Brian Garbrecht: Top-notch arts education possible at ECC

After being injured on the job, I decided to go back to school so I could pursue a happier/healthier life. I chose Elgin Community College because of how close it is to my home, but I soon discovered it was the best place for me. After a few semesters, I started taking art classes and never looked back.

The professors and classes here at ECC are top-notch and allowed me to find my creative voice. Also, as a student worker in the on-campus art galleries, I have gained so much knowledge and professional experience thanks to the wonderful curators I have worked with, including current curator, Juan Fernandez.

As a part of my photography classes, my professor, Travis Linville, got me involved with SPE (Society for Photographic Education). I was recently awarded a scholarship to attend the 2020 national SPE convention in Houston, where some of my photographs will be exhibited. Through meeting other photography students at these conferences, I have seen first-hand how unique the experience is at ECC. We are offered a wide variety of unique photo classes that rival universities and expensive art schools.

Thanks to the experience, skills, and opportunities I have gained here at ECC, I have been able to put together a resume that rivals those of graduate students and professionals. Photographs I made while attending ECC have been shown in art galleries across the country, including San Francisco, Dallas, Chicago, New York City, and more. In the fall of 2020, I will begin work towards my BFA. I hope to attend Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, but I have not made my final decision yet.

I can’t tell you enough how much I have appreciated my time here at ECC and what it means to me to be graduating with my associate degree in the arts while remaining debt-free.

-- Brian Garbrecht ‘19

Associate in Arts

Elgin

Contact: Elissa Kojzarek

Communications Specialist

Office: 847-214-7838

Email: news@elgin.edu

Elgin Community College (ECC) is a comprehensive public community college, one of 48 statewide. ECC serves approximately 15,000 students each year. Programs of study include 25 major fields for university transfer, more than 130 career-oriented, occupational degrees and certificates, corporate and continuing education, and a full complement of pre-collegiate courses. The three-year graduation rate exceeds the national average and the average of peer colleges. ECC awards more than 2,200 degrees and certificates each year.

ECC NEWS MEDIA PROTOCOL

All members of the media should utilize the public relations department as the first point of contact. The communications specialist, may be reached at 847-214-7828, or news@elgin.edu. All Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests must be submitted in writing to Marilyn Prentice, compliance officer, at mprentice@elgin.edu or via fax at 847-214-7375. This release is the official newshead for Elgin Community College. Any information received on behalf of ECC not on this newshead should be disregarded.