2022

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 12/19/2022

Tiffany Jensen: My experiences at ECC made me more confident in my abilities

It's been a long road, some of us longer than others. And if you are wondering, I am one of the others! So, are you ready to go on my journey?

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Julio Hernandez, student speaker for the Fall 2022 University Transfer Commencement Ceremony

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 12/19/2022

Julio Hernandez: We can make a difference in our communities, thanks to ECC

It is a pleasure to be speaking here today. I have dreamt many times of being here. Over the past two years or however long it has been for you - reflect on how much has changed.

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Asra Kamal, front of house assistant for the Elgin Community College Arts Center

Staff Profile

Published 12/19/2022

ECC’s Asra Kamal’s first-gen story sets out to inspire students

Asra Kamal, front of house assistant for the Elgin Community College Arts Center, immigrated to the U.S. with her family from India in 1986. Despite transitioning from one country to another, going away to college proved to be one of her biggest challenges because she would be the first in her family to do so.

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Elgin Community College December 2022 graduate Melanie Thomas

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 12/15/2022

Melanie Thomas: Thanks to ECC, I’m no longer wondering ‘What If'

After high school, I left home for university life, which was very appealing at 18. I did okay my freshman year, but my second year was rough, and I was missing home. I decided not to return after a horrible academic sophomore fall semester and began working full-time at a daycare center.

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Elgin Community College December 2022 graduate Theresa Rees

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 12/13/2022

Theresa Rees: ECC helped me prove I can accomplish any goal I set for myself

My college journey started in the fall of 2015. I wasn’t sure if I would like Elgin Community College, but I thought I’d give it a try. College life hasn’t been easy for me, I am a first-generation student, so I have put pressure on myself to finish what I have started.

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Elgin Community College December 2022 graduate Emma Bell

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 12/13/2022

Emma Bell: ECC brought out the best version of me

At Elgin Community College, I was warmly welcomed and shown how to better myself through education. I was given the opportunity to learn from outstanding professors and connect with excellent staff - their dedication and communication profoundly contributed to my overall success.

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Elgin Community College December 2022 graduate Aurora Light Moushon

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 12/13/2022

Aurora Light Moushon: Working in the math lab alongside my teachers has inspired me

When I started college, I was nervous because I knew my classes would cover twice the material in half the time compared to what I was accustomed to in high school. On that point, my instructors did not disappoint; however, they surprised me with how well they explained the material.

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Elgin Community College December 2022 graduate Ruthann Schatz

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 12/12/2022

Ruthann Schatz: ECC helped me achieve a goal a lifetime in the making

Ruthann Schatz tried college once, and it didn't work out. Almost 40 years later, encouragement from her son gave her the push to give college another try. Now she's graduating with her degree and a new dream for her future.

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Barbara Ostrowska PT, DPT, OCS, physical therapist assistant program director

Administrator Profile

Published 12/05/2022

Take Five With…Barbara Ostrowska

One of ECC’s healthcare programs you see our students sporting scrubs for is the Physical Therapist Assistant Program, led by Barbara Ostrowska, PT, DPT, OCS, PTA program director. Ostrowska has been with the ECC since 2019. Take five and learn more about Ostrowska, her book recommendations, and her role as program director.

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ECC Phi Theta Kappa officers Cole Weiler, Beth Barnes, Maggie Garcia, Ely Thompson, Natalie Leon, and Kelly Stoffle

Published 11/30/2022

ECC Phi Theta Kappa Officers bring Honors in Action project to Texas

Six officers from Elgin Community College’s Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society went to Texas this past October for the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) to complete their Honors in Action course, a research and service-based class. ECC students Beth Barnes, Ely Thompson, Kelly Stoffle, Maggie Garcia, Natalie Leon, and Cole Weiler made the trip.

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Staff Profile

Published 11/28/2022

The Risk Taker: Habeeb Awolumate

A native of Nigeria, Habeeb Awolumate left his family and homeland to chart a new course for his future. "For me, going to college was never really a decision. It was always in the plan, and I knew that coming to the United States to study computer science was my goal," he said.

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Student Profile

Published 11/28/2022

The Leader: Leslie Gracia

As a child of Mexican immigrants who did not have an education past the sixth grade, Leslie Gracia was intimidated but confident in her decision to attend college. "Being the first to go to college is game-changing for my family and me. Even though it's scary going into something totally new, I know I'll end up with a good outcome," she said.

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Alumni Profile

Published 11/28/2022

The Helper: Michael Lacala

When Michael Lacala decided to enroll at Elgin Community College, it came with support from his parents, but not without some difficulties along the way. When Lacala's parents were 18 years old, they immigrated to the United States in search of a better life for themselves.

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Kristina Brown, supervisor of child care services

Staff Profile

Published 11/28/2022

The Generation Changer: Kristina Brown

Kristina Brown graduated high school with interest in going to college but instead entered the workforce full time. Then, she received a graduation present from her uncle — a check payable to Elgin Community College for her to explore a few classes, so she did.

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Alumni Profile

Published 11/28/2022

The Artist: Yesenia Arroyo

To Yesenia Arroyo, a black page represents a world full of possibilities. Since high school, Arroyo's passion for art, specifically charcoal and pencil drawings, inspired her desired career path. "Ever since I started high school, I wanted to be an art teacher. Art is a huge part of my life," she said.

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Lesia Gemelli, director of employee benefits

Administrator Profile

Published 11/25/2022

Take Five With…Lesia Gemelli

Take five today and learn about Lesia Gemelli, director of employee benefits. Gemelli has been with ECC since 2012, right after her youngest turned one year old. “I was thrilled I could walk across campus to visit him at the onsite lab school,” said Gemelli. Before joining Elgin Community College, Gemelli worked at the Village of Palatine.

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Student Profile

Published 11/18/2022

International Student Dreams of Taking Culinary Talents Home to Haiti

ECC culinary arts student Wilna Francios dreams of opening her own restaurant in her native Haiti one day.

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Colleen Stribling, EdD, professor of English as a Second Language (ESL) and Renee Baltus, professor of Dutch as a Second Language (DSL) at Aventus college for secondary vocational education in the Netherlands

Faculty Profile

Published 11/16/2022

Renee Baltus, visiting professor, encourages lifelong learning in second-language classes

At Elgin Community College, learning is a lifelong process, and recently, two Second Language professors, one from ECC and one from the Netherlands, spent two weeks together in the spirit of continuous improvement.

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Tommy Hensel, Senior Director of Performing Arts

Administrator Profile | Arts Center

Published 11/14/2022

Take Five With…Tommy Hensel

This week the spotlight is on Tommy Hensel, senior director of performing arts. Hensel began at ECC in February 2022 and recently received the Chicago Cabaret Presenter Award at the Chicago Cabaret 2022 Gala. Hensel has worked professionally for over 30 years as a director, actor, and arts presenter.

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Student Profile

Published 11/11/2022

Kwanyin Linares excels at ECC as both a first-generation and international student

Elgin Community College nursing student Kwanyin Linares is not only an international student, but she is also a first-generation college student. Linares moved to West Dundee from Venezuela five years ago and began English as a Second Language (ESL) courses at ECC while pursuing her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) degree.

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Courtney Hamill, technical enrollment facilitator

Staff Profile

Published 11/07/2022

Take Five With…Courtney Hamill

This week, take five with Courtney Hamill, technical enrollment facilitator. Hamill has been working at ECC since 2010, but her first experience with the college was as an ECC student! She attended ECC from 2005 to 2008 and also worked part-time in Advising.

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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.

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Staff Profile

Published 10/31/2022

Take Five With…Elizabeth Herrera

This week, take five with one of our academic advisors, Elizabeth Herrera! Herrera has been with ECC for nearly a decade, beginning in 2014. She works specifically with ECC education students looking to transfer directly to Northern Illinois University.

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Kellen Bolt, PhD, assistant professor of English

Faculty Profile

Published 10/24/2022

Take Five With…Kellen Bolt

Kellen Bolt, PhD, assistant professor of English. Bolt began at ECC in 2019 and teaches composition I & II and LGBTQ Literature. Bolt’s first ECC experience involved him missing the main A-B parking lot, causing him to run from one end of campus to the next to make his interview. “I’ve gotten much better at knowing my way around. If you see me, feel free to ask me for directions,” said Bolt. “I’ll either be very helpful, or you’ll get to see me stare blankly back.”

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Mary Perkins, EdD, dean of liberal, visual, and performing arts

Published 10/20/2022

Purposeful college and career pathways open opportunities for students

Illinois’ College and Career Pathway Endorsements (CCPE) system is one of four strategies outlined in the 2016 Postsecondary & Workforce Readiness (PWR) Act to increase the number of Illinois high school graduates prepared for college and future careers. In 2018, Elgin Community College and its four public school districts identified the development of regional college and career pathways to be a cornerstone area of focus.

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Anthony Ramos, EdD, executive director of equity, diversity, and inclusion

Administrator Profile

Published 10/10/2022

Take Five With…Anthony Ramos

This week, take five minutes to learn a little about your colleague Anthony Ramos, EdD. Ramos joined Elgin Community College in 2021 as the college’s first Executive Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). Ramos praises the culture of EDI already in existence at ECC and uses his experience and passion toward furthering the college’s collective efforts in advancing EDI for student success.

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From left to right: Bill Angelo, ECC athletic coordinator and head baseball coach; Eumeka Aguado, head women’s basketball coach; and Reed Nosbisch, head men’s basketball coach

Alumni Profile | Staff Profile

Published 10/06/2022

From player to coach: ECC alums lead the way

Elgin Community College Athletics works to recruit, build, and engage student-athletes to win both in the classroom and on the court or field. The ECC athletic department supports ten sports, and behind each team is a coach who works to guide the players through the ups and downs of each season.

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Ashley Ward, manager of student recruitment and outreach

Staff Profile

Published 10/03/2022

Take Five With…Ashley Ward

This week, take five minutes to learn a few unique facts about your colleague Ashley Ward, manager of student recruitment and outreach. Ward joined Elgin Community College just this past year but has worked in various higher education roles assisting adult learners, traditional students, staff training and development, and custom relationship management administration for more than ten years.

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Marisol Rivera, PhD, assistant professor of history

Faculty Profile

Published 09/27/2022

Marisol Rivera reflects on the history of the Latinx community within education

As a youth learning U.S. history, I never saw anyone who looked like me or someone with a similar background to mine highlighted within the pages of textbooks or lectures. It was not until I entered more advanced levels of history that I discovered the history of the Latinx community within the United States.

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Kyla Wegman, EdD, Dean of College Transitions and Secondary Partnerships

Administrator Profile

Published 09/26/2022

Take Five With…Kyla Wegman

Have you met Kyla? Kyla Wegman, EdD, joined ECC in 2021 as the associate dean of sustainability, business, and career technologies. This past year, she transitioned to dean of college transitions and secondary partnerships!

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Faculty Profile

Published 09/21/2022

Erin Vobornik advocates for the importance of adult education and literacy programs

I came to the field of adult education, as many do, by accident. After completing my master’s degree, I picked up a class teaching high school equivalency (HSE) and English as a second language (ESL) as I tried to decide what my next steps were. Spoiler - I never left. I was immediately moved by the students in my high school equivalency class.

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Arts Center | Events | Student Profile

Published 09/20/2022

ECC performing arts student Taina Caraballo to direct upcoming Latinx Heritage Month play

Elgin Community College performing arts student Tiana Caraballo (Streamwood) has been studying theater at ECC since she began in 2019 but has considered herself a theater kid since she was little. “I’m very lucky and appreciative that I’ve gotten to be able to carry my passion into my college studies,” said Caraballo. “It’s a part of who I am.”

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Staff Profile

Published 09/16/2022

Take Five With…Marlen Ruiz

Take five out of your day this week to get to know Marlen Ruiz a little better! Ruiz is an Academic Advisor and has been with Elgin Community College since 2003.

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Vincent Gaddis, PhD, professor of history

Faculty Profile

Published 09/12/2022

Take Five With…Vincent Gaddis

This week, take a five-minute break to learn a little something extra about Vincent Gaddis, PhD, professor of history. Gaddis just passed his one-year mark as an ECC faculty member, having previously taught at Benedictine University.

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Emily Kies, senior director of emergency management

Announcement

Published 09/08/2022

National Preparedness Month emphasizes importance of being ready to respond

National Preparedness Month is an observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. At Elgin Community College, being ready for an emergency is a top priority to keep our students, staff, and campus safe.

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Jerrmiah Wright, recruitment coordinator

Staff Profile

Published 09/06/2022

Take Five With…Jerrmiah Wright

This week, take five minutes to learn something we didn’t know before about Jerrmiah Wright, recruitment coordinator. Jerrmiah has worked at Elgin Community College since 2019, and this year you can also find him on the basketball court sidelines! Wright has joined the ECC women’s basketball team as their new Assistant Coach.

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2022-23 Student Leaders: Leslie Gracia, Student Body President, and Alison McVey, Student Trustee

Academics | Student Profile

Published 08/30/2022

Welcome, Spartans, to the Fall 2022 Semester

The 2022-23 student leaders Leslie Gracia, student body president, and Alison McVey, student trustee, welcome Spartans to the fall semester with some words of wisdom.

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Kelli Marlin, medical assisting program director

Administrator Profile

Published 08/29/2022

Take Five With…Kelli Marlin

This week, take five minutes to learn more about our colleague Kelli Marlin. Marlin is the new Medical Assisting Program Director. She began at Elgin Community College this past year to help spearhead the brand new Medical Assisting program starting with classes this fall.

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Sean Jensen, Director of Transfer Services

Student Resources

Published 07/18/2022

Sean Jensen helps tackle transfer trepidations

According to the Illinois Board of Higher Education, our state is a leader in transfer and graduation rates for transfer students. Due to the varying requirements at four-year institutions, transfer planning may be intimidating, but Elgin Community College provides many resources in its Student Success Center to help prepare students for transfer success.

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Accomplishment | Foundation

Published 06/29/2022

Using data to help fund dreams

As a student who struggled in high school, Darvin is now an honors student in the nursing program and will graduate in the fall of 2022. Darvin received support from the ECC Foundation Complete to Compete Program, which provided crucial financial support that ensured she could concentrate more on her studies and less on financial strains.

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Sergio Rodriguez, district 509 board of trustees member

Accomplishment | Alumni Profile

Published 06/29/2022

On Board: Alumnus returns to serve students

Sergio Rodriguez, ’06, knows what it’s like to be a student at Elgin Community College. Now serving as a member of the District 509 Board of Trustees, he plans to put those experiences to work on behalf of students and district residents.

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ECC alum and maintenance technician adjunct instructor Adams Tangue Tsapi

Accomplishment

Published 06/29/2022

ICAPS graduate becomes ECC instructor

Adams Tangue Tsapi, ‘20, credits his experiences in the Integrated Career & Academic Preparation System (ICAPS) program for giving him a competitive advantage.

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Desiree Oliveros, Spring 2022 ECC Graduate

Published 06/29/2022

Focusing on Wellness: Supporting students with holistic care

As the COVID-19 pandemic persisted, mental health became a pervasive and expanding issue. The need to focus on students' mental health became more apparent as students all over the country faced a great deal of uncertainty, unexpected shifts to remote learning, and a diminished sense of community.

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Joe Rosenfeld, PsyD, professor of human services

Academics

Published 06/29/2022

Crisis care…from those who have been there

Elgin Community College is one of only 11 Illinois colleges awarded a state grant by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to support a new program for certified recovery support specialists (CRSS) and certified peer recovery specialists (CPRS). The new offerings launch this fall with the IDHS grant covering the cost of tuition, fees, books, and other wraparound services, such as child care and transportation.

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From left to right: Fred Vogt, professor of biology, Kelli Marlin, medical assisting program director, Shelby Stanley, ophthalmic technician program director, Wendy Miller, dean of health professions, math, science & engineering

Academics

Published 06/29/2022

Building a future

Elgin Community College is known for offering innovative programs that provide students with access to in-demand training and education. One area of continued growth lies in the programs celebrating a decade of progress since the construction of the health and life sciences building in January 2012.

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ECC student Maryam Ebadi and Pietrina Probst, director of ADA, student access, and disability services

Published 06/29/2022

Accommodating Dreams

Maryam Ebadi, a single mother living with a hereditary degenerative vision disorder, immigrated to the U.S. excited to continue working toward her dream of becoming a family counselor. After completing her GED® prep at Elgin Community College, the next step was taking placement exams at her local community college.

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Kristina Garcia, PhD, associate dean of communications and behavioral sciences

Administrator Profile

Published 05/31/2022

Kristina Garcia brings her family values to ECC

During Kristina Garcia’s first visit to campus, she had her mother by her side, waiting for her in the Jobe Lounge while interviewing for associate dean of communications and behavioral sciences. Garcia’s unconditional support for her family is reflected in her role as associate dean in supporting Elgin Community College faculty and students.

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