Board proclaims Wear Orange Day and honors county health division; OCC chancellor outlines campus consolidation and expansion plans

The Oakland County Board of Commissioners issued two proclamations and heard a presentation from Oakland Community College during its May 21 meeting.

Marcia Gershenson, vice chair, presented a proclamation naming June 5, 2026, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in Oakland County, and invited the community to “wear orange” to honor victims and survivors. Diana Darland of Moms Demand Action thanked the board and outlined the organization’s safe‑storage and community education work, noting local gun‑buyback and firearm‑destruction efforts.

The board also recognized the 100‑year anniversary of the Oakland County Health Division. Health Division Director Lee Ann Stafford (introduced to the board) thanked commissioners, noted the division’s growth to roughly 410 staff in offices in Pontiac and Southfield, and highlighted centennial events and a culture‑of‑care initiative.

Oakland Community College chancellor Peter Provenzano delivered a brief update on OCC’s ‘‘plan for the future,’’ describing consolidation of health‑science programs to Orchard Ridge, a new Royal Oak culinary institute (78,000 square feet), plans for a field house and indoor turf, potential partnership talks with the Ilitch Foundation for a multi‑sheet ice arena and mixed‑use development, and new training facilities for police and fire academies. Provenzano said OCC’s culinary program enrollment doubled after opening the new facility and described state programs that provide free in‑district tuition for qualifying students.

The proclamations and the OCC presentation were well received; commissioners asked follow‑up questions about enrollment, program capacity and partnerships.