By Melissa Boyd (Whetstone staff writer)

Wesley College’s dean of students was recognized this semester.

Mary Alice Ozechoski recently received a national award, “Excellence in Design and Communication,” after publishing her parenting guide with Reino’s Design Print Mail.

Her entry was one of 1,200 out of 8,000 submissions to receive recognition.

Dean Mary Alice Ozechoski

The parenting guide teaches how to help young adults go from high school to college, Ozechoski said. She talks about how to save money, what a student should bring to the dorms, and how to prepare the summer before leaving for school.

“After working with parents of first generation college students, I came to understand that parents who did not attend college had lots of questions about big and little things,” Ozechoski said. “In order for the parent to help their student they want and need to know about what impacts success-services, programs and advice they can point out for their son/daughter.”

She has received emails from parents who appreciated her work, which took six months to write and edit.

“I feel like we have an obligation to help all parents understand what can positively impact a student’s ability to successfully graduate,” Ozechoski said.

The guide helps parents with social, academic, and physical and health adjustments.