Hannah Durand is an outstanding student and athlete who will represent the student body this year by serving as the Student Trustee on the Board of Trustees. "I'm looking forward to it. It will be a great opportunity for me to be more involved." As the Student Trustee she will attend monthly board meetings, sit side-by-side with community leaders, and participate in all votes and executive sessions.
Durand came to OCC from Marcellus High School where she played soccer, basketball, and softball while also being one of the top student's in the class of 2021. She considered her college options, and decided to follow in her sister Emily's footsteps and become a Lazer. "Once my sister went here it really opened some doors for me. I realized if I didn't know what I wanted to do I could come here, save money, and be part of a great program."
Younger sister Hannah was invited to attend OCC tuition-free as a member of the Lillian Slutzker Honors College. "It's been such a great opportunity. My friends from other colleges will tell me 'I can't believe how much I have to pay for this class and I'm not doing well in it.'"
Doing well has not been a problem for Durand. While working toward her Mathematics & Science degree she earned membership in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. And after playing three sports in high school, she focused solely on basketball at OCC. In her first season she was named Most Valuable Player of the Regional Tournament which the Lazers won to clinch a spot in the national tournament in Minnesota. The Women's Basketball team played well there and finished ranked 5th in the nation. "Our team chemistry was great. Because of Covid it was the first year we had all played together. It was eye-opening to see how well we could do."
As she begins her second and final year, Durand feels great about her decision to come to OCC. "At first I was a little hesitant because I was a commuter and didn't think I would be able to meet people. But through basketball and the Honors College I was really happy with the social aspect. I've grown to love the environment here."
