Donation to COD's Spanish Immersion Program honors legacy of study abroad supporter

Dolores Florio's recent generous donation to the College of DuPage Foundation memorializes her sister, Margaret, and will help ensure future students have the ability to explore international education opportunities at the Glen Ellyn-based college.

Finalized last month, Dolores Florio's $500,000 gift enables COD's Study Abroad/Global Education program to expand student resources, host visiting scholars and provide scholarships to international students, who otherwise are unable to attend the college.

It also honors the memory of her sister - a College of DuPage international education pioneer in her own right.

Margaret, a longtime COD employee who passed away in 2020, helped launch the college's Spanish immersion program and was deeply involved in international education at the college.

"The fact that this gift was given to us from someone who was part of the first faculty at College of DuPage, someone that I had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with, means so much to me personally and professionally," said Manager of Experiential Learning Maren McKellin. "I'm inspired and motivated to do my part in moving global education forward in a way that honors this generous gift."