What does it mean to go beyond expectations? If defined by OCC’s Outstanding Student award nominations it includes seeking deeper understanding, not giving up, and simply making things better. And, the results? A force of positive energy, newfound confidence and success!
OCC faculty, counselors and librarians spoke to this on April 11 at the College’s Smith Theatre in Farmington Hills as they shined a light on students who have overcome significant challenges to reach their goals. Things like balancing their studies as single parents, working full-time or multiple jobs while taking classes, and changing career paths. The strong and inspirational relationships that form between students and faculty were also highlighted, often punctuated with laughs, hugs and tears.
Awards celebrate respect and inspiration
Twenty-four students were recognized for their outstanding achievements, while seven faculty members received the second annual OCC Teaching Excellence Awards. In addition, three students were recognized for their outstanding research papers by OCC librarians.
The April 11 event took place at OCC’s Smith Theatre in Farmington Hills.
“Each of the Outstanding Student honorees was nominated for their academic excellence, leadership, teamwork, determination or compassion beyond expectations,” said OCC Chancellor Peter Provenzano. “These student and faculty awards truly exemplify OCC’s student-first approach and the College’s commitment to empowering our students to succeed and reach their goals”
Provost Jennifer Berne, the College’s chief academic officer, shared more than 100 OCC faculty were nominated for their teaching excellence by students, peers and other employees. Instructors were recognized for their subject matter expertise, use of effective and innovative teaching techniques, student success empowerment, and advancement of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.
Event honorees
“OCC is privileged to have students like Yunseo ‘Ashley’ Campbell who could choose to give up. Instead, they keep going, bringing their classmates and even their teachers along with them,” said Jennifer Craft who teaches English as a Second Language.
“She is appreciated because what she’s doing is truly outstanding.”
Psychology Faculty member Krishna Stilianos shared, ‘Diego (Grijalva-Barrera) has managed to keep good thoughts in his mind and good feelings in his heart, and he listens to that voice that tells him to be his best self,” paraphrasing international speaker, author and transactional psychotherapist Dr. Jacqui Schiff,
“Cynthia (Pettway) shared things in her life that could have kept her from completing the class, but she did not let those things stand in her way,” said English Faculty Brianne Bouska.
“The wonderful staff, great administrators and collaborative faculty and, of course, we wouldn’t be anywhere without our wonderful students.”
These are some of the insights and remarks shared about each nominee as students and faculty stepped forward to accept their awards. During the event, the OCC Libraries also recognized Outstanding Research Paper Competition winners. The event photos can be viewed on Flickr.
Outstanding Students:
- Yasmeen Alhawari
- Sabrina Allen
- Joshua Ayotte
- Dean Bachmann
- Krystiana Baker
- Gabrielle Bashir
- Sara Beckmeyer
- Yunseo Campbell
- Thomas Degrand
- Luisa Garcia-Solis
- Diego Grijalva-Barrera
- Alexandra Hayes
- Nettie Hewitt
- Reagan Irey
- Marissa Kintz
- Brian Lamb
- Brittany Naylor
- Baylee Nichols
- Cynthia Pettway
- Elizabeth Schaldenbrand
- Rafik Simon
- Stephanie Spencer
- Elizabeth Vlaeminck
- Joshua Wellington
Outstanding Research Paper Competition Winners:
- Twins Gabriela Lezama Martinez and Rocio Lezama Martinez: first and second place, respectively
- Ella Beck: honorable mention
Teaching Excellence Award
- James Aretakis, Biology
- Yvette Banks, Interior Design
- Belle Kimmel, Mathematics
- Carol Ann Laverne, Nursing
- Robert Long, Paralegal
- Aydeh Selameh, Mathematics
- Kathy Tiell, Psychology
About OCC
Oakland Community College offers nearly 100 degrees and certificates programs with the resources students need to be successful and advance our community. As a top transfer institution, OCC offers one of the state’s most affordable tuition rates and flexibility in scheduling with face-to-face and online options. The College is nationally recognized for its high-demand career training with expert faculty in their fields. More than 1 million students have enrolled in the College since it opened in 1965. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.
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