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Extraordinary Service Award Recipient

The J. D. Ross Extraordinary Service Award is the highest honor bestowed by Joliet Junior College. The award has been developed by the JJC Board of Trustees to honor community members who have given outstanding service to Community College District 525.

Vincent L. Foster Sr.

Vincent L. Foster Sr. of Joliet is a 2008 recipient of the J. D. Ross Extraordinary Service Award. In addition to volunteering at the Will-Grundy Independent Living Center tutoring mentally-challenged adults, Foster also runs a support group for people discouraged by challenging issues, such as physical disabilities. While a student at Joliet Junior College, he helped found the S.P.R.I.T.E. club, which assists students and parents in resolving issues and sponsors family activities to enrich education awareness. He was recognized by JJC as the Student Leader of the Year for 2002-2003. Despite his own physical struggles, Foster continues his work in the community, which includes speaking to youth groups at his church. Foster received the Youth Incorporated Spiritual Churches of Truth Award for motivational speaking. He has also been named the Most Valuable Player for Extra Effort for Training and Promoting at Arby’s and he was recognized as the Most Distinguished Employee at Toddler Town Academy.

Virginia Ferry

Virginia Ferry of Joliet is a 2008 recipient of the J. D. Ross Extraordinary Service Award. She has been selling real estate for more than 40 years through her family-owned business, Twelve Oaks Realty Corp., and is a cofounder of the Joliet Area Historical Society. Though she is involved with many local organizations, Ferry is most recognized for her more than 36 years with the Morning Star Mission. She has been instrumental in assisting the shelter in many ways, including her recent efforts to build a 72-bed shelter for families. Ferry also was a member of the steering committee forming Lamb’s Fold Center for Women and Children. Virginia was honored in 2007 by Realtor Magazine as a 2007 Good Neighbor Award Winner; the city of Joliet recognized Ferry the same year for her “outstanding contributions to the quality of life” in the city.