Joliet Junior College

10/10/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/10/2025 13:02

JJC Celebrates Crawford Honors College with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Oct 10, 2025

Joliet Junior College (JJC) invites students, staff, and community members to celebrate the grand opening of the Dr. Curtis J. and Mrs. Gina Crawford Honors College on Thursday, Oct.16, 2025, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Main Campus Library, located on the second floor of the A-Building Campus Center.

The program will begin at 3 p.m. with remarks from college leadership, followed by a ribbon cutting and open house-style reception. Guests are then invited to enjoy light refreshments and participate in tours of the new 3,000-square-foot honors college space within the JJC Library, which includes a classroom, three private study rooms, collaborative learning areas and administrative offices - all designed to support the academic and personal growth of JJC's honors students.

"The opening of the Crawford Honors College is a proud moment for Joliet Junior College," said Dr. Clyne Namuo, JJC president. "It reflects our deep commitment to academic excellence and the incredible potential of our students. This new space will empower high-achieving scholars to lead, innovate and thrive here at JJC and beyond."

The Crawford Honors College was made possible through the generous donation of Dr. Curtis J. Crawford, a distinguished 1971 JJC alumnus, and Mrs. Gina Crawford. Their visionary support underscores a shared commitment to elevating academic excellence and empowering future leaders.

The event also serves as a formal welcome for the inaugural class of 33 academically exceptional students who represent a wide range of high schools and hometowns across the region - and even internationally. Among this cohort are students from Germany, Italy, Colombia and Botswana, highlighting the global reach and inclusive spirit of the Crawford Honors College. With a combined average GPA of 4.26, this first cohort exemplifies the academic excellence and ambition the program was designed to support.

As one of the first community colleges in the nation to establish an honors college, JJC is proud to offer students a rigorous and enriching educational experience. Honors students benefit from small class sizes, intensive undergraduate research, study abroad opportunities and high-impact learning experiences led by dedicated faculty. The program also includes interdisciplinary coursework and advanced academic offerings tailored to intellectually curious and driven students.

Graduates of the Crawford Honors College who maintain a GPA of 3.8 or higher will earn the Crawford Honors Leadership Scholar designation and receive full scholarships covering tuition, fees and books. All students must maintain a minimum 3.64 GPA to remain eligible for partial scholarships and graduate with honors distinction.

More information about the Crawford Honors College and its requirements can be found at jjc.edu/honors-college.

Those that plan to attend the event should register in advance using this link.

Register for the Crawford Honors College Grand Opening
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