College of DuPage celebrates 50th commencement
College of DuPage Distinguished Alumna Dr. Kim L. Armour told graduates during the 50th annual commencement ceremony to pause, ponder and then continue moving forward.
"You may learn, as I did, that I am often the biggest barrier to myself, so consider opening yourself to the possibilities awaiting you," said Armour, who graduated from College of DuPage in 1984 with her Associate Degree in Nursing. "Is that a risk or an opportunity? I encourage and implore you to step up and in. Life is waiting for you and as you look for the next journey, walk through the door. If you get on the other side of the door and it's not what you thought, pause and ask yourself, 'What did I learn?' There is always something to learn, and then look for the next door."
Armour is the director of women's obstetrics and neonatal health at Prentice Women's Hospital of Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, where she leads an interdisciplinary team to care for 12,000 deliveries annually. She holds certification as a nurse practitioner in women's health care and perinatology, as well as a nurse executive-advanced and is a registered diagnostic medical sonographer.
Armour addressed more than 500 graduates during the commencement ceremony on May 19, including the 2017 Outstanding Graduates, Safia Khan and Renee Mecklenburg, both of Lombard. Visit the college's Flickr.com page for more photos from the event.
College of DuPage President Dr. Ann Rondeau recognized the individual journeys that brought the graduates together.
"The sea of green that identifies you is a symbol of connection - connection to the learning environment and experience here at College of DuPage," she said. "At the bottom of those green robes, though, is a variety and diversity of shoes in which you all walk toward your individual journeys. Whether in oxfords, heels, wingtips, athletic shoes or high-tops, the steps you take are yours. You are all individuals, with your own life stories. Everyone - each of you - has a story. It is a story that includes stepping forward.
"When you walked into College of DuPage, you indeed took a step forward in your life journey. Even more than a gateway to success, your learning here has intent and meaning: the intent to engage in the ennobling act of learning and growing and ensuring that you - each of you and us - has meaning. As one of our students said to me the other day, 'I have discovered here that I have a voice, that I matter and that I am somebody!' What a privilege it is to be a part of your personal journey."
Deanne Mazzochi, chairman of the college's board of trustees, thanked the graduates for choosing College of DuPage as they move forward.
"You are part of the 50th graduating class. Over 1 million students have passed through this campus and into the larger world. And tonight, you will officially be joining them," she said. "These million made their mark in this community and well beyond, and they too will support you. They too will cherish your success because you have all shared in this very special place. So think of your next step forward as one that includes the backing and support of over a million community friends. That's a pretty powerful force moving forward.
"Be open to that remarkable community to support you on your path, to help you build your life and ultimately to lead your family. And soon enough, you will have the chance to pay that experience forward to someone just like you."
College of DuPage is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Serving approximately 28,000 students each term, College of DuPage is the largest public community college in the state of Illinois. The college grants nine associate degrees and offers more than 170 career and technical certificates in over 50 areas of study. For more information, visit www.cod.edu.