Ellen Eckman to be Honored at Shorewood Parade

The Fourth of July is all about Shorewood's sense of community – something Ellen Eckman has been working to improve for more than a decade.

That's why Eckman – a village resident of 39 years and a village trustee for 12 years – has been selected as the grand marshal for Shorewood's Fourth of July parade. 

Each year, the Fourth of July Committee chooses to honor a village resident who has made significant contributions to the life of the community, usually as a volunteer. This year, Eckman was nominated by village residents, and the committee agreed she was the perfect fit for the honorary title.

"The 4th of July is a day for the community...a day for families and neighbors...a day for celebration. This year the Village of Shorewood celebrates Ellen Eckman," Fourth of July Coordinator Jan Zehren said. "Ellen has embraced the spirit of volunteerism and Shorewood is a better place because of her."

Eckman will ride in a convertible during the parade, which steps off at 3 p.m. from the corner of Kensington and Oakland, travels south on Oakland to Edgewood, and ends at Spector Field with free ice cream and live music.  

Eckman will also be acknowledged by Shorewood Village President, Guy Johnson, at 8 p.m. at Atwater Park, just prior to the 9:30 p.m. spectacular fireworks show.

Prior to becoming a trustee, Ellen served on Shorewood's very first Conservation Committee for six years. As a trustee, Ellen served on several committees including the Marketing Committee for the School District of Shorewood and Village of Shorewood; the Financial Task Force of Shorewood; Judiciary, Personnel, and Licensing Committee; the Community Development Authority; and the Budget Committee.

Of all of her work in Shorewood, Eckman said she is most proud of her work on the Community Development Authority, which oversaw the development of new apartment buildings and economic growth. 

Eckman is also a volunteer for Shorewood's Public Art Committee, which is currently preparing for its first annual plein air festival. In addition, she is a strong supporter of the Shorewood Foundation and SEED (Supporters of Excellence in Educational Development).

Eckman is a professor at Marquette University in the Department of Educational Policy and Leadership, where she also serves at the Department Chair. She has been teaching at Marquette for 12 years.