Photo of Dr. Pete Karsten, Baker College of Auburn Hills President.

Dr. Pete Karsten, Baker College of Auburn Hills Campus President, was among the recipients of this year's "Dreamer Award" at the 27th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon presented by the Greater Pontiac Community Coalition (GPCC) held January 20th at the St. George Cultural Center in Bloomfield Hills.

This award goes to individuals and organizations who are making a difference in making Dr. King's dream a reality.

The Greater Pontiac Community Coalition is a federation of over 190 Oakland County individuals, community groups, businesses, politicians, and clergy who have pooled their resources and talents to address the needs of individuals and the community.

Dr. Karsten has been assisting students in achieving their career aspirations for most of his professional life. He came to Baker College in 1992 after obtaining his CPA license while working for a large public accounting firm in the Detroit area. He held many positions at the College throughout his 25 years, including Career Services, Advisor, Financial Aid Advisor, Accounting Instructor, Dean of General Education, Vice President for Academics, and the president of Baker College of Owosso. In 2014, he accepted the position as the president of the Baker College of Auburn Hills (Metro) Campus.

Dr. Karsten has been and is actively involved with a variety of community and service organizations, both professionally and personally. These include Automation Alley, Oakland County Business Roundtable, Pontiac Academy for Excellence, Auburn Hills UCAN, Memorial Hospital, Shiawassee United Way, Rotary Club, and Oakland Cemetery. He currently serves on the boards of Leadership Oakland and the Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce (board chair for 2020).

Congratulations, Dr. Karsten, on being honored with this award, and thank you for all that you do for Baker College and the surrounding community!