Major: Automotive Service Technology
Dominic Pacenti cannot remember a time when he wasn’t interested in cars.
“I have a photo of myself at about the age of 5. I am in front of my house, I have my three-wheeled bike upside down and I’m playing like I’m fixing it,” he said. “I was always trying to figure out how things worked. So honestly I believe I was born with the passion to work on cars.”
Pacenti was in the automotive repair business for more than 20 years. During this time, he decided to enroll in the Automotive Service Technology program at College of DuPage to sharpen his skills and update his knowledge of current technology. He took night classes for eight years and finished with his Associate in Applied Science degree.
The teachers bring years of updated training and industry experience into your classroom.
Dom Pacenti
While taking classes, Pacenti was teaching automotive courses at Technology Center of DuPage (formerly DAVEA Career Center) and was hired by COD to teach Basic Electricity in the Automotive program. This turned into a second career, and while retired from TCD, he continues to teach part-time for COD and is in his 27th year. In 2022, he was named a Divisional Outstanding Adjunct Faculty member.
“My experience in the automotive industry and my College of DuPage diploma both contributed to me being hired as a teacher,” he said. “I enjoy teaching at COD and feel I am giving back to the community by educating current students enrolled in the program.”
Pacenti advises any students with a passion for cars to enroll in the Automotive Service Technology program and to keep an open mind while learning skills.
“Apply yourself and meet the requirements of the course. The teachers bring years of updated training and industry experience into your classroom,” he said. “There are so many directions you can apply your learned skills in the automotive industry, from parts and service to corporate positions with manufacturers and aftermarket companies. Learn as much as you can while attending classes. Your education will never end in the automotive industry, as you will be constantly updating your skills to keep up with technology. You will get out what you put into your education.”
Learn more about the Automotive Service Technology program at College of DuPage.