Hundreds of people turned out for a sneak peak of ACC’s new Elgin Campus at the College Fair and Elgin Chamber Expo on June 1.

Visitors did more than admire the spectacular view from the third-floor library windows; a steady stream of new and prospective students kept recruiters and Student Services staff busy providing admissions and registration assistance.

Staff assisted a steady stream of prospective students.

“The turnout exceeded our highest expectations,” said Betsy Erwin, Elgin Campus manager. “More importantly, many people took the first step toward extending their education or jump-starting a career by becoming an ACC student.”

In addition to touring the facility, visitors completed ACC applications in the college’s Mobile Go Centers, met with Student Services staff, and visited with ACC representatives from programs ranging from accounting to welding technology.

“Our instructional faculty and support staff deserve a huge thank you for participating in the fair. They gave the community a broad introduction to all that ACC offers, not just in Elgin but across the district,” says Mike Midgley, vice president of instruction.

Future students ranged from high schoolers interested in Early College Start to senior citizens wanting to take advantage of waived tuition fees. Recent high school graduates stopped by a Student Life reception in their honor where they could win prizes and share their suggestions and wishes for the new campus.

During the event’s three hours, more than 500 free sausage wraps were consumed, courtesy of Southside Market & Barbecue, and 400 people registered for door prizes. Approximately 40 Elgin-area businesses and agencies also participated.

Sylvia Galvan Gonzalez, dean of student services for the Elgin Campus, says the college fair provided a valuable foundation for her growing staff to build upon in the coming weeks before fall classes start.

“The event was successful because of the collaborative efforts between the Elgin community and ACC,” she said. “The outcome was a win-win experience. The community had a glimpse of their future; ACC and Student Services were able to establish a base on how to best serve the community.”

Visitors viewed demos and spoke with department representatives.

The college fair and business expo was a one-day opening for the campus. Continuing admissions and registration assistance is available at the ACC Elgin Center while the campus remains under construction and closed to non-essential personnel.

The campus officially opens Aug. 26 for the first day of classes.

View photos from the day below.