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 drive...
Jul 03, 2025•27 min•Ep. 11
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 cattle farm and her involvement in FFA during high school. She discusses her educational journey fr...
Jun 06, 2025•23 min•Ep. 10
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 challenges and rewards of their careers, highlighting their experiences as traveling nurses in Cali...
May 02, 2025•34 min•Ep. 9
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 journeys. Dr. Mitchell and Dr. Niehaus discuss their career paths, starting from nontraditional begin...
Apr 04, 2025•42 min•Ep. 8
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 highlights his journey from Minooka High School, to his indecision on a college major, which culminated i...
Mar 07, 2025•31 min•Ep. 7
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 competitions, including the prestigious Coupe du Monde de la Patisserie in Lyon, France, where he serve...
Feb 07, 2025•33 min•Ep. 6
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 college. John also discusses his career path, from his early days at WSPY in Plano and WMBD in Peoria to...
Jan 03, 2025•36 min•Ep. 5
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 Junior College to becoming successful business owners. They discuss the importance of community, the chal...
Dec 06, 2024•35 min•Ep. 4
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 support students with disabilities. Esli shares her personal journey navigating JJC as a visually impai...
Nov 01, 2024•31 min•Ep. 3
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, including innovative shows beyond astronomy, such as anatomy and marine biology. Christine reflects...
Oct 04, 2024•33 min•Ep. 2
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 Technology. Guests discuss their unique journeys to JJC, their career paths, and their deep commitment to the...
Sep 06, 2024•38 min•Ep. 1
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 this journey. Each episode, she will sit down with different alumni to uncover their most cherished ...
Aug 20, 2024•1 min
