Roots and Branches JJC Alumni Podcast

Pack your bags and join the Joliet Junior College Alumni network for a heartwarming look back at the unforgettable 2026 JJC Alumni & Friends Trip through Switzerland, Germany, and Italy. Fresh off a fast-paced, whirlwind journey, our travelers sit down to share their favorite memories from this multi-country European expedition.

From the crisp mountain air and rare, 200-mile views atop Mount Pilatus to the community spirit of Munich’s beer gardens, the moving history of Salzburg, and the winding canals of Venice, this episode captures the magic of group travel. Tune in for hilarious stories about aggressive pigeons, legendary local food finds, and how a sudden flight cancellation turned into an extra night of wonderful Italian hospitality.

Plus, get the exclusive first details on our upcoming July 2028 tour to Scotland and Ireland HERE

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
Emily Wiles
Emily Wiles (2018) is a Trip Operations Manager at Bob Rogers Travel and a Color Guard Instructor at Batavia High School. She graduated from JJC in 2018 with her Associate’s degree and later transferred to Roosevelt University where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership in 2022. Emily's top travel destination is Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL, but she has been recently branching out to new destinations like Forks, WA (she's a huge Twilight fan!) and Europe (her first international trip ever!) with fellow JJC Alumni.
Guest
Hank Brockett
Hank Brockett (2011) works as a multimedia producer at Joliet Junior College, a job he has held in varying capacities since 2012. Brockett photographs, records, edits and designs materials for the college, which are then used to market the college as a whole, or specific programs and events. He enjoys working with all facets of the college, and being able to solve problems in a creative fashion should the need arise. Brockett attended Joliet Central High School, Northern Illinois University and earned a certificate in web design from Joliet Junior College in 2011.
Guest
Martha Aparicio
Martha Aparicio (2023) is an Advertising Coordinator and proud Joliet Junior College alumna who studied Social Media Marketing and Web Design & Development. After completing her education at JJC, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Marketing from Western Governors University. Martha chose to travel with the JJC Alumni and Friends tour group because she knew her first trip abroad would be in great hands, allowing her to explore the world with confidence while staying connected to her alma mater community.
Guest
Shelbi Esterdahl
Shelbi Esterdahl (2000) serves as the Manager of Accounting in the Financial Services Department at Joliet Junior College. With more than 15 years of experience in accounting and over eight years at JJC, she enjoys supporting the college's mission by helping ensure its financial operations run smoothly. Shelbi attended JJC from 1998 to 2000 before earning her bachelor's degree in Accounting and Masters in Business Administration. As both a former student and employee, Shelbi appreciates the opportunities Joliet Junior College provides to students, faculty, staff, and the community. She enjoys being part of an institution that played an important role in her own educational journey and takes pride in contributing to its continued success. For Shelbi, working in higher education is about more than managing numbers— it's about helping create opportunities for student achievement and making a meaningful impact through service, collaboration, and lifelong learning.

What is Roots and Branches JJC Alumni Podcast?

Welcome to the Roots and Branches JJC Alumni Podcast!

As the nation’s first community college, Joliet Junior College has played a key role in shaping America’s higher education system. Our rich and beautiful history reaches more than a century into the past, forever connecting generations of alumni.

In each episode, we sit down with different alumni to uncover their most cherished memories, hear their inspiring tales, and get their hard-earned wisdom for future Wolves.

So, if you’re ready to dive into the roots of our rich history and branch out into the stories that define us, hit that subscribe button and join us on the Roots and Branches JJC Alumni Podcast!

For more information, Foundation events, and ways to give or get involved, visit jjc.edu/alumni and follow us on social media.