COD Hosts Downers Grove-Westmont Community Night

Downers Grove Mayor Martin Tully

By Robyn Johnson

"Wow" was the collective reaction from guests attending the College of DuPage Downers Grove/Westmont Community Night hosted at COD's Waterleaf restaurant Dec. 5.

More than 65 corporate, educational and governmental leaders from these communities joined representatives from the College for this event. Featured guests included Downers Grove Mayor Martin Tully, Westmont Village Manager Ronald Searl, COD President Dr. Robert L. Breuder, COD Board Chairman David Carlin, and Trustees Dianne McGuire, Kim Savage, Nancy Svoboda and Joe Wozniak.

Click here for photos from this event.

"We are extremely impressed with the huge transformation this College has undergone both through its physical campus and educational resources," Mayor Martin Tully said. "College of DuPage is an essential, critical anchor that brings economic development and high-quality education to DuPage County. Having an asset like College of DuPage in our own back yard truly drives the vibrancy and success of our community."

Likewise, Westmont Village Manager Ronald Searl commended the College for its role in serving the educational needs of area residents.

"Coming from a family of teachers, I truly value the relationship Westmont has had with the College, including the COD Westmont Center that has served our community for 20-plus years," Searl said. "As a product of community college education myself, I am truly impressed with the College's ability to grow and change to meet the training, workforce and educational needs of our citizens."

College of DuPage President Robert L. Breuder noted that one-third of high school graduates from Downers Grove and Westmont attend College of DuPage, with that number reaching 50 percent within the first two years after graduation.

"Students find out quickly enough that we are as good as it gets in terms of higher education. Our physical plant and academic offerings rival two- and four-year schools in Illinois and across the country," Dr. Breuder said. "It's important to note that our success comes from you. We have a symbiotic relationship with the 48 communities that represent District 502 - this College continues to flourish and grow because of support from our residents."

President Breuder closed the evening with thanks to the evening's participants, who took time to share their vision for College of DuPage.

"We will use the input from tonight's dinner to assist with future programming and services for your communities and the rest of the million residents we serve," Dr. Breuder said. "With your continued support, we will continue to meet and exceed your expectations."