
Alumni Stories
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Emmanuel Cervantes
Banquet Chef de Cuisine /
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & SpaOCC’s culinary program not only gives students the basic skills they need to get their foot in the door at a restaurant, they also offer advanced courses that prepare students for a wide range of opportunities in the industry.
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Without OCC’s photo department I wouldn’t be where I am today, that’s a fact. The program is so dialed, from the teachers, digital lab, equipment, studios, dark room. Every teacher had something different to offer, from proper studio lighting to abstract thinking and techniques. Without the proper education I wouldn’t have the experience and knowledge to do the job I have today. For that I am forever thankful to OCC.
Steve Morisette
Staff Photographer / Rip Curl
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Shana Jenkins
Business Owner / Newport Beach
After graduation I transferred to UCLA, where I earned a bachelors degree in political science and public affairs. I’ve been involved in [OCC’s] Alumni and Friends since 2008. I love the work that the Foundation does and being a part of that is a really big deal for me.
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I know it’s important for students in the culinary program to get experience, because that’s what restaurants are looking for [when hiring]. Anything I can do to help, I’m happy to do it.
Jake McPeck
Owner / Mess Hall Canteen Food Truck / Winner, Food Network Food Truck Face Off
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Heidi Mariner
Student, Maine Maritime Academy
Before I took Introduction to Sailing at OCC, I had never been on a boat. Once I took that first course, I completely fell in love with it. It wasn’t until I was about three classes in that I realized this is what I want to do with my life.
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Jamaal Lee
Senior, Vanguard University Forward, VU Men’s Basketball
I'm forever grateful to Orange Coast College for giving me a chance to better my life.
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Jenna Davis
Founder / Owner Raw Love Sunscreen
I attended OCC’s Professional Mariner program to obtain my Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping, and I found that the program not only offered that certification but also so much more that ended up being really helpful in my career.
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Gabriel Caliendo
Vice President, Research & Development / Lazy Dog Restaurant
Orange Coast College was a great fit for me. The program is affordable and offers an accredited degree in culinary arts. It really helped to prepare me for my dream restaurant position!
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Ethan Biegel
Student Cal Maritime Academy
I think OCC’s Professional Mariner program is a complete gem – there’s no other program like it. When I first started taking classes at the OCC Sailing Center, it blew me away that there was something like that available to students who were interested in pursuing careers in the maritime industry at the community college level.
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Julia Clevenger
OCC Director of College and Community Services
After 30 years at Coast, I have many images in my mind of quiet special moments, momentous occasions, powerful life changing experiences, and friends - lots of friends. But my very first memory of Coast is from my first day as a first year, college student. I was walking through the quad amazed at the space around me when I heard someone call my name. Who would know me here?! ... Read More
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Katie Olivier
OCC Admissions & Records Staff
My parents have worked at OCC my whole life so I grew up on this campus. It is like a second home to me. It was a wonderful place to go to school and it is a fantastic place to work.
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Quoc Pham
Aviation Maintenance Technician
Hands down, some of the best instructors at OCC are Rodney Foster and John Carter. In the Aviation Maintenance Training Program, having instructors that can relate classroom education to real world experiences has been instrumental to my career as an Aviation Maintenance Technician.
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Clark Cook
United Airlines Technician
If it weren't for the Airframe and Powerplant Program at OCC, I wouldn't be where I am today. I looked into many A&P schools and OCC was the best choice. It easily fit into my budget and the campus was very close to where I lived. Today, I have a great career with United Airlines. I have been with the company for over 23 years and I really love what I am doing for a living. Because of my education at OCC, I am living the dream!
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Sean Wellengard
OCC Foundation Staff
I have gained a lot from OCC. I also stayed longer than most at OCC. It was a home that I didn't want to leave and still don't as I have now reached my goal of being employed full time at OCC. I met my wife at OCC, I performed in numerous productions and was written up as Man of the Year in Theatre in the Daily Pilot at OCC, I was part of the Speech Team that won State and National Championships ... Read More
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Kevin Ballinger
OCC Vice President of Instruction
In 1978 I made an unintended impression on one of my professors at OCC - the comment I made to her when I was only 20 years old would later change my life. After final exams the students were lingering in her classroom - it was the last class in my two-year Allied Health program, and Professor Edith McTiernan was asking students where they were applying for jobs. Students were giving their answers, and when it was my turn ... Read More
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Fran Albers
Retired OCC Maintenance & Operations Director
I grew up at OCC — my Dad was Fran Albers, Maintenance and Operations director for 32+ years. My favorite memory is one of living in the “country” — back then it was the land of the soon-to-be Junior College — and then watching the College grow ... Read More
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Bob Poortman
Lead Aircraft Maintenance Technician
After 30 years at Coast, I have many images in my mind of quiet special moments, momentous occasions, powerful life changing experiences, and friends - lots of friends. But my very first memory of Coast is from my first day ... Read More
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Daniel Falk
Aircraft Technician
My favorite memory [of Orange Coast College] is my Sheet Metal and Composites class with Rodney Foster in the Aircraft Maintenance Technician program. It was the most challenging class I’ve ever taken. It pushed me to my limits, and helped me develop my technical skills ... Read More
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Walter Villaume
Avionics Technician
The aviation maintenance program was amazing! The staff Mr. Foster, Mr. Zombeck, and Mr. Carter made the experience very challenging but enjoyable and a true feeling of accomplishment when I completed the program. I now am employed at a company that specializes in law enforcement aviation and specialized tactical mission equipment. I would not be where I am without the foundation provided by the OCC AMT staff! Thank you guys!