Oakland University Receives Beacon Award

Oakland University Receives Beacon Award
Representatives from the 12 AdviseMI partner colleges accept their Beacon Awards.

The Michigan College Access Network held its annual conference and College Access Impact Awards Dinner in Lansing and recognized numerous outstanding college advocates from across the state. In all, eight award categories recognized the hard work and dedication of 22 individuals and organizations that have gone above and beyond to improve postsecondary attainment.


The Beacon Award recognizes those who strengthen success through partnerships. Oakland University earned MCAN’s Beacon Award through its philosophical and financial support of MCAN’s mission and activities through the AdviseMI partnership program. This program places the best and brightest alums as college advisers in high schools where the AdviseMI program serves a significant number of low-income and first generation college students.


The Beacon Award went to 12 Partner Colleges from the AdviseMI program, including: Alma College, Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, Madonna University, Oakland University, Saginaw Valley State University, University of Michigan-Dearborn, University of Michigan-Flint, Wayne State University and Western Michigan University.

 
“Every one of the individuals and organizations recognized from this year’s awards have played a vital role sparking change statewide and in their communities,” said Brandy Johnson, executive director of MCAN. “We know one of the most successful drivers for people is to hear personal accounts of perseverance when it comes to higher education. This year’s award-winners are a fantastic group of individuals and organizations who are on the ground and working to drive change by increasing the number of Michigan residents with postsecondary degrees and certificates in our state.”   


In addition to the award ceremony, the Michigan College Access Network hosted more than 450 college access professionals and leaders during the two-day conference. The conference theme, “College Changes Everything,” focused on highlighting personal stories and showcasing the impact postsecondary education makes in our communities and in our personal live through a pre-conference, 35 breakout sessions, and three keynote speakers.

 

About the photo:

Pictured from left to right are:
Craig Aimar, assistant vice president of enrollment and director of admissions at Alma College; Dr. Don Loppnow, interim president at Eastern Michigan University; Dr. Jeanine Ward-Roof, vice president for student affairs at Ferris State University; Thomas Speakman, director of admissions at Central Michigan University; Gayle Davis, provost and executive vice president for academic and student affairs at Grand Valley State University; Mark Schroeder, director of admissions at Madonna University; Dawn Aubry, director of admissions at Oakland University; Ray Metz, vice president for enrollment management and student life at University of Michigan Dearborn; Jennifer Paul, director of admissions at Saginaw Valley State University; Christopher Tremblay, associate provost for enrollment management at Western Michigan University; Chris Waters, associate provost and dean of undergraduate studies at University of Michigan Flint; Mark Jackson, director of the APEX scholars program at Wayne State University; Brandy Johnson, MCAN executive director; and Dan Hurley, CEO of the Michigan Association of State Universities.