EICC Success Stories
Inspiring stories from our community.
EICC celebrates second consecutive year of success in Know Your Constitution Program
Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) is celebrating a second consecutive year of student success in the Know Your Constitution Program, with two students selected as finalists in the statewide competition sponsored by the Iowa State Bar Association Young Lawyers Division.
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From Helmet to Classroom: Real-World Innovation at EICC
Jim Lyon had a problem. His motorcycle helmet’s microphone mount had snapped off, and he couldn’t find a replacement. Off-the-shelf parts didn’t fit.
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Blueprint for a Comeback
Christopher Bolin overcame addiction, rediscovered his purpose, and found a path forward at Scott Community College. From earning his physics transfer degree to leading campus initiatives like SMART Recovery, Chris transformed his life with the support of EICC. Now, he’s headed to Milwaukee School of Engineering—proof that with grit, growth, and guidance, your next is now.
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A Free Class. A CNA License. A Nursing Career.
When Mekayla Peters looks at her life today—deep into her third semester of nursing school with just one to go—it feels almost surreal.
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Leading with Heart—and a Badge
When Elexiana Oliva took the stage as a graduation speaker at Muscatine Community College (MCC) Commencement ceremony, her voice was steady—but the emotion behind it was unmistakable. She had something to say, and people were listening. Graduating represented more than an academic milestone. Oliva represented a vision for the future of law enforcement
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From Fear to the Front of the Stage
Two years ago, Brittany Conduff sat in her car outside Clinton Community College (CCC), nervous and second-guessing her decision to return to school after more than a decade away from the classroom.
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Triple-Enrolled Student Graduates from CCC Before High School
Elena Brisch’s time at EICC wasn’t just about earning a degree early—it was about building the tools she needed for what comes next. Now, at just 18-years-old, she graduated with an associate in arts degree before officially receiving her high school diploma and was featured as one of the May 2025 Commencement speakers. She reminded her peers of their strength and encouraged them to always keep moving forward.
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From Long-Term Care to Long-Term Goals
Cassie Littrell didn’t take the traditional route to graduation day. In fact, she took a detour, a job, and about a decade. Ten years after finishing high school, Littrell walked the stage at Muscatine Community College as a nursing graduate—and a student speaker for her class.
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Game Designer. XR Developer. Navy Innovator. And It All Started at EICC
By the time most people figure out what they want to do with their lives, Chad Behal had already built a frog dissection lab in augmented reality.
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Rooted at Home, Rising With Purpose
For Rosamarie Gomez, the path to building her future at EICC started in the same place it always had: home.
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