Major: Engineering
Danny Eaton has always been interested in science and problem-solving.
When it came to selecting a major, chemical engineering was a natural choice. So was choosing to attend College of DuPage. He was named a Presidential Scholar, which includes a full-tuition award for high-achieving students.
“I couldn’t pass up getting a comparable first year for absolutely free. As someone who has to pay my own way through college, this was life-changing,” he said. “I was also a part of the Engineering Pathways program, and I got the opportunity to play for the men’s volleyball team. These three reasons together made me choose to go to COD.”
In taking classes in math, engineering and science, he found COD to be a great place to start.
“COD allowed me to get a good education while staying involved with my life at home,” he said. “I was also able to get adjusted to the college academic life while having my social support system intact. The smaller class sizes also allowed me to network with my peers and professors in a more effective manner.”
The smaller class sizes allowed me to network with my peers and professors in a more effective manner.
Danny Eaton
After his freshman year, Eaton interned at HOH Water Technology. He then received a full-tuition scholarship from an outside organization that allowed him to transfer to Purdue University and study chemical engineering. His plan is to get involved in several clubs, such as Engineers Without Borders and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and complete co-ops to grow his professional experience.
Eaton is keeping his options open for the future.
“I want to get involved in a line of work that is more humanitarian, but I am not yet sure where exactly that is going to be. I also am considering getting my Ph.D. to continue my education further,” he said.
As for COD, he believes it is a great option for students building their higher education foundations.
“It’s a fantastic school to start your college career at, even for high achievers,” he said. “While you’re at COD, there are so many opportunities for extracurricular growth if you seek them out.
“I came out of COD with less spending, more understanding and more time with my friends and family than I probably would have if I had gone away to a four-year university out of high school. The fact that I might be able to make it through college without much—if any—debt is absolutely amazing.”
Learn more about the Engineering program at College of DuPage