JJC Unveils New Brand Identity, Tagline During 125th Anniversary Year

Joliet Junior College (JJC) has introduced a new brand identity and refreshed tagline as it marks its 125th anniversary as the nation's first community college.

At the center of the new brand is a purple and white wolf, now introduced as the College's official institutional logo. The wolf was chosen as a symbol of who JJC is and how it serves students.

"We're leaning into the symbolism of the wolf, our longtime mascot and the story it tells about who we are: resilient, hands-on, community-driven and focused on preparing students to launch what comes next," said Dr. Clyne Namuo, JJC president.

The new tagline, "A History of Thinking Forward," reflects both JJC's legacy as the nation's first community college and its continued future focus.

The College will continue to use the bell tower as its official seal to honor JJC's academic history. The athletics wolf logo will remain unchanged.

The new brand was revealed to students and employees during a campus-wide event. This refresh signals the start of a new chapter for the College - one that honors its long history while looking ahead to the future.

"This is a milestone year for JJC and the timing is intentional," said Dr. Clyne Namuo. "Our anniversary gives us the chance to reflect on 125 years of service while clearly showing how we are evolving and innovating to prepare students and communities for what comes next."

A Brand Shaped by the JJC Community

The refreshed brand was developed through a people-centered process that included input from students, employees and community members. A community-wide perception study showed that while JJC is well known, its full impact and modern role were not always clearly understood.

"This refresh gives us a clearer identity and a stronger connection to students," said Robin Ballard, director of marketing and creative services. "It reflects what we heard time and time again from our community, that JJC is known for its innovation, experiential learning, student support and deep connections to the community."

The refreshed brand gives JJC a clearer, more confident way to tell our story and demonstrate the impact a community college education can make. As JJC celebrates 125 years as the nation's first community college, the institution is stepping into a new chapter that honors the past and looks ahead with purpose while continuing to cultivate pathways to prosperity.