COD hosts Addison/Bensenville Community Night

College of DuPage hosted a Community Night dinner for more than 90 business, educational and governmental leaders from Addison and Bensenville on Thursday, Nov. 10. The event was held for the first time in the new Waterleaf fine dining restaurant in the College's Culinary & Hospitality Center.

Click here for photos from this event.

Attendees included Addison Mayor Larry Hartwig, Bensenville Village President Frank Soto, COD Board Chairman David Carlin and Trustees Dianne McGuire, Kim Savage and Nancy Svoboda.

“This evening has been a great opportunity for us to learn about our community college,” said Mayor Hartwig. “We are extremely proud to have a satellite campus in Addison. We understand how fantastic College of DuPage is – it's vital that we continue to spread the word about this hidden gem in DuPage County.”

Village President Soto, who is a College of DuPage alum, said the need for community colleges has never been greater.

“The reality today is that a college education costs more than most students can afford. College of DuPage provides opportunities for students to attain a higher level of education than they ever thought possible, including me,” Soto said. “This school was the gateway that prepared me for my future endeavors. Students can study or train here and then walk away with a great education and little or no debt.”

College of DuPage President Robert L. Breuder noted that within two years of their 2010 graduation, more than 40 percent of students from Addison Trail High School and Fenton High School attended COD.

“Students find out quickly enough that we are as good as – or even better – than most four-year colleges and universities,” Dr. Breuder said. “Students who come here receive an incredibly valuable education that serves them well in their future studies or in the workplace.”

President Breuder closed the evening with thanks to the evening's participants, who took time to share their visions for College of DuPage.

“We will use your input from this evening to assist with future programming and services for your communities and the rest of the million residents we serve in District 502,” Dr. Breuder said. “This institution was created by you – our residents – to benefit you. We are committed to providing training and programs that mirror the movement of the workplace and the needs of our community members.”

For more information, call (630) 942-2454.