Roots and Branches JJC Alumni Podcast

Jen Davis currently serves as the Director of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations at Joliet Junior College. A former English instructor, she has spent more than two decades in higher education, supporting students at various stages of their academic and professional journeys. In her leadership role, Jen oversees initiatives that strengthen connections between JJC and its alumni, fostering engagement and building lasting relationships. Her responsibilities include strategic planning for alumni outreach, organizing small and large-scale events, managing annual giving campaigns, and collaborating across departments to create meaningful opportunities for alumni involvement.

A.J. Graf is the Automotive Program Manager at Joliet Junior College (JJC), where his connection to the campus runs deep. A proud alumnus of JJC (Class of 2006), AJ grew up immersed in the college’s automotive culture—his father was an instructor in the department for 17 years and even taught AJ in his early coursework. After earning his degree, AJ returned to JJC not just as a graduate but as a dedicated professional passionate about shaping the next generation of technicians. He’s played a key role in helping the program grow, particularly following the 2011 facility remodel that transformed JJC’s auto shop into a state-of-the-art training center modeled after modern dealership service departments. Under AJ’s leadership and with support from administration and industry partners like Hunter Engineering, Subaru, and Toyota, the program continues to thrive. He takes pride in maintaining an up-to-date, hands-on learning environment that’s clean, professional, and industry-relevant—preparing students to become top-tier technicians. AJ believes JJC’s program isn’t just one of the best in Illinois—it’s among the best in the nation for associate degrees in automotive technology.

Amanda Quinn serves as the Executive Director of the Joliet Junior College Foundation and Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, a role she assumed in January 2026. Throughout her career at JJC, she has held several key positions including Grant Writer, Annual Giving and Alumni Relations Manager, and Director of Institutional Advancement, giving her a deep understanding of the college’s philanthropic priorities and partnerships. With more than 15 years of experience in fundraising, communications, and marketing, Amanda leads philanthropic engagement strategies that advance student success. Her strategic vision, strong donor relationships, and commitment to JJC’s mission continue to drive the college’s growth and impact.

After 18 years as a dealer technician, Joe Stalzer decided to become an automotive instructor with encouragement of his high school teacher wife and his high school auto teacher from Tinley Park, IL. Since then, Stalzer has moved to Minooka which brought him to JJC in spring 2020 to earn college experience. As a student, Stalzer spent a lot of time observing his instructors and he believes this taught him more than just the subject matter, but also how to better understand his new career. After graduation in May 2021, Stalzer was able to apply and replace the retiring Professor Coleman and was hired in August 2021. Besides being a full-time instructor, Stalzer also encourages auto students to pursue dealer factory training. In addition to his responsibilities in the classroom, Stalzer manages projects like the Alumni race car.

Officer Jason Rose is a Certified Law Enforcement Officer with ten years of experience. He is also an ASE Master Technician and serves as both a Campus Police Officer and an Adjunct Instructor for the Automotive Service Technology program at Joliet Junior College.   After graduating from the Automotive Service Technology Program at JJC, he earned a bachelor's degree in Technical Management from DeVry University. In the private sector, he worked as a Project Manager and Operations/IT Manager for a mid-sized furniture dealership.   Returning to JJC in 2015, Officer Rose has taken on multiple roles, including Ranger Officer, Technology Instructor, Physical Security Group Senior Member, Fleet Manager, ATV and Bicycle Instructor, Webpage Coordinator, and Investigator. He is now entering his third year as an Adjunct Automotive Technology Instructor where he continues to share his extensive knowledge and passion for the field with his students.