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1990-1999

In the 1990s, students were not merely spectators but active participants, skillfully navigating the dynamic currents of educational transformation and eagerly embracing the cultural currents that shaped their unique academic journey.

Trustees breaking ground for VPAC Building — Construction for Applied Business Technology (ABT) took place during the summer of 1990 in Elgin, Illinois.

Four board members in hard hats break ground on the Visual & Performing Arts Center — The college dedicates Founder's Court and Alumni Court. Kane County's Public Building Commission approves $30 million in bonds to construct a portion of the new master plan. The first phase includes a $15 million Visual & Performing Arts Center and gym addition.

View of ECC Campus — Sears Roebuck donates $120,000 for the purchase of computers. Applied Business Technology Building opens for classes.

two students looking at a print out — In 1991, Sears Roebuck donated $120,000 to Elgin Community College for computer purchases, enhancing educational resources. The Applied Business Technology Building also opened, offering state-of-the-art facilities for business and technology education.

Aerial view of Spartan Drive campus taken from the northwest. Pictured are current-day Buildings B, E, and H. — Thirty-four percent of district high school graduates start at ECC. District 301 signs a Tech Prep agreement with District 509.

ECC board member John Duffy poses with a family of three in the lobby of Building J. Duffy wears a t-shirt that says "ECC Fitness Team." — The new fitness center opens. The first classes meet in the Visual & Performing Arts Center. Students from Sarajevo Project

Visual and Performing Arts Center under construction — The Visual & Performing Art Center's grand opening marked a new home for ECC's thriving arts programs and the residency of four esteemed ensembles, including the renowned Elgin Symphony Orchestra.

President Paul Heath — President Paul Heath announces his retirement, effective August 31. The college names Roy Flores, Ph.D., as the sixth president of ECC, with duties beginning August 18.

Roya Flores sitting on a stool in a suit. — The college names Roy Flores, Ph.D., as the sixth president of ECC, with duties beginning August 18. Dr. Flores held a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree, which undoubtedly contributed to his ability to lead an educational institution effectively. His academic background and experience were instrumental in guiding ECC toward academic and institutional achievement.

Exterior view of the Business Conference Center, which is present-day Building E. — The first classes meet in the Business Conference Center. The ECC Foundation completes its $1.5 million capital campaign. The ECC Board of Trustees approves an intragovernmental agreement with the city of Elgin to exchange 25 acres it optioned on Randall Road for 45 acres of the front nine of the Spartan Meadows Golf Course. The agreement allowed the city to develop Randall Road and the college to expand its main campus.

Students and faculty in a common area pose with well-known author Gwendolyn Brooks — Poet Laureate Gwendolyn Brooks participates in High School/College English Articulation Activity on campus. Throughout her career, Gwendolyn Brooks wrote about themes of race, social justice, and the everyday lives of African Americans, often using the South Side of Chicago as a backdrop for her work. The ECC Foundation completes its $1.5 million capital campaign.

Three college and community leaders pose together at the North Central Accrediting Association Reception. — ECC becomes the first college in Illinois to begin offering online credit classes. North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools renews ECC's accreditation through 2006.

Four college and community leaders pose together at the North Central Accrediting Association Reception. — Leaders from both the community and Elgin Community College gather at the 1996 NCA Reception during the on-site visit by the North Central Accrediting Association. Pictured individuals include Carol Gieske from United Way, Bruce Austin - TRiO Administrator, Steve Rauschenberger - Legislator, and Sue Moylan, who served as ECC's Business & Industry Administrator from 1979 to 2003.

Barry Karrow poses with a North Central Accrediting Association team member. — April 1996: A member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Universities Accrediting Team is captured during their visit. ECC administrator Barry Karow is pictured on the right.

Empty lobby of Instruction Center, present-day Building F, taken from the entrance hallway. — The opening of the Instruction Center marks a significant milestone. ECC initiates partnerships with four-year colleges, streamlining access to upper-level undergraduate programs and facilitating seamless transfer for dual admission and baccalaureate degree completion.

Lobby of Instruction Center taken from second floor overlook. Several students study at the tables. — The lobby and student study area at ECC's Instruction Center (ICT), providing a space for students to relax and prepare for their classes.

Mike Shirley sitting in a suit. — Roy Flores resigned as the sixth president of ECC. The college names Michael S. Shirley, Ph.D., ECC's seventh president.

SpartaCat with Dr. Sam — ECC introduces its first official mascot, SpartaCat, who serves until his retirement in 2024. The college purchases the former Elgin Business Forms building on Fleetwood Drive for the Industry Training Center. Founders' Week begins a yearlong celebration of its 50th anniversary with Heritage Day activities, including opening the 1974 time capsule and the internment of the 2024 time capsule set to be opened for the college's 75th-anniversary celebration.

Aerial view of the campus. — The college purchases the former Elgin Business Forms building on Fleetwood Drive at the northeast corner of campus for the Industry Training Center, which is currently Building O.

ECC staff buries the 1999 time capsule on campus — Founders' Week kicks off a yearlong celebration of Elgin Community College's 50th anniversary, highlighting the 'Fabulous 50' outstanding former students. Heritage Day includes the unveiling of the 1974 time capsule, sharing stories of the past. Simultaneously, the 2024 time capsule is ceremoniously buried, set to be revealed during ECC's grand 75th-anniversary festivities.