As Washtenaw Community College prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary, we recognize
the thousands of alumni who turned opportunity into achievement. For six decades,
WCC has opened doors to education, careers and brighter futures — and these 60 Stories that will be compiled over the year reflect that enduring mission.
When it comes to spreading the message about the many benefits of starting your higher ed journey at a community college, it’s safe to call Washtenaw Community College alumnus Nick Avram one of the college's biggest advocates.
Avram, who recently transitioned from a role as a senior account manager at Google to a senior client solutions manager at LinkedIn, regularly shares how he started smart at WCC before transferring to Michigan State University to complete a bachelor’s degree in advertising.
“My B.A. degree doesn’t have an ‘Asterisk: Transferred from Washtenaw,’ but I kind of wish it did because it would help tell my full story," Avram said. "Whenever anyone asks what I thought about my time at WCC, I rave about the great experiences and how it sets students up for success."
Abram says WCC offers the latest technology with fewer students using it than at some four-year institutions, providing more access for everyone. “A lot of companies and institutions aim to make a profit, whereas WCC is there to empower students and the local community, which is priceless,” Avram said.
A first-generation college student, Avram graduated from Ann Arbor Huron High School and enrolled at WCC with a plan to complete his first two years of general education courses and then transfer to Michigan State. He worked in Chicago for several years before his move to Google allowed him to return home to Ann Arbor in 2018.
In addition to helping Fortune 500 companies grow their businesses, Avram gives back to his alma mater. He is a member of the WCC Business Advisory Board, which helps make sure the college's curriculum is preparing students to today's careers, and mentors entrepreneurial-minded students at WCC’s Entrepreneurship Center.
“I was craving the opportunity to mentor students heading into the professional world and give back to my local community that helped me thrive," Avram said. "I want to help position Michigan as the Silicon Valley of the Midwest.”
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This story first appeared in the Summer 2024 edition of Launch magazine.
Tags: 60 Stories, Affordability, Alumni Profile, Transfer