Elgin Community College to host first Homecoming Weekend this fall

Weeklong celebration in September will welcome alumni, students, employees, and community members for ECC’s inaugural Homecoming

Elgin Community College will host its inaugural Homecoming Weekend in September. ECC’s Foundation is partnering with Student Life to host a weekend of activities and events for all Spartans past and present (including students, alumni, current and former faculty, staff and family).

Homecoming festivities will take place Sept. 15-20. It will feature events ranging from a wine tasting fundraiser and culinary experiences to live theater and a 5K.

Bonita Goist, manager of Alumni and Affinity Relations, said the idea for homecoming grew from a desire to create new ways for alumni to reconnect with ECC.

“Along with the amazing people in ECC’s Student Life department, we have assembled a homecoming committee that is comprised of alums, current students, faculty and staff as well as community members who have all contributed their ideas to create what we think will be a wonderful celebration of ECC past, present and future,” Goist said. “As a community college that serves a large population in a variety of ways, an ECC Homecoming is definitely a community event, and everyone is welcome to participate. ”

Goist added that she is hopeful this will become an annual tradition that the ECC community looks forward to each year. She wants this to be a space where people can reconnect and “relive favorite memories and make new ones.”

“It's always great to see where our former students are in their lives today,” said Amybeth Maurer, assistant dean of the student experience and engagement at ECC. “Homecoming is an opportunity to welcome alumni home to reconnect with ECC, see campus improvements, and catch up on all they’ve accomplished. It’s a good feeling knowing we may have played a part in their success.”

All homecoming activities will take place at ECC’s 1700 Spartan Drive location in Elgin.

HOCO Hype — ECC Spirit Night

Tuesday, Sept. 15, with the men’s soccer game at 4 p.m. and women’s volleyball game at 6 p.m. at the Spartan Soccer Field & Building J Events Center

Celebrate our Spartan athletes in action. Homecoming festivities will take place during and in between the games. This event is open to all ECC students, alumni, and community members.

Aged to Perfection: Alumni & Friends Wine Tasting

6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, in the Spartan Terrace Restaurant, Building I

Raise a glass to great taste with a great purpose. Guests will enjoy and learn about a curated selection of wines paired with delicious bites crafted by students and faculty from ECC’s Culinary Arts Program. Proceeds from the evening directly benefit the culinary arts program. The proceeds will provide students with scholarships and hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for culinary careers.

Come Back & Give Back: As You Like It

7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, in the Second Space Theatre, Building H

Enjoy a lively production of “As You Like It,” one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies, brought to life by Goodly Creatures Theatre, led by ECC alum Katrina Syrris, Class of 2013.

Proceeds will directly support ECC Fine Arts programs, helping provide students with scholarships, resources, and experiences that inspire the next generation of performers and creators. Join us for an evening where coming back truly means giving back.

Spartan Sprint 5K/Family Fun Run

9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at the Lakeside Patio, Building B,

Wrap up ECC Homecoming Weekend with a morning of movement, connection, and celebration! Join us for the Spartan Sprint 5K or Family Fun Run, followed by our Welcome Home Spartan Family Picnic.

The check-in and event kickoff will be at 9:30 a.m. with the 5K & Fun Run at 10 a.m. The Welcome Home Spartan Family Picnic will begin at 11:30 a.m.

This event is open to all ECC students, alumni, and community members.

More information on homecoming festivities is available at foundation.elgin.edu/events/homecoming/.