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Gala

Foundation gala entertainment 2024

Nearly 300 guests attended the 2024 Foundation Gala

Celebrating 75 Years: ECC Gala Raises Over $150,000 for Student Scholarships!

The Elgin Community College Foundation’s 2024 Gala: Decades of Dreams, presented by OTTO, celebrated 75 years of achievements with entertainment and fundraising, raising over $150,000 for student scholarships and mini-grants—up 30% from last year.

“This is a special year for ECC and the Foundation,” said Susan Taylor-Demming, executive director. “We’re proud of our students and the Foundation’s impact on reducing their loans. Here’s to many more decades of excellence!”

Nearly 300 guests attended the event, co-chaired by Robin Seigle and Linda Hefferin, EdD. ECC Interim President Peggy Heinrich, EdD, provided a college update, while student scholar Shynecka Manderson shared her scholarship experience. ECC alum Frank Catalano surprised attendees with a saxophone performance.

The gala also honored the 2024 ECC Foundation Award recipients:

ECC Friend of Education Award: Roger Smith
Exceptional Friend of the ECC Foundation Award: Rita Shaw
ECC President’s Lasting Impact Award: Danise Habun and Margaret Frisch

Sponsors included OTTO Engineering, Assured Partners, DLA Architects, and more.

Chef Patrick Stewart’s Ice Sculpture — Chef Patrick Stewart crafted an ice sculpture to commemorate 75 years of ECC at the ECC Foundation Gala, sponsored by Otto.

Rita show receiving an award from interim president Peggy Heinrich — Rita Shaw receives the 2024 Exceptional Friend of the ECC Foundation Award from ECC Interim President Dr. Peggy Heinrich.

ECC Foundation Executive Director Susan Taylor-Demming warmly welcomes everyone — ECC Foundation Executive Director Susan Taylor-Demming warmly welcomes everyone to the gala and expresses her gratitude for their presence and enthusiasm in supporting the foundation's mission.

Demettri Rohn receiving an award — Demettri Rohn, a shining example of the impact of philanthropy, is a recipient of the Seigle Scholars Program established by esteemed philanthropists Mark and Robin Seigle in District 509.

Rabbi Frisch Klein receiving an award from intermin president Peggy Heinrich — Rabbi Frisch Klein leads the Congregation Kneseth Israel in Elgin and receives the 2024 Lasting Impact Award from ECC Interim President Dr. Peggy Heinrich.

Live auction — ECC alum Steve Thoren led the live auction, a pivotal event where guests bid on prizes to raise funds for ECC students. The auction showcased the power of collective support.

Guests looking at Sensational 75 Photos — Guests stroll down memory lane, reminiscing with photos from the sensational 75, celebrating the remarkable alums, dedicated employees, and committed volunteers who have been pivotal in ECC's journey.

Mark Seigle Rides Donated E-Bike — At the ECC Foundation Gala, Mark Seigle took a ride on one of the live auction items—a donated e-bike from Foundation Board Members and Mill Race Cyclery.

Dr. Eric Larson and Honoree Sharon Fisher Larson — Immediate Past Foundation Board Chair Dr. Eric Larson and his wife, Sharon Fisher Larson, a Sensational '75 honoree.

David and Heidi Kintz posing for the camera — David Kintz, ECC Chief of Police and KCT Credit Union Board Chair, and his wife, Heidi Kintz, celebrate Elgin Community College's legacy.

Students in a group playing violin and cello — The EYSO Maud Powell String Quartet entertained guests during the social hour at the ECC Foundation Gala, "Decades of Dreams," which celebrated the college's 75th anniversary and since 1949

Shynecka Manderson on stage — Student speaker Shynecka Manderson speaks about her experiences as the guests celebrate students, faculty, alums, donors, and the legacy ECC has given the community.

Guests are presented with ECC’s 75-Year History Book — ECC Foundation staff member Eric Solberg presents guests with a book celebrating 75 years of ECC history (1949-2024).

Linda Hefferin and Robin Seigle on stage — Steering this year's ECC Foundation Gala, Decades of Dreams: Linda Hefferin, ECC Professor Emerita of Business, Robin Seigle, Sensational 75 honoree, and ECC Foundation Board Secretary.

Jenni Betancourt on stage giving speech — Jenni Betancourt, Chair of the ECC Foundation Board, expresses her deep honor in supporting ECC and its programs.

Dr. Eric Larson on the stage — Immediate Past Foundation Board Chair Dr. Eric Larson raises a glass at the ECC Foundation Gala to celebrate 75 years of contributions that ECC has brought to the community.

Donna Redmer in the crowd — A toast to 75 years of ECC with Dr. Donna Redmer, Chair of the ECC Board of Trustees and ECC graduate, at the Foundation Gala.

Frank Catalano — Guests enjoyed an energetic performance by ECC alumnus Frank Catalano, the acclaimed American jazz saxophonist.

Friends posing for the camera — Friends connect and catch up at the social hour before the dinner and program begin in honor of ECC's legacy and to focus on our community's bright future.

John Duffy, Longest-Serving Trustee, Poses with his Wife — ECC Trustee Emeritus John Duffy, who has served on the Elgin Community College Board for an impressive 48 years—the longest-serving community college trustee in Illinois—poses for a photo with his wife, Anne Duffy.

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