Nearly 1,000 graduates received diplomas at College of DuPage’s 59th Commencement ceremonies, with outstanding graduates Austin Kloska of Warrenville and Angel Sanchez of Bellwood delivering remarks to their fellow graduates.  

View photos from the two ceremonies.

Sanchez, a first-generation college student who spent nearly a decade in the workforce before enrolling at COD, spoke to the shared experience of everyone crossing the stage. 

“While our stories may look different on the surface, they are built on the same foundation,” he said. “Sacrifice, perseverance and the hope for something more. We are more alike than people sometimes realize.” 

Kloska reflected on the role COD faculty played in shaping graduates' futures. 

“Our professors guide us to be critical thinkers, challenge our preconceived beliefs and be sympathetic to the many perspectives that we will encounter throughout our lives,” he said. “Education is not just about coursework or grades, but about people who genuinely want to see you succeed.”