Drawing on Community
A student in the Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy (ELSA) with an interest in art, Ethan Taggart ’26 illustrates how Elmhurst University combines connected learning and a deeply caring community to help all students build the confidence and skills they need to succeed in the future.
The ELSA program, which just celebrated its 20th year, is a four-year, post-secondary certificate program for young adults with differing abilities.
Choosing Elmhurst allowed Taggart, a Chicago native, to remain close to home while still experiencing independent campus life. Living on campus has been an important part of his growth, teaching him how to manage his own space, stay organized and meet deadlines—skills he once found challenging but now sees as lasting lessons.
Developing a Passion for Art
Taggart has been drawing for as long as he can remember. After taking numerous art classes in high school, he began to see art as more than a hobby and pursued it seriously at Elmhurst, where he has taken 11 art courses. One class in particular surprised him: “My favorite class has to be printmaking,” says Taggart, who has taken the introductory and intermediate levels of the course and is currently enrolled in Advanced Printmaking. “It’s something I didn’t think I would be interested in, but I am taking it for the third time. It surprised me how much I like it.”
In the printmaking studio, Taggart thrives on the creative freedom to design his own projects while mastering new techniques, including linocut and intaglio, guided by Joshua Johnson, assistant professor of printmaking and foundations in the Department of Art & Design. Taggart appreciates how Johnson, a specialist in printmaking who also teaches numerous 2D art courses, both challenges and encourages him. Taggart says that working alongside other students has also inspired him, reinforcing Elmhurst’s collaborative learning environment.
Outside of the classroom, Taggart enjoys making art and playing video games, especially Minecraft, which he likes because it offers opportunities for creative expression.
Forging Connections
What stands out most to Taggart about Elmhurst is the welcoming, inclusive community. From campus events and homecoming traditions to everyday interactions in the cafeteria and the Frick Center, he describes Elmhurst as a place where he feels at home. Through ELSA, he has also participated fully in campus life alongside degree-seeking peers, reinforcing a sense of belonging and shared experience. “The community is really inviting and it’s easy to make friends here,” he says.
Taggart is actively engaged on campus and has found meaningful ways to share his creativity with the broader community. He contributes original artwork to The Leader, Elmhurst’s student newspaper, where his digital illustrations are often featured on the back page. He also has designed materials for campus events, including homecoming T-shirts, and enjoys seeing how others respond to his art. These experiences, along with internships creating posters and contributing artwork for campus organizations, have helped him build professional skills and confidence—often with initial guidance from a job coach and then independently.
Gaining Independence
Through ELSA’s wrap-around support, which includes life coaching and structured skill-building, Taggart has learned how to navigate class schedules, housing, transportation and time management with increasing independence.
Looking ahead, Taggart is considering art school or employment in a creative role. He feels prepared for whatever comes next, crediting Elmhurst and ELSA for helping him become more independent, confident and self-aware. His advice to others considering Elmhurst is simple: “Go for it.”
Taggart’s journey shows how Elmhurst University’s connected learning, inclusive environment and comprehensive support empower students to develop their talents, gain independence and move forward with confidence—ready to excel in careers and life beyond campus.
Go Far. Do Well. Visit elmhurst.edu/Admission to take the first step toward your future.