College of DuPage Celebrates 49th Commencement

College of DuPage Outstanding Graduates Dianne Hlinsky of Downers Grove and Ana Pliego of Wheaton addressed more than 630 of their fellow graduates during the 49th annual Commencement ceremony and spoke about the powerful influences of COD.

Click here for photos from the event. Check out #codgrad for contributions made by students during the ceremony.

Hlinsky, who earned an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Graphic Design, discussed her road to her degree and encouraged fellow graduates to feel pride in their achievements.

"Be proud of your accomplishments and your newest label: College of DuPage graduate."

Pliego graduated with her Associate in Arts Degree and will transfer to Elmhurst College.

"Whatever the story may be, having COD in common makes our stories great, and those stories are what make COD the amazing school it is," she said. "I want to encourage you all to leave fears and limitations and reservations behind. Make mistakes. Let's throw out our highly organized day planners, or at least put it away once in a while and let our path take its course."

Deanne Mazzochi, Chairman of the College's Board of Trustees, applauded the unique paths that led the graduates to COD.

"We're glad the College provides an opportunity to customize your education to match your hopes, your desires and your dreams," Chairman Mazzochi said. "We are so thrilled that tonight we can be here with your family and friends and the greater college community to celebrate your hard work and achievement, and to call you COD graduates."

For more information about College of DuPage, visit www.cod.edu.