In this special New Year episode of the JJC Alumni Podcast, we celebrate the start of 2026 with significant news for the JJC Foundation. After 25 years of dedicated service, Kristi Mulvey has retired, and Amanda Quinn, a JJC alum and long-time team member, steps in as the new executive director. Amanda shares her personal journey, from her college days at JJC to her professional growth within the foundation.

Listeners gain insights into the foundation's achievements under Kristi’s leadership, growing from $6 million to over $50 million, and the exciting future ahead. Amanda emphasizes the importance of scholarships, which have dramatically increased, awarding over $1 million in the fall semester alone. The episode underscores the collaborative spirit within the foundation and the critical role of community support, highlighting the opportunities for students to explore and get involved and the impact of both large and small donations. Join us as we embark on this new chapter, continuing to support and enrich the JJC community.

In this special holiday episode, host Jen Davis sits down with JJC alum and current technical analyst at JJC, Zach Hamidi. Zach shares his inspirational journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a scholarship recipient at JJC. Highlighting his involvement in various extracurricular activities and his exceptional academic achievements, Zach discusses how the support from JJC and its donors shaped his life. Now a generous donor himself, Zach talks about his motivation to give back and his professional growth within the institution. This heartwarming story illustrates how generosity can come full circle.

In this episode of the JJC Alumni Podcast, Jen Davis interviews Arron Sain, a JJC alum, fitness coach, and chef who has been making headlines. Arron shares his nostalgic connection to his hometown of Joliet and his educational journey at JJC, where he was mentored by renowned chefs. Arron recounts how his early interest in cooking blossomed into a successful career, leading him to appear on the Food Network show "Supermarket Stakeout." Additionally, he discusses his commitment to community wellness through his company, Insanely Fit Meals, and his new smoothie shop. Throughout, Arron emphasizes the importance of hard work, staying true to one’s roots, and cooking with love. Listen in for a heartwarming journey full of passion and dedication.

In this episode of the Roots and Branches JJC Alumni Podcast, host Jen Davis brings National Fire Prevention Month into focus with an interview featuring Craig Mateski, a dedicated firefighter, paramedic, and fire science instructor. Mateski shares his 30+ year career journey, starting from his early days at Juliet Junior College (JJC) to his recent roles as a fire commissioner for Morris, Illinois, and a fire science instructor. He reflects on the crucial role JJC played in shaping his career and underscores the importance of hard work and persistence for aspiring firefighters. Craig also discusses his teaching experience at Grundy Area Vocational Center, where he inspires future firefighters.

The conversation navigates through the challenges and rewards of a fire service career and emphasizes the growth and opportunities provided by JJC’s fire science program. Mateski's story is also highlighted in the upcoming Fall 2025 Connections Magazine. This insightful episode is a testament to dedication, lifelong learning, and giving back to the community.

In the premiere episode of season two of the JJC Alumni podcast, host Jen Davis welcomes alumna Abby Panozzo, program director for the Veterinary Medical Technology program at JJC and a devoted animal lover. The episode explores Abby's own journey from a JJC student to a seasoned veterinary technician and educator. Abby shares memorable experiences from her time at JJC, her transition from clinical practice to teaching, and her commitment to mental health advocacy in the veterinary field. Additionally, the episode highlights the significance of community support in enhancing educational and animal care programs at JJC, including initiatives like the VTNE Fund and the Vinny B. Motika Memorial Scholarship. The episode concludes with advice for new students and information on how to sponsor or adopt animals from the JJC program.

Welcome back to Roots and Branches, the official JJC Alumni Podcast! After an inspiring first season spotlighting educators, entrepreneurs, healthcare heroes, radio hosts, and more, we’re back—and branching out even further.

Hosted by Jen Davis, Annual Giving and Alumni Relations Manager at Joliet Junior College, Season 2 features a new lineup of alumni who are driving bold initiatives, forming powerful partnerships, and making an impact in their communities and beyond.

Whether you’re a longtime listener or just discovering us, now’s the perfect time to subscribe and grow with us. Each episode uncovers personal stories, valuable insights, and the enduring influence of a JJC education.

From deep roots to wide-reaching branches—this season is all about growth, connection, and the future of the JJC community.

Subscribe now to catch every new episode as it drops!

For more information about JJC Foundation events, ways to give, or how to get involved, visit jjc.edu/alumni.

In the Season One finale of the Roots and Branches JJC Alumni Podcast, host Jen Davis reflects on the journey through 12 episodes featuring diverse alumni from various departments, local businesses, and initiatives like disability services and the Future Wolves program. Joining her is Dr. Clyne Namuo, JJC’s 10th and current president, who shares his inspiring vision behind the Roots and Branches storytelling initiative. They discuss the impact of capturing alumni stories, highlighting past guests, and the significance of generational stories in education.

Dr. Namuo also shares the success of key initiatives like Future Wolves 12x12x12 dual credit, the Hispanic Serving Institution designation, and the Crawford Honors College, emphasizing the communal effort and strategic vision that make JJC a first-choice institution. The episode concludes with a special reflection on Jen's personal and professional journey, as well as her dedication to education and community engagement.

In this episode of the Roots and Branches JJC Alumni Podcast, host Jen Davis dives into an exciting and creative project taking place at Joliet Junior College this summer — the construction of a JJC alumni race car set to compete in the 5-0 race on August 2nd in support of Special Olympics Illinois. Featuring guests AJ Graff, Manager of Automotive Services; Joe Stalzer, Associate Professor of Automotive Technology; and Jason Rose, JJC Patrol Officer, Automotive Instructor, and the race car driver, the discussion explores this unique collaboration between JJC's Automotive and Police Departments.

The guests share their experiences as JJC alumni, the journey leading up to their current roles, and provide insights into the automotive program's state-of-the-art facilities and industry partnerships that set their students up for success. They also delve into the impactful aspects of the race car project, both as a hands-on learning opportunity for students and a promotional tool for the college. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about innovation, community engagement, and the importance of giving back.

To donate to the JJC Alumni Race Car project, visit Support the JJC Alumni Race Car & See Your Name on It!