Did Someone Say Free Money?
A college scholarship awarded through the OCC Foundation helped Geneva C., a mother of four, achieve her dream to become a Head Start teacher.
"This scholarship helped shape who I am today as a professional,” said Geneva, keynote student speaker at the 2024 OCC Scholarship Luncheon and Tatum Scholarship Award recipient. “I am driven to keep learning and to reach goals I never thought were possible. I am proud of all of my hard work and how it benefits my students and children who look up to me. We never stop learning; we are lifelong learners.”
During the 2023-24 academic year, the OCC Foundation, in collaboration with the College’s Financial Aid department, provided more than 600 students with annual, endowed and miscellaneous scholarships totaling $363,480.
Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Executive Director of the OCC Foundation Christina Ayar explains that while eligible full-time students can receive free community college tuition through Michigan’s Community College Guarantee and other programs, the need for scholarship money at Oakland Community College hasn’t gone away.
Approximately 75% of OCC students attend college part-time and are not eligible for these free tuition programs, and only in-district tuition is covered.
“Our private donor scholarships still play a vital role,” said Ayar.“The Foundation scholarships cover supplies, textbooks and other educational expenses. We are on track this year to award almost a half million dollars in scholarships.”
Why Apply?
Simply put, scholarships are free money students do not have to pay back. Visit Scholarship Universe to find scholarships you may qualify for with one simple application.
In addition, the OCC Foundation assists students experiencing an unexpected, non-tuition financial emergency with donations to the Student Success Fund. Rent, utilities, transportation, food and technology needs are some of the types of expenses that may be covered for eligible students.
Why Give?
Donations received by the OCC Foundation help students pay for college expenses and help fund some of the related student support programs. For example, a new program fund was recently established for OCC's Give or Take Food Pantry, which offers nonperishable food and personal care items.
Richard Berkfield began donating to the OCC Foundation about 10 years ago. The President of Berkfield & Co., Ltd Insurance Agency and Berkfield RiskManagement Ltd Insurance Consultants established the Richard Allen Berkfield Jr. & Karen Swift Berkfield endowed scholarship, which has awarded five scholarships, $500 each, to OCC students.
“I think OCC is a good value and a good investment, and it helps people,” said Berkfield, Chair of the OCC Foundation Board of Directors. “I can’t think of a better place to put my money.”
Meet OCC donors and learn about ways you can contribute to the OCC Foundation.
Meet the Team
Here’s a look at who’s working behind the scenes to connect donors’ wishes with students’ needs:
- Christina Ayar, Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Executive Director of the OCC Foundation, joined OCC in February 2023 bringing university and community college fundraising experience. She previously worked as Macomb Community College Foundation’s chief fundraiser, Development Officer in Annual Giving at Wayne State University and Director, Annual Giving at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
- Eric Lofquist, Director of Development, is one of the frontline fundraisers of the OCC Foundation. He secures annual, major and planned gifts, in addition to submitting private grant applications, campaign planning and working with the Vice Chancellor to set the Foundation’s strategic vision and goal setting.
- Jeni Carino, Foundation Coordinator, works to ensure private donor scholarships are advertised and awarded to students, prepares donor communications and newsletters, enhances the Foundation’s appearance and reputation on OCC’s website, coordinates annual Donor Scholarship Luncheon, and prepares annual 990 materials and monthly reconciliation reports.
- Laura Kron, Administrative Assistant, enters all donations and prepares tax acknowledgment letters. She also works with the Vice Chancellor to prepare materials and communications with the OCC Foundation Board of Directors, assists with annual audit, and handles donor and retiree communications and newsletters.
“It's an exciting time to get involved and showcase the continued importance of private donations to the College,” Ayar said. “As we approach the 60th anniversary of the College, it’s important to remember all the good work done before and the good work yet to come for scholarship and other program support that can create a lifeline for our students.”
About OCC
Offering nearly 100 degrees and certificates, OCC is Michigan’s largest multi-campus community college and No. 1 transfer institution in the state. The College provides academic and career training and enriching experiences; to empower students to reach their potential and enhance our community. More than 1 million students have enrolled in the College since it opened in 1965. A seven-person Board of Trustees governs OCC. Board members are elected on a non-partisan, at-large basis, serve as volunteers and are not paid. Mission statement: OCC is committed to empowering our students to succeed and advancing our community. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.
###
Media Contact: Marketing & Communications | 248.341.2020 | contactus@oaklandcc.edu