Elgin Community College (ECC) is celebrating five of its most dedicated faculty, staff, and administrators as the 2025 recipients of the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Awards. This prestigious honor recognizes their significant impact on student success and their leadership within the college community. The awards highlight individuals who consistently go above and beyond their roles.
Celebrating a Commitment to Student Success
The NISOD Excellence Awards are a cornerstone of recognition at ECC, honoring individuals who embody the college’s core mission. These awards are not just about personal achievement but also about the positive and lasting effect these leaders have on the entire academic environment.
Annamarie Schopen, Ed.D., ECC’s vice president of Teaching, Learning, and Student Development, commended the winners for their outstanding efforts. “These individuals represent the very best of ECC, embodying excellence, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to education,” she stated.
This recognition serves to inspire the entire campus community, reinforcing a culture where dedication and innovation are valued and celebrated. It highlights the human element behind student achievement and institutional growth.
A Closer Look at the 2025 Honorees
Each of the five honorees has made unique and substantial contributions to Elgin Community College. Their work spans diverse areas, from student support services to corporate partnerships, reflecting the wide-ranging expertise within the institution.
The individuals recognized have demonstrated a profound commitment to enhancing the educational journey for students and colleagues alike.
| Honoree Name | Title | Area of Impact |
| Vinny Cascio | Director of TRiO Student Support Services | Empowering underserved students through mentoring and academic support. |
| Kristina Garcia, PhD | Interim Associate VP for Teaching, Learning, and Student Development | Driving initiatives to enhance teaching quality and student learning. |
| Asha Raval, Ed.D. | Professor of Education | Shaping future educators with innovative teaching and mentorship. |
| Colleen Stribling, Ed.D. | Professor of English as a Second Language (ESL) | Creating inclusive programs for English language learners. |
| Tim Whitney | Director of Corporate and Community Education | Building bridges between the college and local businesses for workforce development. |
From a Local Campus to a National Stage
The recognition extends beyond the ECC campus. The five award recipients will represent the college at major national conferences, providing a platform to share their expertise and learn from other leaders in higher education.
This opportunity for professional development is a key part of the award. The honorees can choose to attend one of two prominent events:
- The League for Innovation in the Community College’s Innovations Conference in February.
- The NISOD International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence in May.
These conferences are vital for fostering collaboration and sharing cutting-edge strategies aimed at improving student outcomes across the country. ECC’s participation underscores its role as a leader in the community college sector.
Beyond NISOD: A Culture of Recognition
In addition to the NISOD honor, the recipients have also been submitted for the John and Suanne Roueche Excellence Award. This award, presented through the League for Innovation in the Community College, further acknowledges leaders who have a transformative impact on their institutions.
ECC’s consistent participation in these national award programs reflects a strategic focus on celebrating its people. By highlighting the achievements of its faculty and staff, the college not only rewards excellence but also reinforces its mission of “improving lives through learning.”
This multi-layered recognition process ensures that the outstanding work happening at ECC is seen and celebrated on both a local and national level.
