JJC Foundation to Celebrate 2025 Night of Stars Honorees

The Joliet Junior College (JJC) Foundation will honor outstanding alumni and community members during its annual Night of Stars celebration Tuesday, Sept. 9 from 5–7 p.m. at the JJC Main Campus Theatre. Attendees will gather to recognize the achievements of this year’s distinguished honorees for their exemplary leadership, community service and contributions to JJC’s mission.

Presented by the JJC Institutional Advancement Office, Night of Stars celebrates the College’s major donors and recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award, JJC Foundation Distinguished Partners in Excellence Award, Susan H. Wood Hall of Fame Award and the J.D. Ross Extraordinary Service Award.

2025 Honorees

J.D. Ross Extraordinary Service Award - Larry Wiers

This award is the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by Joliet Junior College. In 1975, JJC began awarding this honor to community members to recognize their volunteerism and service to the district. In 2004, the award was renamed the J.D. Ross Extraordinary Service Award, honoring past JJC president J.D. Ross for his distinguished public service to the community. 

Larry Wiers has dedicated over 50 years to education, serving in roles from teacher to superintendent at Troy School District 30-C, and later as an assistant professor at Lewis University and the University of St. Francis. His leadership shaped generations of students and educators, and his commitment to service continues through active roles with the Joliet Junior College Foundation Board, the Plainfield Lions Club, Guardian Angel Community Services, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA and the Joliet Chamber of Commerce.  Wier’s impact spans multiple communities and countless lives, earning him numerous honors including the Joliet Chamber Lifetime Achievement Award, the Lewis University De La Salle Medallion for exemplary volunteer service and the Humanitarian Service Award from Lions International. His humility, mentorship, and unwavering dedication embody the spirit of the J.D. Ross Extraordinary Service Award.

JJC Foundation Distinguished Partners in Excellence Award - The Zonta Club of Joliet Area

This annual award recognizes an exemplary employer, business or industry group that has demonstrated decisive involvement and firm commitment to advancing the mission of both Joliet Junior College and the JJC Foundation.  

The Zonta Club of Joliet Area is recognized for their commitment to empowering students through education. The club successfully endowed the Zonta Club of Joliet Area Endowed Scholarship, supporting JJC students with strong academic performance and financial need who are majoring in STEAM fields. They also continue to fund the Zonta Club of Joliet Area Culinary Arts Scholarship to support students pursuing culinary careers. Part of Zonta International, the Joliet Area club has been serving the local community for over 50 years. Their mission is to build a better world for women and girls through service, advocacy and education. This work is reflected in their generous and lasting support of JJC students.

Susan H. Wood Hall of Fame Award - Mark Jerry Schneidewind

This award recognizes a non-alumnus who is a current or former faculty member, administrator or friend and has served JJC in an exceptional way. It was named after Susan H. Wood, one of the most influential leaders of JJC’s past. Wood worked at the College from 1944 to 1970 and helped form the JJC Alumni Association.   

Mark Jerry Schneidewind served as manager of the Will County Farm Bureau from 1991 to 2025, completing a 40-year career in agriculture and community service. He held leadership roles in numerous Farm Bureau committees, civic organizations and advisory boards for local legislators. Mark also served on Joliet Junior College’s Agriculture Advisory and Foundation boards, inspired by the College’s impact beyond education. He credits JJC for helping him grow as a leader and values the strong partnership, especially in celebrating the Farm Bureau’s 100th anniversary. Guided by his mother’s advice to build relationships with care and respect, Schneidewind remains grateful for the opportunities to serve his community.

Dr. Judy Mitchell Alumni Achievement Award - John Williams '79

This award is the highest honor bestowed upon a JJC alumna/alumnus. It is presented to alumni who have demonstrated outstanding success in their chosen field and provided humanitarian service to society. In 2023, the award was renamed to honor president emerita, Dr. Judy Mitchell.  

John Williams ’79 is the midday host on WGN Radio, where he’s been a familiar voice since 1997. He also hosts the award-winning podcast “The Mincing Rascals,” a weekly roundtable with Chicago journalists. With a career spanning stations in Peoria, Minneapolis and Chicago, Williams is known for his thoughtful, witty take on current events, pop culture and listener perspectives. His work has earned numerous honors, including a Peter Lisagor Award and multiple Silver Dome Awards. Williams is also a proud Joliet Junior College alumnus who has been a fierce advocate for JJC and community education. You can learn more about Williams in the spring 2025 issue of Connections Magazine and on episode five of the Roots & Branches JJC Alumni Podcast.

Tickets to the event are available at jjc.edu/night-stars.