Oakland Community College: A Comprehensive Overview of the Orchard Ridge Campus and Beyond
Oakland Community College (OCC), a public community college established in 1964, has been a cornerstone of higher education in Oakland County, Michigan. With the motto "Excellence Empowered," OCC has strived to provide accessible and quality education to its diverse student body. Throughout its history, OCC has expanded and adapted to meet the changing needs of the community, and while facing new challenges, it remains committed to its mission. Peter M. currently serves as the Chancellor of OCC.
The Genesis of Oakland Community College
The establishment of Oakland Community College was the result of extensive planning and advocacy. In August 1960, an advisory council comprising 85 citizens from Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties advocated for the creation of five community colleges across the six-county region. This call was reinforced by a similar commission of Oakland County residents in June 1962, which recommended the construction of three campuses within the county, financed by a millage.
In June 1963, voters were presented with a proposed 1-mill tax, alongside referendums to establish OCC and a board of trustees. While the latter two were approved, the tax levy to fund the college was rejected. Despite this initial setback, the Board of Trustees moved forward, acquiring three campus sites and appointing John Tirrell, from the St. Louis Junior College District, as OCC's first president.
The first campus was established at a former Nike missile base in Pontiac Township (now Auburn Hills), purchased for $247,000 from the National Bank of Detroit. Its proximity to I-75 and M-59, along with existing barracks that could be converted into classrooms, made it an ideal location. A second site, the former Oakland County Tuberculosis Sanitarium in Waterford, was also acquired and renovated.
Classes commenced at the Auburn Hills and Highland Lakes campuses on September 11, 1965. The initial enrollment of 3,860 students surpassed expectations, marking the largest opening enrollment of any community college in the United States. In December of the same year, ground was broken on OCC's third campus, Orchard Ridge, in Farmington Township.
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The Orchard Ridge Campus: A Hub for Culinary Arts and Early College Programs
The Orchard Ridge campus, situated along I-696 between Orchard Lake and Farmington Roads in Farmington Hills, opened its doors in the fall of 1967. Over the years, it has become known for its distinctive programs and contributions to the community.
One of the highlights of the Orchard Ridge campus is its award-winning culinary program. This program provides students with hands-on training and prepares them for careers in the culinary arts. The campus features three restaurants that are open to the public on select days, allowing students to showcase their skills and gain real-world experience.
In addition to its culinary program, Orchard Ridge is also home to Oakland Early College, an early college high school operated by the West Bloomfield School District. This program allows high school students to earn college credits while completing their high school education, providing them with a head start on their college careers.
Other OCC Campuses: A Network of Educational Opportunities
In addition to the Orchard Ridge, Auburn Hills, and Highland Lakes campuses, OCC has expanded its presence throughout Oakland County with the addition of other campuses.
Auburn Hills Campus
The Auburn Hills campus, located off M-59 in Auburn Hills, is strategically positioned across from Chrysler Headquarters and near I-75. This campus has seen recent developments, including a new Science & Computer Science building in 2022. The building houses modern facilities for both the CIS department and the science programs. The CIS department expanded into the first-floor suite showcasing the technologies within adaptable labs.
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Highland Lakes Campus
The Highland Lakes campus is located at Cooley Lake and Hospital Roads on the south edge of Waterford Township. It opened in the fall of 1965 in the former Oakland County Sanitarium, a tuberculosis hospital constructed in 1927. Additional buildings were added to the campus in the early 1980s, and two were expanded in the mid-2000s. However, as part of OCC's restructuring plan, the Highland Lakes campus is slated for complete closure in the fall of 2026.
Royal Oak Campus
OCC's Royal Oak campus, which opened in 1982, is a single large building in downtown Royal Oak, bordered by Main Street, Washington Avenue, 7th Street, and Lincoln Avenue.
Southfield Campus
The Southfield campus is located along the Lodge Freeway (M-10), north of the Detroit/Wayne County border, near the former Northland Center.
Former Pontiac Location
OCC previously had operations at 17 S Saginaw Street in downtown Pontiac.
Restructuring and Consolidation: Adapting to Changing Needs
In November 2022, Oakland Community College announced a three-year plan to restructure and consolidate operations in response to declining enrollment and a changing job market. This plan involves the closure of the Highland Lakes campus in the fall of 2026, as well as the closure and sale of the Bee Administration Center. Administrative offices will be relocated to the campuses.
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These changes reflect OCC's commitment to adapting to the evolving needs of its students and the community. By streamlining operations and focusing resources on its core mission, OCC aims to ensure its long-term sustainability and continue providing high-quality education.
Athletics at OCC: The Oakland Community College Owls
The athletic teams at Oakland Community College, formerly known as the Raiders, rebranded as the Owls in February 2024. They participate in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and the Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA). Men's varsity sports include basketball, cross-country, and golf, while women's varsity sports include basketball, cross-country, and softball.
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