Bronze Chaparral Statue Welcomes All to College of DuPage

An eight-foot tall Chaparral statue by sculptor Matthew Placzek at the new College of DuPage “front door” welcomes visitor. Located near the College of DuPage Student Services Center entrance, the bronze sculpture of the College’s mascot reflects the institution’s history. When the school opened in 1967, classes were held in office trailers and at 40 leased suburban sites throughout the newly formed Community College District 502. Driving from class to class, the 2,621 students and 87 full-time faculty and staff became affectionately known as road-runners, leading to the nickname “Chaparrals.” The permanent Chaparral statue was funded with help from the Student Leadership Council Click here for more photos. Click here for a recent video featuring the statue. (Press Photography Network/ Special to College of DuPage)