Awards 

on this page:

• Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award
• Susan H. Wood Hall of Fame

Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award

This is the highest honor bestowed upon alumni of Joliet Junior College by Alumni Relations, on behalf of Joliet Junior College. It is presented to those alumni who have demonstrated outstanding success in his or her chosen field, and who have provided humanitarian service to society. Deadline for submitting nominations is February 16, 2009.

Selection Criteria

• Nomination is required. Nominees must be living at the time of their nomination. Nominations will be considered active for five years.
• Must hold an earned degree from Joliet Junior College.
• Must be an individual who has demonstrated outstanding success and distinction in his or her field.
• Must be a person who has provided humanitarian service to society.
• Must be an individual who has demonstrated an interest in support of higher education, especially Joliet Junior College.

To nominate an individual for the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award, please fill out the recipient's nomination form online. Deadline for submitting nominations is February 16, 2009.

Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award Recipients

2009 Recipient Richard Brandolino('59)

Prior to his retirement 1999, Richard Brandolino was employed in the education field for 38 years, 28 of which were spent at Joliet Junior College as an administrator. He served as the North Campus dean at the Romeoville campus, and was responsible for all instructional offerings at the college's satellite centers.

Brandolino has served as an elected official on the New Lenox Township, and on the Will County Board for nearly 20 years as a commissioner. He has kept active in retirement by serving on several boards including: Joliet Junior College Foundation, Lewis University Council of Regents, Galowich YMCA, Workforce Initiative Board of Will County, Silver Cross Hospital Healthy Community Commission and Will County Board of Health.

He enjoys using his experience and time to give back to his community by supporting health and welfare improvements.

Previous Recipients

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Susan H. Wood Hall of Fame

This award was established to recognize a non-alumna/alumnus of Joliet Junior College who is a current, former, faculty member, administrator or friend who has served Joliet Junior College in an exceptional way.

Selection Criteria

• Nomination required
• Individual cannot be an alumna/alumnus of Joliet Junior College.
• Person must be a current or former faculty member, administrator or friend.
• This person must have served Joliet Junior College in an exceptional way.
• This individual must be active in professional and community organizations.
• This person must be a dedicated, caring, compassionate and accomplished professional.

To nominate an individual for the Susan H. Wood Hall of Fame Award, please fill out the online recipient's nomination form.

Susan H. Wood Hall of Fame Award Recipients

2009 Recipient J. D. Ross

J. D. Ross currently serves as the Executive Director of the Will-Grundy Medical Clinic, a non-profit agency that provides free health care to the uninsured. Prior to that, he was an administrator at Joliet Junior College for almost 32 years. He came to the college in 1974, and over the next 23 years, held several administrative positions.

In July of 1997, he was appointed the Vice President for Academic Services. In February of 1999, he bacame the sixth president of the college and the first African-American to hold that position. He served the college in this capacity until his retirement in May of 2006. Ross has received numerous awards and community recognition, including an honorary doctorate from Lewis University, endowed scholarship in his honor at Joliet Junior College and the University of St. Francis, and a service award in his honor at Joliet Junior College.

Previous Recipients

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