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 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.
Producer
Amanda Quinn
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.
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.
