Alpena Community College

Congratulations to Dr. Donna Belusar, ACC's 2026 Distinguished Graduate!

Growing up on a family farm in Northeast Michigan as one of seven children, Donna knew that attending a four-year university right after high school wasn't financially possible. Instead, she chose Alpena Community College, a decision that would shape the course of her life.

"ACC was a lifeline for me," Donna said.

At ACC, Donna found an affordable education, supportive instructors, and the confidence to pursue opportunities she had never imagined. After transferring to Michigan Technological University on a full scholarship, she went on to earn both an MBA and a Ph.D.

Her remarkable career included executive leadership roles at major corporations, serving as CEO of a nonprofit organization, managing billion-dollar operations, working internationally, and even testifying before Congress.

Today, Donna has returned to Northeast Michigan, where she is restoring her family's farm and encouraging students to pursue opportunities beyond what they think is possible.

At ACC's Spring 2026 Commencement, Donna was honored as the College's Distinguished Graduate, a testament to the power of education, determination, and the life-changing opportunities that can begin at a community college.

Congratulations, Dr. Belusar!

Countless instructors have left a lasting impact on their students over the years, but nobody has left an impact on a program quite like Roy Smith.

When Roy first came to ACC in 1995, he was told that he had one year to turn the utility technology program around. 31 years later, the program has a multi-year waiting list.

Congratulations on your retirement, Roy, and thank you for making ACC's Utility Tech program one of the best in the country!