Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs honors College of DuPage with Governor's Award

CHICAGO – Going above and beyond basic veterans’ services while fostering a veteran-friendly atmosphere, the College of DuPage (COD) has been chosen as the spring 2012 winner of the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education, the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) announced today.

“On behalf of Governor Pat Quinn, we applaud the exemplary efforts of the College of DuPage on behalf of its student veterans,” said IDVA Director Erica Borggren. “Moving from the military back into civilian life and college can present many challenges for veterans, and COD’s leadership has demonstrated a lasting, tangible commitment to helping veterans overcome these challenges.”

Among many outstanding attributes, COD was recognized for its:

• Academic offerings, including courses taught by veterans and incorporating military and veteran-specific topics. This includes a Veterans Counseling Certificate—a first for Illinois—that offers specialized training for individuals working with veterans;
• Dedicated faculty and staff who demonstrate their appreciation for the school's veteran community through projects and initiatives, such as the annual U.S. Marine Corps “Toys for Tots” campaign on campus; and,
• Office of Veterans Services that provides a “one-stop shop” for veterans, military personnel and their families. Resources include a full-time Coordinator for Veterans Services, a Veterans Lounge, and a veteran-student work study program. 

IDVA presented the award during a ceremony today with COD officials at the Glen Ellyn-based junior college. Previous winners include Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Northern Illinois University, and Western Illinois University. The Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education is presented in the spring and fall of each school year.

Governor’s Award nominations are now being accepted for the fall 2012 semester. Illinois colleges or universities that contribute to the betterment of student veterans and their families are eligible. The nominated school must be a licensed, degree-granting school in the state of Illinois.

For more information, including nomination materials, please visit the Governor's Award homepage at www.veterans.illinois.gov.