Roots and Branches JJC Alumni Podcast

Pack your bags and join the Joliet Junior College Alumni network for a heartwarming look back at the unforgettable 2026 JJC Alumni & Friends Trip through Switzerland, Germany, and Italy . Fresh off a fast-paced, whirlwind journey, our travelers sit down to share their favorite memories from this multi-country European expedition. From the crisp mountain air and rare, 200-mile views atop Mount...

In this episode of the JJC Alumni Podcast, host Jen Davis welcomes back a familiar face to the Roots and Branches initiative: Dr. Brian Thompson. A proud JJC alumnus from a family of educators, Dr. Thompson shares his inspiring journey from a wandering student in the 1990s to becoming a Clinical Professor of Economics and Director of Undergraduate Programs at DePaul University, as well as the foun...

In this episode of the JJC Alumni Podcast, host Jen Davis welcomes JJC alum Maria Anna Rafac, Professor of Architectural Studies and Program Coordinator, who shares her journey from a childhood passion for "boy toys" like Legos and Erector sets to becoming a leader in a male-dominated field. Maria describes how her mother’s insistence on taking high school drafting classes led her to the Universit...

In this episode of the JJC Alumni Podcast, host Jen Davis welcomes JJC alum Rosa Salazar, Manager of Admissions, Recruitment and Operations, who shares how touring JJC and a staff member’s simple “hello” helped her feel welcomed as a first-generation student and inspired deep involvement in clubs, student government, and serving as student trustee. Rosa describes using student surveys, leadership...

In this episode of the JJC Alumni Podcast, host Jen Davis sits down with Javier Reyes, culinary arts purchasing specialist and adjunct instructor, to share his inspiring journey from Mexico to Joliet in pursuit of a culinary education that grew into a thriving career at JJC. Javier talks about becoming the student commencement speaker, stepping into a purchasing role that expanded into full‑time w...

In this episode of the JJC Alumni Podcast, host Jen Davis speaks with Noah Kraulidis, Employer Relations Manager at National Louis University in Chicago. A proud JJC alum, Noah shares his journey from JJC to Illinois State University, emphasizing the critical role community college played in setting the foundation for his career. Noah, along with his wife, also a JJC alum, navigated their educatio...

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...

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...

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 Fo...

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, Illinoi...

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 clinica...

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...

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 s...

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 Auto...

In this episode of the JJC Alumni Podcast, host Jen Davis welcomes Julie Barr, an alum and Land Lab manager at JJC. Known affectionately as 'Farmer Julie,' she shares the story of her unique path into agriculture, starting from her rural upbringing in LaSalle, Peru, Illinois. Despite not having a farming background, Julie found her passion for agriculture through experiences with her best friend's...

In this special National Nurses Month episode of the JJC Alumni Podcast, we welcome back a remarkable mother-son duo, Michael and Sarah Taylor. As alumni of Joliet Junior College's (JJC) nursing program, they share their unique nursing journeys, from Sarah's start as a late-bloomer in the nursing field to Michael's shift from massage therapy to becoming a nursing professor at JJC. They discuss the...

In episode eight of the JJC Alumni Podcast , host Jen Davis celebrates Community College Month by showcasing the incredible impact of Joliet Junior College (JJC) and its alumni. Featuring special guests Dr. Judy Mitchell , the ninth president emeritus of JJC, and Dr. Paige Niehaus , president of the Dale Mabry Campus of Hillsborough Community College, this episode delves into their inspirational j...

In episode seven of the JJC Alumni Podcast , host Jen Davis sits down with Ken Guldenbecker , Joliet Junior College (JJC) alumnus and current Development Director for United Way of Will County. Ken and Jen first met back in 2023 as students in the community leadership school with the Joliet Chamber of Commerce, leading to a long-standing relationship enriched by their mutual ties to JJC. Ken highl...

In episode six of the JJC Alumni Podcast , host Jen Davis celebrates the milestone of six months on air with a special guest, Andy Chlebana , a JJC alum, Culinary Professor, and Certified Master Pastry Chef. Andy shares his journey from working in the culinary field at age 16, following his brother to JJC, to finding his passion for baking and pastry. Andy discusses his extensive experience in com...

In this episode of the Roots and Branches JJC Alumni Podcast , host Jen Davis welcomes John Williams , a popular radio host on WGN Radio in Chicago. John shares his journey from Minooka Community High School to Joliet Junior College (JJC) and beyond. He reminisces about his time at JJC, his participation in various sports, writing for the Wordeater, and his father’s role as a counselor at the coll...

In episode four of the Roots and Branches: JJC Alumni Podcast , host Jen Davis welcomes JJC alumni Damon Zunich and Michelle Xydakis to discuss their journeys and entrepreneurial ventures in the wine industry. Damon, co-owner of Bishop's Hill Winery in Joliet, Illinois, and Michelle, owner of Montage Wine Bar and Spirits in Morris, Illinois, share their unique paths from their time at Joliet Junio...

Join host Jen Davis in this compelling episode of the Roots and Branches JJC Alumni Podcast , featuring guests Esli Ramos , a JJC alum and current student at Lewis University, and Adam Wouk , the Director of Disability Services at JJC. The episode delves into the significance of Disability Awareness Month, with Adam detailing the comprehensive services and accommodations his office provides to sup...

In this episode, host Jen Davis welcomes Caitlin Lee , Planetarium Outreach Coordinator, and Christine Veverka , Foundation and Stewardship Assistant, both alumnae of Joliet Junior College (JJC). The conversation explores their unique roles at JJC and their journeys as students and educators.  Caitlin shares her experiences as a full-time student and her recent accomplishments with the planetarium...

Welcome to the first episode of the Roots and Branches JJC Alumni Podcast ! Hosted by Jen Davis , this inaugural episode features three distinguished JJC alumni faculty: Alisha Brennon, Assistant Professor of Orthotics and Prosthetics; Joe Limon , Associate Professor and Department Chair of the Technical Department; and Tammy Miller, Professor of Agriculture, Horticulture, and Veterinary Technolog...

Welcome to the Roots and Branches JJC Alumni Podcast, a show that delves into the rich history and vibrant community of Joliet Junior College , the nation's first community college. Join us as we celebrate over a century of educational excellence and connect with generations of JJC alumni. The series is hosted by Jen Davis , Annual Giving and Alumni Relations Manager at JJC, who will guide you on...