JJC Employees Recognized for Service

Over 160 members of Joliet Junior College were honored at the annual Spring Employee Recognition and Core Values Reception April 19. Faculty and staff who've served from five years to more than 30 were recognized and awards were handed out to those exemplifying JJC's seven core values. View photos from the event.

Annual Jo Award Winners:

Bob Marcink – Integrity

When Bob Marcink found a large sum of money in the hall he turned it over to Campus Police and asked if they could use surveillance to find its owner. Unable to initially locate the owner, Bob asked that the money be put into a fund for students. Fortunately, the owner of the money was eventually located. Marcink was recognized as this year's Jo Award winner for his continued dedication to students and integrity.

Cornelius Kimbrew – Respect and Inclusion

Cornelius Kimbrew took it upon himself to develop a personalized DVD for a member of JJC’s custodial staff who has been on extended medical leave. The final product included messages of hope from numerous college staff members. Because of his respect for current colleagues, Kimbrew represents this JJC core value.

Griselda Martinez – Collaboration

Griselda Martinez went above and beyond to assist with a project for the Department of Adult Education & Literacy. She translated the entire DAEL brochure from English into Spanish. Her collaboration on this project offers more students access to information about the college, and it’s why Martinez was chosen for the Annual Jo Award.

Fred Ferrara – Humor & Well-Being

Fred Ferrara, who teaches vocational skills food service classes, offered to have an employee's niece shadow him. The individual is interested in working in special education, and the experience with Ferrara cemented her passion for the field. By taking extra time out of his day to assist others, Ferrara has earned the Humor & Well-Being Award.

Dr. Deb Fitzgerald – Sustainability

JJC saved over $50,000 in computer testing materials thanks to the dedication of Dr. Deb Fitzgerald. She negotiated prices with the vendor who supplies all the materials for nursing, and took the time to research the most cost-effective approach. Kudos to Dr. Fitzgerald on your Jo Award for Sustainability.

Dr. Heidi Lyne – Quality

Nominated by one of her own students, it was clear that Dr. Heidi Lyne represented the best of JJC's faculty. The student pointed to her positivity, ability to engage and encourage others. Dr. Lyne was also identified as being able to relay difficult material to all students in a way they could understand. She never made any student feel as though their questions were insignificant.  For creating an outstanding learning environment, Dr. Lyne is this year's Jo Award winner for Quality.

Hank Brockett – Innovation

At the January Opening Session, the college was treated to a video created by Hank Brockett summarizing major milestones and activities at JJC of 2017. Brockett, who handles a majority of the video work at JJC, had gathered nearly all of the content on his own through various video shoots in the past year. It’s not just the quantity but the quality of the content he produces and the innovative spirit and beauty that shows in his work. Through continuous work in this regard, Brockett has earned the Innovation Jo.

Retirees for 2018:

Jean McArthur – Professor & Department Chair, Mathematics
James Popek – Technician, Electronic Services, Technical Department
Barbara Stanek – Professor, English/World Languages
Catherine Suchy – Professor, Librarian
Janis Swearingen – Building Service Worker, Facility Services
Joe Thomas – Associate Professor, Technical
Dori Miller --  Secretary, Culinary Arts
Dan Wagner – Professor, CIOS