The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Birmingham Branch devote many hours to raising funds for scholarships and other endeavors that support AAUW’s mission of promoting education and equity for women and girls.

Farmington AAUW (American Association of University Women) has been a part of the community since September 27, 1951. The AAUW organization was founded in 1881. The AAUW mission is to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. Farmington AAUW’s activities reflect this mission.

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Northville-Novi Branch was established in 1975 to promote equity and education for women and girls in the Northville-Novi area. We currently have 100+ members. The Branch supports a number of community action projects and we raise funds for local college scholarships. Most importantly, our Branch provides our members with opportunities to associate with like-minded women and men through our activities and special interest groups.

We join because of what AAUW stands for; we stay because of the friendships we make.

Ann O’Grady accepted a position with Oakland Community College during its formative years. She would often recall those beginning days and the antics that occurred as it began to get on its feet. She was very dynamic and inspirational, and as a professor, you couldn’t beat her enthusiasm for teaching. One of her favorite sayings was “It’s a great life if you don’t weaken.” She was a true Irish personality, full of life and good times.

She was one of two college-wide Sociology faculty who were truly conservative faculty members. She taught theory and did not promote a liberal philosophy for our society. She developed the Gerontology Program and dedicated many years to one of the landmark programs in the Detroit Metro Area. As a department chair and campus president for the Academic Senate, she spearheaded greater participation and changes for the campus and department. She sat as a member of the College curriculum committee for several years as well.

Her rapport and respect for students was mirrored in the many cards, letters, and visits she received from students. Ann would not hesitate to help students beyond the classroom. That help sometimes meant privately paying for childcare for a single mother, or for the tuition of a student who could not afford to continue.

She was one of the best the College will every have as someone dedicated to its success. As a professional educator, she was a caring, dedicated, and gifted professional educator.

You can give to the Ann O’Grady Endowed Scholarship here.

Barbara Ball was a longtime member of AFSCME Local 2042’s Classified union at Oakland Community College. Local 2042 consists of Classified staff at OCC who provide a variety of support services to students, faculty, and staff on a daily basis. Classified staff are the frontline workers at the College – the first to serve students. Classified staff fulfill a wide variety of job classifications throughout the College, all dedicated to assisting students on a daily basis with every aspect of their college experience.

Barbara Ball served as an officer on the Local 2042 Executive Board and served as a member on the Women’s Committee in Michigan. Unfortunately, she passed away suddenly in January 1991 at age 41. Because of her strong dedication to AFSCME Local 2042 and AFSCME Council 25, the Local 2042 Executive Board, on behalf of the Classified staff, established a student scholarship fund in her memory. Barbara was one of our most active union members and always did more than her share of the work with great enthusiasm. Since the scholarship was established, the Classified union as a whole, as well as individual members of the union, have donated to the scholarship fund to help support students. The union and its members are happy to continue this tradition and hope to help many more of OCC’s students in the future in memory of Barbara Ball.

Barbara Frey taught at Oakland Community College for 29 years in the Biology department. During that time she frequently taught Anatomy and Physiology – important subjects for students preparing themselves for careers in health. She saw again and again the struggles of students to finance their education. In particular, older students returning to the classroom while raising their children inspired her with their determination and grit. She and her husband Nicholas Thines established this scholarship to let these students know that they are not alone in their struggles.

Barton Malow Company is an American-owned construction management firm that was founded in 1924. Barton Malow Company’s core purpose is to build people, projects and communities. These goals and our company’s purpose stem from a 90 plus-year history of company leaders with a shared common goal – an extraordinary dedication to community service. Aligning with that goal, Barton Malow Company is establishing a scholarship to be awarded to an Oakland Community College student who is studying to work in construction industry with goals and a drive similar to ours.

“This scholarship was created to honor the memory of our son, Bryan. Horticulture and landscaping became Bryan’s passion in life and he would be delighted to know that others will have the opportunity to follow in his footsteps and fulfill their dreams as well. Bryan was born in Michigan on August 21, 1978 and taken from us on November 21, 2002 at the age of 24. Even though Bryan was with us such a short time he was able to touch many lives and will continue to do so through this scholarship.” Patricia Bowden

In May 2015, Registered Nurse Camille Sneed, an OCC Nursing graduate, passed away unexpectedly. Our goal is to bring a positive light to our Nursing community after such a tragic loss.

Camille was a 2013 OCC Nursing graduate. While at OCC, Camille was a constant source of encouragement and support for her fellow classmates. Her intelligence, kindness, and compassion were reflected in her warm and constant smile. Camille served as the secretary for the OCC NSA executive board from 2012 to 2013. Camille began her Nursing career at William Beaumont Hospital-Royal Oak as an oncology nurse. She continued in this specialty when she transferred to Providence Park Hospital.

This scholarship was named to honor her memory and her many personal and professional accomplishments to the Nursing profession. This financial scholarship will be granted to an OCC nursing student for educational expenditures. This fund will not only preserve Camille’s legacy, but it will continue to assist many future OCC nursing students.

The Carney Herndon Endowed Scholarship was established to recognize scholastic achievement, encourage continued progress, and provide financial assistance to students pursuing a Culinary degree.

Carole Bennett and Anthony Wahlman think that education is the cornerstone of a good community. They are thrilled to be able to help support students as they work to enrich their education, their job opportunities, and their future.

Centerplate is the exclusive caterer for the Cobo Center in Detroit. At gathering places across North America and the United Kingdom, Centerplate and its partner venues have been defining extraordinary experiences through thoughtful hospitality, expertly delivered, for more than 80 years.

Centerplate’s strategic approach to hospitality creates tailored food and beverage programs, unique hospitality design, rewarding event and retail services to deliver the type of one-of-a-kind, local authenticity that builds loyalty, reputation, and memories.

Centerplate has partnered with OCC’s Culinary Studies Institute (CSI) to provide a career path to residents of the City of Detroit interested in the Culinary Arts. This scholarship recognizes scholastic achievement, encourages continued progress, and provides financial assistance to Detroiters studying at the CSI.

Education has always been a priority among our families as well as a key to opening doors in the future. With that, this scholarship aims to encourage students from Spanish-speaking households to begin or continue their college education. Particular appreciation is given to those students who are not eligible to receive other sources of financial aid yet desire to continue toward their academic, personal and career goals.

Clifford and Jeanne Benson placed a high value on education for themselves, their five children, and six grandchildren. Carol Benson, an OCC librarian since 1997, established the Clifford and Jeanne Benson Endowed Scholarship so that, like her, others could have access to a college education and all the possibilities that a college degree offers. She writes:

“My father, Clifford Benson (1924-2011), earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Michigan, but it took him many years to graduate. His is a story of persistence if you ever heard one! After high school, he went to U of M, but after a couple of years enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was stationed around the U.S., but never overseas. One reason: He developed tuberculosis.

“He was in and out of the hospital, and in and out of college for years. He picked up some credits at Amherst College in Massachusetts and the University of Detroit (where he met my mom). My parents got married in 1950 and went to Oslo, Norway for their honeymoon. He had figured out that the University of Oslo summer school (taught in English) offered classes that would transfer to the U of M and allow him to finish his degree. He then went on to work his whole career at AAA/Auto Club of Michigan as an insurance executive.

“My mother, Jeanne Bailey Benson (1927-2013), also placed a high value on a college education. Her dad was a medical doctor at Providence Hospital. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Art from St. Mary’s College of Notre Dame, Indiana. She took a few summer classes at the University of Detroit, where she met my dad. She was one of the smartest people I’ve ever known. She knew every answer on Jeopardy!

“She worked many years at the Baldwin Public Library in Birmingham where she was a clerk in the reference department. She didn’t have a library degree, but I consider her an ‘honorary librarian’. She believed in lifelong learning, which includes traditional school, exposure to culture through the arts (museums, concerts, etc.), constant reading, and travel. My parents gave us the enormous gift of taking their kids to Europe in the summer of 1970, and many trips after that around the US, Canada, and Europe. They taught us that the world is one big classroom.”

The Clifford and Jeanne Benson Endowed Scholarship celebrates the legacy of this remarkable couple. Carol encourages the recipients to remember their values: persist in your goals, complete what you start, and never stop learning!

Daniel W. Doidge graduated from OCC in April 1989 in Liberal Arts. He transferred to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and completed a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology.

As part of his course work at Michigan, he began internships and work experience in early childhood education. He loved children and especially enjoyed working with preschoolers. Following graduation, he worked in several different early childhood education centers in southeast Michigan until his untimely death in 2007.

The John Sackett Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) is based in Redford, Michigan. The chapter was organized November 8, 1941 at Botsford Inn, Farmington Township. There were eighteen organizing members present, ten of whom were descendants of the man whose name the chapter bears.

The name “John Sackett” was considered quite appropriate for this chapter in view of the fact that in Redford, the Sacketts were among the first settlers and played an important part in the development of the town.

John Sackett was a private in the Revolutionary War and was credited with service in regiments commanded by Colonels Field and Ludington. Colonel Field commanded the Third Dutchess County Militia in New York State.

Membership in NSDAR is open to any woman who is at least eighteen years of age and can prove lineal, blood line descent from an ancestor who aided in achieving American Independence. This service may be through Military Service, Civil Service, Patriotic Service or as a Signer of the Declaration of Independence. The applicant must provide documentation for each statement of birth, marriage and death.

Dave Hamilton, retired President of Auch Construction. Mr. Hamilton established the scholarship to encourage students to pursue a degree in Construction Management.

David Randall was a long-time faculty member, donor, and mentor to OCC students.

David W. Elliott was a local business owner who died of kidney failure. Elliott said he gained a great appreciation for the nursing profession while being treated for kidney disease and wanted to support the education and training of future nurses.

David W. Hackett served on the OCC’s first Board of Trustees. For 29 years he was an active board member who sought to improve the overall excellence of Oakland Community College. Receiving his bachelor’s degree after ten years of night school, he later earned a mater’s degree and became a teacher. While raising their seven children and two foster children, David and Marion, his wife, were strong advocates for education at all levels. Their example of community service and love for knowledge was evident in all aspects of their lives.

When David died in 2005, the Hackett family decided the best way to commemorate his life was to continue his vision by encouraging an education for as many people as possible. With that in mind, the David W. Hackett Endowed Scholarship and David W. Hackett Annual Scholarship were established.

This scholarship is an extension of the Hackett family’s commitment to education and appreciation for all the opportunities the community of Oakland County has provided them.

The Dell, Inc. Endowed Scholarship was established to recognize scholastic achievement, encourage continued progress, and provide financial assistance to students.

The mission Statement of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International: “…promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.”

The local chapter, Beta Eta, is comprised of women educators – working and retired – from the Clarenceville and Farmington Public Schools. There are Delta Kappa Gamma chapters throughout Michigan, the United States and the world. While the purposes of our Organization are to honor, advance, and assist women educators in reaching higher levels of education and personal growth, our local chapter, since the 1960s, saw the need for making funds available to women in our area who needed assistance in acquiring an education. To that end our chapter fundraises each year so that we may make scholarship donations to both of our local community colleges.

Delta Network Services is a service-focused network integrator and premier provider of converged IP network solutions. Delta specializes in the design, deployment and support of IT infrastructure solutions including Network, WiFi mobility, Voice/UC and Security. We deliver our solutions via private cloud, public cloud, on premise or in hybrid fashion.

Privately held and formed in 2001, Delta’s three cofounders continue to be fully engaged in day-to-day operations. Each has more than twenty-five years networking experience with consultants, equipment manufacturers, integrators and as entrepreneurs, having held various positions including systems engineering, network engineering, account and project management and numerous levels of technical and sales management. With this level of experience, Delta is able to offer its clients an historical understanding of where the IT industry has been, how that is impacting today’s technology, and insight to emerging trends and solutions.

Based in Bloomfield Hills, Delta provides all of its services in Michigan and areas of the Midwest, with product sales, design and consulting services available nationwide.

Dennis Toffolo brought foresight and planning skills to Michigan’s economic development initiatives as deputy county executive for Oakland County. He led the county’s Emerging Sectors program and its Economic Growth Alliance with St. Clair, Livingston and Genesee Counties, and was a leader on the Medical Main Street program, with the intent to make Oakland County’s health care centers a regional health destination and economic attraction. Dennis was a wonderful advocate for the residents of Michigan and Oakland County.

He fervently believed that everyone deserves a chance for education, and was passionate about the region and the ability of its people to thrive. To honor his life and his memory, his friends, colleagues and family members established the Dennis Toffolo Emerging Sectors Endowed Scholarship.

Nancy worked at OCC for over 26 years as a Financial Aid Specialists, in the Office of Student Financial Resources and Scholarships. She saw first-hand how financial assistance with a college education can change and enhance a person’s future. The financial aid process can be daunting and complicated. Nancy felt fortunate that her life’s work was to guide students and help them achieve their academic goals. Or, at least not let financial road blocks keep them from achieving their goals.

When she lost her parents, she wanted to do something to honor their memory. This is what inspired her to create a scholarship in memory of her parent’s (Don and Marie Huey). As they both valued the importance of education and its impact on a person’s life, this was wonderful tribute. Utilizing payroll deductions made it so easy for her to facilitate and achieve this.

Mr. Huey was Controller of TRW until his retirement, and Mrs. Huey worked as a bookkeeper. Because of their career paths, she chose to help students pursuing a degree in accounting.

Dorene Hope Shank was a teenage mother with two young children to support, and after obtaining her GED she enrolled at OCC and graduated magna cum laude.

Dorene knew firsthand the challenges facing struggling students and how important scholarships are. Her life experience and her passion for golf motivated her to become the driving force behind the OCC Golf for Scholarships Outing, one of the largest fundraising events hosted by OCC.

Golf also introduced her to the love of her life, Jim Shank, an OCC fire training instructor. They met on a golf course and six years later married on the same tee where they met. Sadly, two months prior to her wedding, Dorene was diagnosed with cancer. Less than two months after the wedding, Dorene lost her brief battle with the disease. Her death left a void in the hearts of her family and friends, and all who knew her.

It was Dorene’s fervent wish to leave a legacy for OCC students like her in the form of a scholarship. The 2004 Golf for Scholarships Outing was dedicated to Dorene’s memory, with a portion of the proceeds and contributions from a large group of admirers making Dorene’s scholarship a reality.

George and Doris Mosher were instrumental in founding and creating Oakland Community College in 1964.

George was elected Chairman of the first Board of Trustees and served as Chairman during the formative years of the College. He has long been considered the founding father of OCC. The first meetings of the Board of Trustees were held in the Mosher home in Birmingham.

Doris led the first successful millage campaign, which created the College in 1964. She also served several terms as Chair of the OCC Foundation.

The Moshers established the Doris and George Mosher Endowed Scholarship in 2000 to financially assist the students of OCC and thus help them to enjoy the benefits of Oakland Community College.

Dr. Dennis R. Sobol is a retired member of the Oakland Community College, Orchard Ridge campus, Psychology Department. His career at OCC-Orchard Ridge began in the fall of 1968, at the age of 24, until his retirement on December 31, 2010.

At present, Dr. Sobol is an adjunct professor in Psychology at Orchard Ridge campus. Dr. Sobol was awarded an “Outstanding Faculty” status by the Orchard Ridge Student Government Association in 1974; a college wide “Outstanding Faculty Award” in 2002; as well as a “Distinguished Professor Emeritus” honor in 2012. Sobol has served as a long-time Orchard Ridge Psychology Department Chairman for many years prior to his retirement.

Dr. Sobol obtained his college degrees at Oakland City College, Oakland California where he held numerous student government offices including President of the Student Government Association. His interest and love for Community College teaching started at the Merrot College Campus of Oakland City College; His BA from California State University of the East-Bay; MA from Western Michigan University; and PhD from the University of Michigan. Dr. Sobol maintains full membership in the Association for Psychological Sciences (APS), as well as the American Psychological Association (APA) Dr. Sobol has always believed in a strong academic exposure to Psychological Concepts in the Introductory Psychology courses at OCC.

Dr. LeRoy Salowich is a veteran with eight years of military service. He is a charter faculty member of Oakland Community College. He developed, directed, coordinated and taught the Medical Laboratory Program. The program had worldwide recognition. The program accepted the education and training that military veterans acquired during their time of active duty. The acceptance of the veteran’s military training allowed the veterans to become registered technicians without repeating the courses they took during their active duty training. Dr. Salowich retired in 2000 after 35 years of service with OCC.

Carole Salowich taught middle school for 31 years. She was actively involved in writing curricula for the county, state, US and Canada. She served on the Board of Michigan Council for Social Studies. Carole obtained several grants to develop an international Social Studies curriculum. In 1988 Carole was named “Outstanding Social Studies Educator in the State of Michigan.”

The Dr. Mel and Nena Chudnof Endowed Scholarship was created to honor Dr. Mel and Nena Chudnof on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. Mel was a faculty member at the OCC Auburn Hills campus for 43 years. He taught Psychology and coordinated the Mental Health/Social Work associate degree program, teaching its major courses. Nena taught in the West Bloomfield public schools for 31 years and specialized in Gifted Education. They have two children, Jennifer Cassel and Daniel Chudnof. Dan, honoring the family tradition, has been teaching fulltime at OCC since 2012.

Throughout their careers, Mel and Nena dedicated themselves to educating and inspiring their students toward growth in their personal lives and in their pursuit of their educational and professional goals. More than that, Mel and Nena also were leaders in their educational fields. They headed professional organizations, designed new curriculums, and were creative in their teaching methodology. In addition, their strong commitment to their students has helped create many successful professional leaders.

On a personal level, Mel and Nena have been married for more than 50 years. They play a very supportive role with their children and grandchildren. They have always been dedicated volunteers in their community, with a strong commitment to Social Justice. They are adventurous travelers, having visited all 50 states and 80 foreign countries.

Because of the lifelong commitment of Mel and Nena to human service, they designed this scholarship to help students with financial need who have a passion for helping others. Their goal is to support career choices in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or public-school teaching. Helping others to help themselves is the best legacy of Mel and Nena Chudnof.