Congratulations to the Joliet Junior College Class of 2023

Joliet Junior College celebrated the achievement of 579 graduates ranging in age from 70 to 12 years-old during the 2023 commencement ceremony held Friday, May 19 in the Event Center. 

More than 4,000 parents, family members, friends and supporters of the class of 2023 attended the event. The ceremony also marked the first commencement ceremony in Dr. Clyne Namuo’s tenure as 10th president of the institution and the first traditional, single ceremony since 2019. 

During his address, Namuo acknowledged the challenges the graduates had to overcome, including the pandemic. 

“You did all this after experiencing a global pandemic that worked hard to derail you, to push you off course, and to stop you all together,” he said. “At JJC, nevertheless, you persisted. At JJC, you have learned about forging your own path and finding the way to open doors of opportunity. You struggled but persevered. You faced adversity and said ‘not today.’”

2023 Commencement Speakers & Awards

Andrea Barron, Student Speaker

Andrea Barron was a “confused little girl” when she first came to the United States. Now the first-generation student is graduating with her Associate of Arts in communication, becoming the first in her family to earn a college degree. Becoming the first college graduate in her family wasn’t without challenges, but she wouldn’t be who she is today without them. 

“The challenges I have experienced helped me become self-sufficient at an early age,” she said.“Also, it has helped me realize the amount of strength I possess. My challenges have helped me appreciate my parents’ sacrifices — something I will never be able to repay them for.”

Barron plans to transfer to Aurora University in the fall to major in communication with a specialization in public relations and event planning.

View Andrea’s student speaker video feature

Tammy Miller, Faculty Speaker & 2023 Outstanding Faculty Member

Tammy Miller is a professor in the agricultural, horticultural and veterinary services department. Miller has taught at JJC for over two decades, teaching courses in agriculture economics, soil science, agriculture business management and horticulture. She has been a pioneer in developing online and hybrid courses at the College, having taught in the format for over 20 years. But she hopes her impact goes beyond teaching.

“I hope that what I am known for is being student focused, helping to build up each student in achieving their goals.”

Outside of the classroom, Miller continues to pursue professional development and extra-curricular opportunities to help JJC and its students grow. Miller is JJC’s agriculture business coordinator, hosts the JJC Women Changing the Face of Agriculture Conference, serves on the JJC Online Instruction Steering Committee and much more. In 2022, she was also recognized for her outstanding work: Miller was JJC’s National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) award winner.

View Tammy’s Faculty Speaker video feature

Student Service Award Recipients

Each year, an outstanding student or students are recognized for demonstrating remarkable achievements in and out of the classroom by meeting their academic goals and making contributions to the community through service. This year Emily Reppy and Sydney Reppy were selected as the 2023 recipients. 

Sydney Reppy will transfer to DePaul University this fall majoring in English and secondary education. She wants to become a teacher and enter the education field to serve as a role model, helping students the same way her teachers and professors have helped her to achieve her goals. Sydney’s most memorable experience at JJC has been her involvement as co-editor of the Blazer, JJC’s student newspaper. Through this role, she has made meaningful connections on campus with peers, staff and faculty.

Emily Reppy will also transfer to DePaul University to complete a bachelor’s degree in film and television production and a master’s in media and communication. Her most memorable experiences at JJC are performing with the steel drum ensemble. Emily says music is a passion, and the unique steel drum ensemble has allowed her to continue her love of music while making connections in the community. She is also proud of her participation in the JJC Honors Program and National Society of Leadership and Success. Through these groups, Emily says, she has made rewarding friendships while making an impact at JJC.

Ceremony Program 

View a digital copy of the 2023 Commencement Program. 

Looking for a comprehensive list of graduates? A full list will be linked to this page in early June. 

Ceremony Photos 

View photos and video clips from the 2023 Commencement Ceremony on Flickr. Search the hashtag #JJCWolvesGrad for additional content on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

Ceremony Recording

Want to relive the moment again and again? View a recording of the ceremony from start to finish.