Six Oakland Community College (OCC) Culinary Arts faculty, alumni, and one current student were recognized at the Michigan Chefs de Cuisine Association (MCCA) Chef of the Year Dinner on Oct. 20 at Bloomfield Hills Country Club.  

More than two dozen OCC alumni and 15 current and retired instructors came together for the sold-out event celebrating with a menu presented by Outgoing Chef of the Year and OCC alumnus Chef Steven Valenti. 

MCCA, the southeastern Michigan chapter of the American Culinary Federation (ACF), was founded in 1970 by acclaimed Michigan Master Chef Milos Chielka, who desired to create one of the most prestigious professional culinary associations in the nation and elevate culinary education, advance professional growth, expand networking opportunities and support charitable organizations.  

Chef Julie Selonke, CEC, OCC Culinary program alumna and chef instructor at OCC’s Culinary Studies Institute, said her greatest joy in life is serving the students at the Culinary Studies Institute and watching them find their place in the culinary industry. 

“Every moment offers the chance to help students discover their potential and passion,” said Selonke. “To play even a small role in helping launch my students into one of the most rewarding careers imaginable is a privilege I never take for granted.”  

Oakland Community College Award Recipients  

MCCA 1

Chef Julie Selonke, Student Mya Del Papa, Chef Amy Knoles (former OCC adjunct)

ACF Educator of the Year – Chef Julie Selonke, CEC, Faculty, Alumna and Program Coordinator 

  • Honors a culinary educator’s professional contributions and enhances the image of the professional chef and provides leadership and guidance to students. Twenty-eight educators were nominated nationwide. 

Student Pastry Chef of the Year – Culinary Student Mya Del Papa  

  • Recognizes an outstanding student culinarian who has demonstrated the highest standard of culinary skill and professionalism. Regional winners advance to the national competition.
MCCA 2

OCC retired Chef Kevin Enright

MCCA Hall of Fame and ACF L. Edwin Brown Award – Chef Kevin Enright, CEC, Retired Faculty and Former Department Chair 

  • Honored for significant contributions, mentorship and service to the profession, not for personal gain, within the Hall of Fame; the national L. Edwin Brown Award recognizes exemplary service and leadership. 

ACF Chef of the Year Award – Chef Tyler Colman, CEC, Alumna and Adjunct Faculty

MCCA 4

OCC adjunct Chef Tyler Colman receives award from Jim Churches, President of the Michigan Chefs de Cuisine

  • The organization’s highest annual honor to a professional chef in a full-service dining facility, recognizing culinary excellence, advancement of American cuisine and contributions in mentoring students and apprentices. 

ACF Pastry Chef of the Year Award – Chef Amy Knoles, Alumna and Former Adjunct Faculty 

  • A prestigious honor that acknowldeges exceptional pastry skill, passion, reputation and dedication to educating others in the field.
MCCA 3

OCC adjunct Chef Kara Teerreault-Triplett

ACF Cutting Edge Award – Kara Terreault-Triplett, Alumna and Adjunct Faculty, Director of Culinary Services at Waltonwood Senior Living

  • Recognizes innovators who advance the profession through volunteering, mentoring, service, leadership and dedication. 

Colman, Executive Chef at Orchard Lake Country Club, said receiving Chef of the Year award is deeply meaningful to him, not only as a working chef but as someone who was shaped by OCC’s Culinary Studies Institute.  

“The mentorship, standards, and culture of excellence at OCC laid the foundation for everything I do in my kitchen today,” replied Colman. “To stand alongside former instructors, colleagues, and current students at the gala felt like a full-circle moment – proof that the work we put into teaching, learning, and leading continues to ripple outward in our industry.” 

About OCC    

Celebrating 60 years, 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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