Elgin Community College grad and professor recognized for excellence

The Illinois Community College Trustees Association recently honored 2021 Elgin Community College graduate Taylor Vitacco and Professor Timothy Karr with two prestigious awards. Vitacco and Karr were recognized at a banquet in Springfield, Ill., on Friday, June 4.

Outgoing student trustee Taylor Vitacco of Bartlett received the 2021 Gigi Campbell Student Trustee Excellence Award. Vitacco graduated in May of 2021 with an Associate of Arts degree.

Vitacco's dedication to the student body, especially during the pandemic, has fostered an environment where students feel accepted and their voices heard. Along with serving as the student trustee on the District 509 Board of Trustees, she was active in the Black Student Achievers and Exchange Peer Mentoring Program.

Vitacco began her journey at ECC as a dual credit student in the fall of 2019. She hopes to become a custody evaluator for the social services system, acting as the go-to individual for children within the system.

Timothy Kaar, MFA, professor of graphic design, received the 2021 Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Member Award. This award recognizes the high achievement of Illinois' community college instructors.

Award winners demonstrate excellence in teaching while providing leadership and support for their school. They also work outside the classroom by developing innovative programs and serving on special or technical committees. Kaar has been on faculty at ECC for 18 years.

The Illinois Community College Trustees Association has provided legislative advocacy and educational opportunities for college boards since 1970. For more information on ICCTA, visit communitycollege.org.