The National Council for Marketing & Public Relations, District 3, honored OCC Chancellor Peter Provenzano with its Annual Pacesetter Award while the College’s Communication, Creative Services and Marketing team received three Medallions for outstanding achievement.
The annual award recognizes a community college president or CEO who has demonstrated special leadership and support in college communications and marketing. Each NCMPR district honoree automatically qualifies to compete for the national award.
Provenzano received the award during NCMPR’s District 3 conference on Sept. 27 in Cleveland where OCC’s Marketing and Communications team was also recognized with gold, silver and bronze Medallion awards. NCMPR’s District 3 represents communication and marketing professionals in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin and the Canadian province of Ontario.
Pacesetter of the Year Award
In giving the award, NCMPR noted Provenzano’s work championing OCC and its people as the College’s chief ambassador. (Chancellor Provenzano) adeptly and consistently uses media relations to promote OCC’s messages about the benefits of community college; the support OCC provides students to help them reach their academic and career goals; and the numerous ways OCC helps students earn their certificate or associate degree without incurring college debt. He balances hard data with his personal style of information gathering, listening to students and employees to advocate authenticity and impact.
“Peter is one of those rare leaders who just “gets it,” said Elizabeth Schnell, Vice Chancellor for Marketing, Communications and Admissions. “He is a born communicator and personally connects with OCC students, staff and community members to mutually develop and share his vision for the college. It’s his superpower! Not only does Peter support the work of the marketing and communications team at OCC, but he is also an active member of the team who contributes ideas that push OCC to the next level,” she added.
In accepting the award Provenzano said, “I am so honored and joyful for this recognition. I’m grateful to the Marketing and Communications team for the nomination and their support. Their talent, commitment and energy is one of OCC’s greatest strengths.”
Medallion Awards
The NCMPR Medallion Awards recognize outstanding achievement in design and communication at community and technical colleges in each of NCMPR's seven districts. The regional competition is exclusive to marketing and public relations professionals at two-year colleges. Here’s a look at the winning entries:
- GOLD: E-Newsletter Design – Heather Nagy, graphic/multi-media designer; Melissa O’Leary, digital strategist
In October 2023, OCC launched a new design for Student Essentials, its weekly e-newsletter for students. The objective was to increase student engagement and improve their success as they “connect, engage, belong” to resources, important dates, news and information.
- SILVER: Video Shorts (Series) - Rachel Byrnes, marketing and communications coordinator;
Melissa O’Leary, digital strategist; Emily Stieber, director of marketing; Alexia Lavaud, marketing and communications
specialist; Daniel Brian Ad agency
Summer Grilling Tips with OCC’s Culinary Program features OCC chefs Julie Selonke, Doug Gahns and Greg Stroker showing how to grill classic steak, shrimp, and chicken with unexpected twists – a tangy green apple slaw, a rich salsa verde for your steak, and a vibrant grilled pineapple salsa. Check out the videos: Grilled New York Strip Steak & Salsa Verde, Grilled Shrimp & Pineapple Salsa and Grilled Chicken Thighs with Parsley Salad.
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BRONZE: Logo Design – Melissa Burkle, graphic/multi-media designer; Hailey Martin, OCC student
Marketing and Communications Coordinator Rachel Brynes holds Silver and Bronze awards presented to OCC for Video Shorts and Logo Design respectively at the NCMPR District 3 Medallion Awards ceremony
OCC’s new, modern mascot, Talon the Owl, was designed to create a more inclusive mascot identity to represent all of OCC as well as increase engagement and build school pride. Martin created the main full-body owl logo, and Burkle designed the word art and alternate logos.
OCC’s winning entries will now be submitted for the national 2024 Paragon Awards which will be announced at the National NCMPR conference in March 2025.
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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Media Contact: Marketing & Communications | 248.341.2020 | contactus@oaklandcc.edu