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Heroes Offer Inspiration while Transition Academy Takes Flight eizy Horta is one of 36 students who got involved in ECC’s new Transition Academy program in early 2013 during the spring of her junior year of high school. “It gave me a new idea about college. It opened my eyes,” says Horta, a senior at Larkin High School. Horta admits she’s not quite sure what she wants to major in yet, or what her career plans are for the future. She says her time in the Academy, and specifically in the week-long summer experience, was definitely stimulating for her. The Transition Academy was launched last year to offer insight and inspiration about college readiness to high school students earlier in their academic experience. While all are welcome to participate, the program specifically targets students of color given that national data indicates these learners are most likely to be under-prepared when graduating from high school. “We want young people to be motivated to continue their education, regardless of where they decide to attend school. They should see college in their future at an early age and use their high school experience to prepare themselves to be successful,” says Professor Alison Douglas, the program’s faculty leader from the college. In addition to offering monthly touch points with Academy participants throughout the school year, the program includes a week-long experience with college faculty on ECC’s campus. This summer, employees from the Chase Call Center in Elgin volunteered their time to provide an experiential learning opportunity for Transition Academy students. Students toured their workplace, became acquainted with Chase employees who shared their stories of working at the firm, IMPACT INSIDE THIS EDITION Purses with Purpose Scholarship Recipients, page 4 ECC Campus Campaign Kick-off, page 5 20 in 1: Focus to Finish, page 6 Spotlight on ECC Foundation Board Members, page 8 Alumni Sports Day Honorees, page 9 Reader Survey, page 11 FALL 2013 D Continued on page 3 2013 Summer Transition Academy team, including students, Chase staff, and ECC representatives, on location at Chase Call Center. Far right inset photo: Deizy Horta

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Page 1: IMPACT Newsletter - Issue 6, Fall 2013

Heroes Offer Inspiration while Transition Academy Takes Flight

eizy Horta is one of 36 students who got involved in ECC’s new Transition Academy

program in early 2013 during the spring of her junior year of high school.

“It gave me a new idea about college. It opened my eyes,” says Horta, a senior at Larkin High School.

Horta admits she’s not quite sure what she wants to major in yet, or what her career plans are for the future. She says her time in the Academy, and specifically in the week-long summer experience, was definitely stimulating for her.

The Transition Academy was launched last year to offer insight and inspiration about college readiness to high school students earlier in their academic experience. While all are welcome to participate, the program specifically targets students of color given that national data indicates these learners are most likely to be under-prepared when graduating from high school.

“We want young people to be motivated to continue their education, regardless of where they decide to attend school. They should see college in their future at an early age and use their high school experience to prepare themselves to be successful,”

says Professor Alison Douglas, the program’s faculty leader from the college.

In addition to offering monthly touch points with Academy participants throughout the school year, the program includes a week-long experience with college faculty on ECC’s campus. This summer, employees from the Chase Call Center in Elgin volunteered their time to provide an experiential learning opportunity for Transition Academy students. Students toured their workplace, became acquainted with Chase employees who shared their stories of working at the firm,

IMPACTInsIde THIs edITIOn

� Purses with Purpose scholarship Recipients, page 4

� eCC Campus Campaign Kick-off, page 5

� 20 in 1: Focus to Finish, page 6

� spotlight on eCC Foundation Board Members, page 8

� Alumni sports day Honorees, page 9

� Reader survey, page 11

FALL 2013

D

Continued on page 3

2013 Summer Transition Academy team, including students, Chase staff, and ECC representatives, on location at Chase Call Center. Far right inset photo: Deizy Horta

Page 2: IMPACT Newsletter - Issue 6, Fall 2013

2 elgin Community College Foundation

The 20 in 1: Focus to Finish initiative launched on ECC’s campus in August 2013. Student Success Week will take place November 18-21.

executive director’s Letter

Dear Friends,

Paula was 47 years old when she enrolled at ECC in the fall of 2010 after losing everything she held dear. She lost her job because she didn’t have a degree, and she lost custody of her 12-year-old daughter because she didn’t have the resources to care for her.

Paula admits she was angry at first, but the anger motivated her to action. Driven by faith, determination and potential, she has set her sights on finishing an associate degree with a bachelor’s degree soon to follow. She is interested in business, and her dream is to use her education to get her career back on track with a job that will allow her to buy a home in which to raise her daughter.

While every student’s story is unique, the data speak volumes. ECC students, like Paula, are five times more likely to complete their credential if they finish 20 credit hours in their first full year of study. Unfortunately, national studies tell us that only 18 percent of all community college students earn a credential within a three-year timeframe. When surveyed, the leading obstacles ECC students report for not reaching this 20-credit milestone are time restrictions due to work commitments, family obligations, and/or lack of financial resources to pay for additional classes.

I have no doubt Paula will accomplish all of these things. Her thirst for knowledge and her positive attitude are magnetic. She is smart and capable, proving herself daily as a student worker on campus when she’s not in class. Beyond being amazed by her perseverance in light of adversity, what strikes me is that Paula was able to complete more than 20 hours in her first year of study because of scholarship support awarded through the ECC Foundation. I look forward to cheering on Paula and her peers at the end of their academic journey in December.

Thank you for investing in this promising student and others like her!

All my best,

Katherine S. SawyerExecutive Director,Institutional Advancement and ECC Foundation

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

— Mahatma Gandhi

Page 3: IMPACT Newsletter - Issue 6, Fall 2013

IMPACT Fall 2013 3

When the Transition Academy program began last year, a key component of its success lay in the hands of community members. At that delicate age when parents and immediate family can easily be tuned out, high school students are often profoundly influenced by peers and mentors who demonstrate genuine interest in them. While this role doesn’t seem difficult on the surface, the job can be daunting to those who feel responsible for helping to shape a young life.

Thanks to the generosity of a Foundation donor, the more than 80 mentors who started with the Transition Academy in the fall have access to training and tools to help them navigate these waters. Committed to meeting with their student each month from October to April, mentors will build trust, offer encouragement, and seek to inspire each of these high school students to continue their education by attending a college or university of their choice.

To register your interest in becoming a student mentor, contact DeSean Coleman, EdD, program manager/assistant director TRiO-Upward Bound, at [email protected].

Mentors Matter

The Premier sponsor level enables supporters of the Foundation’s major annual events to make one sponsorship commitment in any given 12-month period and receive a package of benefits which includes:

• Recognition and promotion at all eCC Foundation events throughout a 12-month period.

• Table for eight at Founders’ day Celebration and Luncheon (February 16, 2014).

• One foursome for the Golf Classic Outing (June 16, 2014).

• Table for eight at 30th Anniversary Gala (september 20, 2014).

• Premier sponsor listing and full-page recognition in three event programs.

For additional information regarding the Premier sponsor pricing and benefits package, please contact Sheri Lacy, manager of annual giving and scholarships, at 847-214-7596.

2013 Premier SponsorsHeroes Offer Inspiration Continued from page 1

and helped employees work through a real-life business case with Chase credit card customers using Twitter.

Horta, who was one of the students to participate, said the most powerful lesson was listening to the Chase employees share their ‘hero’s story’ about the obstacles they overcame along the way.

“It makes me feel like I can do more with my life.”

Their recent gift of $25,000 catapulted JPMorgan Chase and the JPMorgan Chase Foundation into ECC Foundation’s Century Circle of lifetime donors. ECC President David Sam, and the Elgin Community College Foundation Board offered their thanks to leaders from the Chase Call Center in Elgin for their continued financial support of the Summer Bridge Program and investment of time and resources in ECC’s first Transition Academy at the Board’s quarterly meeting in September.

Transition Academy mentoring session between students and Chase Call Center employees.

Page 4: IMPACT Newsletter - Issue 6, Fall 2013

4 elgin Community College Foundation4 elgin Community College Foundation

Paula PortisPaula Portis moved to South Elgin in 2003 after relocating from Lake Charles, Louisiana. According to her, life was good until she lost her job in management at a local drug company. She had to re-evaluate her goals. Portis wanted to pursue a meaningful career that would

allow her to establish a better life for her and her children. In 2010, she decided to enroll at Elgin Community College to study marketing. She is expected to graduate with her Associate of Applied Science degree in December 2013. She is a proud recipient of the Purses with Purpose scholarship award, which made her dream of completing her education a reality.

Why did you choose ECC?I lived in the area. It was close, and I always wanted to go back to school.

How did the scholarship money help you?The scholarship was a godsend. I’m so grateful. It really has helped me so much. I don’t have to worry about how my education is paid for or how I will pay for my books.

How important is the Foundation to you and others who count on it for financial support to continue their education?It means the world to me. I stepped out in faith and people reached out to me. All I have are the people who are here to help me. I would not be in school if it weren’t for them.

What do you plan to do after graduation?I am planning to attend Columbia College of Missouri on the ECC campus. I will major in marketing and management. I would like to be somebody’s boss in advertising or retail or a store manager.

nancy TorresNancy Torres is working toward her Associate of Applied Science degree. She hopes to become a registered nurse. And with the help of the $1,500 scholarship she received from Purses with Purpose, she is well on her way. The Phi Theta Kappa member credits her success to

those who donate to the Elgin Community College Foundation. She expects to graduate in spring 2014.

Why did you choose ECC?Besides living within the ECC district, I had been given high recommendations by friends regarding the school. I went in with a small goal in mind, but after seeing the educational possibilities, I decided to look into a career in an area I had always had an interest in. I started inquiring into the medical programs offered at ECC.

How did the scholarship money help you?Although the scholarship is divided for the fall and spring semesters, it has lifted the financial burden of one full semester of nursing school which in turn helps our family immensely.

How important is the Foundation to you and others who count on it for financial support to continue their education?The Foundation is a great source of support for those of us who do not qualify for grants. I would have to rely strictly on loans to get me through school if I didn’t have any assistance by the Foundation. Enrolling in my very first class at ECC was greatly influenced by the scholarship award letter I received by the Foundation.

What do you plan to do after graduation?I plan to work in a local hospital or work through an agency that provides senior care in settings such as hospice or home nursing. I have worked with seniors in private homes in the past, and I still hold a passion for working with them.

Continued on back page

Scholarship Recipient Profiles

Page 5: IMPACT Newsletter - Issue 6, Fall 2013

IMPACT Fall 2013 5

I give to the Foundation because it is my way of giving back.

After many years of being a stay-at-home mom, I needed to re-enter the workforce and get some job training. I came to ECC to take some computer classes to update my skills. After taking a few classes, I decided to take a few more. I enjoyed the classes, instructors, and fellow

students very much. With encouragement from instructors, I continued taking classes and eventually earned two vocational degrees from ECC.

I never imagined that I would go back to school and truly enjoy it. After having conversations with faculty and classmates, I learned that I could apply for scholarships through the ECC Foundation. These scholarships helped me to continue going to school and earn my degrees. Along the way, I applied and was hired for a part-time position at ECC in the Alternatives Department at the Fountain Square Campus. From there, I went on to a full-time position in the Adult Education Department and then the Continuing Education Department. Today, I support the vice president of teaching, learning and student development.

Without the help of the foundation and many other resources at ECC, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

I love hearing about students’ journeys and their success stories at graduation. These stories make me smile, make me think, and make me want to share. Life happens, and we all will have obstacles and barriers to overcome at some point. No gift is too small and to know that I could help students succeed is why I give to the ECC Foundation!

Angela Lucca: Why I give to the ECC Foundation

Angela Lucca is the executive assistant in the Teaching, Learning, and Student Development Division at Elgin Community College.

Annual eCC Campus Giving Campaign Kick-offEvery year, ECC employees – faculty, staff, and administrators – participate in the Foundation’s Annual ECC Campus Giving Campaign. Last year, 245 employees, students, and others who visited the campus during the campaign, contributed almost $56,000 toward student scholarships and academic programming designed to enhance student learning.

This year is no exception in terms of ECC employees’ generosity!

The Annual ECC Campus Giving Campaign Kick-off was held on Tuesday, October 8, 2013. Gifts received by the end of the first day of the campaign exceeded those received during the same time last year by more than 20 percent!

The campaign is scheduled to run through the end of the semester. During this time employees will encourage and inspire one another to begin or renew their campaign participation through a one-time contribution or payroll deduction pledge for the 2014 calendar year.

ECC employees, including Dr. Sam in upper right-hand corner addressing audience, during campaign kick-off.

Page 6: IMPACT Newsletter - Issue 6, Fall 2013

6 elgin Community College Foundation6 elgin Community College Foundation

Provide internship opportunities for current students through your employer. This helps build the local workforce because the majority of students who attend ECC come from and remain in our communities.

20 in 1: Focus to FinishElgin Community College recently conducted research on student success and found that students who successfully complete 20 credit hours during their first academic year are five times more likely to complete their degree or certificate. Achieving this milestone can be challenging for many of our students who must fit class and study time in with outside employment, family obligations, and financial barriers. Investors in ECC Foundation and community members from Community College District 509 can play a role in supporting student success. Here are 20 ways you can help ECC students.

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Volunteer as a mentor in the Transition Academy. Mentors meet with students in grades 9 through 12 who will be the first in their family to attend college. It is a one-hour time commitment (7 hours total) on the second Saturday of each month.

Attend Founders’ Day. Meet students who have been helped through scholarship support and local community members being recognized for their commitment to education.

Golf or volunteer for the annual Golf Classic. It’s a great way to enjoy a day with your friends while raising funds for ECC Foundation.

Nominate an alumnus to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award. This award recognizes alumni who have taken the education they received at ECC and done some amazing things in their chosen field or in our community.

Sponsor an event. The ECC Foundation has sponsorship opportunities that will get your company’s name in front of hundreds of potential clients.

Purchase a Pathway to Knowledge brick. Mark a special event or milestone with a brick in honor or memory of a loved one.

Stand Up and Be Counted. If you have ever taken a class at ECC, you are considered an alumnus. Contact the Alumni Office to receive the newsletter and learn about other activities designed for ECC alumni.

Provide funding for a department, program or area of the college. All areas of the college will benefit from supplemental donor investments that enable the acquisition of more state-of-the-art equipment to further enhances students’ learning experiences.

Support the ECC Spartans sports teams. Whether you enjoy basketball, cross country, soccer, tennis, volleyball, baseball, golf or softball, you can cheer on your favorite sport with one of ECC’s athletic teams.

Eat lunch at Spartan Terrace Restaurant or attend a dinner. Not only can you enjoy a delicious meal, you also help students as they participate in this ‘learning laboratory.’

Attend a musical or theatrical performance or art showing. The ECC Arts Center has an array of activities year-round.

Volunteer to participate in or support college-sponsored events like Relay for Life and Project Backpack. Your participation sends a clear message to the students that you support them and their efforts.

Register for a class. Are you interested in photography? Do you want to work on your drawing skills? No matter what your age, you can sign up for a course at ECC. Best of all, when you’ve completed the class, you will join the ranks of ECC’s alumni!

Volunteer to serve on a committee. The Foundation has numerous committees working on various aspects of the Foundation’s Mission. Volunteer commitments can be made on a short-term or ongoing basis.

Invite your friends and neighbors to invest in ECC through the Foundation. What better way to show your support for ECC than to share your experience with others. Introduce them to the great work going on right here in our own backyard.

Join Purses with Purpose. This women’s giving circle provides scholarships and mentoring opportunities for women who are returning to college to better themselves after a divorce or life event.

Host a foreign exchange student in your home. ECC has a very active program for international students who spend anywhere from a few weeks to a semester or academic year attending classes and learning American culture. Housing for these students is always needed.

Hire an ECC student or alumnus. By hiring a student or alumnus, you are investing in the future of our community. A community college is only as strong as the communities in its district and keeping local talent in the area is vital to continued success.

Create a scholarship. An endowed scholarship can be initiated with an investment of $10,000 or more and can provide awards in perpetuity while a current use scholarship can be initiated for as little as a $3,000 investment.

Page 7: IMPACT Newsletter - Issue 6, Fall 2013

IMPACT Fall 2013 7

2014 eCC Foundation sponsorship OpportunitiesThe ECC Foundation hosts two premier signature fundraising events every year – the Annual Founders’ Day Celebration and Luncheon, and the Annual Golf Classic. Proceeds from both events benefit the ECC Foundation Resources for Excellence Annual Fund, providing immediate support for the areas of greatest need, impacting ECC students.

In 2014, the Foundation will be celebrating its 30th Anniversary and hosting its 16th Annual Founders’ Day Celebration and Luncheon, and its 16th Annual Golf Classic. Below are highlights of the various sponsorship opportunities available for each event in 2014.

2014 Premier Sponsorship - $10,000 Provides high visibility at three ECC Foundation events over a 12-month period along with having your firm’s logo included as a Premier Sponsor in the IMPACT newsletter throughout the year.

16th Annual Founders’ Day Celebration and LuncheonSome Dreams Just Need a Little HelpSunday, February 16, 2014Elgin Community College University & Business CenterSponsorship Levels: $3,500-$350

16th Annual ECC Foundation Golf ClassicMonday, June 16, 2014Elgin Country Club, Elgin, ILSponsorship Levels: $5,000-$500

30th Anniversary Gala CelebrationSeptember 20, 2014The Historic OTTO BuildingCarpentersville, IL Sponsorship Levels: $10,000-$1,000

For more information regarding events and sponsorship opportunties, please visit elgin.edu/eccfoundation or contact the ECC Foundation office at 847-214-7377 or [email protected].

Page 8: IMPACT Newsletter - Issue 6, Fall 2013

8 elgin Community College Foundation8 elgin Community College Foundation

of Elgin has a career of public service, being a former special assistant U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Illinois and deputy district counsel for the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

He has been a member of the Elgin Community College Foundation Board of Directors since 2002 and served as board chair from 2008 to 2010. Hurlbut also serves on the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, the United Way of Elgin, the Youth

Fund Distribution Panel, and the City of Elgin Planning and Development Commission.

Hurlbut, a 1981 graduate of Valparaiso University, received his Juris Doctor from the Valparaiso University School of Law in 1984. He currently runs his own firm, Hurlbut & Hurlbut, PC, concentrating on civil litigation, particularly matters related to real estate, business disputes, and immigration law,

Hurlbut has been married to his wife, Catherine Schick Hurlbut, for 27 years, and they have three sons.

John Hurlbut

approaches his work on the Elgin Community College Foundation like his other community work: to bring a broader awareness to an organization that helps others.

“I believe in it, and I practice that with my job and other charitable activities that I participate in privately,” says Onwuta, of St. Charles. “I think that it is by giving back that we receive. It is the spirit that we should all share if we intend to love our neighbor as ourselves, and you do not have to be a Christian to adopt that doctrine.”

Onwuta learned of the ECC Foundation 10 years ago through Michael S. Shirley, PhD, a director emeritus and former ECC president. After Shirley told him more about the foundation and what it

does for the college, he joined the board with the goal of recruiting more people from the St. Charles area to participate.

“The ECC Foundation is wonderful and well-run,” Onwuta says. “The enthusiasm of (Executive Director of Institutional Advancement and ECC Foundation) Katherine Sawyer is infectious and always raises your spirit to work more.”

Onwuta, a 1991 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, has practiced medicine for 22 years and specializes in the area of anesthesia and pain management. In addition to the ECC Foundation, he is a member of the board of Kane County Medical Society and Onitsha America Inc. His wife, Uche S. Onwuta, is also a doctor.

J. Emeka Onwuta, M.D.

of Elgin is a third-generation insurer, returning to work for his family’s business, Lundstrom Insurance Agency in Elgin, shortly after graduating from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. In that same timeframe, the Elgin Community College alumnus returned to the college in 2001 to serve on the ECC Foundation Board.

Since being on the board, Lundstrom has been committed to working with others to help strengthen and grow the ECC Foundation. He has participated on various committees throughout the years, and in 2010, he was elected as chair of the Foundation Board and served in that role for two years. Recently, Lundstrom, who is the

immediate past chair of the Foundation, was honored with the distinction of director emeritus.

Lundstrom also serves on the board of the Advocate Sherman Hospital Foundation and is a trustee for Judson University. He is also a board member for Crystal Lake Bank and Trust, which is part of the Wintrust Financial Corporation. In the past, he has served on the boards for Well Child Center and United Way of Elgin.

Lundstrom resides in rural Huntley with his wife of 23 years, Rachel. They enjoy traveling, boating, and waterskiing. In addition, he is an avid fisherman. He and his wife also enjoy volunteering their time and talent at Willow Creek Community Church.

Brett Lundstrom

Spotlight on ECC Foundation Board Members

Page 9: IMPACT Newsletter - Issue 6, Fall 2013

IMPACT Fall 2013 9

eCC Alumni asked to “stand Up and Be Counted”The Stand Up and Be Counted campaign celebrates businesses in Community College District 509 that employ, are owned by, or led by ECC alumni. Launched this spring, the campaign is allowing the college to recognize the partnership between in-district businesses and their employees by connecting them to resources at the college to help them support and grow their organizations. It also celebrates ECC alumni who contribute to the success of their employers every day.

It’s not too late for your business to join us in this win-win opportunity. The deadline to Stand Up and Be Counted is November 1, 2013, and participation is easy. Businesses receive a packet of materials about the campaign and make them available in common areas.

Anyone who has attended ECC is considered an alumnus!

• Are you a business owner or executive who has attended ECC?

• How many employees are ECC Alums?

• What percentage of your workforce does this account for?

Businesses with leadership and/or a large percentage of alumni in their workforce will be publicly recognized by ECC. Business leaders will also have the opportunity to learn more about the ways ECC can assist them, including resources for recruiting, workforce development and more.

Alumni who reconnect are encouraged to share their ECC story as inspiration to other alumni and current students attending ECC, and to enrich their lives through alumni networking opportunities, events, and professional development.

Businesses that wish to participate in the Stand Up and Be Counted campaign can contact Alumni Relations at 847-214-7746 or [email protected].

Stand UpThe

Campaign Counted

and Be

ECC celebrates its first Athletics Hall of Fame inductees at Alumni sports day The eCC Alumni Association and the eCC Athletic department hosted the fourth annual Alumni sports day on saturday, October 12. Alumni and their families from across Chicagoland came to campus to participate in the events pitting alumni against current players.

Bragging rights were up for grabs across all sports with a home run derby, women’s soccer match, and men’s and women’s basketball games.

After the competition, a social event was held for alumni, family, friends and current students to get together and celebrate the day’s activities.

A very special highlight of Alumni sports day was the announcement and celebration of the first class of inductees into the eCC Athletics Hall of Fame.

Alumni interested in participating next year can contact the eCC Athletics department at 847-214-7746 or Alumni Relations through their website at elgin.edu/eccalumni.

eCC Athletics Hall of Fame – Inaugural Class of 2013

Richard Durran Former Men’s Basketball Coach

Michelle Fandall Former Women’s Volleyball Coach

Clark Hallpike Current Tennis Coach

Karen O’Dowd Former Women’s Soccer Player & Coach

Deb Peterson Women’s Volleyball Coach

Beth Salvaggio Former Women’s Basketball Player

Page 10: IMPACT Newsletter - Issue 6, Fall 2013

10 elgin Community College Foundation10 elgin Community College Foundation

eLGIn COMMUnITy COLLeGe FOUndATIOn BOARd OF dIReCTORs 2013

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEChairCaren nickelsenPediatric Dentistry Ltd. (retired)Parti Particulars (retired)

Vice ChairIan Lamp Vice President of

Marketing & SalesLamp Incorporated

Immediate Past PresidentBrett Lundstrom President & CEOLundstrom Insurance

SecretaryLarry JonesVillage ManagerVillage of South Elgin

TreasurerJohn sleetingPartnerBSC Private Wealth

Management, LLC

Assistant Treasurersharon KonnyVice President, Business

and FinanceElgin Community College

College Presidentdavid sam, Phd, Jd, LLMElgin Community College

Executive DirectorKatherine sawyerInstitutional Advancement

and FoundationElgin Community College

BOARD MEMBERSJenni BetancourtArchitectDewberry

Bruce dahlquistPartnerDLA Architects, Ltd.

Paul dawson Managing Director, ConstructionElgin Community College

Phyllis Folarin, eddPresidentAchievement Solutions, Inc.U-46 School District (Retired)

William Geister (Retired)

Kim Gilmore (’91)PresidentGilmore Marketing Concepts, Inc.

John HurlbutPrincipal AttorneyHurlbut & Hurlbut, PC

Tim KellenbergerPresidentKellenberger Electric, Inc.

Carolyn Kirk-LikouProfessor EmeritusElgin Community College

shawn dalton Kluber Batavia

eric Larson, eddPresident EmeritusBlackhawk Technical College

Michael McKay Financial Advisor, Limited PartnerEdward Jones Investments

J. emeka Onwuta, MdPhysician

david PfeifferSenior Vice PresidentSt. Charles Bank & Trust Co.

Jack shalesChairmanShales McNutt Construction

Robert WerderichPresidentIllinois Aviation Academy, Inc.

EX-OFFICIO LIAISONSBoard of TrusteesAngela Causey

Faculty LiaisonRoger Ramey

DIRECTORS EMERITIHarry BlizzardElgin, IL

Betty BrownElgin, IL

Charles BurnidgeElgin, IL

Tom Finnegan Jr.Palatine, IL

Paul Heath, edd*Cedarville, OH

John KluberBatavia, IL

William LauderdaleElgin, IL

Brett LundstromElgin, IL

Leo nelsonGeneva, IL

Michael s. shirley, PhdBloomington, IL

don Waters, eddElgin, IL

*deceased

notable nominees for 2014 distinguished Alumni AwardThis year nine ECC alumni were nominated for the 2014 Distinguished Alumni Award.

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes the accomplishments of a notable ECC alumnus or alumna who has demonstrated exceptional achievement in his or her chosen profession and made a positive impact on the community.

Past recipients include world-renowned photographer Sandro Miller, Maryland State Delegate Michael Smigiel, and 40-year educator and national consultant, Gloria Johnston, PhD.

Nominations for the 2015 award will be accepted online at elgin.edu/eccalumni from June through September 2014. For

more information about the nomination process, deadline, and criteria, contact Alumni Relations at 847-214-7746 or visit elgin.edu/eccalumni.

Page 11: IMPACT Newsletter - Issue 6, Fall 2013

IMPACT Fall 2013 11

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Page 12: IMPACT Newsletter - Issue 6, Fall 2013

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Why did you choose ECC?I chose ECC because it was close to home and the tuition cost was nothing compared to a four-year university. The staff was also very welcoming.

How did the scholarship money help you?The scholarship money helped me financially to further my education toward my desired career as an elementary school teacher.

How important is the Foundation to you and others who count on it for financial support to continue their education?The Foundation is very important to me and others because without their generous giving, paying for school would be a struggle.

What do you plan to do after graduation?After graduation I plan to attend a four-year university and receive my bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a possible minor in special education.

Purses with Purpose Scholarship Recipient Profiles Continued from page 4

sarah PrehmSarah Prehm, who graduated from Hampshire High School in 2012, is on track to receive her Associate in Arts degree from Elgin Community College in spring 2014. The scholarship money she received from Purses with Purpose eased her financial burden of

paying her way through college. Although she will be leaving ECC to continue her studies, she will always remember the generosity of those who made it possible for her to focus on her education without having to stress about the cost. As a future elementary school teacher, she hopes to pay it forward by making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Morgan eikre

Andrea essendrop

Brittney Hoebbel

sandra Hoston

Charmaine McAllister

Paula Portis

sarah Prehm

nancy Torres

Purses With Purpose

2013Scholarship Recipients