Joliet Junior College
09/16/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/16/2024 11:38
JJC Foundation Awards Five Community Members at 2024 Night of Stars
Sep 16, 2024
The Joliet Junior College (JJC) Foundation honored outstanding alumni and community members during its annual "Night of Stars" event on Thursday, Sept. 12, at the Renaissance Center in downtown Joliet. Attendees celebrated the achievements of this year's distinguished honorees, recognizing their exemplary leadership, community service and contributions to JJC's mission.
"Our honorees' contributions are a testament to their unwavering commitment to the success of our students and community," said Kristi Mulvey, executive director of institutional advancement. "Their dedication helps ensure that JJC remains the premier choice for education, career development and creating pathways to success. This past year has been remarkable, as we awarded $1 million in scholarships to deserving students, further empowering the next generation of leaders."
J.D. Ross Extraordinary Service Award
This award is the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by Joliet Junior College. In 1975, JJC began awarding this honor to community members to recognize their volunteerism and service to the district. In 2004, the award was renamed the J.D. Ross Extraordinary Service Award, honoring past JJC President J.D. Ross for his distinguished public service to the community.
Joseph Belman
Throughout his life, Joseph Belman has exemplified an unwavering commitment to community service. His journey began with his military service in World War II and continued through his involvement in impactful social projects, youth mentorship and civic engagement. His dedication to serving others is evident through his leadership roles and active participation in various organizations, including:
- President of Service Employees International Local 650
- Citizens Utility Board
- Will County Jury Commission
- American GI Forum - Sator Sanchez Chapter President
- Joliet Job Corps Community Relations Board
- United States Hispanic Leadership Institute Trainer
- 1993 William Velasquez Volunteer of the Year by the United Hispanic leadership Institute
- 1996 Leadership Award, Illinois Hispanic Democratic Council-Joliet Chapter
- President of Mexican American Coalition of Will County
Belman's efforts also left an enduring legacy in local youth sports, as he established the Spanish Community Center baseball league and developed a new baseball field on the east side of Joliet. His commitment to the community extended well into his 90s, where he continued to serve as a labor leader, political activist, coach and mentor to future leaders.
In recognition of his remarkable contributions, Belman was recently honored by the City of Joliet, the Illinois State House and Senate and on the floor of the United States House in celebration of his 100th year of life and achievement.
Vincent McGirr
Vincent McGirr, a highly dedicated educator and talented organist, is noted for his distinguished career of more than three decades in teaching and administration at Joliet Township High Schools and 12 years as an adjunct professor at Joliet Junior College. Now retired, McGirr earned his bachelor's and master's degrees, school administration certification and chief business official endorsement from Northern Illinois University. He continues to stay involved in the community, volunteering his time and talents to several organizations. These organizations and honors include:
- Kiwanis Club Member since 1980
- 2023 Outstanding Member Award recipient
- 2003 Founder of Kiwanis Club Annual Appeal
- 2013 Lewis University De La Salle Award recipient
- Senior Services of Will County Shining Star Award
- 1974 Will County Outstanding Teacher Award
- Founder and Executive Secretary/Treasurer, Joliet Township High School Foundation
- Secretary, Treasurer and President of Will County Council for Exceptional Children
- Former Chairman, Will County Schools Business Officials
- Parish Council President, Queen of Apostles parish (formerly St Paul's)
- Director of Music, Pianist and Choir Director Joliet-Area Churches for 55 years
- Dean of the American Guild of Organists, Joliet Chapter
McGirr's passion for education and his community inspired him to establish four endowed scholarships at JJC, Northern Illinois University, the University of St Francis and Lewis University, providing deserving students with the opportunity to pursue their educational goals. McGirr enjoys music and spending time with his son.
JJC Foundation Distinguished Partners in Excellence Award
This annual award recognizes an exemplary employer, business or industry group that has demonstrated decisive involvement and firm commitment to advancing the mission of both Joliet Junior College and the JJC Foundation.
Hometown National Bank is a fantastic partner to JJC, showing great dedication and support through various impactful initiatives. The Hometown National Bank Business Scholarship provides financial assistance to full-time students majoring in business administration, accounting or finance. An internship is also offered to scholarship recipients, giving them valuable real-world experience.
Commitment to the community and education is clear through active participation in JJC Foundation activities. Dave Conterio, the JJC Foundation Board President, showcases the bank's leadership and dedication. Hometown National Bank sponsors all Foundation events annually, ensuring their success and impact.
As the Foundation's banking partner, Hometown National Bank continually shows a strong commitment to giving back to the community and supporting JJC's mission. Unwavering support makes Hometown National Bank a truly distinguished partner in excellence.
Watch Hometown National Bank's Video
Susan H. Wood Hall of Fame Award
This award recognizes a non-alumna/alumnus who is a current or former faculty member, administrator or friend and has served JJC in an exceptional way. It was named after Susan H. Wood, one of the most influential leaders of JJC's past. Wood worked at the College from 1944 to 1970 and helped form the JJC Alumni Association.
Maria Anna Rafac is an architect, educator, activist, wife and mother of five. Since 1997, Rafac has been dedicated to her students with a focus on helping them fulfill their education and career goals. She is currently a professor of architecture and sustainability, academic advisor for the architectural studies program and club advisor for the American Institute of Architecture Students at JJC.
Rafac attended the University of Illinois - Urbana-/Champaign, receiving both a bachelor of science in architectural studies and a master of architecture with a concentration in structures option. Rafac has been a registered architect in the State of Illinois since 1992 and has worked for several architectural firms and in private practice over the past 30 years.
In 2008, Rafac became JJC's first sustainability coordinator working with students, faculty, staff, administration and the community on sustainability initiatives and related issues. She serves as the co-affiliate for the Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN), and as the chair of the South Metropolitan Higher Education Consortium's (SMHEC) Sustainability Initiatives Committee.
In the community, Rafac has served as co-founder of Celebrating Sustainability and Will County Regional Sustainability Network (WCRSN), co-organizer of Will County Green Town.
Her past accolades include the 2016 Will County Land Use Department's Amicus Terrae - Friend of the Land Award and the 2017 Illinois Green Economy Network Sustainable Champion Award.
Watch Maria-Anna Rafac's Video
Dr. Judy Mitchell Alumni Achievement Award
This award is the highest honor bestowed upon a JJC alumna/alumnus. It is presented to those alumni who have demonstrated outstanding success in their chosen field and provided humanitarian service to society. In 2023, the award was renamed honoring to honor president emerita, Dr. Judy Mitchell.
Gary Lichtenwalter, '61 Gary Lichtenwalter was born and raised in Joliet, graduating from Joliet Township High School in 1958, and from JJC in 1961. He then went on to receive a finance degree from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. He spent his career as the president and CEO of Lichtenwalter Insurance and Lichtenwalter Real Estate before retiring and moving to Colorado.
Lichtenwalter is a proud alumnus of both JTHS and JJC, and has dedicated many hours of volunteer service to both schools. He was the coordinator of his JTHS class reunions, including the 50th class reunion in 2008. He led his class in participating in the district's Challenge 50 donor program, which raised $14,000 in graduate scholarships. In addition, Lichtenwalter set up a charitable remainder trust at the University of Illinois to help pay for scholarships for graduates of JTHS and JJC who wish to attend any of the three University of Illinois campuses in Champaign, Springfield or Chicago.
At JJC, Lichtenwalter served on the first Foundation Board from 1975-1984. He and his wife, Daylene, have two scholarships in their name that support students in financial need. The Daylene and Gary Lichtenwalter Endowed Scholarship supports a student majoring in interior design, and the Gary and Daylene Lichtenwalter Endowed Scholarship supports a student majoring in a business-related field.