JJC to Celebrate 110th Commencement May 15

Joliet Junior College (JJC) is excited to celebrate the class of 2026 at the 110th commencement ceremony Friday, May 15 at 4 p.m. in the Event Center on Main Campus, 1215 Houbolt Road. The 2026 graduation ceremony will recognize graduates from summer 2025 and fall 2025 in addition to prospective graduates from spring 2026 and summer 2026. Over 500 students are expected to participate.

International student Alexander Ogugua will serve as the student commencement speaker while fall 2025 graduate Leslie Valerio will receive the Student Service Recognition Award for her commitment to service at JJC and in the community.

"Being chosen as the commencement speaker means I have the opportunity to genuinely share how I feel about this school and how much it has helped me," Ogugua said. "I also get to inspire other students to appreciate their time and be thankful for where they are."

"The core of what I do as a leader has been to build community and create future leaders," Valerio added. "It has been a great honor and privilege to see how my peers have grown as leaders."

As JJC's 2026 Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year, Meghan Callan, fine arts professor, will deliver the faculty commencement speech.

Doors to the Event Center will open at 2 p.m. Guests are encouraged to arrive early as entry will be restricted after 3:45 p.m. until all graduates are seated.

For those unable to attend in person, a livestream of the ceremony will be available. Additional details on streaming, event logistics and commencement are available on the JJC graduation webpage.