S. Elgin student’s path mirrors her father’s

More than 30 years ago, Irshad Siddique enrolled at Elgin Community College.

Two years later, he emerged with an associate degree in science. Siddique then enrolled in the University of Illinois-Chicago, where he studied medicine. Now he is a practicing podiatrist.

On Friday, his daughter, Hiba Siddique, will follow in his footsteps. Hiba, too, will receive her associate degree in science. She also plans to study medicine at a Chicago university, in her case, Loyola.

Hiba is one of 1,070 students who received a degree Friday at ECC’s spring commencement in the Spartan Events Center in Elgin. That number could be a record for ECC, depending on the outcome of final grades.

College President David Sam and ECC board Chairman Robert McBride congratulated the graduates and awarded Phyllis Folarin, a college trustee from 1999 to 2011, with an honorary degree. Jeff Johnson, a 2011 graduate from St. Charles, gave the commencement address.

Students who received their two-year certificates Friday enrolled at a time of change at ECC. Voters had just approved a $178 million building plan that will culminate in a new academic library, a health careers center, a state-of-the-art multipurpose building and a renovated student center.

The Class of 2011 has also attended ECC at a time of rapid growth. From fall 2008 to fall 2009, the college experienced the fastest growth in the state; student enrollment grew by 19 percent.

That is when Hiba Siddique, who had recently graduated from St. Charles North High School, decided to enroll. Her decision fit with her long-term career goals and mirrored the decision her father made 30 years earlier, when he was a recent immigrant from Pakistan.

“For someone to come to a whole new country and make something for himself ... it furthered my resolve and confidence,” said Hiba, who lives in South Elgin. “It helped me to see that going to ECC didn’t put me at a disadvantage.”

Two years later, Hiba doesn’t regret her decision.

“It was a transition between high school and being independent as a student,” she said. “You get to know your peers and professor on a more personal level. That helped me grow as a student more.”