21 As quarters clinked down into a vending machine on stage, Joliet Junior College President Clyne G. H. Namuo, Ph.D. told faculty and staff a story about his parents’ time at the University of Hawaii. The word “mo’olelo,” Hawaiian for story, appeared on large projection screens in the Event Center for the third time this school year. The final time was in January during convocation where Namuo officially announced the initiative named Roots and Branches. “It’s a project that’s going to illuminate JJC’s growth, resilience, seasons and sustenance through the stories of people, the stories of all of you,” Namuo said to the faculty, staff and trustees. “A project to collect, to curate, highlight what JJC means to you. To be called upon to share your authentic story to inspire others.” During his first few months as president, Namuo traveled District 525 and heard many stories, “wanting to record them, capture them, bottle them, share them to inspire our current students, inspire our cabinet, serve as a source of inspiration for generations to follow.” Like the roots and branches of a tree, our stories make up the foundation of the first public community college in the U.S. They connect us to one another as students, employees, alumni, trustees and community members. “Stories are humankind’s primary means of teaching and learning,” said Rowena Alegría, chief storyteller, founder and director of the Denver Office of Storytelling. “They help us make sense of a confusing world and bring order to complicated situations, often in an entertaining manner. Sharing stories can build community, allowing us to get to know our neighbors, maybe even see ourselves in them.” mo’olelo “It’s a project that’s going to illuminate JJC’s growth, resilience, seasons and sustenance through the stories of people, the stories of all of you.” – Clyne G. H. Namuo ROOTS & BRANCHES JJC CONNECTIONS | SPRING 2023 To begin sharing your story, scan the QR code or visit: go.jjc.edu/roots-and-branches By Amanda Wijangco
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