The College of DuPage (COD), located in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, has a rich history of producing successful graduates who make meaningful contributions across various fields. As one of the largest community colleges in the United States, serving over 30,000 students annually, COD serves as a vital stepping stone for many pursuing higher education and careers. While community colleges like COD may not boast the same roster of globally recognized celebrities as four-year universities, its Glen Ellyn campus has nurtured talent that excels in entertainment, public service, and professional arenas, demonstrating the institution's impact on local and regional success stories.
One standout in entertainment is Jim Peterik, a Grammy-winning songwriter and musician who attended COD in the early 1960s. Peterik founded the rock band Survivor and co-wrote the iconic hit "Eye of the Tiger" for the Rocky III soundtrack, which earned an Oscar nomination and topped charts worldwide. His achievements highlight how COD's music programs provide foundational training for creative professionals. For more on such figures, check the entertainment figures list.
In public service and leadership, Vice Admiral Robert L. Carey stands out. A COD alumnus, Carey rose to high ranks in the U.S. Navy, serving as the 56th Chief of Chaplains and influencing military spiritual support systems. COD's emphasis on associate degrees and transfer programs enables students to build credentials for advanced roles, with over 80% of graduates transferring to four-year institutions like those in the Illinois area.
Other notable alumni include comedian Joe O'Connell, known for his stand-up and television appearances, showcasing COD's support for performing arts. The college's athletics programs have also produced NJCAA champions, contributing to sports figures who advance to professional levels. These examples underscore the importance of community colleges in democratizing education—affordable access leads to diverse career paths, from arts to leadership. For job seekers eyeing COD pathways, explore higher ed jobs or community college jobs nearby. Students can rate professors at Rate My Professor for insights into COD faculty.
COD's alumni network, detailed on their official alumni page, boasts thousands in business, healthcare, and education, with many crediting the college's practical training. This success implies strong ROI for novices starting at community colleges, especially in competitive fields. Visit Rate My Professor for College of DuPage to learn from peers, or check higher ed career advice for transfer tips. With campuses in Glen Ellyn, COD alumni exemplify resilience and achievement.
Overall, College of DuPage notable alumni reflect the power of accessible education, inspiring prospective students and job seekers worldwide to consider community colleges for real-world breakthroughs.
College of DuPage (COD) notable alumni have made their mark primarily in sports and local politics, showcasing the strong foundation provided by this community college in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. While COD hasn't produced U.S. presidents, Hollywood actors, or billionaires like some elite universities, its famous graduates from College of DuPage excel in athletics and leadership roles, inspiring students considering transfer paths or careers. Explore higher ed jobs in the area or Glen Ellyn academic jobs to see opportunities near COD. For faculty insights, check rate my professor reviews for College of DuPage courses.
COD's athletic programs have launched several professional athletes, with entertaining tales of grit and glory on national stages. See detailed sports figures list below.
Local leaders from COD have shaped Illinois governance. View politics alumni.
Learn more about COD alumni achievements on the official alumni page or Wikipedia. Aspiring leaders can find higher ed career advice and professor ratings via rate my professor for College of DuPage. With over 30,000 students annually, COD connects to community college jobs and transfers to top universities.
Discovering the stories behind College of DuPage notable alumni reveals a tapestry of inspiring achievements that highlight the power of community college education. Located in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, College of DuPage (COD) has launched careers across entertainment, sports, and public service, proving that big dreams start with accessible learning. For students eyeing transfer paths or job seekers exploring higher ed jobs nearby, these tales offer motivation.
Take Jim Peterik, a COD graduate from the early 1960s, who skyrocketed to fame as the founder of the rock band Survivor. His hit 'Eye of the Tiger,' the iconic theme from Rocky III, earned Grammy nominations and topped charts worldwide. Peterik's journey began honing his musical talents at COD, where he built the foundation for a career writing for legends like .38 Special and The Beach Boys. It's a reminder that creativity thrives in unexpected places – check professors who nurture it on Rate My Professor for College of DuPage.
In sports, Paul Konerko shines as a standout notable alumni from College of DuPage. Starting his baseball career at COD in 1994-95, he transferred to the University of Illinois before becoming a Chicago White Sox legend. Konerko, a six-time All-Star and the 2005 World Series MVP, hit 439 home runs over 16 seasons, captaining the team to victory. His story underscores COD's role in athletic development; explore more in the sports figures list. Local fans still celebrate his contributions, much like opportunities in Glen Ellyn academic jobs.
Politics boasts Robert Martwick, a COD alum serving as Illinois State Senator since 2019. Advocating for education and labor, he embodies civic leadership rooted at COD. These famous graduates of College of DuPage show diverse paths, from stages to stadiums to statehouses. With over 30,000 students annually, COD's alumni network fuels regional success, as seen in transfers to top universities and careers via higher ed career advice. Visit the College of DuPage notable alumni page or Wikipedia for more verified insights. Whether chasing fame or stability, COD alumni prove community colleges launch extraordinary lives (248 words).
College of DuPage (COD) notable alumni have made significant impacts in their communities and professions, often starting from this accessible community college in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. As a public community college serving over 20,000 students annually, COD emphasizes practical skills, transfer pathways to four-year universities, and real-world preparation. Its distinguished alumni program highlights graduates who exemplify success in business, public service, arts, and more, providing inspiration for current students, parents, and job seekers eyeing community college jobs.
| Category | Rating (out of 10) | Why Inspirational? |
|---|---|---|
| Business & Leadership | ✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭☆ (9/10) | Alumni like Nahiris M. Bahamón and Jacqueline S. Ruiz from the 2023 class have risen to executive roles, showcasing how COD's affordable associate degrees launch careers. Check the official COD Distinguished Alumni page for stories. |
| Community Service & Public Impact | ✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭ (10/10) | Honorees such as Josie Suter and Rowan A. Miranda demonstrate profound local influence, from nonprofit leadership to civic engagement, proving COD fosters changemakers. |
| Arts & Entertainment | ✭✭✭✭✭☆☆☆☆☆ (5/10) | While fewer global stars, alumni like Rob Jannusch contribute creatively, inspiring aspiring artists to build portfolios at COD before transferring. |
| Sports Figures | ✭✭✭✭☆☆☆☆☆☆ (4/10) | COD athletes transfer to Division I schools; success stories motivate student-athletes balancing sports and studies. |
| Politics & Influential Leaders | ✭✭✭✭✭✭☆☆☆☆ (6/10) | Local leaders emerge, highlighting COD's role in civic preparation amid Illinois's dynamic politics. |
These ratings reflect verified achievements from COD's annual Distinguished Alumni Awards (e.g., 2022-2024 classes), not household names but relatable successes. For students: Emulate them by utilizing COD's small classes, flexible schedules, and transfer agreements—many alumni credit these for their paths. Job seekers, explore higher ed jobs at COD or similar institutions via AcademicJobs.com. Parents, note Niche reviews praise affordability and professor support. Rate professors yourself on Rate My Professor for Glen Ellyn insights. Transfer wisely to boost resumes, join clubs for networks, and seek internships—alumni advice emphasizes persistence. Visit academic jobs in Glen Ellyn for local opportunities. COD proves community colleges yield high returns: strong earnings post-transfer per Niche data. Inspired? Check career advice on academic CVs.
College of DuPage has produced notable alumni in acting and music, including voice actors and musicians who have made significant contributions to television, film, and rock music. These entertainment figures from COD, spanning actors and musicians, highlight the college's role in nurturing creative talents that impact popular culture through iconic performances and chart-topping hits.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dan Castellaneta | Voice Actor | unknown | Best known as the voice of Homer Simpson on The Simpsons, he is also a comedian, actor, and screenwriter with numerous credits in animation and live-action. | |
| Jim Peterik | Musician and Songwriter | unknown | Co-founder of the rock band Survivor, famous for writing and performing hits like 'Eye of the Tiger', and a prolific songwriter for other artists. |
Athletes from College of DuPage have transitioned to professional sports, demonstrating the college's effective athletic programs in developing talent for national leagues. Their achievements underscore the impact of community college sports in the United States on professional careers.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steve Trout | Major League Baseball player | unknown | Former MLB pitcher who played for the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, and Seattle Mariners from 1982 to 1989. | |
| Mark Dalesandro | Professional soccer player | unknown | Professional soccer midfielder who played for the Chicago Sting in the Major Indoor Soccer League and other teams. |
College of DuPage alumni have made their mark primarily in U.S. politics, with contributions to state legislature and county governance in Illinois; no notable international or royalty/nobility figures identified. These individuals have influenced local policy, law enforcement, and community leadership through dedicated public service.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deborah Conroy | Illinois State Representative | 1981 | Democratic member of the Illinois House of Representatives representing the 43rd District since 2019, focusing on education, healthcare, and senior issues. | |
| Joe Birkett | DuPage County State's Attorney | 1978 | Former DuPage County State's Attorney from 1996 to 2011, known for his work in prosecution and public safety initiatives. |
