College of DuPage Officials, Students Brave the Weather for a Great Time at the Naperville St. Patrick's Day Parade

College of DuPage officials, students and staff enjoyed themselves, ignoring the chilly temperatures, at the West Suburban Irish's 24th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade March 12. COD's parade crew, led by (pictured, from left) COD Board Vice Chairman David Olsen, Chairman Deanne Mazzochi and Board Secretary Frank Napolitano, was joined by was one of more than 100 participants along the downtown Naperville route.

Click here for more photos from the event.

Chaparral revelers, including representatives from the McAninch Arts Center and WDCB 90.9 FM, greeted parade goers with candy and other giveaways as part of the College's ongoing 50th anniversary year. Chartered in 1965 and opening its doors in 1967, College of DuPage was 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 28,000 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 is hosting 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.

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. (Press Photography Network/Special to College of DuPage)