Founders’ brunch doubles as award ceremony

Judi Bauza
Staff Writer
Fox Valley Business Center hosted ECC’s Founder’s Day Brunch on January 25, an event that gathered the community and its leaders for one common cause: scholarships. Created to celebrate the 60th year of education at ECC, the Brunch welcomed its guests with an ice sculpture and live jazz piano.

There were displays set up for a raffle to help the student’s funds for education. Memorabilia was displayed, showing the schools rich history. One display showed alumni James Anderson, a scholar, and his graduating transcripts, accompanied by pictures of his graduating class.

Several attendees were having fun putting on props and taking pictures in a photo booth provided by the volunteers. Guests were served champagne and appetizers from the school’s culinary staff.

Guests were then invited into the banquet room, where President Dr. David Sam gave everyone a greeting dressed in a white suit, resembling the suits worn in the era when ECC was first founded. His speech included the topics such as the proposed new library.

“Our library is as small as most high school libraries,” Sam said. Volunteers led the guests to the brunch, which included scrambled eggs, blueberry blintzes, spare ribs, turkey and stuffing. Cakes and parfaits were offered for dessert.

After the meal, Sam presented the Pacesetter award, recognizing individuals who have recently completed a class at an Illinois community college, are successful in his/her chosen field, provide humanitarian service and support education in community colleges. Valier Spurlock was given the 2009 Pacesetter award.

“Consider the type of employment that you are suited for and would enjoy,” said Spurlock, in advice to students. “Find out what educational requirements are needed to gain employment for the position you desire. Set an educational goal.”