William Pelz, Ph.D., a history and political science professor for 20 years at Elgin Community College, died Sunday, Dec. 10 following a heart attack.

“He was a friend, colleague, mentor and teacher to so many of us, and his passion for learning and rigorous scholarship was infectious,” wrote Peggy Heinrich, interim vice president of teaching, learning, and student development in an email to ECC staff.

Pelz, 66, taught at ECC for 20 years. According to the school, he served as faculty adviser to the Union of Politically Active Students and Peace and Justice Committee. In January 2017, Pelz was awarded  the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Award for Excellence.

Prior to working at ECC, he was a professor of history and political science at Roosevelt University and DePaul University, according to an ECC statement.

A celebration of Pelz’s life will be held in January, according to the school. More information on him can be found here.