Joliet Junior College Faculty Union Awards $9,000 in Student Scholarships

The Joliet Junior College (JJC) faculty union has awarded $9,000 in student scholarships for the 2024-2025 school year.

“As educators, we understand the value of life-long learning,” said Curt Ward, JJC faculty union president and automotive service technology professor. "Thanks to the generosity of our faculty, we are pleased to provide increased financial support to help students as they pursue their academic goals.”

Ranging from $250-$1,000, scholarships were awarded to the following students:

  • Adler Chlebana of Plainfield, Illinois: $400
  • Addison Daugherty of New Lenox, Illinois: $350
  • Daniela Diaz Pataquiva of Joliet, Illinois: $350
  • Aya Hazama of Tinley Park, Illinois: $1,000
  • Duha Hazama of Tinley Park, Illinois: $700
  • Elliot Kimbarovsky of Shorewood, Illinois: $600
  • Aubrey Laken of Joliet, Illinois:  $700
  • Hayden Miller of Chatsworth, Illinois: $1,000
  • Holden Miller of Chatsworth, Illinois: $700
  • Ian Moreno of Lisle, Illinois: $500
  • Emanuella Okine of Plainfield, Illinois: $350
  • Sarah Pozdal of Mokena, Illinois: $250
  • Jack Schahrer of Fairbury, Illinois: $600

Okine and Podzal also each received an additional $750 as the Pete Neff Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is eligible to students who are part of the JJC Honors Program, now the Crawford Honors College. Pete Neff was an active union member and founded the honors program during his time as a JJC English professor, teaching for over 30 years. The funding for the Neff scholarships was equally provided by Pete Neff's widow, Patricia Neff, former JJC Faculty Union president Robert (Bob) Marcink and the union's scholarship fund.  

Students must apply to be considered for a scholarship. Their applications are evaluated based on criteria such as grades, college and community service and an essay about their academic goals.  

JJC's faculty union has awarded scholarships annually since 1996.