John Ogan performed piano on stage at College of DuPage's McAninch Arts Center after winning New Philharmonic's Young People's competition — and he wasn't even a student yet. His early brushes with the college's opportunities, from STEMCON's free family science events to concerts and cultural experiences across Illinois, had already shaped his vision of what was possible. When the time came to pursue higher education, returning to College of DuPage felt inevitable.
What makes Ogan's story remarkable is not just his accomplishments, but his conviction that opportunity is something you actively claim. As a student at COD, he became treasurer of the Honors Student Advisory Committee, completed the rigorous Living Leadership program, contributed to Prairie Light Review, the college's literary magazine, and led new student orientations. He performed with the Concert Band, Chamber Orchestra, and Percussion Ensemble, volunteered as a peer mentor, and participated in the Poll Worker project. Behind each involvement was a deliberate choice to show up and engage.
Before attending COD, Ogan had already built an uncommon resume. Homeschooled and driven by curiosity, he attended plays in Chicago, performances at Ravinia, and fossil digs at Mazon Creek with Northern Illinois's Earth Science club. He was a competitive figure skater and trained in dance, performing the lead role in "The Nutcracker" for six seasons with DanceWest Ballet. His passion for aviation led him to volunteer at two local experimental aircraft associations supporting Young Eagles programs. At Naper Settlement, he served in multiple roles, most recently as the building interpreter for an authentic 1830s log house.
This depth of engagement paid off at College of DuPage. Ogan's academic success earned him membership in Phi Theta Kappa, the honors society, and access to the college's honors classes. His dedication caught the attention of the institution itself: he received the Shirley M. Jannusch Scholarship through the COD Foundation, an award established by distinguished alumnus Rob Jannusch to honor his mother. Meeting Jannusch at the annual Scholarship Celebration reinforced a lesson Ogan had already learned — that presence itself is powerful.
An encounter with COD President Dr. Brian Caputo crystallized what his college experience meant. As scholarship recipients gathered for a group photograph, Caputo approached Ogan and said simply, "Keep plugging away, John." That phrase, spoken by leadership at a critical moment, became a touchstone. Ogan reflected on how college feels like climbing an immense mountain — sometimes you feel like you've conquered the world; other times the summit vanishes from view. But the support he received, combined with his own resolve, transformed his understanding of what was possible.
"I am proof that the possibilities at COD are limited only by your imagination," Ogan said. He carries forward lessons that extend far beyond his time at the college: that anything worth having requires effort, that the first step is always to show up, and that you must actively command the helm of your own future. His journey from young musician performing at COD to accomplished student and leader demonstrates how a community college can become a launchpad for those ready to reach for it. For Ogan, his ascent in higher education continues, but the foundation he built at College of DuPage has already revealed new mountains to climb.