ECC awards degrees, certificates to more than 1,000 graduates

Elgin Community College awarded 1,072 degrees and certificates to graduates during two commencement ceremonies held Saturday on campus.

ECC President David Sam gave the commencement address for both ceremonies.

Student speakers were Miguel Garcia of Streamwood and Ethel Bartelt of Elgin.

Garcia, originally from Mexico, said he had to overcome many cultural and language barriers since he didn't speak English fluently at first. He found support among friends and mentors from various departments and student organizations at the college.

"My advice for current ECC students is to take advantages of all resources on campus," he said. "Also, get involved. Join a club or an organization at Student Life, or join a sports team or theater production. There's something for everyone. It's not only fun, but it lets you grow as an individual and as a leader."

Bartelt, who earned an associate degree of applied science in industrial manufacturing technology, said going back to school with college age children was not easy.

"Family life is put on hold sometimes," she said. "I was doing homework at midnight or 5 a.m. because those are the only times the house is quiet. It takes a lot of dedication and motivation."

The college held a separate graduation ceremony Friday honoring recipients of the Illinois High School Equivalency Certificate. The student speaker was Anastacia Naker.