Albert “A.J.” Knopf New Student Trustee

Albert “A.J.” Knopf of West Chicago will represent the student perspective as the new Student Trustee at College of DuPage.

Sworn in at the April 24 Board of Trustees meeting,

Knopf is finishing up his general education requirements and has applied to COD's Nursing program. He was elected by his peers this spring and will serve through April 2014.

Knopf's service as treasurer on the Student Leadership Council gave him the confidence to run for Student Trustee.

“I have better in-depth knowledge of what's happening on campus,” he said. “Through my work with the SLC, I realized how far I could go at College of DuPage, and Student Trustee was the next level.”

Originally from Ionia, Mich., Knopf moved to the Chicago area to study fashion at Columbia College. Unfortunately, he determined that the unreliable nature of the fashion industry could make a career difficult, so he decided to switch to something more stable. After transferring to another college, Knopf was introduced to College of DuPage.

“From the moment I stepped on campus, I knew it had a lot to offer,” he said.

Knopf plans to obtain his nursing degree and then take advantage of the College's 3+1 RN to BSN program with Benedictine University. He would like to work in pediatric oncology, as he grew up with a brother who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

“He's been in remission for eight years,” Knopf said. “I know the amount of energy needed to work in this field.”

Before being sworn in, Knopf received plenty of insight and tips from his best friend Olivia Martin, who is the outgoing Student Trustee.

“I'm a people person and know how to express myself,” he said. “I can say what's best for students and what's best for the long-term without being biased. College of DuPage has helped make me a better leader, and it's given me the confidence level to achieve my goals. I've come out of my shell in so many ways.”