JJC Celebrates Grand Opening of Center for Student Wellness and Support

Joliet Junior College (JJC) welcomed Gov. JB Pritzker, Rep. Dagmara Avelar, students, staff and members of the community to celebrate the grand opening of its new Center for Student Wellness and Support (CSWS), a dedicated space designed to promote the holistic well-being of students.

In the center’s first year of operation, over 1,700 hours of counseling services were delivered and nearly 6,000 students were engaged through events and outreach. One year later, nearly twice as many students are accessing services compared to the same time last year.

Dr. Clyne Namuo, JJC president, opened the program by acknowledging the individuals who envisioned the Center for Student Wellness and Support and challenged the College to support all aspects of students’ lives.

“This center represents a visionary response to a challenge issued to honor our students’ full and complete identities, to recognize our students as full and complete human beings before they are students,” said Namuo. “Today this center is an artifact of the advocacy of those who stand with me. Thanks to them, this is a place where students are turning trauma and tragedy into triumph.”

The center is the vision of JJC alumnus and former student trustee Josh Stamborski, brought to life through collective support from Gov. Pritzker, Rep. Avelar, Sen. Rachel Ventura and partners in the Illinois General Assembly.

“The Center for Student Wellness and Support bring together two critical priorities for our state: investing in our students and promoting statewide mental health,” said Gov. JB Pritzker. “In order for students to fully realize all the benefits a place like JJC has to offer and to make the most of their education, they need to feel supported, empowered and mentally strong.”  

The Center for Student Wellness and Support is designed to promote mental health and wellness for JJC students through a wide range of services, including confidential counseling, care coordination, group therapy, wellness workshops, outreach events and consultation and training for faculty and staff. Support is available in person at both the Main and Romeoville Campuses, as well as remotely via tele-mental health appointments.

In addition to mental health services, the center houses the Wolves Essentials Pantry, which provides food and clothing assistance to students. The surrounding outdoor areas include a Zen Garden, offering peaceful spaces for reflection and relaxation.  

“Our students are navigating a complex mix of academics, jobs, family responsibilities, financial pressures and mental health challenges,” said Cindy Danzell, CSWS director. “The center was created to meet them where they are—with compassion, with resources, and with the unwavering belief that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive.”

Rep. Avelar echoed that sentiment, stating, “This center sends a powerful message to students: your well-being matters, your challenges are seen, and your success is worth investing in. When we invest in holistic, compassionate support for our students, we strengthen not only their future but the future of our entire community.”

The Center for Student Wellness and Support is now open and ready to serve the JJC community. 

For media inquiries please contact Katie Smith, communications and media manager, katherine.smith@jjc.edu