Roots and Branches JJC Alumni Podcast
Welcome to the Roots and Branches JJC Alumni Podcast!
As the nation’s first community college, Joliet Junior College has played a key role in shaping America’s higher education system. Our rich and beautiful history reaches more than a century into the past, forever connecting generations of alumni.
In each episode, we sit down with different alumni to uncover their most cherished memories, hear their inspiring tales, and get their hard-earned wisdom for future Wolves.
So, if you’re ready to dive into the roots of our rich history and branch out into the stories that define us, hit that subscribe button and join us on the Roots and Branches JJC Alumni Podcast!
For more information, Foundation events, and ways to give or get involved, visit jjc.edu/alumni and follow us on social media.
- Update frequency
- every 25 days
- Average duration
- 28 minutes
- Episodes
- 15
- Years Active
- 2024 - 2025
Care, Compassion & Community: Inside JJC’s Vet Tech Program
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 anima…
Roots and Branches: JJC Alumni Podcast – Season 2
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 br…
Deep Roots, New Branches: An Anniversary Special with JJC President Dr. Namuo
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, …
From Classroom to Racetrack: Alumni Drive Innovation in Automotive Education
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 …
From Seed to Study: A JJC Alum's Impact on Agricultural Education and Research
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 int…
Generations of Care: A Mother-Son Nursing Journey at JJC
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 prog…
From Students to Presidents: JJC Alumni Shaping the Future of Community College
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 gues…
A Symphony of Service: JJC Alum Hits All the Right Notes in Our Community
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…
Sweet Success: Executive Pastry Chef and JJC Alum Shares His Recipe for Excellence
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…
From JJC to WGN: John Williams on Fairness, Positivity and the Art of Radio Hosting
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 …
Uncorking the Secrets to Success: JJC Alumni Share their Entrepreneurial Journeys in the Wine Business
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 …
Advocacy in Action: An Alum's Journey Promoting Disability Awareness and Navigating Support at JJC
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 Direct…
Shooting for the Stars: The Future of the Planetarium, Field Trips, and Community Outreach at JJC
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 c…
Inaugural Episode: Roots and Branches - Lessons Learned: A Conversation with JJC Alumni Faculty
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 Profe…
JJC Alumni Podcast Trailer - Season 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 cele…