Meeting Summary and Briefs: Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees for April 15, 2026

Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees Meeting | April 15, 2026

The Joliet Junior College (JJC) Board of Trustees held a strictly ceremonial meeting on Wednesday evening after failing to secure a voting quorum. With four elected trustees absent, the board was legally prohibited from voting on the evening’s consent agenda, financial reports, or pending tax abatements. Instead, President Dr. Clyne Namuo and the attending trustees utilized the hour-long gathering to celebrate the success of the Entrepreneur and Business Center, swear in a new student trustee, and honor an extensive list of retiring faculty and staff who collectively dedicated centuries of service to the institution. The meeting adjourned at 6:06 p.m.

Academic Retirements Total Over 200 Years of Service
Dr. Amy Gray presented a staggering wave of academic retirements to the board, noting that the departing faculty represent 201 combined years of service to JJC students. Retiring educators include Wayne Gawlik (Business, 32 years), Danny Thompson (Electrical/Electronic Systems, 36 years), John Kriz (Economics, 35 years), Cheryl Upshaw (Electrical/Electronic Systems, 30 years), Christine O’Connor (Fine Arts, 26 years), Jon Laratta (Geography, 20 years), Dr. Sue Batis (Nursing, 16 years), and Charles Gniech (Graphic Design, since 2017). During his remarks, Gawlik thanked the college and his department chair, emphasizing the importance of projecting a “non-anxious presence” as a leader and an educator.

JJC Police Detective Retires After Two Decades
The board recognized the retirement of JJCPD Detective Joe Eckles, who joined the campus police force in 2004 following an 18-year career as a banking operations manager. JJCPD Chief Brandon Campbell highlighted Eckles’ extensive service record, which included roles as a bike officer, a SWAT operator, a crisis hostage negotiator, and a member of the Will and Grundy Major Crimes Task Force. During his farewell address, Eckles, who joined the force at age 42, thanked his colleagues, family, and former JJC commanders for giving him the opportunity to serve and witness the campus’s transformation over the past 20 years.

Administrative and Facilities Staff Retirements Recognized
In addition to the faculty and police retirements, the college honored the departures of two dedicated operational staff members. Karen Kissel recognized Tammy Carrasco from the Facility Services department. Carrasco is retiring after nearly three decades of maintaining clean and safe campus environments, having joined the college in 1997. Additionally, the college recognized Tammi O’Malley, who served as the Senior Administrative Assistant for Human Resources. O’Malley is retiring after six and a half years at JJC, capping a career that included over 20 years in similar service with local municipalities.