College of DuPage Foundation & College of DuPage Alumni Engagement

06/07/2026

Mykal is working toward earning HVAC certifications at COD. When he was younger, he took apart TVs and Xbox 360s just to see how they worked, fixed them, and then put them back together. He comes from a small family where not many have had the chance to pursue education.

Through an informal apprenticeship, Mykal has gained on hands-on experience, deepened his understanding of the field, and connect with people in the industry to build valuable relationships for future jobs.

Mykal's future is possible because of scholarship donors like you. Thank you!

06/06/2026

ALUMNI STORIES: We love seeing where our Chaparral alumni take their talents! Brandi Slavich is currently forecasting the weather and reporting the stories that matter as a Weekend Meteorologist and Multi-Media Journalist at The Delta News.

Brandi’s journey started at College of DuPage, where she excelled, earning an Associate of Science, an Associate of Arts, and a Weather Hazards and Preparedness Certificate. She later took that strong foundation to Northern Illinois University to complete her B.S. in Meteorology.

Check out her story: https://lnkd.in/gVt5TrBF

06/05/2026

From accounting and anatomy to pipe welding and applied forensics, students at College of DuPage started their summer classes strong this week!

But for too many students, the path forward extends beyond exams and assignments. They are balancing jobs, caring for family members, and navigating challenges such as food insecurity, housing instability, and unexpected financial emergencies - any of which could interrupt their education.

Thank you for being part of a student's success story.

06/04/2026

ALUMNI STORIES: At just 16 years old, Asma Ajmeri began her journey at College of DuPage while balancing studies at a private religious college. Through hard work, faith and determination, she graduated with highest honors and was named an Outstanding Graduate finalist.

What started as a passion for baking during the pandemic has grown into a dream of opening a bakery that brings joy and connection to the community. Along the way, Asma discovered something just as important - confidence in her own abilities.

Read more about Asma’s inspiring journey ⬇️

Asma Ajmeri learned how to turn her passion into a career and build confidence enough to transfer and pursue a bachelor’s degree in business.

06/03/2026

Last month, the College of DuPage celebrated an incredibly special milestone: the Spring 2026 Nursing Pinning Ceremony! 🏥💚

The pinning ceremony is a time-honored tradition that marks the transition from student to professional nurse. We could not be prouder of these amazing graduates as they prepare to step onto the frontlines of healthcare.

Congrats to these newest alumni!

👇 Watch the full Spring 2026 Recap video here:

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

06/02/2026

The first three Library Student Research symposiums were funded by the Foundation through the Resource For Excellence Grant program!

Thanks to donors like you, this thriving program is now in its 8th year. Congrats to the winners!

Congratulations to the students recognized at the 8th Annual College of DuPage Library Student Research Symposium! 🎉

Students presented research projects from across the academic year, with awards recognizing outstanding work in topics ranging from immigration reform and medical malpractice to big data and prehistoric disease research.

🥇First place: Eddie Contreras
🥈Second place: Taryn Prater
🥉Third place: Ana Paula Andrada
🏆 Original Research Award: Tim Gaumer

05/31/2026

Every COD student has their "why."

Why they've changed careers mid-life.

Why they are the first of their family to go to college.

Why they need a new begining.

Why they want to be a teacher, a dental hygienist, or a fashion designer.

We love when those "why's" are displayed loud and proud on graduation caps.

Congrats again to the class of 2026, and thank you to every Foundation donor who helped hundreds of COD students finish what they started!

05/29/2026

Congrats to 2026 Outstanding Graduate Angel Sanchez! Each year, a committee of faculty, staff, and administrators chooses two Outstanding Graduates, sponsored by the Foundation.

His advice for any adult fearful of college: “Do it scared,” he said. “Starting over is not failure; it shows courage.”

Read more in the comments!

05/29/2026

🎓 What a day to remember! College of DuPage celebrated its 59th Annual Commencement on May 22, honoring the achievements of graduates across the College during two ceremonies at the PEC Arena.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! 🎉 Browse the photo album and relive the celebration.

COD celebrated its 59th annual commencement on May 22. Graduates gathered at the PEC Arena for two ceremonies to recognize academic achievements across the College and hear from this year's outstanding graduates. This year’s speakers, Austin Kloska and Angel Sanchez, emphasized the value of their ...

05/28/2026

Congratulations to Austin Kloska and Angel Sanchez, named the 2026 Outstanding Graduates at College of DuPage!

From a passion for storytelling and theater to a drive to protect organizations from cyber threats, Austin and Angel have each turned their experiences at COD into inspiring paths forward.

We also celebrate Outstanding Graduate finalists Asma Ajmeri, Justina Rodriguez Carrozzo, Kalin Daniel, Ana Garcia Medina, Matthew Sioson and Cynthia Zuniga for their incredible achievements.

Read more about their inspiring journeys and what’s next for these outstanding Chaparrals:

Austin Kloska of Warrenville and Angel Sanchez of Bellwood are the 2026 Outstanding Graduates, with Asma Ajmeri, Justina Rodriguez Carrozzo, Kalin Daniel, Ana Garcia Medina, Matthew Sioson and Cynthia Zuniga as finalists.