Student Government

Student Government exists to promote student involvement in campus activities, assist and maintain order among student organizations, represent concerns brought forth by the student body, and encourage community outreach.

Student Government 2025/2026 ELECTION 

An election cycle will be held from March 17 – April 24, 2025, for the Executive Board of Oakland Community College’s Student Government   

Candidates for the 2025/2026 Election

President

Ric Hogerheide 

I am a non-traditional student pursuing a Business degree at OCC, returning to school after facing challenges in the job market. I graduated from Grand Blanc Community High School in 2009 as Senior Class President and have over a decade of experience in radio and television, along with certification as a project manager in software development.

I am running for Student Government President to serve students from all backgrounds and advocate for their needs. Collaboration with the student body and organizations like Phi Theta Kappa and the Veterans Club is essential, ensuring that every student feels supported.

Understanding the challenges non-traditional students face—balancing school, work, and family—is a priority. With increasing applications from returning students in 2025, it’s vital that their voices are heard and concerns are brought to OCC leadership for action.

As your Student Government President, I will focus on listening, advocating, and delivering results for all students at OCC. I would be honored to have your vote!! 

Rahma Jaara 

I am a second-year student, and I’ve engaged with our diverse community, committing to advocating for inclusivity and ensuring that every student’s voice is heard.

I volunteer at Corewell Health and have tutored students for two years, which has strengthened my leadership skills. My experiences as a research lab assistant, proofreader for Dome, and being on the Dean’s List reflect my dedication to excellence. I’m also fluent in Arabic and participate actively in the Peer Mentor Program.

If elected, I will prioritize:

• Amplifying Student Voices: I will use surveys and discussions to ensure every student feels heard.
• Expanding Mental Health Support: Initiatives like movie nights and art therapy will promote overall well-being.
• Academic Support: Themed spirit weeks will enhance school spirit and offer extra credit opportunities.
• Community Engagement: Organizing events and volunteer opportunities will strengthen our ties to both OCC and Oakland County.

Together, we can create a more inclusive and vibrant college community! 

Vice President

Donna Lopatin 

I am excited to run for the position of Vice President of Student Government at Oakland Community College. I am passionate about making our college a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. I understand that not everyone can attend meetings in Auburn Hills, and I want to create opportunities for participation that are accessible to everyone, regardless of location. 

I believe in hosting more events at various OCC locations, incorporating virtual meetings, and engaging in creative activities like online karaoke that can be repeated across campuses. It’s essential to me that location never becomes a barrier to student involvement.

During high school, I was an active member of the Key Club, where I learned the value of community service through volunteer work. I also contributed to my school’s film crew, creating morning video announcements for students. Currently, I am a member of NSLS and plan to join Phi Theta Kappa soon. I have been nominated as the president of the forensics club at OCC, which will be starting up again in the fall. 

Since there’s no pre-med club at OCC, I’m exploring the possibility of starting my own, as my goal is to become a doctor in the future. My strong communication skills and sense of responsibility drive my desire to make a positive impact on our student community. 

I am committed to planning creative events and seeking input on how we can enhance the student government experience for everyone at OCC. Your vote will help bring this vision to life. Thank you for your support! 

Secretary

Open

Public Relations Coordinator

Lillian Harris 

My name is Lillian Harris, and I’m a senior at Royal Oak High School in the Accelerated College Experience (ACE) program at OCC. I’m involved in the National Honor Society, serve as Vice President of the HOSA club, and play varsity volleyball and lacrosse.

In my free time, I enjoy outdoor activities, shopping, spending time with friends, and pursuing my academic interests. My goal is to get a head start at OCC and enroll in a nursing program. I believe my leadership and time management skills would be valuable as your Public Relations Coordinator.

In this role, I will work to ensure student-led events are successful and help all students feel welcome at OCC. I aim to utilize my creativity to design eye-catching flyers and posts that enhance student government visibility and involvement. Thank you for your support!

Community Service Coordinator

Seth Weissman 
My name is Seth Weissman and I am a Student at OCC majoring in mental health and social work and

I am a student at OCC majoring in mental health and social work, with aspirations of becoming a clinical psychologist. I am deeply passionate about student engagement and community involvement. As the co-founder of the upcoming Chess Club at OCC, I am dedicated to fostering connections among students. Additionally, I am seeking to further enhance student engagement by serving as the community service coordinator in the student government.

With extensive experience in community involvement, including roles as a camp counselor, wrestling coach, and personal trainer, I thrive on connecting with others. I intend to leverage these experiences to have a positive impact on both OCC and the broader community. 

Thank you for your support!

Treasurer

Charles (CJ) Schneider   

I started my journey at OCC in the Winter of 2024 with the goal of earning an associate degree in social work. My plan is to transfer to Oakland University to pursue my master’s degree and become a counselor or therapist. I believe in the importance of compassion and in supporting those who face mental health challenges.

Since September 2024, I’ve attended student government meetings, which have inspired me to contribute to OCC’s positive environment. I am excited to join this team and help continue our legacy.

I am running for treasurer based on my management experience at Forster's Auto Wash, where I oversaw daily operations and financial reports. My role as treasurer and student government representative for Phi Theta Kappa has also prepared me to stay informed about important student matters.

I am proud of my accomplishments at OCC, having earned 31 credits with a 4.0 GPA in just over a year. If elected, I promise to serve the students of OCC to the best of my abilities. Thank you for considering my candidacy.

Laisa Magucha-Mensah 

I began my journey at OCC in the Winter 2024 semester, with the goal of earning an associate degree in social work. After graduating, I plan to transfer to Oakland University to pursue a master’s degree, with the goal of pursuing a career as a counselor or therapist. My belief in human compassion drives my desire to help those facing mental health challenges.

Throughout my time at OCC, I have experienced personal growth and feel ready for new challenges. I have regularly attended student government meetings since September 2024 and have been inspired by the current officers’ dedication to making OCC a welcoming community. This inspiration has motivated me to join their team and continue this positive legacy.

I am running for treasurer due to my management experience at Forster's Auto Wash, where I was responsible for overseeing daily financial operations. Additionally, serving as the treasurer/student government representative for Phi Theta Kappa has prepared me for this role. I have earned 31 credits and maintained a 4.0 GPA, reflecting my commitment to excellence. If elected, I look forward to serving the students of OCC and fulfilling my role to the best of my abilities. Thank you for your support! 

Fatou Touray 

I am an international student from The Gambia, currently pursuing my nursing studies. Throughout my academic journey, I have actively participated in leadership roles, extracurricular activities, and student organizations. I am proud to be a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the International Honor Society of Students, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and the OCC Nursing Student Association, where I've gained valuable experience in teamwork, organization, and financial planning.

I previously served as the Treasurer of my junior school’s Agricultural Club, where I managed funds, kept financial records, and ensured transparency in budgeting. This experience allowed me to develop strong financial management skills, attention to detail, and a sense of accountability. Balancing academics, work, and leadership commitments has taught me the importance of responsible financial oversight. If elected, I will focus on accurate budgeting, proper allocation of funds, and maintaining financial transparency for our organization. My goal is to contribute to our club's success by ensuring financial stability and supporting initiatives that benefit all members.

I look forward to the opportunity to serve as a Treasurer and work collaboratively to enhance our organization’s impact. Thank you for your consideration!! 

Liaison  

Frederick Mason 

As a second-year horticulture major at OCC and a proud alumnus of Midnight Golf, I bring a diverse set of experiences to this role. My hobbies include gardening and fossil hunting, and I've recently taken up running.

I chose to run for this position because of my active involvement in various student organizations, including Phi Theta Kappa, the International Student Club, and the Black Student Union. I believe that my experience in promoting events alongside the SGA has well-prepared me for this role. I aim to serve as a bridge between the Student Government and these organizations.

I am committed to becoming a better communicator with all student groups. I believe that every student’s voice contributes to our collective success and makes our events possible. I know this role will come with challenges, but with your support, I am confident that together we will succeed and thrive. Thank you for your consideration!

Mauricio Garcia Perez 

Growing up in Troy, Michigan, one of the most culturally diverse places in the world, I have developed the skills to effectively engage with people across various religious, social, and political backgrounds. This experience has cultivated my ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

After arriving in Michigan nearly ten years ago, I faced challenges related to language barriers. With the help of supportive friends, instructors, and classmates, I not only overcame these obstacles but also became a voice of support for others as an ESLP translator and student government member at Troy High School from 2017 to 2021.

As an extrovert who excels at bringing people together. I actively participate in group bonding activities, such as Ice Breakers, and am committed to resolving conflicts. I have a leadership role in the CORE Teen youth ministry at my church, which has further honed [his/her/their] mediation skills and ability to plan successful events.

I am passionately invested in the community and the spirit of OCC. I aim to utilize my experience and skills as a Liaison Officer to promote collaboration and unity among students and community members.

With a strong commitment to service and community engagement, I believe I would be an excellent addition to the team. Please consider me for the role of Liaison Officer. Thank you!

Events Coordinator

Jackson Jankowski 
I am a high school junior, and I have a long history of leadership roles in the many activities I have been involved in, such as marching band and robotics. This is my second semester at OCC. I want to be a student government officer because I am a natural leader, and love getting involved. As an officer, I will do whatever I can to help student government, and brainstorm ways to help boost student involvement. 

Election Timeline and Candidate Selction Process 

Any enrolled student who meets eligibility requirements can apply to run for officer positions.   Please see the SG Constitution for requirements.

March 17-21	If you are interested in running for a Student Government Officer position, send an email to occ.stugov@gmail.com containing the following:  Your OCC student ID number. Full name as it should appear on the ballot. Position for which you are running.  One to two paragraphs about yourself and why you are running for the position (500-word maximum). High-resolution jpeg headshot.
March 24	Applications will be reviewed by Advisor committee. Upon approval, candidates will be notified via e-mail to set up an interview. Watch your student email!
March 26-27	Interviews
March 28	Candidates announced via email
March 31-April 14	Each candidate will be allowed to campaign for a period of 10 days.
April 15	Debates*, if necessary
April 16-23	Elections!  No more than two candidates for each position will run for office in the final election. Elections shall be decided by the majority of the vote.
April 24	Election results announced via email

*If more than one candidate runs for the same position (President and Vice-Presidential candidates only).

Your elected team invites your input to assist them in making 2024/2025 a successful year at Oakland Community College. They can be reached at occ.stugov@gmail.com.

For more information, contact a Student Engagement Coordinator:

• Heidi Renton – Auburn Hills/Highland Lakes campuses 
• Brenda Lowery – Orchard Ridge/Royal Oak/Southfield campuses 

Student Town Hall - November 12, 2024

Student Government College-wide Forms, Information, and Student Organization Handbook

SG Constitution (including Officer Duties). Contact the Student Engagement Coordinator for more information at your campus.
Student Organization Handbook