2023

Melanie Escobar, student speaker for the Fall 2023 University Transfer Commencement Ceremony

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 12/19/2023

Melanie Escobar: I thank Elgin Community College for enriching my education

Good afternoon, fellow graduates, family, friends, and faculty. It is my greatest honor and privilege to address such a diverse community of people from different backgrounds and walks of life. Thank you to our distinguished guests for attending today to celebrate a special milestone.

Jesse Ramirez, student speaker for the Fall 2023 Career and Technical Programs Commencement Ceremony

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 12/19/2023

Jesse Ramirez: This day is just the start

Good morning, ECC students, staff, family, friends, and loved ones of those here. First off, I would like to say how much of an honor it is to be standing before you here. If you had asked me five years ago when I came back to ECC if I would be standing here, I probably would tell you it wouldn’t be possible.

Elgin Community College December 2023 graduate Gwyneth Canlas

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 12/15/2023

Gwyneth Canlas: Always follow your dreams and do what you love

My dream of becoming a Nurse has been something I had imagined my entire life. I was able to fulfill the goal of achieving my degree along with finding myself in the process.

Monika Gadek-Stephan, senior director of the Education Work Center

Administrator Profile

Published 12/14/2023

Empowering ESL Students: Monika's Immigration Experience Gives Her a Unique Perspective

My experience as a Polish immigrant beautifully aligns with my role at the Education Work Center in Hanover Park, Illinois, where I work as the Senior Director. Almost all of our students are immigrants. I can relate to how stressed they are trying to express themselves in a language that is not their own and how hard it is to be disconnected from your family, friends, and all that is familiar.

Elgin Community College December 2023 graduate Clarissa Murphy

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 12/12/2023

Clarissa Murphy: My self-doubt was replaced by faith in my abilities as a student

I had no original intent of joining the Human Services program; in truth, I went in thinking of project management, but I’d always been passionate about connecting with folks, mental wellness, and listening to people's stories.

Elgin Community College December 2023 graduate Tara Retondo

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 12/11/2023

Tara Retondo: Nothing or no one will ever decide where I end up in life except me

My dream goal for years was to work in the mental health field because, as someone who had a battle with mental illness, I would find meaning in helping others through theirs.

Elgin Community College December 2023 graduate Dayana Bagdo

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 12/11/2023

Dayana Bagdo: My peers and professors helped me overcome my fear

Exactly four years ago, I moved to this country from Venezuela. One day, I was 17, graduating high school in my country, and the other day, I was trying to find a job to support my family in our process of creating a new life in a new country with a different language.

Elgin Community College December 2023 graduate Aolany Campuzano

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 12/11/2023

Aolany Campuzano: I am a first-generation high school and college graduate

As a first-generation Mexican-American, entering higher education was a world unbeknownst to me. All I knew was that I had to do this to make my parents sacrifice immigrating to this country for me and my family worthwhile.

ECC massage therapy student Therese Wilson

Academics | Student Profile

Published 12/07/2023

Massage therapy student Therese Wilson teaches us it’s never too late

“I knew I had a calling, but didn’t know this was it until I came and took this chance,” said Therese Wilson of South Elgin, a massage therapy student at Elgin Community College. “I encourage anyone my age, older, younger, that age is a number, and if you let it get in your way, you will miss out on so much. Your talents may not even be revealed to you yet."

Recipients of ECC's Motorola Solutions Foundation's Scholars Program tour the Motorola Solutions facility in Elgin

Foundation | Student Resources

Published 12/04/2023

Granting Opportunities: Scholars program opens career prospects

The Motorola Solutions Foundation is the charitable and philanthropic arm of Motorola Solutions, committed to diversifying the workforce and creating opportunities for up-and-coming innovators in technology and engineering. Since 2017, the organization has awarded more than $170,000 to the ECC Foundation to champion student scholarships.

ECC student Jasmine Aguinaga with her mentors from the South Elgin Police Department, Sergeant Will Werneske, center, and Deputy Chief Brett Czechowski

Student Profile | Student Resources

Published 12/04/2023

The Rookie: Intern investigates career in law enforcement

Jasmine Aguinaga spent her summer like many college students on summer break — riding in the car, windows down, taking in the town. The difference for Aguinaga is that the car was a South Elgin Police Department cruiser and she was working with detectives as a summer intern.

Two representatives from the Kane County Teachers (KCT) Credit Union assist a student at the Center for Financial Empowerment and Wellness

Student Resources

Published 12/04/2023

Financial Sense: Empowering students to make smart decisions

This year, ECC established the Center for Financial Empowerment and Wellness in partnership with the Kane County Teachers (KCT) Credit Union to enhance financial smarts in the community.

ECC dual credit student Fatima Ahmed

Academics | Student Profile

Published 12/04/2023

Doubling Down: Dual-credit student accelerates her dreams

Fatima Ahmed looks like a typical college student. She sits in the Renner Academic Library studying for her abnormal psychology and microbiology classes. She leads a student club. And, she’s focused on her goal of becoming a neurosurgeon or neuroscientist. But Ahmed is still in high school.

LaShaunda Jordan, '15, a TRiO Upward Bound coordinator at ECC

Staff Profile | Student Resources

Published 12/04/2023

College Bound: TRiO coordinator helps students succeed

When young students share their struggles with LaShaunda Jordan, ’15, a TRiO Upward Bound coordinator at Elgin Community College, she knows what they are going through. From academics to mental health concerns and lack of family support, Jordan understands their challenges.

State of Illinois High School Diploma graduate Crisanta Mora stands in front of the Education Work Center (EWC)

Academics | Accomplishment | Student Profile | Student Resources

Published 12/04/2023

Career Prep: Free services help motivated adult learner thrive

The EWC provides comprehensive classes in adult basic education, English as a second language, and career development assistance. The center serves an area with a high immigrant population and residents facing language, transportation, childcare, and financial barriers.

Dancers in ECC's in-residence ensemble BFH perform on the Blizzard Theatre stage

Arts Center

Published 12/04/2023

Sharing the Limelight: ECC Arts Center celebrates 30 years

Jersey Boys. Second City. John Lithgow. Mavis Staples. Graham Nash. These are just a few artists to have graced the Blizzard Theatre stage since the Elgin Community College Arts Center opened 30 years ago.

ECC student Esbeyda Garcia Diaz stands in front of the Venezuelan Art Exhibition, titled “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

Accomplishment | Student Profile

Published 11/20/2023

ECC art student Esbeyda Garcia Diaz curates a voice for local Venezuelan migrants

This fall, Elgin Community College alumna Norma Santaolaya and I curated the Venezuelan Art Exhibition “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness” as part of the Latinx Heritage Month 2023 celebrations. We put our time, energy, and passion into creating this vulnerable gallery, which gave voice to the lives of our local Venezuelan migrants.

Zo Kreager, PhD, professor of applied physical science

Faculty Profile

Published 11/16/2023

Take Five with…Zo Kreager

Zo Kreager, PhD, professor of applied physical science, joined Elgin Community College this past year. Born and raised in Nebraska, Kreager first came to Illinois to pursue her PhD at Northern Illinois University.

ECC dual credit student Olivia Opalinski

Academics | Accomplishment | Arts Center | Student Profile

Published 11/15/2023

ECC dual credit student Olivia Opalinski finds her opening in the performing arts

Last spring, Elgin Community College student Olivia Opalinski of Carpentersville decided to try something new. After her audition, Opalinski joined the cast of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and gained an experience that opened her up to a whole new world.

From left to right: Travis Linville, Jaques Veshagen, Beth Hultman, and Nadia Kettani

Academics | Faculty Profile | Staff Profile

Published 11/10/2023

International exchange program fosters new friendships and opportunities for ECC employee

The opportunity to study abroad doesn’t end as a student. Beth Hultman, public services librarian, and Travis Linville, professor of photography, recently hosted international guests from the Netherlands in their homes and on Elgin Community College’s campus through ECC’s Center for Global Engagement and the Illinois Consortium for International Studies and Programs (ICISP).

Jillian Janicki, director of phlebotomy

Administrator Profile

Published 11/10/2023

Take Five with…Jillian Janicki

Meet Jillian Janicki, our new Director of the Phlebotomy Program! Janicki isn’t a stranger to ECC’s campus, having received her Clinical Laboratory Technician (CLT) certificate when she was first here as a student.

Jim Ahlborn, president and CEO of Suncast Corporation

Academics

Published 11/08/2023

Jim Ahlborn embraces ECC apprentices as family

There isn’t one path for every student. For many, success is found outside classroom walls and across campus lines. Through Elgin Community College’s Apprenticeship Program, students can work as apprentices for local companies while maintaining their status as students.

Jeff Hunt, music unit adjunct faculty member

Faculty Profile

Published 11/03/2023

Take Five with…Jeff Hunt

Jeff Hunt, a music adjunct faculty member, began teaching at ECC nearly 20 years ago. What’s kept him here all these years? The students.

Cory Lemay, director of TRiO Upward Bound

Administrator Profile

Published 10/27/2023

Take Five with…Cory Lemay

Cory Lemay, director of TRiO Upward Bound, began leading the program in 2022. Growing up in coastal New England, in the pine tree state of Maine, Lemay’s first experience with TRiO Upward Bound began as a high school student in the program.

Ignacio Alvarez-Garcia, professor of Spanish

Faculty Profile

Published 10/18/2023

Take Five with…Ignacio Alvarez-Garcia

Ignacio Alvarez-Garcia, professor of Spanish, is a first-generation college student born and raised in Madrid, Spain. As a first-gen student, he found a passion for education and the power it has to impact lives.

Kathleen DeMars, instructor of adult basic education

Faculty Profile

Published 10/13/2023

Take Five with…Kathleen DeMars

Growing up east of New York City on the north shore of Long Island, Kathleen DeMars, instructor of adult basic education, became a Midwesterner back in 2005. After teaching at Waubonsee Community College for seven years, she moved to ECC in 2022.

Sarah Burkhart, assistant professor of English as a second language

Faculty Profile

Published 10/06/2023

Take Five with…Sarah Burkhart

Sarah Burkhart worked from home as an editorial freelancer for many years before deciding to teach an evening English as a second language course. Since then, she’s made it her full-time career.

ECC English as a Second Language student Karla Rojas

Academics | Accomplishment | Student Profile

Published 10/04/2023

ECC’s ESL student Karla Rojas uses her experience to set a positive example for others

Karla Rojas immigrated to the United States with complete confidence that she could find the success she was after. Her firm belief in herself and her abilities led her to enroll in ECC’s English as a Second Language program to help improve her English skills. It wasn’t long before she was excelling in her courses and preparing for her next step to find a job.

Erin Kerwood, PhD, assistant professor of chemistry

Faculty Profile

Published 09/29/2023

Take Five with…Erin Kerwood

Erin Kerwood, PhD, assistant professor of chemistry, bonded with ECC instantly. “I love it here and have met so many awesome people!” Starting as an adjunct professor in the fall of 2021, Kernwood made her way to full-time in the spring.

Noor, digital marketing specialist

Announcement

Published 09/18/2023

Take Five with…Noor

Noor joined Elgin Community College’s Marketing and Communications Department as the Digital Marketing Specialist in 2022. Originally from Pakistan, Noor obtained a Bachelor’s in Marketing before completing his MBA at the Hult International Business School in Boston, MA.

Evelyn Lozano, student success coach

Staff Profile

Published 09/08/2023

Take Five with…Evelyn Lozano

As a student success coach, Evelyn Lozano’s favorite thing about working at ECC is meeting and guiding students during their time at the college. This passion is driven by her own educational experience growing up.

Melanie Schaefer, sports information and academic support specialist

Staff Profile

Published 09/05/2023

Take Five With…Melanie Schaefer

Have you met Melanie? Melanie Schaefer is the Sports Information and Academic Support Specialist, a driving force behind ECC student-athlete success. In July 2021, the ECC Athletics Department added a new position to their team to provide direct academic support; this was the perfect fit for Schafer.

ECC's first medical assisting class

Academics | Accomplishment

Published 09/05/2023

Responding to local health care needs: Inaugural medical assisting class graduates

The first cohort of ECC’s new medical assisting program completed their final class in August 2023. Launched last year, the program is ECC’s response to local health care agencies who alerted the college to the increasing regional demand for these skilled health care professionals.

ECC nursing graduate Esmeralda Guerra

Academics | Accomplishment | Alumni Profile

Published 07/12/2023

ECC student turns trials into triumph

Esmeralda Guerra’s life has revolved around helping others even when she had nothing. That’s how her passion to become a nurse was born.

ECC Student Gabe Bueno performs at

Academics

Published 06/27/2023

In Their Own Words: Students share life experiences through stories

Brian Bohr is reinventing the classroom experience to embrace and enhance what students can bring to storytelling. In his communications course, Oral Interpretation of Literature, students take stories that are not traditionally performative and bring them to life from their personal perspectives through different mediums, including poetry, personal narratives, and digital storytelling.

Chasity Gunn, instructor of English, and LaTasha DeHaan, PhD, assistant professor of history and political science

Academics | Staff Profile

Published 06/26/2023

Tag Team Teaching: Instructors create a community for learning

When LaTasha DeHaan, PhD, assistant professor of history and political science, noticed students struggling with assignments in her African American history classes, she took action. DeHaan's colleague, Instructor of English Chasity Gunn, saw similar struggles in her African American literature course. The instructors formed a learning community called Unshackled Voices to foster student success.

John Duffy, retired ECC Board of Trustees member

Board of Trustees

Published 06/26/2023

Journey of Service

John Duffy, of Elgin, retired from the ECC Board of Trustees in April with 48 years of service, making him the longest-serving trustee in both District 509 and Illinois community college history. A retired Larkin High School (Elgin) educator and administrator, Duffy first won his trustee election race in 1975.

The first CURIC fellowship cohort

Academics | Student Profile

Published 06/26/2023

Good Fellows

The first CURIC fellow cohort consisted of 12 students. Fellows commit to one semester or one year, and Hardy pairs students with a faculty member to guide and assist them throughout the research process.

ECC truck driving program graduate Frank Dean

Academics

Published 06/26/2023

Driving Demand: ECC prepares truckers for the long haul

The truck driving industry is experiencing a shortage of an estimated 70,000 qualified drivers, a number expected to double within the next decade, according to American Trucking Associations. With Elgin Community College’s expanded truck driving program, including accelerated sessions, newly hired instructors, and plans for a larger facility, ECC is ready to meet that demand.

Susan Taylor-Demming, executive director of Institutional Advancement

Administrator Profile | Foundation

Published 06/26/2023

Building Futures

Susan Taylor-Demming, the new executive director of institutional advancement and the Elgin Community College Foundation, hangs up the phone after thanking an ECC alumni donor for a recent gift that will help several current students pay for college.

Melanie Schaefer, sports information and academic support specialist

Staff Profile

Published 06/08/2023

How the game can change your life: Schaefer shares her journey

As the sports information and academic support specialist, I work directly with our student-athletes to ensure they have the necessary support to balance life as a collegiate athlete, one that is busy and stressful but worth every moment. I know the lives of our student-athletes because I am a former student-athlete.

Mark Carriveau, ECC's photographer and multimedia coordinator

Accomplishment | Staff Profile

Published 05/25/2023

SkillsUSA Illinois names ECC’s Carriveau board chairman

Mark Carriveau, college photographer and multimedia coordinator at Elgin Community College, will serve as the 2023-2024 board chair for SkillsUSA Illinois.

Kira Spears, student speaker for the Spring 2023 Career and Technical Programs Commencement Ceremony

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 05/22/2023

Kira Spears: I want you to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel

During my time at ECC, I have learned a lot about my fellow Spartans. They are talented, skilled, and full of wit. They are strong, determined, and wise. Today is a day to celebrate these incredible humans.

Sheronda Murray-Jamison, Class of 2023 State of Illinois High School Diploma graduation speaker

Accomplishment | Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 05/22/2023

Sheronda Murray-Jamison: I now have options for my future

For Sheronda Murray-Jamison, her State of Illinois High School Diploma has opened the door to new career options.

Chioma Echefu, student speaker for the Spring 2023 University Transfer Commencement Ceremony

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 05/22/2023

Chioma Echefu: I charge you to venture into the unknown with courage as I did

I am a foreign student from Ibadan, Nigeria, and I would never have imagined myself giving a commencement speech in a reputable college in the United States of America.

Cristina Bahena Benitez, 2023 State of Illinois High School Diploma graduation speaker

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 05/22/2023

Cristina Bahena Benitez: My diploma is just the beginning of my journey

For Cristina Bahena Benitez, the Education and Work Center provided the support and guidance she needed to earn her State of Illinois High School Diploma.

Paulina Sequeda Malave, student speaker for the Spring 2023 University Transfer Commencement Ceremony

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 05/22/2023

Paulina Sequeda Malave: This is not over; life is barely beginning

You welcomed me to this country with smiles and open arms, and I will personally miss all of you. I've never been one to give good pep talks, so I'll keep it honest. This is not over; life is barely beginning, and I can say that many challenges await us in the coming months.

Elgin Community College Spring 2023 graduate Ariana Marchan

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 05/18/2023

Ariana Marchan: ECC helped me balance school and athletics, preparing me for my future

On my first attempt at college, I went away to school, as most 18-year-olds leaving high school wanted to do. I quickly realized it wasn’t for me, and when I moved back home, I enrolled at Elgin Community College. I was excited; I felt better being back at home with my family, and at ECC, I was awarded a scholarship to play for the women’s basketball team – a sport I absolutely love.

Elgin Community College Spring 2023 graduate Laureano Escobar

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 05/17/2023

Laureano Escobar: My ECC education gave me the tools to improve lives in my community

I am a first-generation college student. My parents were immigrants from central Mexico, and both came to this country at a young age but did not have the same opportunities I had. Thanks to their efforts and sacrifices, I discovered what I truly wanted to do with my life.

Elgin Community College Spring 2023 graduate Jordan Williams

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 05/17/2023

Jordan Williams: My advice for future students is to never give up

My time at Elgin Community College has been quite the experience! I first enrolled in 2016 to start my journey to qualify for the nursing program.

Elgin Community College Spring 2023 graduate Dominic Di Palermo

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 05/17/2023

Dominic Di Palermo: ECC experience prepared me for my future

After deciding that I would stay home and enroll at ECC, I decided that I would make the absolute most out of the two-year associate degree I was pursuing - A goal I definitely achieved.

Elgin Community College Spring 2023 graduate Megan Petronella

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 05/15/2023

Megan Petronella: From ECC employee to ECC graduate

My journey to discovering what I wanted to be when I grew up was very long and winding. I have started and stopped college multiple times. Right out of high school, I originally went to college for another science-based degree and struggled.

Elgin Community College Spring 2023 graduate Kip Kane

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 05/15/2023

Kip Kane: Though the journey was difficult, I learned I am stronger than I know

In the fall semester of my senior year of high school, I took on one of the hardest challenges of my life. My school offered a dual-credit program where I could simultaneously work on my high school diploma and an associate degree from Elgin Community College.

Elgin Community College Spring 2023 graduate Juliet Duncan

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 05/15/2023

Juliet Duncan: Sometimes dreams take a long time to fulfill, but it’s worth it in the end

My love for the medical profession began when I was just two. I was in a sledding accident and had to go to the ER to get eight stitches in my right eyebrow. That experience sparked something in me.

Elgin Community College Spring 2023 graduate Jocelyn Thammavongsa

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 05/15/2023

Jocelyn Thammavongsa: I experienced a strong sense of community and belonging at ECC

My time at Elgin Community College was a life-changing experience that I will always treasure. I’d never reflected on the past two years here until I was asked to write this essay.

Elgin Community College Spring 2023 graduate Hannah Garcia

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 05/15/2023

Hannah Garcia: ECC gave me a platform to make an impact

I have been a student at Elgin Community College since the fall of 2021. In this short time, I had the opportunity to engage in our diverse student organizations and be involved in our theater productions. Most importantly, I have been blessed with a robust education.

Elgin Community College Spring 2023 graduate Beth Barnes

Commencement | Graduation Essays

Published 05/15/2023

Beth Barnes: I am beyond grateful for all of the experiences ECC has provided me

My time at Elgin Community College has been the best years of my life. Since a freshman in college, even during the height of the pandemic, I was able to make new friends and get involved, whether virtual or in person.

ECC student Edwina Watkins

Accomplishment | Student Profile

Published 05/09/2023

Education scholarship changes future for ECC student Edwina Watkins

“I still have chills because I didn’t think I would actually get it,” said Elgin Community College early childhood education student Edwina Watkins (Streamwood), recipient of the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship. The ECACE Scholarship helps educators pursue credentials to build a robust and well-prepared workforce.

Kent Payne, director of athletics and wellness

Administrator Profile

Published 04/24/2023

Take Five With…Kent Payne

Kent Payne, director of athletics and wellness, is embarking on his 23rd year with the Elgin Community College athletics department. Growing up in Schaumburg, Ill., his coaching career began early with his first-ever job coaching for the Schaumburg Park District.

Kaile Raimondi, web technologist

Staff Profile

Published 04/17/2023

Take Five With…Kaile Raimondi

While you may not have ever met him in person, nearly all of us have had the opportunity to be helped by Kaile Raimondi, web technologist. Now you can finally put a face with the name! A South Korean adoptee, Raimondi grew up not too far from here in Elburn, Ill.

Carrie Gorr, academic advisor

Staff Profile

Published 04/10/2023

Take Five With…Carrie Gorr

Carrie Gorr came to Elgin Community College as an academic advisor in 1995, but that wasn’t the start of her career in higher education. Before joining ECC, Gorr began working at Harper College, where she was also a student.

ECC students Elizabeth Barnes and Ely Thompson

Academics | Accomplishment | Student Profile

Published 03/24/2023

Two from ECC’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society receive Coca-Cola Academic Scholarships

Elgin Community College students Elizabeth Barnes (West Dundee) and Ely Thompson (South Elgin) have been named 2023 Coca-Cola Academic Team Silver Scholars and will receive a $1,250 scholarship. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver, and 50 Bronze Scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually.

Elizabeth Herrera, academic advisor

Academics | Staff Profile

Published 03/23/2023

Elizabeth Herrera: Paying it Forward as an Academic Advisor at Elgin Community College

I am a first-generation college student. If it weren’t for being in the right place at the right time and having at least one person expect college from me, the process for me would have been different.

Ray Jones, academic advisor

Staff Profile

Published 03/06/2023

Take Five With…Ray Jones

One of ECC’s Academic Advisors, Ray Jones, is coming up on ten years in higher education. He has served in various roles but found his calling in academic advising while cross-training at DeVry University, where he worked as financial aid advisor.

ECC alum Leah Murphy

Alumni Profile

Published 02/27/2023

Set for the future, ECC student-athlete Leah Murphy fulfills dreams on and off the court

In the fall of 2022, Elgin Community College’s reverse student population — meaning students who already earned a bachelor’s degree or higher — increased by 40%. One of those new students was Leah Murphy.

Victoria Turner, technical services librarian

Staff Profile

Published 02/24/2023

Take Five With…Victoria Turner

Take a fast five today and learn more about Victoria Turner, technical services librarian. Turner began at ECC in 2022, but her career working in libraries began as a teenager in 1999. Since then, Turner has worked in both public and community college libraries.

Elgin Community College across Lake Spartan

Academics

Published 02/22/2023

Virtual exchange program brings a global perspective to ECC campus

Even before the pandemic curbed global travel, not all students had an opportunity to participate in a study abroad program. To give more Elgin Community College students a chance to experience an international education, the Global/International Studies Taskforce developed the Virtual Exchange Program.

Tyler O'Donnell, associate dean of sustainability, business & career technologies

Administrator Profile

Published 02/21/2023

Take Five With…Tyler O’Donnell

Tyler O’Donnell started with ECC 2016 as an academic advisor. At the beginning of the 2023-23 academic year, he made the move to associate dean of the Sustainability, Business & Career Technologies division.

Todd Anderson, director of truck driving program

Administrator Profile

Published 03/20/2023

Take Five With…Todd Anderson

Todd Anderson, director of the truck driving program, began at ECC in January 2022 and has already transformed and expanded ECC’s offerings to reflect the growing need of the truck driving industry. Anderson, a seasoned driver of 14 years, not only leads the program, but you can also find him out in the truck driving yard, helping instruct the next crop of drivers.

Lauren Sullivan, reference librarian

Staff Profile

Published 02/13/2023

Take Five With…Lauren Sullivan

If you are looking for Lauren Sullivan, the Elgin Community College Renner Academic Library is where you’ll find her. Sullivan is a reference librarian and has been with the college since 2021. An Elgin native, Sullivan’s professional life began as a theatre technician.

Vincent Gaddis, PhD, professor of history

Academics | Accomplishment | Faculty Profile

Published 02/08/2023

Resistance Through Black Excellence: Its History, Meaning, and Leaders

Elgin Community College’s theme for Black History Month, “Resistance Through Black Excellence,” truly captures an essential ingredient to the centuries-long struggle for Black liberation, human rights, equality, and equity.

Ron Two Bulls, senior director of academic programming & public safety training

Administrator Profile

Published 02/06/2023

Take Five With…Ron Two Bulls

Ron Two Bulls is only the second senior director of academic programming and public safety training in the Elgin Community College Center for Emergency Services’ seven-year history, taking over in 2022. He brings 26 years of service with the Buffalo Grove Fire Department and a passion for making ECC’s emergency services programs the premiere training in the area.

Sharon Baker, PsyD, associate professor of psychology

Faculty Profile

Published 01/17/2023

Take Five With…Sharon Baker

Take five this week and learn more about Sharon Baker, PsyD, associate professor of psychology. Baker has been with ECC since 2002 – beginning as an administrator for seven years and then transitioning to a full-time psychology faculty member.

Shelby Stanley, ophthalmic technician program director

Administrator Profile

Published 01/09/2023

Take Five With…Shelby Stanley

This week, take five minutes with Shelby Stanley, ophthalmic technician program director. Stanley joined ECC one year ago, helping to launch ECC’s newest health care program, which was developed in response to regional demand for the position from local health care providers.