Student Engagement Awards

We are excited to recognize outstanding OCC students and employees who have positively impacted our campus community. We invite you to help us celebrate those who support the academic excellence, personal growth, and success of others by nominating them for a Student Engagement Award.

2024

Connect.Engage.Belong. Awards

Ayisha Sabahat	Nominee Ayisha Sabahat is a superb example of what it means to be an engaged OCC student. As a part of the Student Government and the Peer Mentor program at OCC, she goes beyond the typical classroom experience and participates in the community. As a part of the Dental program, she works hard in all of our classes and makes learning her top priority. She is a very kind person who is wonderful and always fun to work with. Inspiring and supportive, she is truly a student who brings the community back into Oakland Community College.
Emily Fry	Nominee Emily Fry is just a wonderful person with a positive attitude towards everything. I love how she participates and engages with the school curriculum. She is always there to try new experiences and making new friends. She is part of the Student Government, and I love how she impacts on the group and helps to maintain a good friendship with everyone.
Tasneem Bhuiyan	Nominee Tasneem Bhuiyan.  Her outstanding engagement in academic and community life at OCC. As a nursing student and mother to twins, she embodies a passion for learning, consistently exceeding academic expectations. Tasneem actively collaborates with peers and instructors, creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. Her participation in the Nursing Quality and Safety Committee and dedication as a peer mentor showcase her commitment to being a great nurse and mentor. Her ability to inspire others and promote a sense of belonging highlights her exceptional role in enhancing our campus community. Tasneem truly exemplifies the values this award celebrates.
Maria Cox	Nominee Maria Cox.  My friend for her resilience and dedication. After pausing her nursing studies for maternity leave, she returned with even greater determination, excelling academically and actively contributing to the Quality and Safety Committee. Despite her family commitments, she also serves as a peer mentor, supporting her fellow students at OCC. Her involvement in campus life, alongside overcoming significant personal challenges and maintaining stellar grades, exemplifies true grit. Her role as a mentor and exceptional friend further underscores her inspirational commitment to both personal and community growth.
TigerHutchons	Nominee Tiger Hutchons deserves this award because he is a dedicated student, an amazing friend, and an inspiring leader. He works extremely hard to achieve his academic goals and inspires others to do the same. Tiger has a vibrant personality and makes everyone around him feel heard, seen, and included. As president of Student Government, Tiger leads the organization, planning, and execution of several successful student engagement events. Throughout the time he served as president, he encouraged his peers to get involved and connected them with opportunities to do so. Please consider Tiger for this award, as it is well deserved.
Amber Krist	Nominee Amber Krist.  She has stepped up in so many ways.  As an interpreting student, she is always the first to volunteer for opportunities to interpret in the Deaf Community.  She once volunteered to interpret a parent workshop which she spent a few hours prepping for before.  She requested the PPT from the presenter and researched all the vocabulary that may appear during the meeting. Amber also has stepped up as SIGN Club president when there was no interest from our students.  She encouraged her peers to serve on the board.  Now we have an active SIGN club board with many fun upcoming events. She is always asking critical questions while applying her knowledge.  I am pleased to nominate her for the award.

P.A.C.E. Awards

Laura Carruthers	Nominee Laura Carruthers is a great graphic design teacher! Gets grades in and provides sufficient feedback on time, answers/verifies any questions, and explains the lessons/projects/tools thoroughly! I would love to have her nominated and have her as a teacher again.
Sean Carney	Nominee Sean Carney had the patience to work through all of the complicated math classes I had a hard time with. Without him, I wouldn't have been able to complete these classes.
Barbara Hoag	Nominee Barbara Hoag is an innovative and dedicated professor, and she should be recognized with the Proactive and Creative Engagement (P.A.C.E) Award. She isn't afraid to try something new in her classroom, incorporate online resources and tools, or dedicate extra time to include opportunities for her students to succeed. A perfect example of her dedication is that she sent out information to a local, safe-ride share service to her students to provide them with a means to come to class. Professor Hoag proactively encourages and supports student engagement and success in creative ways and is very deserving of this award.
Gina Mandas	Nominee Gina Mandas is a huge advocate for student success and engagement. She is fully available for students and is always pushing us to be our best selves. Not only does she advocate for us, but she provides opportunities for us to advocate for ourselves on so many different levels. She truly is the embodiment of engaging when it comes to the classroom experience.
Dr. Roxana Zuniga	Nominee Dr. Roxana Zuniga is the best Spanish teacher I've ever had. I love how patient she is with her students, and she makes learning fun. She uses tools like Kahoot! to help us practice our skills during class. She encourages us to look at topics like artificial intelligence and global warming and can relate them to our class. Taking advanced Spanish courses was very daunting for me, but she has made it an enjoyable experience!

Perseverance Awards

Michael Zelinski

Nominee Michael Zelinski. I did not know which award would be best suitable. So I chose perseverance. I reached out to Michael Zelinski on a regular basis for years during my time at OCC, I accredit my completion of BOTH associate degrees I obtained- to Michael Zelinski’s unyielding patience, guidance, genuine care and advocacy throughout the years I attended. Even if he doesn’t win, can somebody please acknowledge that he was acknowledged?! He is such a great human being. Much gratitude and appreciation.  Give him the award for one of the Greatest OCC counselors to ever advocate and guide students. He is truly the reason I graduated from OCC.

Christian Moreno

Nominee Christian Moreno is a student in my Intro to Psychology course. He has shown tremendous effort and participation in my class, despite challenges related to living with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Christian has overcome a considerable amount of adversity before coming to OCC to pursue his education and continues to show an insatiable desire to learn and grow academically and personally. His story is inspiring and proof that we are all capable of amazing things, even in the face of adversity. I'm honored, as his professor, to play a small part in his academic journey.

S.T.A.R. Awards

Lauren Williams	Nominee Lauren Williams.  I have worked with Lauren Williams for many years and have never known her to perform in a less than excellent manner.  In addition to fulfilling her duties as a paraprofessional for Biology with exceptional attention to detail, she has gone above and beyond on countless occasions.  She will stand on her head to make sure the students have what they need.  She has worked with some of the hardest-to-please faculty at the college, including myself, and has always maintained a cool, calm, and professional manner.  She embodies team spirit when the need arises, and will step in when needed, where needed.  This has been especially true with the upcoming closure of Highland Lakes during which replacements for paraprofessionals in other Science areas at the campus were not hired.  She currently serves as THE paraprofessional at our campus for all of the science labs and manages to set up the labs so that the students can have a good experience. Personally, I have imposed on Lauren's time to discuss various ideas for labs and troubleshooting problems in the lab.  She is always there, always helpful, and always ready to deal with anything that comes up in a day, and she does so quietly and quickly. Lauren deserves this recognition!
Doree Nowack	Nominee Doree Nowack deserves this award because she is all about the students, if there is an answer she will find it.  Doree works in the Royal Oak Financial Aid Department and I have had the opportunity to both work with her and be able to have her help me as a student as well.  I was a secretary for some time and Doree was the person that trained me, seeing her be helpful and kind to the students helped me to do the same as an employee and always try to get an answer for the students.
Claude Townsend	Nominee Claud Townsend.  As an older student going back to school can be intimidating, Claude Townsend is an amazing teacher that truly cares about your success.
Rob Long	Nominee Rob Long. The amount of legal knowledge that Rob Long has and the way he can teach in a captivating manner, especially on Zoom is awesome. There were times that I didn’t think I could succeed as a paralegal student and his encouragement when I needed it truly helped me get back on track and now I am one class away from graduating.
Debra Wagrowski	Nominee Debra Wagrowski is so positive with our students and staff. She goes above and beyond to make sure people feel secure and safe on the campus. She is always up for a challenge and takes the challenge with pride.
Sue Snyder	Nominee Sue Snyder. The guidance Sue Snyder provided during my clinical experience was superb. My son died 2 days after being born. My clinical rotation was labor & delivery. It was very hard for me. Sue’s approach was considerate & gentle in my situation.  I had witnessed an ethical dilemma at clinical. She gave me the strength to advocate for my patients.  As an educator and nurse, she is exemplary. Her ethic is to be modeled after. I look up to her. She was challenging. I respect her for the high standards and expectations she has for all of her students. She provided equal opportunity for each of her students. I hope I can be as wonderful of a nurse as Sue is. I’m truly grateful for her. What she does matters and makes me feel like I matter too! I enjoy walking past her class & overhearing her lecture new, eager minds. Sowing seeds for future nurses!
Katherine Homant	Nominee Katie Homant makes what she is teaching come to life. She is extremely passionate about what she teaches and it shows! Professor Katie encourages her students to not just learn but helps them to succeed in their educational pursuits. Professor Katie has encouraged me to complete my degree and has helped me better connect with my students that I teach. She makes the ECE field more than just learning what's in the books. She brings it to life and encourages her students to act on what they learn in the field.
Cheryl Aretha	Nominee Dr. Cheryl Aretha will go above and beyond to ensure student success while making class enjoyable and engaging!
Kathy Tiell	Nominee Dr. Kathy Tiell is the perfect example for this award. She is so committed to her work and students.  Dr. Tiell has given me a love for my Education and my future.  Please consider Dr. TIELL for this award; it is well- deserved!!
Alkinie Lewis	Nominee Alkinie Lewis is a very hard-working person and she keeps the Registrar’s Office on track. She is prompt, kind and a very worthy candidate for this award.
Dr. Richard Lamb	Nominee Dr. Richard Lamb is the most fascinating and engaging instructor at OCC. Kind and accommodating to all students while having engaging lectures and appropriate coursework/supplemental material. very energetic and a class I'm always looking forward to, regardless of the class of his I'm taking.
Alexis Dodson	Nominee Professor Alexis Dodson has been the first professor to really make me feel welcome at OCC and I’m in my last year. She cares about  every student in a different way and wants to see them succeed. She makes sure each student feels welcome and makes sure to help out in any way she can. She makes learning in class and lab fun and is so easy to talk to. She has been the best professor I have had at OCC ever and will recommend her to anyone taking an environmental science class.
Dr. Julie Seiler	Nominee Dr. Julie Seiler is the best professor ever! She truly cares about her students, she gets to know them and helps them succeed! She makes her lectures interesting and easy to understand!
James Anderson	Nominee James Anderson is the best teacher I’ve ever had. He relates things to his students to help them learn. He is the definition of what a teacher should be. He is kind and understanding. One time I had to run out of his class because my cousin was having her baby and he said “Oh my goodness GO!!” and it made me laugh! He has helped me become a better writer and express myself in writing so much more. He is an outstanding professor and deserves this so much.
Jasmine Hampshire	Nominee Jasmine Hampshire is an important part of the AH Academic Support Center. You always see her going above and beyond for students. Her cheerful and welcoming personality makes the students feel right at home in the ASC and always leave happier than when they came in. Jasmine is a problem solver and does her best to navigate students to the right resources or people to help them. Jasmine has made the AH Academic Support Center a more welcoming environment and an important place for many of the students.
Julie Selonke	Nominee Chef Julie Selonke has helped me from day one of being in the culinary program. She is nurturing, kind, and wonderful. She is always there to help and always has a smile on her face.  She helped me get a great job outside school as well!
Emily Lawrence	Nominee Emily Lawrence goes above and beyond with her students and is always available to help in class and after hours through email. Such a fun professor she has so much energy and passion for Composition and supporting her students.
Angelika Maly	Nominee Professor Angelika Maly deserves this award she genuinely cares about all her students and makes hard classes tolerable and encourages you even if you are ready to give up.  She is one reason why I will be graduating  this May.
Mark Hopkins	Nominee Professor Mark Hopkins is an inspiring and passionate professor, and he should be recognized with the Staff That Are Remarkable (S.T.A.R.) Award. His passion for his work and his students is evident in every class. By encouraging positive study habits, outlining expectations, and providing a variety of learning resources, Professor Hopkins earns respect and gratitude from all his students. He takes the time to get to know his students by simply having conversations with them and he shows an interest in, and a dedication to, our success. Each of these actions exemplifies why Professor Hopkins is deserving of the S.T.A.R. Award.
Sheila Reed	Nominee Sheila Reed is a colleague who embodies the vision of the college: Excellence in all we do. She contributes to a supportive and productive work environment, provides exceptional service, and is a genuinely compassionate and professional colleague. During my first few months here at the Foundation, Sheila was, and still is, an incredible resource for understanding the inner workings of the College taking the time to explain what forms to complete, where they need to be sent, etc. She has a positive demeanor, takes pride in her work, and positively impacts our community. Thank you, Sheila!
Candy Geeter	Nominee Candy Geeter.  Not only is Candy Geeter a S.T.A.R, she Gives Every Moment (a G.E.M.). From the time I was introduced to Candy four months ago, she continues to welcome me with open arms into the OCC community. Her humility, generosity, and patience are ever-present; a vivid reminder of her personal grace. Candy’s integrity, accessibility, leadership and teamwork are remarkable qualities that empower not only our students but colleagues as well. And, her commitment to student success is unwavering; she is invested in their not only success, but future. Candy, you are an inspiration! Thank you!
Kristina Eubanks	Nominee Kristina Eubanks is such an amazing trustworthy person who helps a lot of students graduate on time she is a true advocate. And always been there for me when I was becoming discouraged about furthering my education. She truly deserves this award.
Amy Flynn	Nominee Amy Flynn is very encouraging and when she has to give me critique, she does it in a positive manner without belittling or discouraging.   I have had her as both an online instructor and as an in-person lab instructor.  She has calmed my nerves when I have done a new procedure in the lab and has been very patient in helping me and my fellow students improve technique.  She definitely deserves a S.T.A.R.!
Ryan Pacheco	Nominee Professor Ryan Pacheco is hands-down one of the best, most caring professors I have had the pleasure of knowing in my college experience. He truly cares for the success of his students and their understanding of the material. He is always available for us, always open to having a conversation, and always willing to listen. I have always felt listened to, seen, and supported by Mr. Pacheco. He truly has had an immensely positive impact on my college experience and life in general.
Samantha Miller	Nominee Professor Samantha Miller deserves this award because she has helped me learn so much in COMP 2. She keeps up with student grades and is always very kind and understanding. Professor Miller makes class fun and gives students the opportunity to engage as a classroom by having open discussions about current events. Being a mother myself I know how hard it can be to achieve daily goals while pregnant and I’d just like to recognize her because she is pregnant and still manages to get things done and always with a positive attitude.
Shawna Boomgaard	Nominee Professor Shawna Boomgaard goes above and beyond her teaching position, her genuine concern for her students is amazing. She is always reminding us to engage in our communities and creating events for her students to learn and grow from. I will always be grateful for her kindness, especially through my own personal hardships. I never imagined how much one person can make such an impact on so many lives. It would be so nice for her to be recognized for all the wonderful things she does for people.
Kristina Eubanks	Nominee Kristina Eubanks deserves this award because of how hardworking she is. She goes above and beyond for her students at all times.

Award Categories

Student Awards

CONNECT. ENGAGE. BELONG. Award
This award recognizes the student who:

• Actively participates in all aspects of the academic experience
• Demonstrates a passion for learning
• Engages with course material beyond minimum requirements and collaborates effectively with peers and instructors
• Seeks opportunities for involvement and leadership and inspires others
• Creates a supportive atmosphere for their peers
• Promotes connection, unity, diversity and inclusion

Perseverance Award
This award celebrates the student who:

• Has made strides to improve academically or overcome major obstacles
• Become more involved in campus activities or events
• Is driven to succeed at OCC

Employee Awards

Staff That Are Remarkable (S.T.A.R.) Award
We all know OCC employees who are energetic, reliable and full of great ideas – now is the time to celebrate these special people! This award recognizes the employee who:

• Has made a difference in the lives of their students or colleagues
• Provides exceptional service to everyone they meet
• Is passionate about supporting student success

Proactive and Creative Engagement (P.A.C.E.) Award
This award recognizes the faculty member who:

• Proactively engages students both inside and outside the classroom
• Uses creative methods to enhance student learning and success