Community Newsletter | Winter 2025 Issue

 

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Building H Gets a New Heartbeat

Renovations at the Orchard Ridge Campus will create a health and wellness hub

Once echoing with gym whistles, a former athletics facility on Oakland Community College’s Orchard Ridge campus will soon pulse with high-tech medical simulations, cutting-edge science labs, cross-disciplinary collaborations, and more.

Building H, which once housed a gymnasium and pool, is currently undergoing major renovations to become a state-of-the-art home for the Health Sciences and Nursing program. When the building opens for classes in Fall 2027, the entire program will be housed together in one dynamic space for the first time in OCC’s 60-year history.

“These renovations will allow us to take our academic programs to the next level,” says Tanya McFadden, OCC Executive Director of Health Professions and Dean of Nursing. “The new lab spaces and simulation center will not only be cutting-edge but also support interdisciplinary medical simulations. Students across our Health Sciences and Nursing program will collaborate while working on high-tech mannequins that simulate everything from fevers to childbirth. The opportunities for students will be unlimited.”

The project reflects OCC’s strategic response to the evolving landscape of higher education, says OCC Chancellor Peter Provenzano.

“Due to student demand, a great number of our classes shifted online after the COVID pandemic,” he says. “With more than half of our classes now online, there’s more available space on some of our campuses, such as Orchard Ridge. Health Sciences and Nursing were previously split between the Highland Lakes and Southfield campuses. To maximize efficiency and foster campus vibrancy, we decided to consolidate these programs at Orchard Ridge. By transforming an underused structure into a high-tech facility, we’re not only reducing our footprint but also creating a health and wellness hub to serve students and the community.”

The renovation project goes far beyond a simple interior retrofit. A second floor will accommodate new science labs, while an exterior addition will house the Dental Hygiene program.

To ensure that the space is optimized for student success, Health Sciences and Nursing faculty were actively involved throughout the design process. They worked closely with OCC Construction Project Manager Jay Seewald, his team, and representatives from Integrated Design Solutions, the project’s architectural firm.

“Faculty and user groups from all academic specialties were deeply involved in every design meeting,” Seewald says. “We held at least 16 meetings for the second floor alone. We even reviewed furniture, lighting, utilities and traffic flow in and out of the building. No detail was overlooked.”

A proposed athletics facility on the Orchard Ridge campus would further enhance the health and wellness ecosystem, benefiting Health Sciences and Nursing, OCC Athletics, and the broader community.

“We’re in the process of creating new programs that would align well with the proposed athletics complex,” McFadden says. “We’re already developing a Physical Therapy Assistant program. We’re also exploring a Sports Medicine Technician program, a Sports Medicine curriculum and other pathways that will create strong opportunities for students.

Building H project & view architectural Renderings

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Little Caesars AAA Hockey Partnership Explored

The transformation of Oakland Community College’s Orchard Ridge campus into a vibrant health and wellness hub may soon include a new athletics complex.

Under a proposed public-private partnership with Little Caesars AAA Hockey (LCAAA), the campus would feature three major upgrades: a new fieldhouse built and operated by OCC, a hockey arena built and operated by LCAAA, and a dedicated field for OCC women’s softball.

OCC would relocate its athletics programs to Orchard Ridge, creating a centralized hub designed to benefit student-athletes, the student body and the surrounding community.

“Bringing our athletic program to Orchard Ridge is going to create a lot of vibrancy,” says Jamie Corona, OCC Athletic Director and Head Softball Coach. “Our athletes are very excited about the possibilities the proposed sports complex offers. They put in a lot of time and effort to represent the college well, and the proposed sports complex would elevate our program to a new tier.”

Brian Rolston, Director of Little Caesars AAA Hockey, adds that the proposed arena would not only serve LCAAA’s needs, but also open the door to new partnerships and academic opportunities at OCC.

“Having our teams in this central location would be ideal,” he says. “It would also help us attract tournaments to OCC’s campus. More than that, I’m excited about collaborating with OCC to support potential academic programs like sports medicine, nutrition and physical therapy. We’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible here.”

OCC continues to explore the opportunity with LCAAA and is actively seeking community feedback on the proposed development.

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Community Voices Shape OCC Campus Development

Oakland Community College is listening to community voices to help shape its planning efforts.

Through a series of public forums, OCC invited students, residents and local leaders to share input on the future of its campus facilities—including a proposed athletics complex with a hockey arena on the Orchard Ridge campus.

Forums held in July and August focused on the Orchard Ridge development. Attendees offered feedback on student life enhancements, economic opportunities and suggestions on building infrastructure.

A similar forum was held on November 20 at the Highland Lakes campus in Waterford to discuss the disposition and future use of the northern portion of the campus.

“We’re committed to transparency, inclusion and asking the community to help shape our future,” said Eunice Jeffries, OCC’s Executive Director of Government and Community Relations.

Future Plan for the Athletics Complex

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From the Classroom to the Clinic

OCC’s Health Sciences and Nursing program turns student ambition into healthcare careers

The Health Sciences and Nursing program at Oakland Community College is more than a starting point for students—it’s a launchpad.

Whether entering as a nursing student or exploring dental hygiene, healthcare administration, surgical technology, or another healthcare field, OCC’s stackable credit system and hands-on clinical training provide a direct path to employment and advancement. Add in expert faculty, unmatched affordability and plans for new facilities, and it’s clear: OCC isn’t just training future healthcare professionals, it’s building the future of healthcare education.

“We meet students where they are and help them reach their career goals,” says Tanya McFadden, OCC Executive Director of Health Professions and Dean of Nursing. “Our affordable tuition allows graduates to land great jobs without being burdened by student loan debt. We also understand that many of our students are already working and some have families or are single parents. That’s why we offer flexible class schedules—including online, evening and weekend options—to create pathways for student success.”

OCC students can obtain degrees or certificates in several growing healthcare fields. The program’s comprehensive offerings include:

• Dental Hygiene
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Healthcare Administration
• Medical Assistant
• Nursing
• Radiologic Technology
• Respiratory Therapy
• Surgical Technology

The Health Sciences and Nursing Program also works closely with OCC’s Department of Economic and Workforce Development. This collaboration allows students to earn a certificate in their chosen field and then build upon that experience to obtain an associate degree.

“For example, students can earn a certificate through the Nursing Assistant program, then continue their studies by earning credits toward their associate degree in nursing,” McFadden says. “We call it ‘stacking credentials.’ Earning an advanced degree makes students even more competitive when seeking employment.”

In addition to learning from highly qualified faculty, students gain hands-on training through a clinical component, which is required in every program. 

“Our students gain invaluable real-world experience as part of their studies,” McFadden says. “This includes non-bedside programs such as Healthcare Administration. Clinical rotations often lead to employment opportunities after graduation.”

The program’s impressive 90% employment rate within a year of earning a certificate or degree is a major point of pride.

“In addition, seven of our eight programs require students to pass a national board exam,” McFadden says.

“Our student pass rates are consistently near 100 percent. Few programs nationwide can match that. Our strong reputation within the community contributes to our graduates’ employment success.”

Always evolving to meet industry needs, the Health Sciences and Nursing program continues to adapt and expand its offerings. A new evening-weekend nursing program track allows students to earn an associate degree through evening classes and weekend clinical rotations. Students with an associate degree in nursing can now pursue a bachelor’s degree through a new partnership with the University of Detroit-Mercy. And a cutting-edge Health Sciences facility, featuring updated labs and a simulation center, is set to open in 2027.

“This is a very exciting time for our program,” McFadden says. “With new partnerships, growing enrollment, and a state-of-the-art facility on the way, we’re expanding opportunities for students like never before.”

OCC's Health Sciences & Nursing program

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OCC Foundation Provides Behind-the-Scenes Support for Students

At Oakland Community College, success isn’t just measured in grades and graduation rates. It’s also when a student doesn’t have to choose between paying for a laptop or paying the bills. That’s where the OCC Foundation steps in.

“We help provide access to a quality education by connecting student and program needs to philanthropic support,” says OCC Vice Chancellor for Advancement Christina Ayar. “We may not be in the classroom, but we’re right behind every student, every step of the way.”

Established in 1979, the OCC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that fuels student success through scholarships, program funding and essential needs support. From tuition and textbooks to emergency aid, the Foundation plays a vital role in helping students thrive.

Each year, the Foundation awards between $350,000 and $500,000 in scholarships thanks to the generosity of OCC alumni, employees, retirees, community members, corporations and private foundations. While many students benefit from state-funded tuition programs, the Foundation helps fill in the often-overlooked gaps: books, supplies and basic living expenses.

Beyond traditional scholarship support, another impactful way the Foundation assists students is through the Student Success Fund—an emergency assistance program for students facing unexpected financial hardship. Whether it’s a broken laptop, a car repair, or help with rent, the fund helps students stay in school when life tries to derail them.

“We see requests for more than just dollars,” Ayar says. “Sometimes, students taking online classes need technology to continue their coursework. The Student Success Fund helps meet those needs quickly.”

Patricia Topolnicki, a nursing student from Clarkston, recently received a stipend through OCC’s Student Essential Needs Fund. She says the financial relief came at a crucial time.

“The funds will help relieve some of my financial challenges, allowing me to more fully focus on my studies,” Topolnicki says. “Just as importantly, it will also allow me to access mental health services and resources that will support my overall well-being. Having this aid means a great deal to me, and it strengthens my motivation to continue working hard and achieving my goals. The generosity of donors provides not just financial help but also encouragement and hope.”

To further support students in need, the OCC Foundation is launching its year-end appeal, focused on the Student Success Fund.

“Gifts of all sizes make a real difference,” Ayar says. “Know that your gifts are put to good use, and that students, faculty and staff truly appreciate them.”

In a world of rising costs and rising stakes, the OCC Foundation is ensuring that no student falls behind, and that every one of them has strong support behind the scenes.

Student Success Fund

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Community Classes Offered for All Ages and Stages

Some of our Community Education classes include (left to right) the fundamentals of football for women, an abstract art workshop, and sewing techniques for beginners.

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Start your Someday at OCC

Winter Registration is open

Now is the perfect time to enroll in classes because “someday” is today.

Enroll Today!