COD hosts Veterans Day celebration Nov. 11

College of DuPage will host a Veterans Day Celebration beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11, on the Glen Ellyn campus, 425 Fawell Blvd.

All events are free and open to the public and take place in the new Student Services Center, unless otherwise noted.

The day's events include a flag-raising and student music at 8 a.m. at the College's Homeland Security Education Center.; a read-in from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; a hot dog lunch provided by Student Life; a Color Guard presentation and open house in the newly opened Veteran's Lounge at 2 p.m.; and movies, refreshments and games at 5 p.m.

G.I. Jobs, a veteran-owned publication focusing on post-military education and employment, recently named COD to its list of Military Friendly Schools for the third consecutive year. Only 20 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools nationwide receive this designation.

The College recognizes a number of tuition-based veteran education bills, including the Montgomery G.I. Bill for Active Duty, Survivors and Dependent Educational Assistance Program, and the Reserve Educational Assistance Program.

The College also accepts the recently-enacted Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, which provides a maximum benefit of free tuition, a monthly housing allowance and a yearly book and supply stipend of up to $1,000 for qualifying veterans.

This fall, the College launched a Veterans Counseling certificate and degree program. The federally-supported program is available to professional-level counselors, College faculty and qualified nationwide online students to provide assistance to returning veterans as they transition back to civilian life. In addition, the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs established an office at the College's Glen Ellyn campus to provide information about academic and general provisions for veterans.

For more information, call the College's Veterans Services Office at (630) 942-2444.