Joliet Junior College Honors Seven Long-Serving Employees Upon Retirement

Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees Meeting | September 2025

Article Summary
The Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees formally recognized seven long-serving employees who are retiring, including Dr. Robert “Bob” Marcink, a 28-year veteran and former faculty union president. The retirees represent a combined wealth of institutional knowledge from various departments, including academic affairs, student accounts, and campus police.

JJC Retirements Key Points:

• Seven employees were recognized for their service: Martha Bonne Demuth, Dennis Doyle, Michelle Eklund, Audrey Finkel, Debra Gaskin, Bob Marcink, and Jean Smith.

• Dr. Bob Marcink, who served 18 years as faculty union president, was among those honored.

• Jean Smith, communications supervisor for the campus police, retired after more than 33 years of service.

• Two of the retirees, Marcink and Debra Gaskin, gave brief remarks thanking the college community.

JOLIET, Il. – Seven dedicated employees with decades of collective service were honored by the Joliet Junior College (JJC) Board of Trustees on September 10 as they embark on their retirements.

The board celebrated the careers of Martha Bonne Demuth, Dennis Doyle, Michelle Eklund, Audrey Finkel, Debra Gaskin, Bob Marcink, and Jean Smith.

Among the most noted retirees was Dr. Bob Marcink, who served the college for 28 years. Beyond teaching journalism and film, Dr. Marcink was a powerful advocate for his colleagues, serving on the faculty union board since 2003 and as its president for 18 years.

“There is no award big enough to encapsulate all that Bob has meant to the JJC community,” said Dr. Amy Gray, who read his recognition. Marcink addressed the board, thanking the staff and administration. “When I leave here tonight it’s not a goodbye to JJC. I will be part hopefully of the JJC community for a long, long time,” he said.

Jean Smith, communications supervisor for the JJC Police Department, was recognized for over 33 years of service. Starting as a student worker at 18, she was instrumental in modernizing the department, from establishing the dispatch training program to implementing digital reporting systems. “Her leadership and her technical expertise has been vital to our department success,” said Police Chief Brandon Campbell.

Debra Gaskin, who served nearly 19 years as faculty and coordinator for the Health Information Technology program, also gave emotional remarks. “I’ve loved working here and this is part of my family,” she said.