Elgin Community College (ECC) has announced its 2025 recipients of the prestigious National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Awards. Five distinguished faculty, staff, and administrators have been honored for their dedication, leadership, and impact on the college and its students.
Celebrating Dedication and Impact
The NISOD Excellence Awards highlight the outstanding contributions of individuals who go above and beyond in fostering student success and strengthening the academic community. Annamarie Schopen, Ed.D., ECC’s vice president of Teaching, Learning, and Student Development, praised the winners, saying, “These individuals represent the very best of ECC, embodying excellence, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to education.”
The honorees for 2025 are:
- Vinny Cascio, Director of TRiO Student Support Services
- Kristina Garcia, PhD, Interim Associate Vice President for Teaching, Learning, and Student Development
- Asha Raval, Ed.D., Professor of Education
- Colleen Stribling, Ed.D., Professor of English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Tim Whitney, Director of Corporate and Community Education
Each of these individuals has made significant strides in enhancing the learning environment at ECC, offering both students and colleagues the support and innovation needed for academic success.
A Path to National Recognition
In addition to receiving the NISOD Excellence Awards, the recipients will have the opportunity to represent ECC on a national stage. They are set to attend either the League for Innovation in the Community College’s Innovations Conference in February or the NISOD International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence in May.
These conferences provide a platform for education leaders to share innovative ideas, celebrate achievements, and collaborate on strategies to improve student outcomes. ECC’s commitment to showcasing its honorees underscores the institution’s dedication to fostering professional development and highlighting the excellence within its ranks.
A Closer Look at the Honorees
Each award winner brings unique skills and contributions to ECC:
- Vinny Cascio has led the TRiO student support services with a focus on empowering underserved students through mentoring, guidance, and academic support.
- Kristina Garcia, PhD has excelled in her interim leadership role, driving initiatives that enhance both teaching quality and student learning experiences.
- Asha Raval, Ed.D. has been instrumental in shaping future educators through her innovative teaching methods and dedication to student mentorship.
- Colleen Stribling, Ed.D. has championed English language learners, creating inclusive environments and developing programs that promote linguistic and cultural integration.
- Tim Whitney has expanded corporate and community education programs, building bridges between the college and local businesses to address workforce development needs.
These individuals exemplify ECC’s mission of “improving lives through learning,” contributing not only to the academic success of students but also to the cultural and professional growth of the college.
Recognition Beyond NISOD
In addition to their NISOD accolades, ECC’s honorees have been submitted for the John and Suanne Roueche Excellence Award through the League for Innovation in the Community College. This award further recognizes faculty and staff who demonstrate exceptional leadership and a transformative impact on their campuses.
ECC’s ongoing participation in these national awards reflects the institution’s strategic focus on celebrating excellence and fostering a culture of recognition and professional development. By highlighting the accomplishments of its faculty and staff, ECC reinforces its role as a leader in community college education.
The Importance of Recognition
Recognizing and rewarding excellence in education is more than a symbolic gesture. It encourages innovation, reinforces a culture of dedication, and inspires others to strive for excellence. For ECC, the NISOD Excellence Awards serve as both a celebration and a reminder of the incredible talent within its community.
As the award recipients prepare to represent ECC at national conferences, their achievements highlight the strength and diversity of leadership that propels the college forward.
