By Jennifer Coburn
Rolando area’s Platt College School of Media Arts congratulates Opel D. Oliver, Financial Aid Director, on being recognized as the Norma Ford Financial Aid Professional of the Year, a highly prestigious award given by the California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools. The Association selected Oliver among nominees from 165 schools in California.
“We are so proud, and not one bit surprised, that Opel was selected to receive this honor for her excellence in assisting students with financial aid for their education,” said Bob Leiker, Chairman of Platt College. “Every year at graduation, students thank Opel and tell us that she was one of the people who influenced them most in school. That is rare for a Financial Aid Director.”
Although Oliver does not teach in the classroom environment, everyone at Platt College regards her as a passionate and effective educator because of the time and attention she gives each student when explaining their financial aid options and responsibilities. “In her nearly twenty years at Platt College, Opel has impacted the lives of thousands of students who were able to secure loans and grants to complete their education,” said Leiker. “Not only does Opel help students understand and navigate the often-complex world of financial aid, she provides valuable information and guidance regarding loan repayment. We see ourselves as a community partner that provides San Diego with new, highly skilled multimedia designers and website developers. Opel instills a sense of high integrity and responsibility that has resulted in our graduates having an exceptionally low rate of loan default.”
In addition to her stellar work ethic, Oliver is recognized among her peers as someone who is a pleasure to work with. “Opel is the only person I’ve ever known who can talk about federal compliance with exuberance and enthusiasm,” said Platt College Dean of Education, Marketa Hancova. “She embraces the numbers and complexities of financial aid with ease and smile because she is on a mission – to enable students to realize their dreams. It is a refreshing attitude and sets a wonderful example for our students who will soon be on a professional journey. Not to mention that Opel is one of the sweetest and kindest persons you can meet.”
Platt College opened its doors in San Diego thirty years ago, providing the first computer graphic department in San Diego. Today, the purposefully small art school offers 350 students bachelor of science, associate of applied science and diploma programs in such fields as graphic design, 3D-animation, digital video production, special effects, and web design and development.
