Visit highlights partnership and OCC’s culinary talent pipeline
After a devastating fire in 2022, the reopening of Oakland Hills Country Club’s clubhouse is drawing national attention, with many hoping for a sneak peek. As part
of a growing partnership, faculty, staff and leaders from Oakland Community College
(OCC) and its award-winning Culinary Studies Institute received an exclusive preview of the club’s new kitchens, restaurant and banquet spaces.
Many current students and alumni from OCC’s Culinary Studies Institute work at Oakland
Hills, strengthening ties between the college and the historic club. To show appreciation,
OCC had planned to host a dinner for Oakland Hills staff and members at its new culinary
facilities in Royal Oak, featuring a student-prepared meal.
Instead, Oakland Hills turned the tables, inviting OCC faculty, staff and administration
to dine at its new space. The event served as a thank-you for OCC’s role in training
skilled culinary professionals who play a key role in Oakland Hills’ kitchen and banquet
operations. OCC students employed by the club prepared the meal.
“We are so grateful for the partnership we have with Oakland Hills and their support
of numerous OCC students and alums working in their kitchen,” said Chef Doug Ganhs,
Faculty, Department Chair, Culinary Institute Studies. “Getting sneak peak of the
new clubhouse facilities was an incredible opportunity.”
OCC culinary students cooked for the College’s faculty and staff in the new Oakland
Hills clubhouse kitchen, including Chancellor Peter Provenzano, Jr.; OCC Chefs Athena
Bolger, Doug Ganhs, Julie Selonke and Gregg Stoker; and three members of the College’s
Board of Trustees.
OCC culinary alumni and students working at Oakland Hills include executive sous chef
Brandon Youhana, sous chef Anthony Stramaglia, Winona Wood, along side several current
OCC students Spencer Barney, Sushant Basnet, Elizabeth Burgess, Angela Gorczycki,
Kayla Jones, Julia Naman, Meredith Smith, Josean Villegas-Rosa and Marissa Vittone.
Ganhs said OCC is working to expand similar partnerships with country clubs and restaurants
across Oakland County, as well as hospitality venues with well-trained culinary students
and graduates.
“As the premier culinary programs in the area, we have a unique opportunity to provide
country clubs, local kitchens and other great food service establishments with well-trained
students and graduates to become an important part of kitchen, restaurant and banquet
operations, “Ganhs said, “It’s a win for our students, our partners and these outstanding
clubs.”
About OCC
Oakland Community College (OCC) has empowered individuals through education since
1965. Serving more than 20,000 students annually, OCC offers 80+ degree and certificate
programs, workforce training and community education programs with flexible class
options, low tuition, robust services, and top transfer opportunities. Ranked Michigan’s
top online college and seventh nationally by Newsweek’s America’s Top Online Colleges
2025, OCC delivers education that drives opportunity, workforce growth and community
impact. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.
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