ECC women chapter celebrates 40 years
The Elgin Community College chapter of the American Association for Women in Community Colleges celebrates 15 years along with 40 years of the National Chapter of the AAWCC this year.
That means 40 years of changing women's lives through education, service and leadership development. Recently, the group received the AAWCC Chapter Award for its success and dedication to raising money for student scholarships. We are a small chapter of 33 members, but a mighty one.
AAWCC was formed in 1974 and since has provided countless educational and networking opportunities for its members and has been an advocate for women working in community colleges, as well as commending the outside services these women provide.
The main focus of the AAWCC Chapter at ECC is to raise dollars to support female student scholarships, five of $500 given out each year. The chapter also focuses on community needs by donating gently used coats and clothing, food and career clothing for students in the Workforce Transitions program.
The chapter offers programs and activities throughout the year to educate members, employees, students and the community. An annual leadership luncheon is held in the spring to recognize scholarship recipients and an individual with top-notch leadership qualities.
Chapter members include college employees, retirees and trustees. While the primary focus is to raise funds for student scholarships, the ECC chapter also provides leadership opportunities, such as members serving as officers of the association, heading a committee, leading a program or fundraising endeavor.
To support the ECC chapter is to support all female students at the college in their thirst for knowledge, determination to succeed and example through leadership. We are all called to assist in changing women's lives through education, service and the development of a leader. That is something to celebrate.
Laura H. Schaefer
AAWCC chapter at Elgin Community College.