Shooting for the Stars: The Future of the Planetarium, Field Trips, and Community Outreach at JJC
In this episode, host Jen Davis welcomes Caitlin Lee, Planetarium Outreach Coordinator, and Christine Veverka, Foundation and Stewardship Assistant, both alumnae of Joliet Junior College (JJC). The conversation explores their unique roles at JJC and their journeys as students and educators.
Caitlin shares her experiences as a full-time student and her recent accomplishments with the planetarium, including innovative shows beyond astronomy, such as anatomy and marine biology. Christine reflects on her time at JJC, her decision to stay close to family, and her teaching career. The discussion also delves into JJC's efforts to preserve historical structures like the Cronin Schoolhouse and its importance to the community. Both guests emphasize the value of field trips and the lasting impact they can have on future 'wolves', sharing personal anecdotes and offering advice for current and future students.
The episode underscores the significance of maintaining JJC’s traditions and the vital role of alumni and community support in sustaining educational resources like the planetarium and schoolhouse.
Caitlin shares her experiences as a full-time student and her recent accomplishments with the planetarium, including innovative shows beyond astronomy, such as anatomy and marine biology. Christine reflects on her time at JJC, her decision to stay close to family, and her teaching career. The discussion also delves into JJC's efforts to preserve historical structures like the Cronin Schoolhouse and its importance to the community. Both guests emphasize the value of field trips and the lasting impact they can have on future 'wolves', sharing personal anecdotes and offering advice for current and future students.
The episode underscores the significance of maintaining JJC’s traditions and the vital role of alumni and community support in sustaining educational resources like the planetarium and schoolhouse.
Creators and Guests
Host
Jen Davis
Jen Davis currently serves as the Annual Giving and Alumni Relations Manager at Joliet Junior College. As a former English instructor, she has spent more than two decades in higher education serving students at various points in their educational and professional careers. In her current role, Jen works to foster meaningful relationships with JJC alumni, bridging past experiences with present opportunities. Her outreach efforts include planning small and large-scale events, designing and executing yearly social media, direct mail and e-campaigns, and collaborating with other departments on campus to keep alumni engaged and connected. On occasion, Jen will also expand her role to that of JJC’s mascot, Wiley Wolf, for on-campus events and print media.
Producer
Amanda Quinn
Amanda Quinn currently serves as the Director of Institutional Advancement at Joliet Junior College, where she leads the college's fundraising efforts with a focus on major gifts and corporate support. With over 15 years of experience in fundraising, communications, and marketing, Amanda aligns fundraising strategies with the college’s priorities to ensure growth and success. She has a proven track record of enhancing annual fund programs, organizing key events, and cultivating valuable relationships with donors. Amanda's strategic vision and dedication have significantly contributed to the advancement of Joliet Junior College.
Guest
Caitlin Lee
Caitlin Lee proudly serves as the Trackman Planetarium Outreach Coordinator at Joliet Junior College. She has spent much of her life exploring the night skies in wonder and sharing cosmological knowledge as a hobby. Caitlin was a JJC student from 2015-2017 and enjoyed passionate involvement with the Honors Program and student activities. She continued higher education pursuits at the University of Saint Francis, later becoming a local substitute teacher, and returning to Joliet Junior College in 2022. Her current role consists of hosting JJC’s public Planetarium shows, frequent field trips, and other organizational events the Planetarium offers the community.
Guest
Christine Veverka
Christine Veverka holds the position of Foundation and Stewardship Assistant at Joliet Junior College. This position allows her the opportunities to connect donors with their scholarship recipients through various platforms as well provide ongoing communication and support to the JJC Foundation Board. Having previously had fifteen years as an elementary teacher, Christine enjoys the chance to assist students at the tail end of their educational paths as well as being a docent for small groups visiting the one-room Cronin Schoolhouse.
