For John Ogan, opportunity and College of DuPage go hand in hand.

When he was younger, Ogan applied to New Philharmonic’s Young People’s competition and won it, which resulted in a piano performance on stage at COD’s McAninch Arts Center. He also attended the College’s STEMCON, the annual hands-on, free event for families to explore science, technology, engineering and math.

As a COD student, Ogan completed the Living Leadership program; was the treasurer for the Honors Student Advisory Committee; contributed to Prairie Light Review, the College’s literary magazine; worked as a peer mentor; participated in the Poll Worker project; performed with the Concert Band, Chamber Orchestra and Percussion Ensemble; and was a New Student Orientation leader.

I am proof that the possibilities at COD are limited only by your imagination.

John Ogan

His tireless pursuit of academics, involvement and enrichment is a journey he relishes.

“I am proof that the possibilities at COD are limited only by your imagination,” he said. “Something COD taught me is the fact that anything worth having is not easily earned, and the first step of anything in life is to show up. You must command the helm of your future and get involved to be successful in all endeavors.”

Ogan started getting involved at a young age. As a homeschooled student, he attended multiple cultural experiences such as plays in Chicago and concerts at Ravinia, went on fossil digs to Mazon Creek with the Earth Science club of Northern Illinois, was a competitive figure skater and studied dance, performing the lead role in “The Nutcracker” for six seasons with DanceWest Ballet. He also is an aviation enthusiast who volunteers at two local experimental aircraft associations and provides support for their Young Eagles programs. As a lover of history, he has volunteered at Naper Settlement in a variety of roles, most recently as the building interpreter for the authentic 1830s log house.

All of this was in addition to his enjoying everything that COD offers for the community. It was a natural choice to enroll when it came time for his pursuit of higher education.

“College of DuPage supercharged the start of my college career by allowing me to distinguish myself in the classroom,” he said. “This opened the door to become a member of the Phi Theta Kappa and begin taking Honors classes. My student success was made possible by the dedicated faculty members who get up every day with the goal of sharing their expert knowledge.

“From this experience, I learned to stay true to myself and focused on my goals. It’s important to put yourself out there, build skills and determine your leadership style.”

During his time at the College, Ogan received the Shirley M. Jannusch Scholarship through the COD Foundation. The award was established by distinguished alumnus Rob Jannusch to honor his mother, and Ogan was thrilled to meet Jannusch during the annual Scholarship Celebration.

“Hearing him thank me for the simple act of being present reminded me of the power of showing up,” Ogan explained. “All of the scholarship recipients were all about to have a group picture taken when COD President Dr. Brian Caputo said to me, ‘Keep plugging away, John.’ The combination of his uplifting support and resolute conviction led me to understand my college experience in a new way. As a student, you are climbing an immense mountain, sometimes feeling like you have conquered the world and at other times feeling like the summit isn’t even in view. Learning is a lifelong pursuit. Even though my ascent in higher education is far from over, reaching the summit of my education at COD has allowed me to see my future goals as new mountains to ascend.”

For his accomplishments, Ogan was named one of the College’s two outstanding graduates.

“When I got the call, I felt like an astronaut who is selected as a trainee for space travel. It’s the honor of my life to represent this incredible institution that serves people from all walks and backgrounds led by the highest level of faculty.”

Ogan, who was named an Honors Scholar and received the North Central College Honors Transfer Scholarship, will pursue a bachelor’s degree in sociology and is considering a double major in music performance, which he hopes to follow with a master’s degree. He will never forget his time at COD and knows he will return often.

“I see all students and alumni as a line of people, with a torch passed down from one person to the next,” he said. “It’s our job is to make sure it stays lit and that it’s even brighter than before.

“I feel like the luckiest person in the world. All my experiences at COD have been overwhelmingly positive. Beginning my formal higher education experience as a Chaparral is the best decision I have ever made; it’s been a powerful and transformational experience.”