Richard Ward returned to College of DuPage to finish the degree he had started seven years earlier.

“I had to prove to myself that I was finally capable of it and then use my associate degree to transfer to continue my education,” he said. “I also wanted to learn more about a subject I had long been interested in: geography and, specifically, mapping.”

His interest developed years ago, as he always loved maps and globes. But Ward never realized it could lead to a career, and his focus was elsewhere. Growing up, he loved being a Boy Scout and spending time outdoors. He also would attend his autistic brother's Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association meetings and help the special needs students at school.

From the first class, I realized it was what I wanted to do as a career.

Richard Ward

He also became a black belt in karate and enjoyed being a member of the build team for Addison Trail High School’s theater program.

Unfortunately, the stress of dealing with a difficult family situation resulted in Ward dropping out of COD. He worked for two companies after high school but ultimately felt unfulfilled. Years later, as a sales coordinator for a company in Lombard, he earned enough money to think about returning to school.

“Being dissatisfied with the trajectory of my career and depressed over that fact is what made me decide to attend COD,” he said. “I had wondered for years what it took to make maps in the modern day with our current technology. A friend I told about my interest recommended I try the GIS (geographic information systems) program at COD. From the first class, I realized it was what I wanted to do as a career. The possibilities are endless for mapping the modern world with the flexibility of the software and the power of modern computers.

“One moment that stood out that most was when we made a heat map of crime in the city using only census data from the county government. The map we made that day would have taken weeks if not months of work before modern computers, but we did it in only an hour, and that amazed me.”

During his time on campus, Ward was the vice president of the Anime and Cosplay Club, where he helped to lead activities, give presentations and manage club funds.

In earning his degree, Ward was named one of the College’s outstanding graduate finalists. His ultimate educational goal is to have a master’s degree in urban planning with an emphasis on green development. He would love to work as an urban planner, helping to prepare towns and cities for the future.

As for his time at COD, he strongly encourages others to enroll.

“I would tell students considering the Geography program to jump on it already! Don't wait like I did,” he said. “I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at COD. I was surprised at the quality of the school as well as the faculty and staff.”

Learn more about the Geography program at College of DuPage