From Blueprint to Greenprint: A JJC Alum’s Lasting Impact

In this episode of the JJC Alumni Podcast, host Jen Davis welcomes JJC alum Maria Anna Rafac, Professor of Architectural Studies and Program Coordinator, who shares her journey from a childhood passion for "boy toys" like Legos and Erector sets to becoming a leader in a male-dominated field. Maria describes how her mother’s insistence on taking high school drafting classes led her to the University of Illinois, where she earned a Master’s in Architecture with a focus on structures as one of the few women in the program. After working for local firms, she returned to JJC in 1997 as an adjunct, eventually becoming a full-time faculty member and launching the Architecture program in 2008.Maria discusses the challenges of growing the program, her "hands-on" teaching philosophy, and the success of the JJC Summer Camps, which help junior high and high school students discover their path early. She also outlines her leadership in campus sustainability, highlighting the "Circular Economy" and the success of the Repair Cafe, which has fixed hundreds of items through community volunteerism. Maria announces the Future Architects Scholarship, a $15,000 initiative she started to help final-semester students cross the finish line, and encourages donors to help endow the fund at jjc.edu/givetojjc. She concludes by inviting the community to the next Repair Cafe on October 17 and encourages all "Future Wolves" to follow their hearts and join the JJC community whenever they are ready.To find out more about the Romeoville Repair Cafe visit: Romeoville Repair Café | Joliet Junior College To sign up for one of our fantastic summer camps or programs, visit: Continuing Education | Joliet Junior College  To support the Future Architects Scholarship or make a gift to the JJC Foundation, visit: jjc.edu/givetojjc