What makes an outstanding student? At OCC, 26 students were recognized for demonstrating academic excellence, leadership, perseverance, curiosity, empathy and collaboration. Their instructors highlighted their passion for learning and were impressed by their ability and teamwork. Many students were commended as role models, inspiring and motivating their classmates to succeed.
And, outstanding faculty? Seven instructors were honored this year for excelling in their subject matter expertise, use of effective and innovative teaching techniques, student success empowerment, and advancement of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. It’s a high bar with numerous OCC Faculty nominated for their teaching excellence by students and colleagues.
“Every one of our Outstanding Student and Faculty honorees inspires us with their exceptional achievements in academics, excellence, leadership, teamwork, determination, and compassion beyond expectations,” said OCC Chancellor Peter Provenzano. “Our annual student and faculty awards exemplify both learning and teaching excellence and OCC's commitment to student success.”
Faculty members praise their students
“Lisa (Bica Grodsky) is a fierce advocate for Grandparents Raising Children and beyond,” says Shawna Boomgaard, faculty member in Mental Health/Social Work. “She is a compassionate person who strives to make a difference in the lives of many. She is also the VP of the PTK Scholarship at OCC.”
“Whether she is meeting with state representatives, being interviewed on podcasts, or being invited to Washington to speak on behalf of the importance of kinship care, mental health is Lisa's passion and calling.”
According to History faculty member Anthony Baracco, he reserves his nominations for students who truly rise above the many students who do well in his classes.
“Juanita (Gonzalez Gavia) already had an ‘A’ in the class, yet she worked on a project thatwas completely extra. As a Spanish speaker, she joined three other OCC students in a collaboration for six Mondays in November and December with schools in Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany and India, which culminated in a formal group presentation. She truly enriched both collaborations and our class with a strong voice. Juanita worked exceptionally well with others and is an asset to OCC.”
Similar professional and endearing praise was shared about each nominee, as students and faculty received their awards.
In addition, the first, second and third place winners of the fifth annual Outstanding Research Paper Competition were also recognized by OCC Libraries during the celebration. The honorees were chosen as the best of more than 60 entries.
Event photos can be viewed on Flickr.
Outstanding Students
- Nick Alia
- Allison Busse
- Vanessa Derly Bermudez Castro
- Colita “Coco” Coles
- Jordan Dionne
- Caroline Eagan
- Jordan Frane
- Juanita Gonzalez Gavia
- Lisa Bica Grodsky
- Jimmie Harris
- Louis Hatfield
- Virginia “Vicky” Ivezic
- Ashleigh Lappala
- Isabella Lebert
- Miguel A. Leyva
- Dominique L. Lipsey
- Joe Meskimen
- Cooper Miller
- Katrina Nguyen
- Pamela Quiroz Nieto
- Giselle Ortega
- Travis Peterson
- Suher Salim
- Ryan Stottlemyer
- Zinoviy Svirgun
- Feng Tang
- Morgan Ward
- Molisia Young
Outstanding Research Paper Competition Winners
- 1st Place: “The Creature Within: Monstrosity, Identity, and the Queer Struggle in Frankenstein (1831)” by Stella Fairless
- 2nd Place: “Empowering Medical Research with Artificial Intelligence” by Jayden Z.M. Sangma
- 3rd Place: “Redlining” by Noor Abdallah
Teaching Excellence Award
- Ryan Cox, English
- Mike Khirallah, English as a Second Language
- Angelika Maly, Nursing
- Ellen Robinette, Library Technical Services
- Dan Rodriguez, Criminal Justice
- Krisha Stilianos, Psychology
- Maxwell Tupper, Geology
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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