Meeting Summary and Briefs: Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees for August 20, 2025

The Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees focused on a major technological overhaul, celebrated milestones in student support, and addressed internal governance issues at its regular meeting on August 20, 2025. The board received a detailed presentation on its Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) project, a long-term initiative to modernize the college’s core operational software. For more on this, see our full story.

The board also heard a glowing report from the JJC Foundation, which is approaching the $1 million mark in scholarships awarded this year alone. However, the meeting also saw pointed exchanges regarding trustee conduct and policy, with Chairman Jim Budzinski addressing what he termed “blurred” definitions of privilege and responsibility. You can read more about this development in our separate article.

JJC Foundation Nears $1 Million Scholarship Milestone
The JJC Foundation is on the verge of awarding $1 million in student scholarships for the current year, Director of Institutional Advancement Amanda Quinn reported. So far, $991,000 has been distributed. Quinn noted the Foundation has raised $6 million to date, primarily for scholarships. She also reminded the board of the upcoming “JJC Night of Stars” fundraising event on September 9.

Board Approves Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation
The trustees unanimously approved a proclamation designating September as Hispanic Heritage Month at the college. JJC students Abigail Camacho and Leslie Valerio read the proclamation in English and Spanish, respectively. Trustee Elaine Bottomley noted the importance of the designation for JJC, which is recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution.

Weitendorf Campus to Go “Off the Grid” with Solar Project
Student Trustee Brenton Bishop reported that following the completion of a solar panel construction project, JJC’s Weitendorf campus will be completely “off the grid.” The project is a major step in the college’s sustainability efforts, allowing the campus to generate its own electricity and operate with greater energy independence.

Partnership with Fairmont Schools Praised
Kelly Rohder-Tonelli, Executive Director of Strategic Engagement, introduced Superintendent Dr. Tamela Daniels and Principal Elisabeth Patton of Lockport Fairmont School District 89. Dr. Daniels and Mrs. Patton thanked the college for hosting their students in the “Future Wolves Summer Camp” program, praising JJC for investing in the future of their students.

Lakeshore Walkway and Land Study Approved
The board approved agenda items for a main campus lakeshore walkway and a land environmental study. The items had been pulled from the consent agenda for a separate vote by Trustee Maureen Broderick, who abstained from the walkway vote and voted no on the environmental study. Both measures passed with support from the rest of the board.