JJC Establishes Dr. Curtis J. and Mrs. Gina Crawford Honors College Thanks to $1.79 Million Gift

Joliet Junior College (JJC) is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking $1.79 million gift from 1971 alumnus Dr. Curtis J. Crawford and Mrs. Gina Crawford, paving the way for the Dr. Curtis J. and Mrs. Gina Crawford Honors College. This monumental gift marks a transformative chapter in JJC’s history, emphasizing a shared commitment to elevating academic excellence and nurturing future leaders.

“I believe the Crawford Honors College will be a foundation for supporting high-aspiration and high-performance students to accelerate their leadership skills,” said Dr. Crawford. “When these students accelerate their leadership skills and experiences, they are more likely to become excellent performers, continue their education and personal development throughout their professional careers.”

The Crawford Honors College is intended for academically exceptional students who are seeking a rigorous educational experience. The curriculum is focused on intellectual curiosity, critical thinking and leadership. The program offers small class sizes, intensive undergraduate research projects, study abroad possibilities and high-impact educational opportunities led by dedicated faculty to foster personal and academic growth. Admission requirements include a 3.8 GPA, top 10% of high school class and demonstrated leadership in extracurricular activities.

This landmark initiative positions JJC as a trailblazer, being among the first community colleges in the nation to establish an honors college — defined by dedicated study spaces, interdisciplinary courses, advanced course offerings, research projects and dedicated faculty members.  

“This initiative has the ability to neutralize the stigma of community colleges by addressing the needs of the district’s top academic performers,” said JJC president Dr. Clyne Namuo. “By supporting these high-achieving students, JJC spans the academic range and provides a solid foundation for their future.”

The total support of $1.79 million includes funds for the development of a dedicated 3,000-square foot space within the JJC Library and over $850,000 in scholarship funds to benefit students who are accepted into the Dr. Curtis J. and Mrs. Gina Crawford Honors College.  

Construction of the dedicated honors college space is set to begin in late 2024 with a planned grand opening in fall 2025. The Crawford Honors College is committed to building a diverse student body, actively encouraging applications from various backgrounds and ensuring all groups are represented.