This past month has been a whirlwind of excitement in our department. Through our MOPLA at OCC event, we have had so many amazing experiences with our students, alumni, friends, and families. Our photography program has more heart and soul than any others out there, and through experiences like this, we can share our passion of photographic education and excellence with the entire community.
On behalf of the entire photo faculty and staff, I humbly thank everyone involved. Thanks to Philipp Rittermann for headlining this years festivities- both your imagery and words will be something special that our students can take with them for many years to come. Thanks to Rick Steadry, for not only showing his amazing work, but his 41 years in the program!!! Thanks to our alumni, Mihoko Yamagata and Yasuko, who’s photographs have set a standard for our students to aspire towards. Thanks to Gale Weatherby for an incredible student show that rivals that of many working professionals. Thanks to all of the campus support: Doug Bennett, Rene Kinn, Andrea Harris, Brock Ciley, Mary Roda, and Dennis Harkins to name a few. Thanks to our incredible staff of student assistants, whom without their hard work none of this would happen. Thanks to all of our sponsors for their ongoing support of our department: Bob Wilde and Troy Hamilton at Samys Camera, the entire crew at Canon, Annie Parent at Susie Cakes, Gaby Herrera at Starbucks, John Hesketh at Photomation, Felix Mirza Framing, and Blake Hansen and Maria Chmiel at BJ’s Restaurant. Last and certainly not least, I need to thank my dad, Bryant Tsutsumida, for bringing it all together. With over 30 years in the photo industry, he knows everyone, and continues to share his resources and network with our program. Without his coattails, this event would have never happened.
As our department continues to evolve, move forward, and thrive, we all need to remember that these things don’t just happen. It takes a leader with an equal balance of vision, knowledge, historical reference, and ambition. Our department Chair, Blade Gillissen, has successfully guided the direction of our program through some of the most challenging financial times this campus has seen. To be able to pull off an event like MOPLA at OCC, especially during such economic times, is true testament to his commitment of enriching our students lives.
So that’s a wrap, until next time, check out the gallery of pics!
—Damian
PS- The show actually runs for 2 more days, so if you haven’t seen it, get down here now!
