Community invited to celebrate Veterans at Voices of Valor Program 

Oakland Community College invites the community to attend a virtual Veteran’s Day program, “Voices of Valor: Bridging Service and Civility,” from 4 to 5:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 10. The online event honors the courage, spirit and experiences of those who have served our country. 

"OCC is proud to have a very vibrant association with veterans,” said Jeff Arnold, Military and Veteran Services Coordinator. “We're here for them, with resources that go beyond academics. Our attitude is, 'you served us, now let us serve you.'" 
 

Powerful speakers bring insights 

The event invites the community to build a greater understanding and renewed gratitude for veterans in our community, through storytelling, reflection and interactive exercises. 

Speakers include: 

  • Bren Briggs, founder and executive director of The Eden Project, served eight years as a Marine before his commission into the Army as a Medical Service Corps officer, serving an additional twenty years. The Eden Project supports veterans and their families transition to post-military life through job placement, housing, VA claims assistance and crisis intervention. Having spent two years in a traumatic brain injury clinic, Briggs brings deep understanding of specialized reintegration programs.  
  • Steve C. Cenov, director of Human Resources for the U.S. Capitol  Police, is a decorated combat veteran with more than two decades of distinguished service in military, federal civilian leadership and law enforcement. A graduate of the FBI National Academy, Cenov holds three master’s degrees in strategic leadership, criminal justice education and emergency management. With seven overseas deployments, Cenov’s leadership is grounded in operational excellence, team resilience and a deep commitment to national security. 
  • Leslie R. Robinson, founder & CEO of Trance4mation Games, is a therapist, inventor, keynote speaker and workshop leader who created the groundbreaking Warrior Spirit Mission Homefront reintegration game. Used nationwide across all branches of the U.S. military, the game supports veterans as they transition to civilian life. Robinson’s commitment to military families includes serving as a reintegration speaker for the Department of Defense and offering dialogue-based games that create safe, structured spaces for individuals to open up, be heard and connect.  

Support for veterans year-round  

OCC’s commitment to veterans extends beyond this. 

“At OCC, we support veterans–and all students—to ensure their success,” explains Kristina Marshall, Director, Institutional Standards and Practices. “One of the ways we do this is through our three-day Resource Fair, held Nov. 10-12, on our Auburn Hills, Farmington Hills and Royal Oak campuses.” 

OCC offers extensive support for veterans, including job search events to leverage military experience through OCC’s Career Services as well as benefits assistance, financial aid guidance, a plan of study with veterans’ credits and links to a veterans’ hotline. 

For the 10th consecutive year, OCC has achieved the Gold Level Status for Higher Education from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, recognizing the College’s veteran-friendly programs. This fall, more than 160 OCC students are receiving VA funding with additional student volunteer opportunities available through OCC’s Student Veterans of America programs. 

Register on Eventbrite to take part in Voices of Valor: Bridging Service and Civility. 

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