JJC Foundation to Celebrate 2026 Night of Stars Honorees

The Joliet Junior College (JJC) Foundation will honor outstanding alumni and community members during its annual Night of Stars celebration Tuesday, Sept. 1 from 5-7 p.m. at the JJC Main Campus Theatre. Attendees will gather to recognize the achievements of this year's distinguished honorees for their exemplary leadership, community service and contributions to JJC's mission.

Presented by the JJC Foundation, Night of Stars celebrates the College's major donors and recipients of the Dr. Judy Mitchell Alumni Achievement Award, JJC Foundation Distinguished Partners in Excellence Award, Susan H. Wood Hall of Fame Award and the J.D. Ross Extraordinary Service Award.

2026 Honorees

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.

For more than a decade, Angie Caldwell has been a driving force for compassion,

service and community impact throughout Will County and beyond. As president of Pink Heals Joliet Area Chapter, she has dedicated herself to supporting individuals and families facing serious illness, helping the organization provide hope, encouragement and practical assistance to hundreds of local families since 2013. Under her leadership, Pink Heals' annual Mother's Day Walk has grown into a beloved community tradition, drawing more than 2,200 participants and raising over $100,000 in 2026 alone. In addition to her work with Pink Heals, Angie serves on the boards of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will & Grundy Counties, the Council for Working Women and as a Channahon Township Trustee. Her unwavering commitment to serving others, inspiring volunteers and bringing communities together has made a lasting and meaningful difference in countless lives.

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.

For nearly 15 years, Shoup Manufacturing has been a dedicated partner and supporter of JJC's agriculture programs. What began as an on-the-job training opportunity has grown into a meaningful partnership that includes student internships, full-time employment opportunities, class visits, guest speakers, career fair participation and service on the JJC Agriculture Advisory Council. Most notably, Shoup has generously donated an average of $10,000 each year to provide scholarships for JJC agriculture students. Their continued commitment has made a lasting impact on our students and the future of agriculture.

Susan H. Wood Hall of Fame Award

This award recognizes a non-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.

Kristin Mulvey's 25 years of dedicated service to Joliet Junior College have left an enduring impact on the institution and its students. As executive director of Institutional Advancement and the JJC Foundation, she led remarkable growth, increasing the Foundation's assets from $6 million to more than $50 million while expanding scholarship support and helping secure gifts for key campus initiatives, including the Weitendorf Agricultural Education Center and Crawford Honors College. Through her vision, leadership and unwavering commitment to philanthropy and student success, Kristi has strengthened opportunities for future generations and helped ensure JJC's continued growth and vitality.

Dr. Judy Mitchell Alumni Achievement Award

This award is the highest honor bestowed upon a JJC alumna/alumnus. It is presented to alumni who have demonstrated outstanding success in their chosen field and provided humanitarian service to society. In 2023, the award was renamed to honor president emerita, Dr. Judy Mitchell.

Michael Mutterer's remarkable career stands as a testament to the impact of a Joliet Junior College education and a lifelong commitment to excellence in healthcare and community service. A JJC nursing graduate, he advanced to become president and CEO of Silver Cross Hospital, leading the organization through significant growth and nationally recognized quality achievements. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to serving others through leadership roles with organizations supporting children, families, and hospice care. A dedicated advocate for education and workforce development, Michael continues to champion the important role community colleges play in preparing future healthcare professionals.

Tickets to the event are available at jjc.edu/night-stars