57° Elgin, IL
Join our team
The Student News Site of Elgin Community College

Observer
The Student News Site of Elgin Community College

Observer
The Student News Site of Elgin Community College

Observer
All content by Matt Brady
Fire alarm in Building F.

Fire alarm goes off multiple times after water system malfunction

Matt Brady, Editor-in-Chief
December 6, 2023
The official metal plaque of the Ten Stared Principles hangs in D-140.

Elgin Community College Police Department currently looking for a club to host an event around the Ten Shared Principles

Matt Brady, Editor-in-Chief
November 20, 2023
untitled

untitled-6

ECC student Nermin Boctor speaks to attendees at the Immigrant Women's Roundtable on Nov. 15, 2023. Elgin Community College celebrated International Week by hosting a panel of immigrant women to tell their inspiring stories of failures and successes in the United States.

[Photo] Their Story: The Experiences of the Immigrant Women of Our Community

November 20, 2023
Supervisor for ESL at ECC Ana-Maria Molina expressed that immigrants should be ready to be challenged when they emigrate at the Immigrant Women's Roundtable on Nov. 15, 2023.

Program Coordinator of the non-profit organization Literacy Connection Karla Rojas explains the importance of having friends that push you at the Immigrant Women's Roundtable on Nov. 15, 2023.

A drum circle plays music while members of the Black Hawk Performance Company perform a culture dance at the Black Hawk Dance Troupe event in the Jobe Lounge on Oct. 11, 2023.

Photos: Celebrating Indigenous Heritage- Black Hawk Dance Troupe

Matt Brady, Victoria Alongi, and James Kilcoyne
October 17, 2023
Executive Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Anthony Ramos gives an introductory speech about the importance of LatinX Heritage Month and Indigenous People's Day at the Black Hawk Dance Troupe event in the Jobe Lounge on Oct. 11, 2023.

Omar Olivo heads the ball on Oct. 10, 2023.

Photos: Men’s soccer loses 0-3 against Prairie State College

Matt Brady and Madison Gschwend
October 11, 2023
Victor Plet (88) attempts to drive the ball up the sideline on Oct. 10, 2023. As of Oct. 11, 2023, the Men 's Spartan Soccer team is 4-9-1.

Diego Magana (3) drives towards the ball to beat the Prairie State College defender on Oct. 10, 2023.

Co-founder of film club Naomi Gebremichael describes the importance of sound in film during the film club meeting on Sept. 26, 2023.

New clubs on campus: Film Club

Matt Brady, Editor-in-Chief
September 29, 2023
FR. Courtney Consoer sets the ball overhand against College of Lake County on Sept. 27, 2023.

Photos: Women’s Volleyball loses 3-0 against College of Lake County

Matt Brady, Editor-in-Chief
September 29, 2023
FR. Rachel Mikosz throws the ball up to serve against College of Lake County on Sept. 27, 2023. The women's volleyball record so far this season is 0-22.

Fr. Lilithe Buttron gets some air to spike the ball against College of Lake County on Sept. 27, 2023.

FR. Trinity Evans (15) and FR. Courtney Consoer (8) jump up to block a spike against College of Lake County on Sept. 27, 2023.

untitled-6

FR. Courtney Consoer (8) jumps up to defend the net from a spike against College of Lake County on Sept. 27, 2023.

Youngest member of the Illinois General Assembly Nabeela Syed talks about the hardships of running for office due to her race and age at the Women in Politics event on Sept. 19, 2023.

[Photo] Women in politics: A look into Representative Nabeela Syed's mission for Illinois

September 29, 2023
Student Success Coach Victor Brito sits at his desk and types on Sept. 13, 2023.

[Photo] Una mirada al programa de éxito estudiantil de ECC

October 2, 2023
A poster of the MyECC App is displayed at the entrance of Building A lobby during the MyECC Pop Up Event on Sept. 12, 2023.

[Photo] "Everything is just a click away": ECC students set up for success with new mobile app

September 16, 2023
Fidget toys for students to take are displayed during the MyECC Pop Up Event on Sept. 12, 2023.

Second-year student Marco Sebastian Adrianzen Ruiz hands change back to a student on Sept. 13, 2023.

[Photo] Meet Marco Sebastian Adrianzen Ruiz, an international student from Peru

September 16, 2023
Dom Di Palermo, former Observer editor-in-chief from 2022-2023, is a finalist for the College Media Association's Pinnacle Award for Sports Feature writing in the two year school category. Winners will be announced in late October.

[Photo] Observer named national finalist in 5 categories

Indie Wilson, Managing Editor
September 22, 2023
Midfielder Joel Gutierrez (7) signals the penalty kick to his other teammates on Sept. 7, 2023. As of Sept. 13, 2023, the Men's Spartan Soccer team is 2-4.

Photos: Men’s soccer wins 5-1 against McHenry County College

Matt Brady, Editor-in-Chief
September 13, 2023
Defender Ruben Guadalajara (20) drives the ball up the side line on Sept. 7, 2023. As of Sept. 13, 2023, the Men's Spartan Soccer team is 2-4.

Players from both teams get ready for a penalty kick on Sept. 7, 2023. As of Sept. 13, 2023, the Men's Spartan Soccer team is 2-4.

Forward Miguel Navarro (55) beats a McHenry County College defender on Sept. 7, 2023. As of Sept. 13, 2023, the Men's Spartan Soccer team is 2-4.

Midfielder Miguel Navarro drives the ball past a McHenry County College defender on Sept. 7, 2023. As of Sept. 13, 2023, the Men's Spartan Soccer team is 2-4.

Midfielder Joel Gutierrez (7) challenges the ball against a player of McHenry County College on Sept. 7. 2023. As of Sept. 13, 2023, the Men's Spartan Soccer team is 2-4.

Midfielder Joel Gutierrez (7) looks around for a pass on Sept. 7. 2023. As of Sept. 13, 2023, the Men's Spartan Soccer team is 2-4.

Midfielder Oscar Jimenez takes the ball up field on Sept. 7, 2023. As of Sept. 13, 2023, the Men's Spartan Soccer team is 2-4.

Defender Ruben Guadalajara (20) gets ready to throw the ball in on Sept. 7, 2023. As of Sept. 13, 2023, the Men's Spartan Soccer team is 2-4.

The Men's Spartan Soccer wins 5-1 against McHenry County College. As of Sept. 13, 2023, the Men's Spartan Soccer team is 2-4.

Students dressed in dinosaur costumes run around and promote Phi Theta Kappa and the new MyECC app during Clubchella on Aug. 30, 2023.

Photos: ECC Student Life puts on Clubchella event

Matt Brady and Madison Gschwend
August 31, 2023
Daniel Alves winds up to throw a football during Clubchella on Aug. 30, 2023.

A member from the Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS) holds up a sign to promote the club during Clubchella on Aug. 30, 2023.

An ECC faculty member orders food from the veteran-owned Smash'd food truck during Clubchella on Aug. 30, 2023.

Destiny Guevara (left) promotes Black Student Achievers to eager students during Clubchella on Aug. 30, 2023.

Phi Theta Kappa President Diego Valle (right) talks to ECC students during Clubchella on Aug. 30, 2023.

Member of United Students of All Cultures (USAC) Elizabeth Perez (left) puts on Honey Patel's makeup during Clubchella on Aug. 30, 2023.

Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of Side Street Studio Arts Tanner Melvin sits in front of an art piece and stares off into the distance at Side Street Studio Arts on May 9, 2023.

“Where Elgin Creates:” The uplifting aura of Side Street Studio Arts

Matt Brady, Photo Editor
May 12, 2023
ECC student Jennifer McDonnell smiles in front of the transgender flag on May 3, 2023.

[Photo] Jenny McDonnell: Growing up trans in the suburbs

May 12, 2023
Guitarist Frankie Gotter (left), singer Damian H. Quijas (middle), drummer Marz Quilapio and guitarist Jesse Rodriguez play through an electric song at the Chicago venue Beat Kitchen on February 3, 2023.

ECC musicians of the Chicago underground music scene

Matt Brady, Photo Editor
April 21, 2023
Drummer Fred Mason thrashes and energetically drums through a song at the DIY Chicago venue Bookclub on April 16, 2023.

A concert attendee sits on their phone while a band plays on stage, displaying what many consider poor etiquette.

[Photo] "We're All on the Same Wavelength": Has the Local Music Scene Saved Concert Etiquette?

April 21, 2023
An ECC employee talks to attendee Nina Dulabuam at the ECC job fair on April 17, 2022.

ECC hosted job fair for several positions

Matt Brady, Photo Editor
April 18, 2023
Guitarist Jesse Rodriguez plays a fiery solo at the Chicago venue Beat Kitchen on February 3, 2023.

Guitarist Frankie Gotter slashes through power chords at the Chicago venue Beat Kitchen on February 3, 2023.

Bassist Thomas Guzy (left), drummer Fred Mason (middle) and guitarist Sebastian Acevedo of the Genoa, IL punk band Satin Black rip into their set at the DIY Chicago venue Bookclub on April 16, 2023.

First-year student Aundrea Villegas holds up her phone and shows off her favorite song: "Relatos de Mivida" by Lili Zetina.

“An escape from reality:” ECC students and the power of music

Matt Brady, Photo Editor
April 7, 2023
Assistant Professor of English Composition Patrick Carberry showed off his sleeve tattoo on March 15, 2023. Comprised of multiple designs coming from different tattooing sessions, Carberry stated that his fox, bull, and bird tattoo can represent his love of animals, even though he said that the tattoo doesn't have a concrete meaning.

“An aspect of personal expression:” Examining the meaning and importance behind teacher tattoos

Matt Brady, Photo Editor
March 26, 2023
Professor of English Composition Sarah Bass showed off her Holly tattoo on Feb. 27, 2023. The two leaves of holly, both positioned parallel to each other on her collarbone, represent hope for her in light of tragic events that challenged her.

Eager fans reach their hands out toward Holman while he plays an energetic solo at the band's album release party in Chicago on March 3, 2023.

“Too Many Damn Hippies On My Front Lawn”

Matt Brady, Photo Editor
March 5, 2023
Professor of English and LGBT Literature Kellen Bolt shows off his floral tattoo on Feb. 21, 2023. Bolt, who grew up in Kansas and eventually moved to California for a short span, commemorated his home region by getting flowers representative of Kansas and Illinois tattooed on his outer forearm.

“…Way of measuring a lifetime:” Examining the meaning and importance behind teacher tattoos

Matt Brady, Photo Editor
March 5, 2023
Stogentin looks intently at something in the audience at the band's album release party in Chicago on March 3, 2023.

Holman plays his guitar while singing at the band's album release party in Chicago on March 3, 2023.

Weaver closes his eyes and pounds the drum kit at the band's album release party in Chicago on March 3, 2023.

Lead singer and guitarist of Moon Rules Apply, Andre Holman, screams into the microphone at the band's album release party in Chicago on March 3, 2023.

Bassist of Moon Rules Apply, Logan Stogentin, stares off in the distance at the band's album release party in Chicago on March 3, 2023.

Drummer of Moon Rules Apply, Ryan Weaver, plays the drum kit at the band's album release party in Chicago on March 3, 2023.

Drummer Ryan Weaver plays the drum kit at Beat Kitchen Bar in Chicago on Feb. 3, 2023.

Bassist Logan Stogentin stares off in the distance at Beat Kitchen Bar in Chicago on Feb. 3, 2023.

Lead singer and guitarist, Andre Holman, wails on his guitar at Beat Kitchen Bar in Chicago on Feb. 3, 2023.

Professor of English Lori Clark types away at her computer while showing off her commemorative tattoo on Feb. 15, 2023. The names Pete and Pauline written on the borders of the floral design represent the names of her grandparents, who were an important part in her life.

Sarah Bass tattoo

Professor of Photography Travis Linville shows off his moth tattoo on Feb. 22, 2023. The moth tattooed on his inner forearm is from a photograph Linville created entitled "Lifespan," which embodies the ideology of 'carpe diem' ("seize the day").

ECC student Sophia Feliciano shows off her multiple tattoos inked across her arms. Her first tattoo was the moon, which she got when she was 15 in a basement at a punk rock concert.

“You just want it to be all you forever:” Another look at student tattoos and their importance

Matt Brady, Photo editor
February 12, 2023
Energetic attendees mosh in the middle at the Issue 003 Release Party on Feb. 11, 2023.

“…Live for that feeling:” A night of art and music at Pink Slip Zine’s Issue 003 Release Party

Matt Brady, Photo Editor
February 12, 2023
Michael Curatti (left) and Sam Fiene stare into each other's eyes and laugh at the Issue 003 Release Party on Feb. 11, 2023.

Inpo guitarist, Mog Faulkner, closes his eyes and lets the music take him away at the Issue 003 Release Party on Feb. 11, 2023.

Lead singer of Inpo, Jasper Markwood, stares off into the distance at the Issue 003 Release Party on Feb. 11, 2023.

Bassist for the band Inpo, Kevin Terry, sings along to the lead singer at the Issue 003 Release Party on Feb. 11, 2023.

Guitarist of the band Inpo, Brendan Markwood, makes his hair fly at the Issue 003 Release Party on Feb. 11, 2023.

Bassist for the band La Rosa Noir, Kevin Martinez, lays down a groove at the Issue 003 Release Party on Feb. 11, 2023.

Keyboardist and trumpeter of the band La Rosa Noir, Dmitri S, makes his instrument sing at the Issue 003 Release Party on Feb. 11, 2023.

La Rosa Noir drummer, Dave Lobes, pounds the drumkit at the Issue 003 Release Party on Feb. 11, 2023.

Guitarist and singer of the band La Rosa Noir, Yeshi Regaldo, feels the energy of the music at the Issue 003 Release Party on Feb. 11, 2023.

Guitarist Zamora (left) and drummer Jessica (right) of the band Ovarian Cystas get down to the groove at the Issue 003 Release Party on Feb. 11, 2023.

Lead singer of the band Ovarian Cystas, Ani, screams into the microphone at the Issue 003 Release Party on Feb. 11, 2023.

Co-editor and chief of Pink Slip Zine, Skylar Moore, welcome concertgoers at the Issue 003 Release Party on Feb. 11, 2023.

untitled-15

untitled-14

ECC Career & Veteran Specialist Anitra King speaks to attendees about the importance of wanting to help veterans during the Pitch Competition & Entrepreneurial Event on Nov. 30, 2022.

Photos: Spartan Project: Pitch Competition & Entrepreneurial Event

Shayndel Valles and Matt Brady
December 11, 2022
Students Robert Brygeil (left), Jordan Williams (middle), and Chris Frye mimic drum noises before the winner is announced during the Pitch Competition & Entrepreneurial Event on Nov. 30, 2022.

Billy "Snack Daddy" Glover explains to attendees how having a day job allowed him to use that money and put it towards his startup during the Pitch Competition & Entrepreneurial Event on Nov. 30, 2022.

Veterans Q Barbecue Sauce and Rubs co-founder Steve Lulofs talks about how there are many entrepreneurship resources for veterans during the Pitch Competition & Entrepreneurial Event on Nov. 30, 2022.

Load More Stories