More than $600,000 in scholarships awarded at OCC Honors Night

Orange Coast College had a momentous evening Wednesday, as the college put on its 64th annual Honors Night that saw just over $607,000 awarded in scholarships, according to school officials.

The event was held in the Robert B. Moore Theatre, marking an in-person return after the coronavirus pandemic resulted in the ceremony going virtual for the past two years.

There were 482 awards presented to approximately 300 students, said OCC Foundation executive director Doug Bennett, who shared his thoughts on what Honors Night is all about.

“It’s about honoring our student leaders, which is one part, for people who contribute on campus through student government and activities and that type of thing, who help deliver the OCC experience to their students,” Bennett said. “Then it’s about making financial awards to students. Students, they qualify different ways.”

Norika Shigemura, left, and Arianna Kent, both recipients of scholarships, pose for a photo during OCC’s Honors Night.

(Scott Smeltzer / Staff Photographer)

Notable awards presented during the ceremony included the Altobelli Family Scholarship, the M.F. and Marvel Monia Johnston Memorial Scholarship, and the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce Les Miller Award.

The Altobelli Family “Forever a Pirate” Scholarship honors the memory of former Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli, his wife Keri and daughter Alyssa after they died in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, 2020. The award benefits OCC athletes in baseball, softball and women’s basketball who are continuing on with their academic and athletic careers at four-year colleges and universities.

The M.F. and Marvel Monia Johnston Memorial Scholarship was launched this year, providing a path to education funding for OCC students who are majoring in or have a strong interest in philosophy. Up to 20 scholarships, each in the amount of $5,000, will be made available annually to deserving students who meet the criteria.

Individuals who receive the Les Miller Award are recognized for their student service and leadership. It is not affiliated with the OCC Foundation.

A student dance group performs during Orange Coast College’s Honors Night 2022 on Wednesday.

(Scott Smeltzer / Staff Photographer)

Being together in the theater provided a sense of normalcy for Bennett, who said he has been an attendee at Honors Night for the past 30 years.

“It was great to be back in person,” Bennett said. “We had probably about 750 people there. … It was just good to see so many students there, talking and being with their friends. … The highlight was obviously seeing the students, but a lot of our donors attended and faculty and staff from the campus.”

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