ESCANABA — Each year, Bay College selects an Outstanding Graduate from each of the six divisions at the college. The graduate is selected by their instructors for their academic excellence, leadership and community service.

Rachel Bessonen was selected as the 2021 Outstanding Graduate for the Business Division, with the award being sponsored by Schneider, Larche, Haapala & Company, the Bay College Faculty Association and the Bay College Foundation.

A graduate of Escanaba High School, Bessonen earned an Associate in Arts Degree in Business Administration and a Certificate in Sustainability in November 2020 from Bay College. Rachel stated, “Bay College has helped me develop skills to be a strong student through small class sizes. I was able to form close relationships with instructors and receive additional support when needed. Attending Bay was a great stepping stone – I haven’t missed a beat going into university level classes.” Rachel is currently attending Michigan State University, majoring in Human Resource Management. She is a fourth generation Spartan.

During Bessonen’s time at Bay College, she enjoyed sharing her knowledge as a tutor for students in Environmental Science and Microeconomics. She was also the Treasurer of Bay’s Circle K for 2019-2020. In Rachel’s free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and participating in outdoor activities.

Visit www.baycollege.edu/bayawards to watch a short video of Instructor Ron Pearson presenting the Outstanding Graduate Award for the Business Division to Rachel along with her acceptance speech for this great honor.