Oakland Community College (OCC) recently celebrated the exceptional achievements of its college community, honoring 34 students and seven faculty members for their academic rigor, leadership and inclusive excellence.  

Student success 

The 34 student honorees were recognized for more than just high GPAs. Instructors praised the group for demonstrating:  

  • Perseverance and curiosity: navigating academic challenges with a passion for learning and excellence
  • Leadership and empathy: serving as role models who inspire, motivate and support one another to succeed
  • Collaborative spirit: excelling in teamwork and fostering an inclusive environment   

Faculty excellence and innovation 

Out of numerous peer and student nominations, seven faculty members were also honored for excellence in teaching, subject matter expertise, innovation and commitment to student success. They represent the highest standard of teaching at OCC. 

Celebrating scholarly research 

The ceremony also featured the seventh annual Outstanding Research Paper Competition, hosted by OCC Libraries. Selected from a pool of more than 75 entries, the first, second and thir place winners were recognized for their superior research, and analytical and writing skills. 

“Every one of our Outstanding Student and Faculty honorees inspires us with exceptional achievements in academics, excellence, leadership, teamwork, and compassion,” said OCC Chancellor Peter Provenzano. “These awards exemplify our commitment to excellence in teaching, learning and student success.”  

Below is a list of awardees in their respective categories. Event photos can be viewed online. 
 
Outstanding Students 

  • Anwar J. Alhamad
  • Eden Azéma
  • Jayda Angel Babbie
  • Katherine Beneicke
  • Avery Birdseye
  • Emily Chamberlain
  • Jenna Cook
  • Gwendolyn Craft
  • Abdel Qader Diab
  • Charles Ellias
  • Drew Freeman
  • Sydney Gass
  • Carley Jean Heidloff
  • Hendry Hernandez
  • Warren C. Jenkins
  • Eunjin Kwon
  • Melissa Jose Leyva
  • Catherine Lindsay-Burgess
  • Diamond Magee
  • Christopher Missick
  • Kimyata Tennell Parham
  • Rowen D. Pinkel
  • Clyde Rogowski
  • Jessica Scalf
  • James Sitarek
  • Wenying Song
  • Jacob Tautz
  • Jasmire Taylor
  • Alex Tennant
  • Sebastian N. Torres
  • Nebojsa Trajlov
  • Lauren Woodward
  • Di Yuan
  • Bradley Zuckerman 

Teaching Excellence Award  

Teaching Awards

Teaching Excellence Award winners.

  • Rebecca Bieri, Biology
  • Chef Athena Bolger, Culinary
  • Alissa Donkerbrook, Medical Assisting
  • Peter Schade, Graphic Design
  • Todd Symington, Psychology
  • VaNessa Thompson, English
  • Ken Van Sparrentak, Criminal Justice/Fire Fighter Technology

Outstanding Research Paper Competition Winners 

  • 1st Place: “Radiation Safety Around the World: How Different Countries Apply the Recommended Principles of Justification, Optimization and Dose Limitation” by Katerina Lekaj
  • 2nd Place: “The Benefits and Detriments of a Free Health Care System” by Gwendolyn Craft
  • 3rd Place: “The Use of Social Media to Promote Extreme Political Views” by Kessy Cook 

About OCC  
  
Oakland Community College offers more than 80 degree and certificate 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. The College is nationally recognized for its high-demand career training and 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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Media Contact: Marketing & Communications | (248) 341-2020 | contactus@oaklandcc.edu