Bernard C. Radde Distinguished Service Award: Marian and Greg O’Niel

Marian and Greg O’Niel received the Bernard C. Radde Distinguished Service Award in 2012.

Thanks to Marian and Greg O’Niel, Lake Michigan College students have more financial aid options available to them. Under the O’Niels’ leadership, they set a new standard for the College’s annual Winner’s Circle Scholarship Benefit Auction when the event raised more than $300,000. As the Chairs of the 2011 Winner’s Circle Auction they never doubted such a lofty number was possible, and they went about the task of leading a dedicated group of volunteers to set a new auction fund-raising record. At the same time their leadership brought many more donors, attendees, and volunteers to the event. As a result, they helped strengthen the program for many years to come.

The O’Niels became involved with LMC when their daughter Jacquelyn participated in the Early College program at LMC’s South Haven Campus. They experienced first-hand the intrinsic value of a community college education and saw the tangible results in their daughter’s experience. Jacquelyn will be graduating from Central Michigan University in December with honors. They view LMC as an opportunity to obtain a great education right here, in our own community. To underscore their belief in LMC, Greg serves as a member of the LMC Foundation Board of Directors. The Foundation is dedicated to raising funds for a range of College programs, including student scholarships.