By: Brian Kleemann
John Ogan of Warrenville and Bailey Svoboda of Willowbrook are the 2025 Outstanding Graduates at College of DuPage.
After earning an Associate in Arts, Ogan is transferring to North Central College to major in sociology, while Svoboda, earning an Associate in Applied Science in nursing, will pursue a bachelor’s degree at Purdue University.
The Outstanding Graduate finalists are Lutricia Banks, Juan Antonio Ramos, Ashley Stannard, Lucille Sugarman, Sydney Terpstra and Richard Ward.
Learn more about the Outstanding Graduate Finalists
For Ogan, opportunity and College of DuPage go hand in hand. When he was younger, he 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.
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.”
Having graduated as an Honors Scholar and received the North Central College Honors Transfer Scholarship, Ogan 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 feel like the luckiest person in the world. All my experiences at COD have been overwhelmingly positive,” he said. “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.”
Starting in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, Svoboda knew she was in the right place, although she was nervous about being too old to take classes.
“Going back to school and starting over at 22 was initially very scary,” she said. “On the very first day, I expected to be the oldest in class, as so many people my age were graduating with their bachelor's degrees when I was starting fresh. Upon walking into the building, I was immediately surprised to see that the campus was full of such a variety of people. In my first class, I sat between a 19-year-old and a mother of three. I was instantly hit with the fact that I was not alone in this journey.”
Svoboda plans to work as an oncology nurse, obtain her chemotherapy certification and then become an OCN (Oncology Certified Nurse). She is thankful for all that she received at COD and praises the faculty, including Assistant Professor of Nursing Meenu James.
“I remember being in her office after my only failed exam and felt defeated,” she said. “She was so motivational and told me that she thought I would make a great nurse. She, along with all my professors, not only taught but also instilled in us that we can do great things. They prepared us for the real world in health care rather than just teaching us the basic information that we needed to learn.
“My path was far from linear, but I have learned from each twist and turn that every step of it was part of a greater plan. I think that is the most beautiful part of COD—it gives so many people from so many different backgrounds a chance to come together and make our dreams come true.”
College of DuPage will hold its 58th annual Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, at 4:30 p.m. It will be available to view on the College’s Facebook page and website.