Roots and Branches JJC Alumni Podcast

In this episode of the JJC Alumni Podcast, host Jen Davis speaks with Noah Kraulidis, Employer Relations Manager at National Louis University in Chicago. A proud JJC alum, Noah shares his journey from JJC to Illinois State University, emphasizing the critical role community college played in setting the foundation for his career. Noah, along with his wife, also a JJC alum, navigated their educational paths together, offering an inspiring story of support, growth, and self-discovery. Noah highlights the importance of taking risks and choosing discomfort to achieve personal and professional growth. Currently working in career services, Noah discusses how his varied experiences have culminated in a role he finds deeply rewarding. This episode is a testament to the enduring impact of a JJC education and the value of mentors and community connections in shaping successful careers.

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
Noah Kraulidis
Noah Kraulidis works in higher education career services and employer relations, where he focuses on building strong, relationship-driven partnerships between students and employers. His work centers on helping students develop career readiness skills, navigate career paths, and gain access to meaningful internship and job opportunities. Noah’s connection to higher education began at Joliet Junior College, where he earned an Associate Degree in Business Administration while building the academic and professional foundation that shaped his career. After transferring to Illinois State University, he completed a degree in Marketing with a focus on professional sales. Following graduation, Noah began his career in education technology, working with higher education faculty and leadership nationwide to help support student success outcomes. Those experiences deepened his interest in the connection between education and employment and ultimately led him back to higher education. Today, Noah is passionate about helping students feel prepared, confident, and supported as they take their next career step, especially when the path forward isn’t fully clear. As a proud JJC alum, he remains deeply committed to the importance of mentorship, transfer success, and creating stronger bridges between education and the world of work.

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.