ECC to open with prizes, games

Elgin Community College's convocation ceremony for opening day of the 2008-2009 academic year takes place at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 15 in the Spartan Events Center, on the Main Campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin) New students and families are encouraged to attend.

Hosted by ECC President David Sam and the ECC community, convocation is an academic ceremony for incoming students symbolizing the formal start of their college career.

Following the ceremony is Campus Jam, a welcome event featuring grilled food, music, games and prizes, beginning at noon outside the Student Resource Center near Lake Spartan. Students and families can participate in 45-minute new student workshops at 1:15 p.m. followed by a campus tour at 2:15 p.m.

The day concludes at 8 p.m. with a showing of the movie "Iron Man" on the lawn near Lake Spartan.

All events are free and open to the public. For more information about the events, call the Student Life Office at (847) 214-7370.