College of DuPage Celebrates Founders' Day, Closes Out 50th Anniversary Celebration

College of DuPage President Dr. Ann Rondeau rings the ceremonial bell during a Founders' Day ceremony that marked the end of the yearlong celebration of COD's 50th Anniversary.

The event, which was attended by school officials, donors, former employees and key figures in the College's history, was held Sept. 28 at the Glen Ellyn campus, 425 Fawell Blvd. View more photos from the event.

A total of 50 guests participated in the ceremony, each ringing the bell once for every year in College of DuPage's history. Dr. Rondeau rang the bell a 51st time, signifying the accomplishments to come during the next half century.

"This ceremony marks our history, but we must also look forward to the extraordinary things we'll do over the next 50 years," Dr. Rondeau said. "I am delighted to celebrate what we were and what we will become."

Earlier in the week, the College held a Founders' Day celebration for students, featuring treats, giveaways and an employee vs. student trivia contest. Click here to view photos.

Chartered in 1965 and opening its doors on Sept. 25, 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. (Press Photography Network/Special to College of DuPage)

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