JJC Introduces Inaugural Class of Crawford Honors College Students

Joliet Junior College (JJC) proudly announces the inaugural class of 33 students accepted into the newly established Dr. Curtis J. and Mrs. Gina Crawford Honors College. This milestone marks a transformative moment in JJC’s history, made possible by a generous $1.79 million gift from 1971 alumnus Dr. Curtis J. Crawford and Mrs. Gina Crawford.  

“The Crawford Honors College is more than a new academic program — it’s a statement about the caliber of students we serve,” said JJC president Dr. Clyne Namuo. “This first class exemplifies the kind of talent and ambition that community colleges are more than capable of nurturing. Through this initiative, we’re not only supporting high-achieving students — we’re redefining what’s possible at JJC.”

The inaugural class includes 33 academically exceptional students, representing a diverse range of high schools and hometowns across the region — and even internationally. Among them are students from Germany, Italy, Colombia and Botswana, underscoring the global reach and inclusive spirit of the Crawford Honors College. With a combined average GPA of 4.26, this cohort exemplifies the high standard and academic excellence the program was designed for.  

Introducing the Inaugural Class of Crawford Honors College Students  

Natalie Adelmann, Plainfield Central High School, Plainfield  

Isabel Arreola, Plainfield South High School, Plainfield  

Anthony Aultz, Coal City High School, Manhattan  

Truett Bentsen, Joliet Central High School, Joliet  

Samantha Burich, Lincoln-Way West High School, New Lenox  

Adrian Castillo, Plainfield Central High School, Plainfield  

Estevan Cinseros, Plainfield South High School, Plainfield  

Kaylee Conterez, Minooka Community High School, Morris  

Daniela Diaz Pataquiva, Joliet Central High School, Joliet  

Lillyan Duffy, Dwight Township High School, Dwight  

Davide Giambagli, Galeazzo Alessi High School, Perugia, Italy

Linus Graetz, Richard-Wagner-Gymnasium-Bayreuth, Germany 

Conrad Johnson, Plainfield Central High School, Joliet  

Mitchelle Johnson, Naledi Senior Secondary School, Garborone, Botswana

Bilal Kalota, Plainfield East High School, Bolingbrook  

Joseph Lanahan, Morris Community High School, Morris  

Kara Larsen, Plainfield South High School, Plainfield, Joliet  

Nathan Laserna, Lincoln-Way Central High School, New Lenox  

Ashley Lopez-Medina, Lockport Township High School, Crest Hill  

Aidan Martinez, Minooka Community High School, Joliet  

Hope Meegan, Providence Catholic High School, Shorewood  

Caroline Novaes Teixeira, Etec Albert Einstein, Sao Paolo, Brazil  

Matthew Palacios, Joliet West High School, Joliet  

Leslie Pantoja, Minooka Community High School, Channahon  

Kelcie Rainey, Joliet West High School, Plainfield  

Ben Rieckmann, Theodor-Heuss-Gymnasium, Freigurg, Germany  

Brenna Rivera, Joliet West High School, Joliet  

Leidy Vanesa Salcedo-Trujillo, Our Lady of Assumption, Cali, Colombia  

Jazlyn Sison, Plainfield Central High School, Joliet  

Alexa Villalpando, Joliet Central High School, Joliet  

Oriana Virla, Lincoln-Way Central High School, Mokena  

Madelyn Warren, Joliet West High School, Joliet  

Emily Wojdyla, Joliet West High School, Joliet

 

The Crawford Honors College is designed to cultivate academic excellence, intellectual curiosity and leadership among high-achieving students. Admission to the program is highly competitive, requiring a minimum 3.8 GPA, top 10% class ranking, strong standardized test scores, demonstrated leadership and a compelling application essay. Students must commit to full-time enrollment and complete a rigorous curriculum that includes 15–21 credit hours of honors coursework, a capstone project and leadership experience. Students will complete their work in a dedicated, newly created 3,000-square-foot space within the JJC Library made possible by the Crawfords’ support.

“Gina and I are proud  of the leadership that JJC continues to demonstrate by establishing of one of the first, and we believe the most exciting, community college based Honors Colleges in the country,” said Dr. Crawford, founding donor, “As founding members of the Crawford Honors College, this inaugural cohort of students sets the example. JJC has demonstrated it’s ability to attract an exceptionally qualified group of future scholars and leaders.”  

Graduates of the Crawford Honors College who maintain a GPA of 3.8 or higher will earn the Crawford Honors Leadership Scholar designation and receive full scholarships covering tuition, fees and books. All students must maintain a minimum 3.64 GPA to remain eligible for partial scholarships and graduate with honors distinction.  

The curriculum is built around four academic pillars: foundations, inquiry in the humanities, math and sciences, and civic and cultural engagement. Students benefit from small class sizes, priority registration and advising, interdisciplinary learning and opportunities for research, networking and global engagement — including study abroad programs.

These exceptional students represent the future of academic leadership at JJC and beyond. The Crawford Honors College stands as a testament to the power of philanthropy and the promise of higher education to transform lives and communities.

For more information, visit jjc.edu/honors-college.