College of DuPage Celebrates 45th Commencement

College of DuPage Outstanding Graduates Alexa Alianello of Darien and Chandrika Gopal of Naperville encouraged their classmates to continue pushing themselves during the College's 45th annual Commencement.

Alianello earned her Associate in Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene. She told her fellow graduates that they need to market themselves and take advantage of every opportunity offered to them.

"We are here today as we close one door and open another, creating a new journey that each and every one of us will embark on," she said during the May 11 event. "Make every outcome a positive learning experience."

Gopal, the mother of two, earned her Associate in Applied Science degree in Respiratory Care. She spoke about the diversity on campus and how it enhances the learning environment.

"I have classmates who are from the Facebook Generation as well as from the Baby Boomer Generation," she said. "We are like crayons in a box, all different colors and shapes. But we all come together in harmony to make a beautiful picture."

David Carlin, chairman of the College's Board of Trustees, told the graduates to never forget the resources that will always be available to them.

"Your hard-earned degree is not an end but rather a beginning to your commitment to lifelong learning," he said. "As you proceed with your future careers, we hope you continue to take advantage of the many resources available to the residents of our district."