ECC announces 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award winners
Elgin Community College proudly announces its 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award winners, Ronald Krivosik and Julie Lichtenberg.
The winners will be recognized during the Elgin Community College Foundation's annual Founders' Day Celebration and Luncheon Sunday, Feb. 18, at the college's main campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.
"The exceptional quality of this year's nominees led the selection committee to honor Ron and Julie with the Distinguished Alumni Award," said Jennifer Strohl, manager of alumni, affinity groups and stewardship.
"In different ways, they both demonstrate the remarkable possibilities that can arise from an Elgin Community College education."
Ron Krivosik graduated in 1984 with an associate of applied science degree in hospitality management and culinary arts. He is currently the vice president regional chef at Levy Restaurants in Chicago, where he has worked for the past 31 years, helping the company grow sales from $40 million to more than $1.7 billion.
Throughout his career, Krivosik has planned and executed the food service for large scale athletic events, including three World Series; three Super Bowls; five Stanley Cups; ten U.S. Open Tennis Championships; six NBA All-Star Games; three MLB All-Star Games; four NHL All-Star Games; eight Breeders' Cups; three Ryder Cups; 16 Kentucky Derbies and 25 Arlington Millions. He also has been a member of the design team for 16 major ballparks, arenas and stadiums.
Krivosik volunteers extensively with several organizations in the community, often sharing his culinary talents to help promote healthy cooking. He has participated in two Visiting Chef Dinners at ECC, invited ECC Culinary Arts & Hospitality students to join him at two Kentucky Derbies for a hands-on learning opportunity, and he often connects with fellow program alumni to offer support and mentorship.
Julie Lichtenberg graduated from ECC in 1980, earning both an associate in arts and associate of applied science in nursing. She is currently the director, patient engagement - west region at Northwestern Medicine in Geneva. Her influential leadership inspires employees to deliver an exceptional experience across the entire continuum of health care, making a positive impact in the lives of patients and their families.
Lichtenberg holds a master's degree in nursing, nursing administration from Grand Canyon University, a master of training and development from Roosevelt University and a bachelor's degree in management and leadership from Judson University.
As a contributing member of the Elgin Community College Nursing Advisory Board, Lichtenberg has shared best practices with leaders of the ECC nursing program and local hospitals - helping shape the program and health care throughout the region.
She was also a keynote speaker during the 50th anniversary celebration of the college's nursing program in 2015. Lichtenberg is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and has a nurse executive, advanced certification.
"Elgin Community College has produced many impressive graduates over the past 68 years," said ECC President David Sam, Ph.D., JD, LLM. "We are proud to call Mr. Krivosik and Mrs. Lichtenberg our own and acknowledge their success through this award."
Other 2018 community leaders and philanthropists who will be recognized for their accomplishments during the upcoming Founders' Day celebration include: the Dumoulin family, Carolyn Kirk-Likou, Brett Lundstrom, Carl Lundstrom, Eleanor "Ellie" MacKinney, Polly Nash, Jack Shales and Shales McNutt Construction and Jack Weiss.
For more information about the college's alumni program, go to elgin.edu/alumni.
To register for the 20th Anniversary Founders' Day Celebration and Luncheon or make a donation in honor of an award recipient, call (847) 214-7377 or visit elgin.edu/eccfoundation.