From a 12-year-old excelling in college math to OCC Men’s Basketball team heading to nationals, 2025 was filled with stories that inspired, informed and connected our community. Here are the top OCC stories of the year, ranked by our readers on the web. 

  1. Shape Your Tomorrow: Register for OCC Summer & Fall Classes 
    Flexible course options, free funding and scholarships make college accessible and affordable at OCC. 
  2. Twelve-Year-Old Excels in College Math Course 
    Sixth-grade math whiz, Ian Konkolesky, takes his second calculus course at OCC. 
  3. Black History Month: OCC Proudly Recognizes Black Alumni Achievements 
    OCC honors exceptional Black alumni and their achievements in Black History Month. 
  4. OCC Announces 2025 Commencement Speakers 
    Two inspiring graduates share stories of perseverance, positivity and purpose to make a difference. 
  5. Governor Signs Directive: Boost Young Men’s Skills Training, College Enrollment 
    Michigan governor signs an executive directive at OCC-hosted College Promise event. 
  6. OCC Employees Honored for Years of Service 
    For more than four decades, Jim Meixner has ensured OCC’s campuses remain safe and accessible, even in the harshest weather.  
  7. OCC Named #7 Among Nation’s Top Online Colleges 
    OCC earns a five-star rating and national recognition among the best colleges and universities in  America’s Top Online Colleges 2025.  
  8. New Nursing Evening/Weekend Program for Working Adults 
    A new flexible pathway helps working adults earn an associate degree in nursing. 
  9. March Madness: OCC Men’s Basketball Heads to Nationals 
    OCC Owls qualify for the national tournament for the first time since 1987. 
  10. OCC Adds Community Classes through January 2026 
    New Community Education offerings include cooking, baking, personal enrichment and safety courses.  

We’re proud to share the stories, people, news and events at OCC, support our students to succeed, and meet the needs of our community are met. Stay connected in 2026 on oaklandcc.edu/news and on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube.  

We look forward to advancing our community in 2026! 

About OCC     

Oakland Community College (OCC) has educated over one million students since 1965. OCC offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs and is committed to student success with affordable tuition, support services, flexible class options and top transfer opportunities. The College serves more than 20,000 students annually while advancing our community through education, training and career support. OCC is nationally recognized as Michigan’s top online college, and seventh in the U.S., by Newsweek’s  America’s Top Online Colleges 2025. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.      

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Media Contact: Marketing & Communications | (248) 341-2020 | contactus@oaklandcc.edu