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 ... 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 ... 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 ... 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 ... Read More
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Brandi Birdsong
Professional Musician
Throughout my experiences at OCC, I had the privilege to go on tour with the Chamber Singers to Chicago and New York City. The preparation I received with private study, choir singing, piano, and theory helped with my transition into CSUF. There, I was able to ... Read More
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Minh Pham
Professional Musician
I enjoyed EVERYTHING about being a student at OCC. Don't get me wrong, there were ups and downs, but the people and the compassionate environment are my motivational vehicle for my accomplishments. Also, the lifelong friends and beautiful connections that I have ... Read More
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Mike Armstrong
Educator
My wife and I met in music class, and continue our journey still at OCC in the Wind Ensemble. Returning to the college every week to play with the Wind Ensemble is a cathartic experience and a welcome reprieve from a busy life. The fact that my wife has been a ... Read More
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Tracy Hartman
Director of Development Laguna College of Art + Design
Wayne Wolf- the BEST Algebra teacher ever- the pre-semester review was so appreciated. Kat Caroll- The woman who taught students how to listen with a Simon and Garfunkel song. Tom Garrison- Who began glass with classical music and low light-provided a study guide to fill in so you could LISTEN.
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Kevin Tran
Senior Vice President - Commercial Credit Officer at Bank of America
As a first generation college college student, I was lost during the transformation from high school to college. OCC provided me with the necessary guidance and education to transfer to a four year school. Without the dedication and guidance from EOPS especially ... Read More
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Vic Lowrey
TV Editor/Writer/Producer
Loved being on the school paper "The Coast Lines" for two years, serving as Editor-In-Chief, Ad manager, News Editor. Interviewed Steve Martin, Mel Brooks, Jane Fonda, lots of folks. Also made several life-long friends. After receiving my AA in 1976, I went right ... Read More
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Sunnet Bravo
Warehouse Management
Orange Coast College was the most memorable experience for me. I enjoyed my years on work study and being able to work along side many of the staff as well as having my job on campus. The opportunities were endless here . I truly hope to send my son here one day ... Read More
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Cressa Valencia
Teacher
I had a great time at OCC! I didn’t do well in K-12 grade, but OCC changed that. I graduated from OCC with honors! I got to work as a curatorial intern at the Doyle Art Gallery. The director, Tyler Stallings, taught me a lot.
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Krista Donahey-Vo
Hospital Case Manager
My husband and I went to the parrot head Concert in the Quad tonight and had so much fun walking around, seeing the old buildings mixed in with the new, and reminiscing. We met here nearly 30 years ago...Read More
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Summer Ordaz
Constituent & Legislative Affairs Director
Since graduating from OCC, I've earned a Bachelor’s in Political Science and Master of Public Policy degree, and now work full-time for a Massachusetts state government agency. Throughout my ...Read More
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Charles Heath, Jr.
Retired Business Executive
The most significant and lasting memory is I met my wife of 53 years at OCC. We were both musicians in the OCC Marching Band and Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Charles Rutherford. I had ...Read More
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Carol Kerr
Substitute Teacher
I have a few favorites: Norm Cole’s trip to Baja for two weeks. Also Anacapa Island! Alex Hilkevich led wonderful Bird Watching classes that never disappointed. I almost went on a whale watching ...Read More
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Emmanuel Cervantes
Banquet Chef de Cuisine / Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa
OCC’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.
-
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 Sailing 101 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!
-
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?! I turned around to find a kid from my high school walking towards me. This wasn’t just any kid. This was one of “The Kids”. How did he even know my name? I was a wall flower in high school, an overweight, short, painfully shy, non-partying wall flower. And here was this confident, tall, blonde athlete coming towards me looking just as nervous as I felt. I smiled and said “Hi” back. After a little small talk about classes we were taking and buildings we couldn’t find, we parted. It was a tiny moment – but it was the first one where I realized what OCC had been and would be to so many: A new beginning, an equalizer, a chance to recreate yourself, a chance to grow.
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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.
-
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.
-
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 (not uncommon now) at OCC, and I have established a 24HR Theatre Festival that performs annually at OCC. One of my fondest memories of OCC (aside from the first production that I wrote and directed that my wife performed in) was when I started the 24HR Festival at OCC. The students at OCC are not only immensely accommodating, but strive to overcome any obstacles. As though the challenge of writing, rehearsing, and performing plays within 24 hours wasn't strenuous enough, the first performance had a student who was legally blind, one who was deaf, and a student (still very much a part of the department) who has severe autism. The first festival was a huge success and I was very proud of all the students involved. As I tell the 24HR Festival participants every year and as they have made apparent to me every year, is that they can do anything. OCC gave me and so many students the ability to do just that.
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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 I made a cocky comment that I wanted her job some day. Fast forward five years - Professor McTiernan was following my career and called me at the hospital I was working at to ask if I wanted to teach a class part time. I said sure and asked her why she thought of me... she replied “You said you wanted my job some day - well you should start by teaching part time first.” I was stunned she remembered the comment and I told her I was only joking ... she said in all her years no one had ever said that! She then said “Well do you want the class or not?” After being successful with a couple of classes, Professor McTiernan told me to go back to school and get my Bachelor’s degree... That it wouldn’t be too long before she would retire and “you would not want to miss that opportunity.”
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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 ... Our family was fortunate to witness Dr. Peterson's dream come about. My dad helped turn the Santa Ana Army Air Base into a college campus and in time, he also helped start Golden West College. My dad also kept an eye on the cattle and the new agricultural department ... and my sister Janet was OCC’s Homecoming Queen when she was 5 years old. Another favorite memory is riding in an old Army truck around campus and what is now the OC Fairgrounds, on "fire watch" ... our home moved from near the Tech building to the current location of the Coast Community College District offices (at last check, a tree is still standing where we planted it!) There are so many, many memories.
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Bob Poortman
Lead Aircraft Maintenance Technician
I went through the aircraft maintenance program at OCC. My instructors were Bob Clifton, George Bingo and Cuck. I spent a lot of time at the College; Monday thru Friday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Saturday for the helicopter class during one semester. I did the summer session as well, and I met some good people. It all paid off as I was hired on with Rockwell right after graduation in 1985. In 1987 I was hired on with United Airlines in Los Angeles International Airport — 31 years later I am still at LAX and I am a lead Aviation Maintenance Technician. Thanks OCC for a great program. And I hope that you continue it. There will be a shortage of AMTs in the future and your great program could help fill that void.
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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. As a whole, the Aircraft Maintenance Technician program fully prepared me for my current career. Since graduating, I passed all my certification tests, and acquired a position as a mechanic in the Aerospace Industry. If it weren’t for the professors at Orange Coast College like Rodney Foster, Ron Franz, John Carter, and Mark Zombek, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
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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!
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Brandi Birdsong
Professional Musician
Throughout my experiences at OCC, I had the privilege to go on tour with the Chamber Singers to Chicago and New York City. The preparation I received with private study, choir singing, piano, and theory helped with my transition into CSUF. There, I was able to go on tour to New York, perform at the Hollywood Bowl with Andrea Bocelli and under the direction of John Williams and sing his music compositions.
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Minh Pham
Professional Musician
I enjoyed EVERYTHING about being a student at OCC. Don't get me wrong, there were ups and downs, but the people and the compassionate environment are my motivational vehicle for my accomplishments. Also, the lifelong friends and beautiful connections that I have made throughout my journey continue. To this day, I'm still a part of the OCC family and involved in many exciting musical things! You always feel welcome, and it's for life.
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Mike Armstrong
Educator
My wife and I met in music class, and continue our journey still at OCC in the Wind Ensemble. Returning to the college every week to play with the Wind Ensemble is a cathartic experience and a welcome reprieve from a busy life. The fact that my wife has been a part of those experiences from the very beginning is an added bonus! Our love of music, and each other, grew within the warm environs of OCC and continues to be strengthened there to this day. I can’t overstate the joy that OCC has brought to my life.
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Tracy Hartman
Director of Development Laguna College of Art + Design
Wayne Wolf- the BEST Algebra teacher ever- the pre-semester review was so appreciated. Kat Caroll- The woman who taught students how to listen with a Simon and Garfunkel song. Tom Garrison- Who began glass with classical music and low light-provided a study guide to fill in so you could LISTEN.
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Kevin Tran
Senior Vice President - Commercial Credit Officer at Bank of America
As a first generation college college student, I was lost during the transformation from high school to college. OCC provided me with the necessary guidance and education to transfer to a four year school. Without the dedication and guidance from EOPS especially the counselors., I can't imagine where I would be today in my career today. I still keep in touch with many classmates from OCC. Great memories and couldn't thank the school enough.
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Vic Lowrey
TV Editor/Writer/Producer
Loved being on the school paper "The Coast Lines" for two years, serving as Editor-In-Chief, Ad manager, News Editor. Interviewed Steve Martin, Mel Brooks, Jane Fonda, lots of folks. Also made several life-long friends. After receiving my AA in 1976, I went right into the TV biz, where I now write, produce and edit. I'm a voting member of the TV Academy, having been nominated for two Emmy awards. I look back on my time at OCC as some of the happiest times of my life.
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Sunnett Bravo
Warehouse Management
Orange Coast College was the most memorable experience for me. I enjoyed my years on work study and being able to work along side many of the staff as well as having my job on campus. The opportunities were endless here. I truly hope to send my son here one day. I left OCC with no debt and a degree and for that I thank everyone from the counselors, to the professors that took the time and of course the financial aid office.
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Cressa Valencia
Teacher
I had a great time at OCC! I didn’t do well in K-12 grade, but OCC changed that. I graduated from OCC with honors! I got to work as a curatorial intern at the Doyle Art Gallery. The director, Tyler Stallings, taught me a lot.
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Krista Donahey-Vo
Hospital Case Manager
My husband and I went to the parrot head Concert in the Quad tonight and had so much fun walking around, seeing the old buildings mixed in with the new, and reminiscing. We met here nearly 30 years ago! We both transferred to different universities a few years later, and then went on to grad school even but it’s funny, neither of us can remember much about those campuses or those professors. But tonight as we walked around campus we thought about all of the amazing instructors and staff that made such an impression, and set us on a path in life with such impact that we easily rattled off their names and remember them SO well: Dale Nauta, Kat Carroll, CJ LaMer, Rebecca Davidson, Mr. Bender in Geology, Mona Coates, Tom Garrison, Gloria Bogden, Judy Lagerloff, Ann Nicholson, Bruce in the Transfer Center, and so many more....what a fun walk down memory lane! I hope that at future Concerts in the Quad that if they are in attendance they can be announced on the microphone so that the former students can applaud them and maybe run over and say hi and especially THANK YOU.
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Summer Ordaz
Constituent & Legislative Affairs Director
Since graduating from OCC, I've earned a Bachelor’s in Political Science and Master of Public Policy degree, and now work full-time for a Massachusetts state government agency. Throughout my subsequent educational and professional experiences, I've always been able to lean on skills I obtained as a Transfer Opportunity Program (TOP) student, cross country athlete, and member of ASOCC’s Advocacy Committee. OCC shaped who I am personally and professionally, and without hesitation I can say that I'm proud to be an alum of Orange Coast College and the California Community College system. #ForeverPirates
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Charles Heath, Jr.
Retired Business Executive
The most significant and lasting memory is I met my wife of 53 years at OCC. We were both musicians in the OCC Marching Band and Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Charles Rutherford. I had transferred to OCC for one year to change my major from pre-med to business. I had decided to drop music and concentrate on new studies. Dr. Rutherford, who was also new to OCC, somehow saw my records, called my mom, and convinced her that I should join the music program. She told me I must go see this nice man. That led to one of my best years in college, also playing in the dance band with many talented musicians. Thanks to Dr. Rutherford, I met my wife, Linda Guy Heath.
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Carol Kerr
Substitute Teacher
I have a few favorites: Norm Cole’s trip to Baja for two weeks. Also Anacapa Island! Alex Hilkevich led wonderful Bird Watching classes that never disappointed. I almost went on a whale watching expedition to Baja. My Father in law, Al Kerr, was head of Geology Dept. for years and had a working oil rig on campus. Sailing classes were fun. On a Geology class field trip, we stopped on the San Andreas fault at the time of the great Northridge earthquake On January 17, 1994, a magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck near Northridge.