship demonstrated during the semester.

ECC Nursing students administered vaccines to seniors during a February vaccine clinic hosted at ECC

Announcement | Events

Published 01/14/2022

Pre-registration required for upcoming vaccine clinics at ECC

Elgin Community College has joined in the effort to stop the spread of COVID-19 as a participating college in the White House and U.S. Department of Education COVID-19 College Vaccination Challenge. As part of this pledge, ECC is helping to increase ease and access to vaccines through its upcoming vaccination clinics to be held on Friday, Jan. 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesday, Jan. 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Building K, East Lobby.

ECC Arts Center's American Grands Showcase

Arts Center | Events

Published 01/14/2022

American Grands returns to the ECC Arts Center on Jan. 22

On Saturday, January 22, the Elgin Community College Arts Center presents the live return of American Grands, celebrating its 27th year of performances. Pianists of all ages will gather for performances featuring music from recent movies, popular classic themes, Latin music, and more. Performance times are 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Elgin Community College across Lake Spartan

Academics | Announcement

Published 01/10/2022

ECC postpones the start of classes to January 24

In light of the rising COVID-19 infection rates and the state of Illinois’ guidance, ECC will delay the start of classes until Monday, January 24.

IST apprentices look at machinery

Announcement | Events

Published 01/10/2022

ECC, Smithfield Foods to Sign First Cohort of Student Apprentices

ECC and Smithfield Foods, Inc. have partnered to offer a new maintenance technician apprenticeship program designed to provide hands-on engineering and mechanical training to Smithfield employees at the company’s Bolingbrook, Monmouth, and St. Charles facilities as they work toward an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) – Integrated Systems/Maintenance Technology degree from ECC.

Elgin Community College across Lake Spartan

Announcement | Board of Trustees

Published 01/06/2022

ECC Seeks Trustee Candidates for Appointment due to Vacancy

The Board of Trustees of Community College District 509, Elgin Community College, announces a vacancy on the Board of Trustees due to the resignation of Jeffrey A. Meyer, JD. Under Illinois law, the board will appoint a trustee to fill the vacant seat from December 17, 2021, until the next consolidated election on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.