Karen Shanley Dance Scholarship

As OCC Dance Department Chairperson from 1983-2000, and 24 year dance faculty member, Karen Shanley infused the OCC Dance Department with its distinctive personality and vision.�� During her tenure as chair, she established three vocational dance certificates in “Dance Instruction,” “World Dance” and “Conditioning/Pilates Instructor.” They were, at the time, the only vocational dance certificates offered by any college in the nation. As a professional dancer, Karen Shanley understood the demands required for a career in dance.�� She expanded the existing program, designing a professional level curriculum of technique, conditioning and creative dance classes, for all levels and ages, and in a broad range of dance forms.�� At the time of her retirement OCC was listed among the top dance schools in the nation.�� OCC dance students continue to successfully transfer to university dance programs, have performance careers, teach and work in the field.��

Karen Shanley provided the OCC Dance Department a strong foundation and generous legacy, including an endowed scholarship.�� This scholarship is awarded to select Dance and/or Dance/Pilates Certificate students who excel in performance, technique and/or creative work in the OCC Dance program.�� Recipients must have at least a 3.0 GPA.