Meeting Summary and Briefs: Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees for October 2025

Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees Meeting | October 15, 2025

The Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees took major steps on two significant, long-term projects during its October 15 meeting, authorizing land acquisition negotiations for a new Grundy County campus and approving the next phase of its massive ERP system modernization. The board voted to pursue a 46-acre site in Morris for the expansion. A surprise announcement revealed a $1.9 million windfall from a federal tax credit, which will be used to fund the land purchase. See the full story for more details.

The administration also presented a two-year budget and timeline for migrating its core software to the cloud, a project that includes transitioning to a new primary vendor. See the full story on the ERP update. In other business, the board celebrated its “Future Wolves” partnerships with local school districts, approved a property tax agreement with Equistar Chemical, and heard a presentation on a new partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association.

JJC Partners with Alzheimer’s Association
Brief Title: JJC Partners with Alzheimer’s Association: Kaylee Rizzo, manager of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Will County, addressed the board to celebrate the growing partnership with the college. It was announced that JJC President Dr. Clyne Namuo will serve as the executive event chair for the 2026 Walk. The partnership aims to raise awareness, promote brain health, and provide educational resources to students, faculty, and the community.

Proclamations Honor Native American and Veteran Communities
Brief Title: Proclamations Honor Native American and Veteran Communities: The board approved two proclamations presented by students. Gabriella Topasio read the proclamation designating November as Native American Heritage Month. U.S. Navy veteran Sandra Morales, U.S. Army Reserve veteran Antonio “Tony” Martinez, and Illinois National Guard member Oscar Estrada Jr. jointly read the proclamation recognizing November as National Veterans and Military Families Month.

Equistar Property Tax Agreement Approved
Brief Title: Equistar Property Tax Agreement Approved: Following a recommendation from the Finance Committee, the board approved a property tax agreement with Equistar Chemical, LP. The six-year agreement resolves a tax appeal involving Minooka school districts and is expected to generate approximately $194,000 in additional tax revenue for the college over its term.

President Addresses Immigration Concerns
Brief Title: President Addresses Immigration Concerns: In his report, President Dr. Clyne Namuo delivered a heartfelt statement addressing the impact of intensified federal immigration activity on the community. He reaffirmed JJC’s commitment to safety, dignity, and belonging for all students, stating, “To our immigrant students and our immigrant staff, documented or not, I want to say this clearly that you all belong here. This college is your home.” He highlighted resources available through the college and its community partners.

Retirement of Sandi Ebersohl Recognized
Brief Title: Retirement of Sandi Ebersohl Recognized: The board honored Sandi Ebersohl, a custodian at the college since 2016, upon her retirement. Vice President Karen Kissel read the recognition, praising Ebersohl for her reliability, strong work ethic, and the meaningful relationships she built with staff across campus.