College of DuPage Hosts Week-long Veterans Day Celebration
Veterans Services invites students, staff, faculty and friends of College of DuPage to participate in a week-long celebration to thank and honor all who have served this country and preserved its freedom. College of DuPage is committed to serving student veterans and the veteran community and proudly expanded this year's Veterans Day celebration to a week of programming with the intention to educate and raise awareness of the COD military experience and community.
"For nearly 50 years, College of DuPage has provided educational resources to veterans, members of the armed forces and their families," said Manager of Veterans Student Services, Jose Alferez. "Recognized seven years consecutively as a 'Military Friendly School' by GI Jobs Magazine, College of DuPage and the Veterans Student Services office serve more than 650 student veterans and their dependents every semester. College of DuPage is dedicated to cultivating a positive educational experience for veteran students and welcomes these heroes to its campus."
Veterans Week begins Monday, Nov. 7, with College of DuPage Student Affairs staff placing yellow ribbons along the campus perimeter and throughout the campus to signal a thankful nation and to remember all who have served honorably in wartime and peacetime.
The Wings Student Art Gallery will present a Veterans Art Exhibit with an opening reception on Nov. 10 with student veteran art on display through Dec. 16. Follett's Bookstore and College of DuPage Library pay tribute to veterans with inspired displays of reference books, media and resources related to veterans.
In addition, Veterans Services will host a Military Film Series comprised of four unique films that examine the military experience and illuminate trending issues impacting active service men and women as well as America's veterans. Veterans Services has partnered with Operation Supply Drop to conduct a gaming collection drive that will benefit deployed and hospitalized troops. The student Game Development Club and Veterans Association will be assisting in this effort by conducting gaming kiosks to bring attention to the five-day collection drive.
In recognition of Veterans Day, College of DuPage will host its Tenth Annual Veterans Day Read-In from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11, in the Student Services Center (SSC), Room 2201, at the College's main campus, 425 Fawell Blvd., in Glen Ellyn. The Veterans Day Read-In will feature short presentation by volunteer who will read excerpts from their favorite texts from war and military literature, including poems, short stories, essays, memoirs, public or private letters. In addition, participants will share personal stories, memories and photos to honor veterans who have impacted their lives. To participate in the Veterans Day Read-In or for additional information, please email English Professor Bob Hazard at hazard@cod.edu by Friday, Nov. 4.
The College of DuPage Veterans Day series on Nov. 11 will feature a half-day of activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., including a patriotic medley performed by music students, a presentation of the National Anthem, a Colors Ceremony led by the East Aurora NJROTC and a COD Veterans Employee Recognition followed by the College of DuPage Tenth Annual Veterans Day Read-In.
Five local veteran organizations, including The Chicago Lighthouse, Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans, Operation Supply Drop, Operation Support our Troops - America and College of DuPage Veterans Association will highlight their unique services and outreach initiatives.
In addition, an Armed Forces Exhibition featuring uniforms and regalia from all branches of the military will be on display. A five-day service initiative will also take place over the week to collect gaming equipment for Operation Supply Drop - OSD, a generationally relevant and vibrant support organization that delivers video game care packages to deployed service members, military hospitals, warrior transition battalions, MWR Centers (Morale, Welfare and Recreation), troop Christmas parties, as well as veteran programming that addresses mental health, housing and employment. Click here for information on OSD. Gaming donations should be directed to Veterans Services, SSC 2225.
Click here to view a complete schedule of College of DuPage Veterans Day and Veterans Week events.
All events are free and open to the public. For more information about the Veterans Day week-long celebration at College of DuPage or Veterans Services please visit www.cod.edu/admission/Veterans or call (630) 942-3814.