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2024

Demolition of the Hangout Building
Announcement
Published 11/01/2024

Demolition Signals Next Step in Development of Elgin Community College’s New MTC

Demolition of “D Hang Out” Signals Next Step in Development of Elgin Community College’s New Manufacturing and Technology Center

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From left to right: Mark Seigle; Robin Seigle, former ECC foundation board member and secretary; ECC students Maria Salgado, Demettri Rohn, and Jonathan “Jonny” Buckheister; Susan Taylor-Demming, executive director of institutional advancement and the ECC Foundation; and ECC Interim President Peggy Heinrich, PhD
Accomplishment | Foundation
Published 10/31/2024

ECC Celebrates First Cohort of Seigle Scholars Thanks to $500,000 Gift

On Tuesday, October 29, the Elgin Community College (ECC) Foundation honored the inaugural cohort of Seigle Scholars during a special reception held in the ECC Building E dining room, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, Ill.

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From left to right: ECC student and CCE leader Brandon Kelly; Antonio Ramirez, PhD, associate professor of history and political science; Clare Ollayos, DC, ECC Board of Trustees member; Jeanette Mihalec, former ECC Board of Trustees member; ECC students and CCE leaders Brenda Eliza Royer and Esteban Gonzalez.
Accomplishment | Board of Trustees | Student Profile
Published 10/31/2024

Elgin Community College honored with Two Elgin Image Awards

Elgin Community College (ECC) received two Elgin Image Awards from the Enhancing Elgin Committee of the Elgin Development Group.

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Elgin Community College across Lake Spartan
Events | Student Resources
Published 10/28/2024

ECC Hosts Apprenticeship Expo on November 21 during National Apprenticeship Week

Elgin Community College (ECC) will host its second annual Apprenticeship Expo on Thursday, November 21, during National Apprenticeship Week (November 17 through 23), to connect attendees with representatives from traditional and non-traditional apprenticeship programs, as well as pre-apprenticeships. There will also be opportunities to engage with union trades and employers.

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Jim Witter
Arts Center
Published 10/23/2024

Beatles Tribute Artist Jim Witter Returns to the ECC Arts Center on October 25

The Elgin Community College Arts Center presents multi-faceted musician and vocalist Jim Witter and his band on Friday, October 25, at 7:30 pm in the Blizzard Theatre on ECC’s Spartan Drive Campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, Illinois.

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College Night 2022
Academics | Accomplishment | Events
Published 10/17/2024

ECC Sees Largest College Night Turnout In Recent History

Representatives from 150 colleges and universities, including 33 new participants, met with Elgin Community College (ECC) students on Tuesday, October 8, at the annual College Night. This free event is designed to help students and families explore higher education options.

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Education and Work Center alum Rose Numon
Accomplishment | Events
Published 10/14/2024

ECC Celebrates 10th Anniversary of the Education and Work Center in Hanover Park

Elgin Community College (ECC), in partnership with the Village of Hanover Park, Harper College, and community partners, celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Education and Work Center (EWC) on Thursday, October 10. The event took place from noon to 4:30 pm at the EWC, located at 6704 Barrington Road in Hanover Park.

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Elgin Community College across Lake Spartan
Accomplishment
Published 10/10/2024

ECC Marketing and Communications Department Earns 17 Awards from NCMPR

Elgin Community College’s Marketing and Communications team received 17 awards at the 2024 National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) District 3 Conference for excellence in print design, digital, video, photography, and communications.

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Education and Work Center
Accomplishment | Events
Published 10/07/2024

Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Education and Work Center in Hanover Park

Join the Village of Hanover Park, Harper College, Elgin Community College, and community partners in celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Education and Work Center (EWC), a vital resource for individuals seeking to enhance their education and career prospects through education courses[WAV1] [WAV2] and job training.

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Illusionist Bill Blagg
Arts Center
Published 10/07/2024

Illusionist Bill Blagg to Perform at Elgin Community College Arts Center October 12

The Elgin Community College Arts Center presents “The Magic of Bill Blagg LIVE!” on Saturday, October 12, at 7 pm in the Blizzard Theatre on ECC’s Spartan Drive Campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, Illinois.

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Bill Pelz Global Speaker Series
Events
Published 10/02/2024

Elgin Community College Hosts Bill Pelz Global Speaker Series event on October 15

Elgin Community College will host a Bill Pelz Global Speaker Series event titled “From Polls to Policy: The Global Impact of U.S. Elections” on Tuesday, October 15, from 1 to 2:30 pm.

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Frank Catalano performs at the 2024 annual ECC Foundation gala
Accomplishment | Events | Foundation
Published 09/30/2024

Elgin Community College Foundation Raises More Than $150,000 at Annual Gala

The Elgin Community College Foundation’s 2024 Gala: Decades of Dreams, presented by OTTO, celebrated 75 years of student, faculty, and staff achievements with a night of entertainment and fundraising of more than $150,000 for student scholarships and mini-grants.

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College Night 2022
Events | Student Resources
Published 09/30/2024

Thirty-three New Representatives Participate in ECC's Annual College Night October 8

Representatives from 147 colleges and universities, including 33 new participants, will be available to meet with Elgin Community College (ECC) students on Tuesday, October 8, at the annual College Night.

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Humanities Center Speaker Series
Academics | Events
Published 09/20/2024

Elgin Community College Humanities Center Hosts Panel Discussion on Civility in Politics

Elgin Community College (ECC) invites the public to its Humanities Center Speaker Series event, “Democratic Discord: Civility in Politics,” on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. This free event will explore the role of civility in democratic disagreements, featuring a talk and panel discussion with experts from various fields.

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From left to right: Student Trustee Jess Heiser, Trustees Clare Ollayos, Jennifer Rakow, Sen. Don DeWitte (R-Elgin), Sen. Cristina Castro (D-Elgin), Cathy Taylor, dean of sustainability, business, and career technologies, Interim President Peggy Heinrich, ECC Board chair Donna Redmer, Rep. Anna Moeller (D-Elgin), Trustees Shane Nowak, Sergio Rodriguez, and Patrick E. Parks
Announcement | Events
Published 09/19/2024

ECC Breaks Ground on New 150,000-square-foot Manufacturing and Technology Center

On Wednesday, September 18, Elgin Community College (ECC) held a groundbreaking ceremony at 1600 Spartan Drive for its new two-story, 150,000-square-foot Manufacturing and Technology Center (MTC). This state-of-the-art facility will be the second-largest public community college manufacturing center in Illinois and will provide expanded programs in manufacturing, technology, and other critical fields.

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ECC student Joseph Patino (left) with Joe Ruffalo, vice president of operations at MRK
Events | Student Resources
Published 09/11/2024

Elgin Community College hosts Hire Spartans Job Fair back in person on September 20

Elgin Community College invites the community to explore career opportunities at the Hire Spartans Job Fair, which is back in person for the first time since 2019. The event will take place from 10 am to 2 pm on Friday, September 20, at 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, Ill., in the Building J, Events Center.

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ECC's Truck Driving Program
Academics | Student Resources
Published 09/09/2024

Elgin Community Truck Driving Program Holding Upcoming Information Sessions

Elgin Community College (ECC) is inviting prospective students to learn more about its Truck Driving Program. Information sessions scheduled for the 2024-25 academic year will begin Tuesday, September 10, from 4 to 5 pm at 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL., Building O, Room O134.

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Elgin Community College across Lake Spartan
Events
Published 09/06/2024

Formerly Incarcerated Man, Turned Barber, Returns to ECC for One-Man Show

The Elgin Community College Humanities Center welcomes back Anthony Spaulding for a special performance of his one-man show, “To Cut a Barber’s Hand.” This captivating performance blends drama, comedy, romance, and rap to share the compelling story of how he overcame challenges to obtain a barber’s license after returning from prison.

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ECC students
Accomplishment
Published 09/06/2024

Elgin Community College Sees Highest Fall Enrollment in Eight Years

Elgin Community College (ECC) is proud to announce a significant increase in fall enrollment, marking the highest numbers the college has seen in eight years. Fall 2024's current student enrollment is more than 10,000, a 7% increase from fall 2023 (as of census date).

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Mariachi Herencia de México
Arts Center | Events
Published 09/03/2024

Elgin Symphony Orchestra and Mariachi Herencia de México Open ECC Arts Center Fall Season

The Elgin Community College Arts Center is thrilled to announce its lineup for the fall 2024 season. To open the season, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra will share a stage for the first time with Mariachi Herencia de México, the two-time Latin Grammy-nominated band that has issued five chart-topping albums and performed all across the North American continent, paving the way for mariachi musicians.

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Brian Bohr, instructor of communication studies, MC at the 2023 ECC Foundation Gala
ECC 75 | Events | Foundation
Published 08/30/2024

ECC Foundation to Host Annual Gala to Celebrate 75 Years of Achievements

The Elgin Community College Foundation invites the community to celebrate 75 years of achievements of students, faculty, and staff at the ECC Foundation Gala: Decades of Dreams event, presented by OTTO, at 5:30 pm on Saturday, September 14, 2024. The gala will be held at the Q Center, 1405 N. 5th Avenue, in St. Charles, Illinois.

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ECC's Center for Emergency Services
Events
Published 08/21/2024

ECC Invites Community to Explore Careers and Touch Trucks at Open House

The Elgin Community College Center for Emergency Services is hosting a community open house and touch-a-truck event on Saturday, September 14, at 815 E. Plank Rd., in Burlington, Ill. This family-friendly event is perfect for anyone interested in ECC’s public safety programs or for those with curious kids.

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Elgin Community College across Lake Spartan
Announcement | Board of Trustees
Published 08/20/2024

Petitions for nomination for trustee of Community College District 509

Petitions for nomination for trustee of Community College District 509 (Elgin Community College) may be downloaded beginning Tuesday, August 20, 2024.

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Dr. Gina Ann Garcia speaks at Elgin Community College's Fall 2024 Employee Convocation
Events
Published 08/15/2024

ECC Hosts Leading Expert to Discuss the Meaning of ‘Servingness’ for HSI

Elgin Community College (ECC) welcomed Gina Ann Garcia, PhD, a leading scholar on Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), author, and professor at the Berkeley School of Education, to the college’s annual Employee Convocation on Thursday, August 15. The event marked the start of the fall semester, with students returning on August 19.

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Project Backpack 2024
Accomplishment | Events
Published 08/08/2024

More than 1,000 students in Elgin area receive school supplies through Project Backpack

Elgin Community College and its partners served more than 1,000 students on August 3 through Project Backpack, a community-based initiative to benefit area students in need.

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An ECC instructor assists a participant at the 2024 summer manufacturing camp
Academics
Published 07/24/2024

Local Youth Wrap-Up Summer Manufacturing and Firefighter Camps at Elgin Community College

The Sustainability, Business, and Career Technologies Division (SBCT), at Elgin Community College (ECC), in collaboration with the college’s Continuing Education and Workforce Development, concluded its summer manufacturing and fire science camps for local high schoolers on July 17. These camps aimed to give youth the chance to explore careers in welding and manufacturing.

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ECC Firefighter Academy
Accomplishment | Events
Published 07/15/2024

ECC Center for Emergency Services Recognizes First Full-Time Firefighter Academy Students

The Elgin Community College Center for Emergency Services (CES) will recognize its first full-time firefighter academy students on July 16. The ceremony will be at the CES located at 815 E. Plank Rd., Burlington, Ill., at 3 pm. Seven fire academy students will be honored at the ceremony.

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From left to right: Cherly Corley, Jacoby Cochran, and Jhmira Alexander at the National Forensics Association Hall of Fame. Photo Credit: Tafari Melisizwe
Accomplishment | Faculty Profile
Published 07/08/2024

From Competitor to Educator to Podcaster: ECC Professor Talks His Way Through Life

Jacoby Cochran, communications studies adjunct professor at Elgin Community College, has been inducted into the National Forensics Association Hall of Fame for the spring of 2024.

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Elgin Community College across Lake Spartan.
Accomplishment
Published 07/02/2024

Elgin Community College Earns 3 State-Level Awards from ICCTA

Elgin Community College recently received high honors from the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) with three state-level awards and an equity and diversity award.

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ECC student-athlete Quinn Butera
Academics | Accomplishment
Published 06/20/2024

Thirty-six ECC student-athletes earn Academic All-Conference Honors

The Elgin Community College athletic programs had 36 student-athletes earn Academic All-Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference (ISCC) honors for the 2023-24 academic year.

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Maria Borrero Veaz (left), manager of community engagement and legislative affairs, and Robin Seigle (right), secretary for the ECC Foundation at the YWCA Elgin's Leadership Luncheon
Accomplishment | Administrator Profile | Events | Foundation
Published 05/28/2024

Maria Borrero Veaz and Robin Seigle of Elgin Community College honored by YWCA Elgin

At the YWCA Elgin’s 40th Leadership Luncheon on May 9, 2024, two individuals from Elgin Community College were recognized.

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ECC's 2024 Women Build Team
Events
Published 05/14/2024

ECC participates in Habitat for Humanity Women Build Event for Third Year

On Wednesday, May 1, a group of eight female administrators and staff from Elgin Community College participated in the Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley 2024 Women Build Event. Elizabeth Hobson, dean of adult education, led the group.

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Jess Heiser, student trustee, and Seth Hernandez, student body president
Announcement | Student Profile
Published 05/14/2024

Elgin Community College Names Student Leadership for 2024-25 Academic Year

Three Elgin Community College student leaders will represent the college for the 2024-25 academic year. Jess Heiser, of St. Charles, Ill., was elected as the District 509 Board of Trustees student trustee. ECC’s Student Body Government will be led by President Seth Hernandez, of South Elgin, Ill., with Brianna Zlotow, of Hanover Park, Ill., as executive vice president.

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Back row from left to right: Lori Marco, assistant professor of the ophthalmic technician program; ECC graduate Daisy Solorazano; ECC graduate Nicole Caldrone; and Shelby Stanley, ophthalmic technician program director. Front row from left to right: ECC graduate Kawla Jane Ballesteros and ECC graduate Kenya Hernandez
Academics | Accomplishment | Commencement
Published 05/08/2024

Elgin Community College’s First Ophthalmic Technician Class Graduates this Spring

In the fall of 2019, Elgin Community College launched an ophthalmic technician program that was developed after local health care organizations reached out to ECC to help with regional demand. On May 18, ECC’s inaugural ophthalmic technician class will graduate.

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An ECC fall 2023 graduate
Commencement
Published 05/03/2024

ECC Celebrates Spring 2024 Graduates at Commencement Ceremonies on May 18

Elgin Community College (ECC) will recognize the spring graduates with two commencement ceremonies scheduled for Saturday, May 18, marking not only the academic achievements of its spring 2024 class but also the illustrious 75-year journey of the institution.

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From left to right: Reyes Estrada, instructor of HVAC; David Scott, instructor of HAVAC; and George Rosa, instructional coordinator of HVAC and energy management
Academics
Published 05/03/2024

Elgin Community College’s SBCT Division Begins Solar Array Project Thanks to $39K Grant

Elgin Community College’s Sustainabilty, Business, and Career Technologies Division received the shipping container unit to begin constructing a fully functioning solar array by the fall of 2024. This project is being made possible through a $39,150 grant from the Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN).

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Elgin Community College across Lake Spartan.
Accomplishment | Student Profile
Published 05/01/2024

4 Elgin Community College Students Inducted into Golden Apple Program

Four Elgin Community College (ECC) students have been inducted into the Golden Apple Scholars program in Illinois and will receive up to $23,000 in scholarships. Students Trista Skelnik, Jozephine Carlson, Dulce Rivera, and Valeria Hernandez received official invitations in April.

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Bill Angelo, athletic coordinator and baseball head coach
Accomplishment | Staff Profile
Published 04/26/2024

ECC Head Baseball Coach and Alum Bill Angelo Achieves 800th Career Win

Elgin Community College baseball team head coach and alum Bill Angelo, ’91, achieved his 800th career win on April 9, sweeping Oakton Community College in a pair of games, the first of which locked in this latest milestone for Angelo.

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ECC culinary student Stephanie Kessel, first-place winner of the annual Fisher Nuts scholarship recipe contest with her Orange Walnut Crème Brûlée recipe.
Accomplishment | Events
Published 04/24/2024

ECC culinary arts students participate in annual Fisher Nuts scholarship recipe contest

Eight Elgin Community College culinary students competed for scholarship prizes in the annual Fisher Nuts Recipe Competition at the college’s Spartan Terrace Restaurant on Wednesday, April 17.

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Cast members from
Arts Center | Events
Published 04/18/2024

ECC Theatre Department Presents Opening Night of “Blue Stockings” on April 26

The Elgin Community College Theatre Department presents the opening night of “Blue Stockings” on April 26 in the Blizzard Theatre, located in Building H of ECC’s Spartan Drive Campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, Ill.

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Erik Enders, student life coordinator for student equity, accepts a donation check, along with two ECC students and BSA club members, from the Grand Victoria Casino
Announcement
Published 04/15/2024

ECC’s Black Student Achievers Receive Major Boost

Elgin Community College’s Black Student Achievers (BSA) Club received a generous donation of nearly $4,800 from the Grand Victoria Casino on April 5, 2024, further bolstering their efforts to support Black History Month initiatives. The donation, facilitated through the ECC Foundation, underscores the commitment of both organizations to empower and uplift the college’s diverse student body.

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An ECC Early Childhood Lab School Class
Events
Published 04/04/2024

ECC to Host Early Childhood Education Job Fair on April 16

Elgin Community College and the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) are hosting an Early Childhood Education Job Fair on Tuesday, April 16, from 5 to 7:30 pm at the Spartan Drive Campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, Ill. The event will be held in the Atrium of Building E and is open to the public.

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An art and design student demonstrates screen printing a t-shirt in the print shop.
Academics | Announcement
Published 03/18/2024

Elgin Community College Unveils State-of-the-Art Arts Center After Extensive Renovation

Elgin Community College celebrated the grand reopening of its Arts Center on Friday, March 15, following an extensive renovation process initiated in 2021.

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Experience ECC 2023
Events
Published 03/12/2024

Community invited to ‘Experience ECC’ at April 10 event

Elgin Community College is hosting its annual Experience ECC event on Wednesday, April 10, from 6 to 8 pm at the Spartan Drive Campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, Ill. This event will allow community members and prospective students to learn about ECC’s 120+ degree and certificate programs.

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ECC student Chris Lara tries the virtual reality headset
Student Resources
Published 03/07/2024

Virtual Reality Grant to Help Elgin Community College Students Explore Careers

Elgin Community College has received a $94,000 grant from the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) to help implement virtual reality equipment into Career and Technical Education programs.

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ECC truck driving program students and faculty view a live commercial vehicle inspection at the I-55 southbound weight station in Bolingbrook, Ill.
Academics
Published 02/29/2024

ECC Truck Driving Students Visit Weigh Station and Tour Trucking Company For First Time

Elgin Community College truck driving program students, led by program Director Todd Anderson, toured the I-55 southbound weigh station in Bolingbrook, Ill., Wednesday for a live commercial vehicle inspection. Following the live inspection, the group headed to GP Transco in Joliet, Ill., for a safety orientation and tour of the facility. This is ECC’s first time providing its students with this opportunity.

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Top row from left to right: Charles Dakarian, DMED, assistant professor of biology; Jacquelyn Dalke, instructor of nursing; Lisa Hodson, instructor of nursing; and Elizabeth Hultman, instructor/public service librarian. Bottom row from left to right: Thomas Limberis, instructor of welding; Chad Pearion, assistant professor of biology; and Rituparna Saha, PhD, assistant professor of chemistry
Accomplishment | Faculty Profile
Published 02/21/2024

ECC board grants tenure to seven faculty members

At the October 17, 2023, board meeting, the Community College District 509 Board of Trustees accepted the recommendation by the Elgin Community College administration to grant tenure to three ECC full-time faculty.

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ECC musical theatre students from left to right: Shaina Summerville, Ashley Estrada, and Cameron Graber
Arts Center | Events
Published 02/20/2024

ECC Musical Theatre presents “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown"

The Elgin Community College Musical Theatre department presents “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” on February 23 in the ECC Arts Center Second Space Theatre on ECC’s Spartan Drive Campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, Ill.

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Black History Month 2024
Events
Published 02/01/2024

Black History Month 2024: African Americans and the Arts

Elgin Community College celebrates Black History Month through the 2024 theme of African Americans and the Arts with in-person events. Join ECC this year in honoring BHM with peer and employee networking and critical conversations through formal discussions, creative outlets, and community gatherings.

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The Chicago Tap Theatre, photo by William Federking
Arts Center | Events
Published 01/31/2024

The ECC Arts Center presents the Chicago Tap Theatre on February 10

The Elgin Community College Arts Center presents the award-winning Chicago Tap Theatre on Saturday, February 10, at 7 pm, in the Blizzard Theatre on ECC’s Spartan Drive Campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, Ill.

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