ECC trustee receives achievement award

Elgin Community College District 509 trustee Clare Ollayos' dedication to the Illinois Community College Trustees Association has made her the unanimous choice for the organization's 2009 Ray Hartstein Trustee Achievement Award.

Ollayos, an Elgin-based chiropractic physician and trustee since 1995, received the award June 5 during the ICCTA's 39th annual Convention in Chicago. The award recognizes exemplary service by a currently-serving community college board member.

"We know that Clare Ollayos has made a positive difference as a community college leader," says Diane Gallagher, chairwoman of the ICCTA awards committee. "Elgin Community College has truly sent us their best!"

Gallagher, a trustee from Highland Community College in Freeport, says Ollayos consistently seeks to encourage and improve the educational opportunities for students by lobbying for increases in financial aid and supporting the development of new curricula.

She adds that Ollayos' words of wisdom at ICCTA meetings makes all members better trustees.

Ollayos has served as ECC's ICCTA representative, including a term as ICCTA president since her election to the ECC board of trustees. At ECC, Ollayos served two consecutive terms as ECC board chairman and three terms as vice chairman.

"I was honored that my (ECC) board nominated me," says Ollayos. "To win this award from my peers is very special to me."

Her community work includes serving on the Elgin Public Museum Board, being a member of Altrusa International, and volunteering for the YWCA. Her awards include Outstanding Young Woman of Elgin, and 2000 Notable American Women and Elgin Cosmopolitan Club's 2002 Distinguished Service Award, and YWCA Leader Awards in 1989 and 2005. She also won the D. Ray Wilson Award for community service from Judson University in 2005.

For information, contact John Brzegowy, board secretary, at (847) 608-5454 or jbrzegowy@elgin.edu.