ECC to honor alumni, community leaders at Founders' Day event
Elgin Community College alumni and community leaders will be honored for their contributions to educational excellence Feb. 17 during the college's 21st annual Founders' Day Celebration.
The observance commemorates the college's 1949 founding and recognizes distinguished achievements made by ECC students, alumni, employees, retirees and community partners and supporters.
Honorees include ECC Distinguished Alumni Award winner Dean Follmann; Exceptional Friend of the ECC Foundation Award winners Grand Victoria Casino and the Grand Victoria Foundation; ECC Friend of Education Award winner The Bryant Crawford family; and ECC President's Lasting Impact Award winners Carol Gieske, Herb Porter, Pat Szpekowski and Jeff Turner, who also attended ECC's culinary program.
"The ECC Foundation exists to support those that are striving to build a bright future for themselves, their family and their community," said David Davin, ECC's executive director of advancement and foundation. "The community leaders' and alumni's accomplishments that we are celebrating on this day make us all proud. It also serves as a reminder that our mission to support our deserving students - who will one day be proud alumni and community leaders - is never over."
Organized by the Elgin Community College Foundation, proceeds from the event go toward the Resources for Excellence Annual Fund.
"The ECC Foundation awarded over $260,000 in scholarships during the 2018-2019 academic year, enabling 229 students to achieve their educational goals," said Linda Hefferin, ECC retiree, professor emeritus and event co-chair. "Some dreams just need a little help, and events like the Founders' Day Celebration help us grow these funds to serve even more students."
Hefferin established an endowed scholarship in honor of her late husband, Thom.
The event will be at 1 p.m. in the Jobe Lounge, Building B on ECC's campus, 1700 Spartan Drive. There will be an opening reception with champagne and hors d'oeuvres before the program and awards ceremony. Attendees can enter raffles for gifts and prizes.
Tickets are $75 and can be purchased in advance by Friday, Feb. 8 at elgin.edu/foundersday.
For more information, contact the ECC Foundation at (847) 214-7377 or foundation@elgin.edu.