Alumni

We have a mantra here at OCCC, one I hope you’ll take to heart whether you’re looking back on your time at OCCC or just beginning it:

Whoever you are and whomever you love, wherever you’ve been and wherever you’re going, you’re welcome here.

I begin this message to you with that mantra for a simple reason: OCCC is an exceptional place to become better educated in your field, but it is also one of the more unique and intentional places to become a better person. Our mantra is aimed not just at ensuring you feel welcome here, but that you join us in ensuring others feel welcome here, too. That takes empathy, and patience, and mutual support. If it were easy or natural, we’d live in a much different world. It may sound cliche, but OCCC is  just as much a community as we are a college, and we believe there is so much to learn from both. Our community is better with you in it, and we’re grateful you’re with us, now and forever.

We advise all our students to define what success means to them, and regardless of where you are in your life now, I encourage you to take stock of that as well. A degree or certificate from OCCC can certainly help you make more money and move up in your field, but where I believe we have all found the most value from OCCC is in those life skills, moments and lessons you’ll gain while you’re here: Kindness, generosity, resourcefulness, stewardship, leadership, empathy, healthy relationships, life-long friends, great memories, and an exceptional college experience.

Welcome – or welcome back, if that’s the case – to OCCC, indeed. We’re glad you’re here.

— 

Dr. Jeremy L. Thomas
OCCC Interim President