College of DuPage Celebrates 50 Years of Changing Lives

Continuing its year-long celebration of its 50th anniversary, College of DuPage officials recently held a reunion at Plymouth Place retirement community in La Grange with former COD staff, faculty and key community members in the College's formation.

President Dr. Ann Rondeau, COD Foundation, Multimedia and Community Relations staff reminisced during their visit, sharing stories and photos of the College with residents. Click here for more images from the event.

Chartered in 1965 and opening its doors in 1967, College of DuPage originally formed from 10 high school districts. Since that time, it has evolved and grown into a modern, state-of-the-art institution that has provided high-quality instruction to more than one million students over the past 50 years.

Today, College of DuPage is an accredited community college that serves more than 29,000 students each term. The College, which grants nine associate degrees and more than 170 certificates in 100 areas of study, is the second largest provider of public undergraduate education in Illinois.

To celebrate its 50th anniversary and its continued service to the residents of District 502, greater DuPage County and beyond, the College will host several on- and off-campus events to highlight the institution's robust history and continued service to students and District 502 residents over the past half-century, beginning with a free concert by "Chicago" tribute band Brass Transit at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, at the Lakeside Pavilion on the Glen Ellyn campus, 425 Fawell Blvd. The concert, which includes fireworks and giveaways.

Featured events throughout the upcoming year include the COD Food Truck Rally and Sunset 5K on Sept. 17 and a Homecoming Reunion and Homecoming Game Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, respectively.

The College also will sponsor traveling history exhibits throughout District 502, participate in local parades, host alumni lectures and host "pack the place" throwback events at Chaparral basketball games. Click here for a list of all 50th anniversary festivities. A full list of campus events can be found on the College's events calendar.

In addition, the College is celebrating the McAninch Arts Center's 30th anniversary, WDCB's 40th anniversary, and the COD Foundation's 50th anniversary.

Pictured: College of DuPage President Dr. Ann Rondeau shares her thoughts on the College's future while visiting with residents at Plymouth Place retirement community in La Grange. The facility houses a large number of former COD faculty and staff as well as community members who worked toward the goal of transforming COD from a junior college at Lyons Township High School to a community college serving the greater DuPage County area.