Graduates from Oakland Community College (OCC) rallied around the theme “Light the Way Forward” as they celebrated their dreams come true in front of nearly 6,000 family and friends at two “packed house” ceremonies.
The celebration recognized overcoming obstacles, achieving success and serving as a beacon of hope for the future at the College’s 59th annual commencement held at Oakland University’s O’rena in Rochester, Mich.
“As I stand here today, it’s with great pride for both our graduates and our heritage,” said OCC Chancellor Peter Provenzano, Jr. “This year marks OCC’s 60th anniversary. For decades, our community has served as a beacon of hope and promise, and as always, it starts with our graduates. You are the ones who light the way forward.”
More than 2,100 OCC graduates earn associate degrees and certificates
OCC 2025 keynote speakers, and fellow graduates Desiree Arscott and Heather Gleason spoke to the total sold-out crowd of nearly 6,000 family, friends and OCC employees.
Morning speaker Heather Gleason has tackled challenges head-on, refusing to let them dim her strength and purpose. During her first college experience, Heather had to drop out while she overcame some personal setbacks. She moved on and entered the workforce, where she had a successful career working with nonprofit organizations. Then, through a series of unexpected events, she found a new calling and her way back to complete her degree at OCC–graduating alongside her son—earning her Associate Degree in Library Technical Services.
“This degree is over 30 years in the making (for me). The knowledge and wisdom I acquired between my younger self and my current stage in life, I hope, will contribute to something useful and positive and might inspire others in their desire to complete their education, whether it be in a new career or just wanting to learn something new,” said Gleason.
Afternoon speaker Desiree Arscott overcame personal tragedy early in life, using it as fuel to care for her family and grow a successful career as a social worker and case manager. Her commitment to helping others—and a nudge from someone who recognized her potential—led her to return to college and get her Associate in General Studies. As she prepares to begin a new leadership role, she is focused on paying it forward and being a center of support for others.
“Whether you’re heading into healthcare; business, education and engineering; the arts, theatre, and music, or into the unknown – hold onto your light,” said Arscott. “Protect it. Feed it. Refuse to hide it. Because the world doesn't need more shadows–it needs your shine. Like music that lights up the soul, your light has the power to brighten the world–let it shine boldly.”
Graduates represent diverse backgrounds, experiences and future plans
Four graduates also spoke via a video address. They included Crystal Crittenden, a dual-enrolled student who leveraged personal drive and support to pursue her nursing dream; Dale Close, an Oakland Early College graduate and future chef who started at OCC at age 14; Kiana Garrison, whose path to graduation had plenty of twists, turns and obstacles; and Alissa Skonieczny, a Michigan Reconnect student who began her higher education journey 27 years ago.
Get inspired
To view OCC’s 2024 Commencement from the archived Facebook Live event, visit:
Check out more OCC 2025 graduate stories on Meet the Grads online.
For photos, check out OCC Commencement 2025 on Flickr.
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