COD's Veterans Week honors those who serve
In honor of Veterans Day, students, staff, faculty and friends of College of DuPage are invited to participate in a weeklong celebration to thank and honor all who have served this country and preserved its freedom.
The college has expanded this year's Veterans Day celebration to a week of programming with the intention to educate and raise awareness of the COD military experience and community.
"For nearly 50 years, College of DuPage has provided educational resources to veterans, members of the armed forces and their families," said Jose Alferez, manager of Veterans Student Services.
"Recognized seven years consecutively as a Military Friendly School by GI Jobs Magazine, College of DuPage and the Veterans Student Services office serve more than 650 student veterans and their dependents every semester.
"College of DuPage is dedicated to cultivating a positive educational experience for veteran students and welcomes these heroes to its campus."
Veterans Week begins Monday, Nov. 7, with College of DuPage Student Affairs staff placing yellow ribbons along the campus perimeter and throughout the campus to signal a thankful nation and to remember all who have served honorably in wartime and peacetime.
The Wings Student Art Gallery will present a Veterans Art Exhibit with an opening reception Thursday, Nov. 10, with student veteran art on display through Friday, Dec. 16. Follett's Bookstore and College of DuPage Library pay tribute to veterans with displays of reference books, media and resources related to veterans.
In addition, Veterans Services will host a Military Film Series with four films that examine the military experience and illuminate issues affecting active servicemen and -women, as well as America's veterans.
In recognition of Veterans Day, College of DuPage's 10th annual Veterans Day Read-In will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, in the Student Services Center, Room 2201, at the college's main campus, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn.
The Veterans Day Read-In will feature short presentations by volunteers who will read excerpts from their favorite texts from war and military literature, including poems, short stories, essays, memoirs, public or private letters. In addition, participants will share personal stories, memories and photos to honor veterans who have impacted their lives.
The College of DuPage Veterans Day series on Nov. 11 will feature activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that include a patriotic medley performed by music students, a presentation of the national anthem, a Colors Ceremony led by the East Aurora NJROTC and a COD Veterans Employee Recognition in addition to the Veterans Day Read-In.
Five local veteran organizations - the Chicago Lighthouse, Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans, Operation Supply Drop, Operation Support Our Troops-America and College of DuPage Veterans Association - will highlight their services and outreach initiatives.
In addition, an Armed Forces Exhibition featuring uniforms and regalia from all branches of the military will be on display. A five-day service initiative will take place over the week to collect gaming equipment for Operation Supply Drop, a support organization that delivers video game care packages to deployed service members, military hospitals, warrior transition battalions, Morale, Welfare and Recreation Centers, troop Christmas parties, as well as veteran programming that addresses mental health, housing and employment. Gaming donations should be directed to Veterans Services, Student Services Center 2225.
All events are free. For information about the Veterans Day events at COD or Veterans Services, visit cod.edu/admission/Veterans or call (630) 942-3814.