Mission & Vision

Mission

Onondaga Community College makes high quality educational programs and services accessible to our diverse citizenry, empowering individuals to explore and discover their inherent potential and to transform themselves to live, work and thrive in our global community.

Vision

Onondaga Community College will be recognized as a dynamic leader in higher education and as one of the nation’s most innovative community colleges. Students will discover an inclusive and welcoming environment that supports achievement of the highest potential. By nurturing lifelong learning, academic excellence, community engagement and service, global perspectives and open minds, Onondaga will enrich and enhance the quality of life in Central New York and beyond.

Strategic Plan - Focus on the Future

Strengthening...

the pipeline between secondary and postsecondary education Nearly 3,000 area high school students are earning college credit in high school, coming to college better prepared and potentially accelerating their degree completion and saving money on tuition. 

Rethinking...

developmental education with the goal of improving college-readiness and supporting student success Thanks to the College’s Content Tutoring Services 70.3 percent of students receiving 5 or more tutoring appointments received “C” or better in the class in which they were tutored during the 2011-12 school year. That’s a 7 percent increase from the previous year.

Understanding...

regional workforce needs, adjusting curriculum accordingly, strengthening partnerships with employers and continuously expanding the student/employer/alumni network 

• In partnership with MACNY (Manufacturers Association of Central New York) and Mechanical Technology, Onondaga ran a special accelerated course Machine Tools I (MET 151) in response to feedback from local businesses that their companies needed accelerated courses and training in machining to meet immediate business demand.
• In response to the growing interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) careers and education, we completed the STEM Camp. It included student visits to Byrne Dairy, Lockheed Martin, Onondaga County Sheriff, Post Standard, Schneider Packaging, St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center, Time Warner and Welch-Allyn.
• Onondaga coordinated Lean Six Sigma training at Crouse Hospital. Participants included the Emergency Department staff of Crouse along with several local EMS providers. Funding for the program was provided by a SUNY grant.
• Onondaga is partnering with MACNY to provide Certified Production Technician training that provides incumbent workers and those interested in a manufacturing career with an industry recognized credential from the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council. 

Creating...

opportunities that generate sustainable revenue streams and cost savings as well as increased philanthropic support to advance the College’s mission and diminish Onondaga’s vulnerability to unstable public funding streams

During the last year the College and its Affiliated Organizations generated savings of over $1.5 million; capital contributions of $885,000; and, new revenues expected to reach over $2.5 million. Specific initiatives that led to these outcomes included the following:

• Restructured student transit programs and the campus one-card program for a total savings of $185,500 annually;
• Established a new partnership between the Children’s Learning Center and Head Start, generating $30,500 in new revenue annually;
• Renegotiated contracts for cable and internet services in the residence halls, saving $319,400 over the life of the agreement;
• Negotiated new agreements for campus bookstore and food services resulting in capital contributions to the College in excess of $885,000 and generating over $600,000 in additional revenues over time;
• Renegotiated project elements for the H3 residence hall and an upcoming outdoor athletic field complex resulting in savings of over $270,000;
• Restructured long-term debt financing for the residence halls to save $750,000 over the repayment period;
• Secured sponsorship contributions totaling over $1.9 million from such companies as: Byrne Dairy, MVP Healthcare, Pepsi, American Food & Vending; Barnes & Noble, Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists, and IBEW/NECA to support College scholarships and health, wellness, arts and recreation programs. 

Dollars for Scholars

Onondaga’s new scholarship program is a big hit with students. It’s called “Onondaga Community Scholars,” and it provides qualified students with scholarships of up to $1,000 – saving students and families approximately 50 percent on annual tuition costs. There are three kinds of scholarships students can apply for:

Inspiring Promise

This scholarship is for traditional-aged students who are coming to Onondaga from high school.

Renew Hope

This scholarship is for adult learners who either never attended college or attended some college but never completed their education.

Fulfill Dreams

This scholarship is for former Onondaga students who started but did not complete work toward their degree and are within 15 credit hours of doing so.

More than 100 students have earned scholarships through the Community Scholars from Onondaga.

The average high school grade point average of Inspiring Promise awardees is 86.

The Community Scholars program is funded through contributions to Onondaga Community College Foundation. Scholarships are awarded based on academic performance and demonstrated financial need.

Nuclear Engineering Technology Program

Onondaga’s commitment to area residents and employers continues with the creation of a Nuclear Engineering Technology Associate of Applied Science degree. The degree will prepare students for high demand careers in the nuclear energy industry and is being developed to meet the needs of one of the area’s larger employers, Constellation Energy Nuclear Group (CENG). The program will be funded in part by a two-year federal grant for $161,377 from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and $100,000 from CENG. The nuclear industry is in need of workers as indicated in a study showing 39% of its current employees will be eligible to retire by 2016. This includes engineers, reactor and plant operators, radiation protection personnel and chemistry technicians. Average starting salary for many positions is approximately $60,000.

Onondaga is one of only three colleges in New York – and the only community college in upstate New York – to offer a program of this kind. The scheduled start date for this degree program is Fall 2013.

Education for the Community

Onondaga is helping Central New Yorkers of all ages with non-credit programming. Pharmacy Tech and Medical Coding and Billing are two of the newest non-credit programs which help serve the needs of the local health care industry and working adults in need of career training. During the summer the College offers valuable programs for younger people including a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Camp, which targets middle and high school students, and the ever-popular College for Kids program serving students ages 8-14.
 

Helping Students Succeed

For some students the path to achieving their goal of graduating from college can be extremely difficult. Commitments and obligations to work, family members, young children and more can get in the way of completing a degree. In addition, the rigor of college-level work is a challenge. Onondaga is working hard to help students succeed:

• Partnering with SUNY Educational Opportunity Center to provide a seamless transition for graduates of Educational Opportunity Center’s College Preparatory Program into college-level classes.
• Implementing CAP (Complete your Academic Program) to provide easier pathways for former Onondaga students to complete their degree or certificate programs.
• Meeting the needs of adult learners by helping them finish a Human Services degree through part-time study in two years through the “One Course at a Time” model.

Answering Student Needs

The goal is to build upon the successes of Student Central while at the same time creating a more seamless experience for students from pre-enrollment to degree completion, and through transition to four-year colleges or the workforce – all in a high-tech, high-touch environment.

Student Success – Marissa Williams

When the fall semester started few freshmen were as prepared for life at Onondaga Community College as Marissa Williams. The graduate of Syracuse’s Corcoran High School spent half of her summer at Onondaga taking part in the five week-long Summer Success Academy. The program helps high school graduates seamlessly adapt to college-level work. “I left the program very prepared, more prepared than students who haven’t done the program,” Williams said. She credits her Summer Success Academy English teacher, Chris Altman, with making a big difference in her performance. “He helped my grammar skills improve. I really learned a lot from him about organizing my thoughts and being better with details.” Williams also learned where everything was on campus, putting her on track for a successful first semester of college work. “I felt more prepared than students who didn’t do the program. I learned where my classes and support groups were.” Williams’ dream is to become a nurse because, “I want to give back to the community like my parents.” Her mother is a Licensed Practical Nurse and her father is a Nurse’s Aide at James Square. She’s majoring in Math and Sciences with the goal of shifting into Onondaga’s Nursing program. Her goal is to one day give back to the community as a nurse at Crouse Hospital.

Alumni Success - Quindell Williams '08

Quindell Williams ‘08 has a knack for opening the door when opportunity knocks and because of it he’s well on his way to turning his hard work and good fortune into a successful career.

Williams came to OCC in the Fall of 2006 planning to major in Political Science. But when he heard a TV producer speaking at Orientation about all the wonderful things he got to do because of his career choice, Williams knew what he had to do. “At that moment I realized it was right for me. I wanted to be a part of something that I would be excited about when I went to work every day,” Williams said. As soon as the TV Producer wrapped up his presentation Williams ran back to where he had made out his schedule and changed his major from Political Science to Electronic Media Communications (EM C). It was the right move. “I always enjoyed my classes at OCC and looked forward to them,” said Williams.

He earned his degree in EMC in 2008 and transferred to SUNY Oswego where he continued to pursue his broadcasting career. Late in his final semester opportunity knocked and Williams answered again. While at a Job Fair at SUNY Oswego he met Laura Hand, an anchor and reporter at the television stations of CNY Central in Syracuse. Williams asked Hand if she knew of any job openings. Hand said a position would be opening in the summer in Master Control, the nerve center of every television station.

Williams began his pursuit of the job while finishing up his school work and graduating in May 2011. In June, CNY Central called Williams and asked him to come in for an interview. He was hired a short time later and began working in Master Control, making sure commercials and programs aired on-time. It wasn’t exactly what he wanted to do but it was a foot in the door. “I knew that if I understood this aspect of television I would appreciate anything that came after it. I worked hard at it,” Williams said. Less than a year later, in May 2012, Williams got a new job at CNY Central as a News Videographer and Editor.

Today the graduate of Syracuse’s Nottingham High School is excited to be working in his hometown. “Doing it here means more to me. Working here is a way for me to give back,” says Williams. But this is by no means the end of the road. His career goal is to be the Executive Producer of a situation comedy or television drama.

Wherever he winds up Williams says OCC will have given him the foundation for his success. “OCC allowed me to go in the direction I wanted to go. I still stay in touch with a lot of my professors up there and I used two of them as job references.” Quindell Williams is on his way and his experiences at OCC put him on the road to success.

Facility for all Seasons

On a campus filled with unprecedented growth the SRC Arena and Events Center is the latest crown jewel. It is rapidly becoming the home of sizeable student events, from graduations to indoor track and field championships. It’s a wonderful place for community-based events and entertainment. It is also a place to learn as students can get part-time jobs or internships there.

The Arena can seat up to 6,500 people. Its 60,000 square feet of floor space make it a wonderful venue for trade shows. When it’s time for games the arena can be reconfigured so it has three courts which can be used for basketball, volleyball and tennis. Surrounding the courts is a six-lane track. The arena is connected to a brand-new YMCA which includes a 5,000 square foot fitness center.

The multipurpose facility opened December 10, 2011 when it hosted a concert featuring the Branford Marsalis Quartet.  Since its opening weekend the Arena has been the home to numerous types of events serving the community including High School Wrestling sectional championships, the College’s 50th Anniversary Gala and Celebration of the Reach Beyond Campaign, a three-day-long National College Fair for area high school students, high school and college commencement ceremonies, and summer basketball camps.

The SRC Arena and Events Center was named to recognize the philanthropic support of SRC, Inc., a local research and development company known nationally for its more than 50 years of experience in the defense, environment, and intelligence industries. SRC has donated $1,525,000 to the Onondaga Community College Foundation to support the Community Scholars program, reflecting the company’s commitment to the education of local people. The Arena’s mission has garnered the generous support of numerous corporate sponsors, including: Byrne Dairy, MVP Health Care, Pepsi, Barnes & Noble, Otis Technology, Inc., American Food & Vending, Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists, and IBEW #43/NECA.

New Residence Hall

The demand for residence halls continues to grow at Onondaga. Occupancy has been at capacity for the school's first three residence halls which opened in 2006. A fourth residence hall has opened just in time for the Fall 2012 semester.
“H-3” is a 42,000 square foot building which can accommodate up to 194 students. It is a traditional corridor style residence hall. With the opening of “H-3,” Onondaga’s four residence halls house a total of 779 students.

H-3 was constructed in the early 1950’s. It originally served as a nurses’ residence and later as office space for various County departments. It had been vacant for more than 10 years when the renovation project began in the summer of 2011.

The original masonry structure was in excellent condition and was undisturbed by the renovation. The original heating, air conditioning, electrical and water systems have all been replaced with new, energy efficient systems. There are also new data, wireless internet, and cable TV hookups. The building also features two lounges, a smart-classroom style seminar room, a fitness room for both cardiovascular and strength training and a laundry room. The roof and windows have been replaced and the entire building has an industry-approved Exterior Insulating Finishing System (EIFS) which will have improved its energy efficiency and upgraded the exterior appearance. Paving, landscaping and exterior lighting are also all new.

Building for the Future

Supporting Student Success

It’s been a year of improvements across the Onondaga Campus and more are on the way.

New Bookstore

Big changes came to Onondaga’s bookstore over the summer. Barnes & Noble moved its main textbook operation to the first floor of the Whitney Applied Technology Building. The new bookstore operation provides an increased focus on the use of technology on campus and offers improved merchandising services both in the bookstore and in the SRC Arena and Events Center. Additionally, the bookstore experience was further improved with the introduction of café seating in the Whitney Atrium. Barnes & Noble funded all improvements and increased its annual contribution to the College to include $10,000 in textbook scholarships and $40,000 in sponsorship support.

Students on the Move

The College’s inaugural transit system is getting students where they need to go. The Blue Line’s schedule covers transportation for all scheduled class times as well as YMCA, library, and dining services hours. Two vehicles run simultaneously throughout the hours of service, and students can expect to wait no more than 10 minutes during peak times. Student usage will be monitored during operation, and adjustments to service will be based on actual student use. Mass transit on campus is a core component of future sustainability efforts.

Outdoor Athletic Fields

After years of planning a spectacular outdoor athletic complex is about to become reality. It will be built on Route 173 near the Coyne building. Adjacent artificial surface fields will be used for baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, and football among other sports. Field dimensions will meet all NCAA requirements.

Efficiencies and patron convenience will be gained by locating these fields next to one another with shared facilities such as concessions, restrooms, and parking. The location next to Coyne will provide sloping and other natural site features to offer broad spectator viewing opportunities while limiting the costs associated with fixed seating. In addition, a common entrance way to both fields will maintain security and support gate control and revenue collection for ticketed events. Other features include perimeter fencing, scoreboards, outfield safety net, landscape buffer along NYS Route 173, and a convenient walkway between fields to shared services.

Student Success Through Social Media

Onondaga Community College was awarded an $80,000 research grant from the League for Innovation in the Community College. Onondaga was one of only eight community colleges nationally – and the only community college in the northeast – to have received the award. The money will be used to study the effects of social media on student success. The project, “Getting Connected: Harnessing the Power of Social Media Technology to Enhance Community College Student Success,” is comprised of many initiatives including the new Facebook App, which launched in the Fall of 2011. The new app helps students meet new friends, find events and activities and get help and advice with enrollment, study tips, and course registration. More than 2,500 students are participating, and they’ve been very active:
 

Focus on Sustainability

Onondaga is proud of its continuing focus on sustainability and accomplishments during the 2011-2012 school year. 

Completed a campus wide sustainability assessment using the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) sponsored by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. The College received a STARS Silver rating, demonstrating progress on sustainability in areas related to education, operations, administration, and engagement. The STARS program allows the College to benchmark its efforts against peer institutions and track performance in key sustainability areas over time.

Submitted a progress report for the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment. The report summarizes many of the College’s sustainability accomplishments and shows a 14% decrease in campus greenhouse gas emissions from 2007 to 2010.

Onondaga’s three residence hall buildings earned the Energy Star label from the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy in both 2010 and 2011, demonstrating that the buildings are more energy efficient than 90% of similar residence halls in the country.

The College finished strong in RecycleMania 2012, a national recycling contest between colleges and universities. Onondaga placed 1st in NYS and 28th nationally in the Waste Minimization category, meaning that Onondaga generated very little trash and recyclables per person compared with other campuses. The College also placed 2nd in NYS and 44th in the country in the Grand Champion category with a recycling rate of 43.47%.

Onondaga installed two electric vehicle charging stations to encourage students, employees and campus visitors to use electric vehicles for their commute. The charging stations can accommodate plug-in electric vehicles like the new Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf.

Onondaga launched an online carpool matching program, Carpool OCC, in order to facilitate carpooling among students and employees. Carpool OCC is an online tool that matches people interested in carpooling based on their location, schedule, and other commuting preferences.

Onondaga adopted a new sustainability policy that provides guidelines for energy conservation, sustainable purchasing, green cleaning, sustainable transportation, solid waste management and recycling, green building, and sustainable landscaping.

Onondaga’s solar array on the Whitney Applied Technology Center produced over 25,000 kWh of electricity in its first year of operation, which is enough energy to power three or four homes. The panels are used as an educational tool to teach students about renewable energy, and they provide clean energy to help power the building.

Onondaga launched the Go-Green Print Initiative in order to reduce paper consumption. The initiative will help the College save money and conserve natural resources.

Harboring a Future

More than 50 years after Onondaga’s humble beginnings at Midtown Plaza in downtown Syracuse, the College is moving closer to fulfilling a longstanding goal of returning to the city. Plans are being developed for an extension site at the Inner Harbor which would be part of a larger, mixed use redevelopment initiative overseen by COR Development Company. The Inner Harbor location would expand the College’s capacity to deliver programs and services in response to the dramatic growth in demand the College has experienced over the last decade. By being centrally located in Syracuse the Inner Harbor site will be uniquely positioned to serve students in the northern suburbs, adult students, businesses, and industry.

Community Fitness

The new Southwest YMCA at Onondaga Community College opened to the public during the 2011-2012 academic year. The 4,000 square-foot facility is filled with new equipment including: treadmills, cross trainers, stationary bikes, LIVESTRONG indoor cycles, steppers and step mills. It also has a full range of strength training machines and free weights.

The YMCA offers a wide array of community wellness programs, including, but not limited to: adult sports (e.g., basketball and volleyball leagues, running programs, triathlon training); youth sports and education; senior wellness programs; fitness evaluations, one-on-one coaching, and personal training; group exercise programs (e.g., conditioning, cycling, step aerobics, strength and toning, Zumba); mind-body programs (e.g., group and individual Pilates, group yoga); family programming, as well as a child care program for parents using the facility; diabetes prevention classes; and, cancer survivor programs. YMCA members also have access to the gymnasium in Allyn Hall and a 200-meter indoor track in the SRC Arena. Both facilities are adjacent to the YMCA. Students can apply for membership at no additional cost with a valid SMARTCARD ID.

Student Advancement Opportunities

Onondaga’s Regional Higher Education Center is host to numerous colleges that offer both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs on the Onondaga campus. Degrees in Business, Criminal Justice, Humanities, Nursing Education, Social Work and others are available through these partner programs:

Keuka College

• B.S., Criminal Justice Systems
• B.S., Nursing for RNs
• B.S., Organizational Management
• B.S., Social Work
• M.S., Criminal Justice Administration
• M.S., Management
• M.S., Nursing

SUNY Cobleskill
SUNY Cobleskill offers a degree in Child Care and Development

SUNY Delhi

• B.S., Business and Technology Management
• B.S., Business and Hospitality Management

Kaplan University
Kaplan offers more than 100 degree programs.

SUNY Empire State College
Through the “Pathways Program” Onondaga graduates can take up to an additional 16 credits of introductory coursework at Onondaga to support their bachelor’s degree requirements. The remaining 48 credits of required upper division coursework is taken with Empire State College.

Working Together

Onondaga Community College is continuing to strengthen its Workforce Partnerships throughout the community.

Training for Health Care and Manufacturing

The College was awarded a contract from SEIU Local 1199 to train 85 incumbent workers in training ranging from certified nurse assistant, neo-natal intensive care certification exam preparation, and LPN Leadership Training. In addition, the College received a contract from Crouse Hospital to train 23 employees in partnership with the Rochester Institute of Technology on “Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt.” The College is also engaged in a pilot project with the Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY) on a certified production certificate program for 16 new/incumbent workers.

Independent Living

College for Living, a program for adult students with developmental disabilities, enrolled nearly 35 students in a year-round program to promote independent living and basic job skills for entry-level employment. With support from the CNY Developmental Disabilities Services Office, and human service agencies throughout the area, Onondaga's College for Living is able to provide a unique and purposeful opportunity for the student in a socially integrated setting. Class sizes are kept small to insure that each student gets individual attention and is able to set personal goals.

Foundations Transition program provides students a setting where they can develop independence, employment, and social skills. Students practice communication and problem solving abilities to increase their options for independent living, interpersonal relationships, and employability.

New Visions is a week long “full time” college experience for students with developmental disabilities. Students reside on campus, sleep in air-conditioned residence halls, eat at the cafeteria, and integrate with other summer school students and participants of summer programs. Onondaga provides a safe and stimulating learning environment, packed with choices and opportunities to allow each student to understand and enjoyably apply the independent living and social skills that are stressed in the classes. The week culminates with “yearbooks”, a prom and a graduation ceremony complete with caps and gowns.

Support for Small Businesses

The Small Business Development Center, which has been located on the Onondaga campus for more than 25 years, hosted “Operation Start Up and Grow,” a small business conference and trade show that attracted hundreds of local veterans interested in starting their own businesses. Onondaga’s SBDC offers classes and one-on-one advisement for existing and new small businesses. It estimates that in fiscal year 2011-2012, the SBDC helped to create 144 new jobs, saved 50 jobs, and had an overall economic impact of more than $6.1 million.

Restoring the Past

Onondaga Community College is restoring and preserving one of the County’s oldest cemeteries. General Ellis cemetery is located on West Seneca Turnpike across the street from Mulroy Hall. It’s named after General John Ellis who moved to Onondaga Hill when it was a wilderness. He was a Revolutionary War veteran who came here in the 1780’s from Massachusetts. The first burial in the cemetery was recorded in 1798.

General John Ellis built his home nearby. He farmed the land there as did his son, also named John Ellis, who lived there as well. The house eventually became an American Legion home. It was torn down by the county in 1957. The farmland was used to grow food for the county Poorhouse across the road until it closed in the 1960’s.

As part of the restoration effort a blue historical marker has been placed on Route 173 near the college entrance. The marker is right next to a wooded path which leads to the cemetery. During the restoration project, Onondaga will respect and maintain the historic character of the site, carefully avoiding the removal of historic materials or the alteration of features and spaces that are integral to the cemetery. A diverse and knowledgeable team has been assembled consisting of Onondaga staff, the Onondaga Historical Association, the Town of Onondaga Historical Society, and local community subject matter experts. 

Restoration Plan

• Tree removal and pruning. 
• Repair ground cover preserving major landscape features and correcting erosion.
• Restore exterior black wrought iron fencing that surrounds the cemetery to its natural look.
• Restore existing head stones to preserve their historic character and authenticity.
• Create a trail from Route 173 around the east side of the General Ellis Cemetery, leading to the campus roadway north of David W. Murphy field.

This work is possible due to the generosity of the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, the Sons of the American Revolution, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and its local chapters; Fayetteville-Owahgena, General Asa Danforth, and Syracuse, and the District O Central New York Roundtable. Onondaga Community College invested in the restoration both financially and in man hours spent on the project.
 

Humphrey Fellows

Onondaga Community College and Syracuse University are forging a new partnership with visiting Humphrey Fellows. Founded in 1978 in honor of the late Senator and Vice President, the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program provides 10 months of professional enrichment and non-degree graduate level study in the United States for accomplished mid-level professionals from designated countries.

During the school year Humphrey Fellows participated in the International Citizens Awards Banquet, a panel discussion as part of International Education Week celebrations, and campus visits to both Onondaga and Syracuse University. In the 2012-13 academic year, Onondaga hopes to build on the successes of this pilot program and to strengthen its wonderful relationship as an opportunity for opening doors for international and intercultural exchange for Onondaga students and the Humphrey Fellows.

Fellows are nominated by U.S. Embassies or Fulbright Commissions based on their potential for leadership and a demonstrated commitment to public service. The program provides a basis for lasting ties between citizens of the United States and their professional counterparts in other countries. It fosters an exchange of knowledge and mutual understanding, through which the United States joins in a significant partnership with developing countries.

Pictured in the photo from left to right are:

• Margaret E. Lane, Director of the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program at Syracuse University
• Judy Gibson, Director of the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, Washington, D.C.
• Cathleen C. McColgin, Ph.D., Provost and Senior Vice President
• Emmanuel B. Awuah, Ph.D., Interim Vice President, Academic Services
• Amy Kremenek, Vice President, Human Resources and External Relations

50th Anniversary Celebration

The 2011-2012 school year marked the 50th Anniversary of the College. The calendar was filled with celebration after celebration, reminding all what had been accomplished and the great future that lies ahead.  

For the first month of the fall semester a 50th Anniversary Archive Exhibit was on display in the Gordon Great Room. The collection consisted of photos, newspapers, and other memorabilia for campus and community members to view.

An archive exhibit chronicling the first 50 years of Onondaga Community College was on display at the Onondaga Historical Association during January and February.

In April, Onondaga photography students celebrated the school’s 50th Anniversary with a visual project. They took the number “50” and turned it into a form of art all its own. 35 students of Photography Program Coordinator Meredith L. Cantor-Feller showcased their work in the north windows of the third floor of the Whitney Building and also in the Atrium area.

A highlight of the celebration of the first half century of Onondaga was the publication of a history of the College, "Celebrating the Promise – The First Fifty Years of Onondaga Community College, 1961 – 2011." The book is based on the research and writing of local author Barbara S. Rivette. Rivette is a highly respected Onondaga County historian, journalist, author and editor. She has written many books on local history. In 2007, Rivette received the award for Excellence in Public History Projects and Publications from the state's Municipal Historians, and in 2004 she was recognized by the Onondaga Historical Association with its highest honor, the OHA medal. It tells the story of Onondaga from the initial proposal to establish a community college by the county’s Board of Supervisors, to the early years at the Midtown Plaza location in downtown Syracuse (nearly 1,300 students enrolled the first year), to the development and move to the Onondaga Hill campus to OCC’s current position as a nationally recognized community college with nearly 13,000 students.

Throughout the book, innumerable photographs, student interviews and memories from College employees and community leaders enhance the story of Onondaga. Editors Dr. Kathy Eisele (English Department), Professor Tim Stedman (Computer Studies Department) and Debbie L. Sydow (President Emerita) were supported by a steering committee composed of campus and community members, who began meeting in 2002 to plan for the publication and the 50th Anniversary celebration. Copies of the book are available in the Onondaga Bookstore.

On May 19 Onondaga held its commencement ceremony on campus for the first time in almost 40 years. Nearly 600 graduates and 5,000 spectators enjoyed the comforts of the brand-new SRC Arena and Events Center. There was a celebratory reception afterwards outside in the quad area where students, their families and faculty could come together one last time before the graduates embarked on the next phase of their lives. It was the largest turnout for a commencement to date and proved to be a very symbolic end to an extraordinary year. 

Honoring Champions 

Onondaga’s athletic program and its student-athletes achieved excellence both on the playing field and in the classroom.

• National Champions – Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse teams
• Regional Champions – Women’s Basketball and Men’s Tennis
• All-American honors – 8 student-athletes
• All-Region honors – 55 student-athletes
• All-Conference honors – 31 student-athletes

Saluting a Trailblazer

John H. Mulroy was a man of vision and action. While serving as member of the County’s Board of Supervisors representing the Marcellus area, Mulroy chaired the committee that made the recommendation to establish the College. As Onondaga County’s first and longest serving County Executive, John Mulroy was one of the “founding fathers” of Onondaga Community College more than a half century ago, and one of the school’s biggest supporters. In 1967, he was instrumental in locating the College’s permanent home on Onondaga Hill.

While overseeing Onondaga’s progress, County Executive Mulroy was the leading force in the opening of the Van Duyn Home and Hospital, a 526-bed facility dedicated to the care and safety of the county’s frail and elderly. Prior to the establishment of Van Duyn, that care was provided by the County Poorhouse. In 2007, Onondaga Community College acquired the Poorhouse property on Onondaga Road from the county, and began renovations. The completed building was renamed H-1 Hall and reopened in 2011. On May 18, 2012, the legacy of compassion and caring for this community that was John Mulroy was heralded in the renaming of H-1 Hall to “John H. Mulroy Hall” – a truly fitting tribute to one individual who made such monumental contributions to the quality of life here in Onondaga County.

Arts Across Campus '11 - '12 Season

Back by popular demand the Legends of Jazz Series produced four memorable concerts throughout the school year. Performers included the Ron Carter Trio, Bela Fleck and the Original Flecktones, the Randy Brecker Quintent and Allen Toussaint. They were the latest in a long line-up of legendary artists that who have visited Central New York and performed on the Onondaga campus. The growing list includes Aretha Franklin, Wynton Marsalis, Kenny G, Ramsey Lewis, Boz Scaggs and Richie Havens.

In addition to the Legends of Jazz series Onondaga also hosted a series of other recognized musicians, unveiled a new sculpture from internationally renowned sculptor Cestmir Suska, and held several art exhibits in the Gallery at the Ann Felton Multicultural Center: 

• Faculty Art Show 
• “Toxic Beauty,” a photo series by Shane Lavancher 
• “Pile-Strata,” a series of sculptures from Mikyung Kim
• “Imposibilitados,” a collection of paintings by Abisay Puentes
• “The Narrative Tradition in the 21st Century: The Art of Randy Elliott and Richard Williams” 

Foundation Board Chair Message

It’s truly an honor to be serving as chairperson of the OCC Foundation Board of Directors, and what an exciting year it has been. As the College celebrated its first 50 years, the foundation celebrated the unprecedented success of the Reach Beyond capital campaign. Through the generous support of our alumni, faculty, staff, and community supporters, the foundation raised an astounding $7.7 million! This campaign, the largest in College history, far exceeded expectations and is a credit to dedicated donors like you – caring individuals that believe in our students and the College’s mission to allow them to explore, discover and transform themselves into our community’s future leaders.

Perhaps the most significant impact of the campaign’s success is the amount of scholarship support we can now offer students. Through the success of Reach Beyond, we have the ability to award $230,000 in scholarships in the coming year, 40 percent more than just a year ago. A new component of this scholarship support is the newly established Community Scholars scholarship program. This new program awards up to $1,000 (approximately one semester’s tuition) to incoming high school graduates, adult learners, and former Onondaga Community College students who did not complete their degree but are within 15 credits of completion. Funding such as this is vital to aspiring students in our community, and it is made possible through the inspirational, philanthropic spirit of our donors and supporters. As we reflect on the significant growth of the College over the last 50 years, and the tremendous success of the Reach Beyond campaign, we sincerely thank you for making these achievements possible.

James Holland
Chair, Foundation Board of Directors

Message from the Foundation

Growing – exciting – vibrant. These are just some of the praising words that I hear when people refer to Onondaga Community College. And this is no surprise.

With student enrollment expanding 50% in less than a decade, a vast number of new buildings and facilities gracing an already impressive campus, and a swelling sense of pride within the OCC family, the College continues to build real momentum.

Working in lock-step with the College during this dramatic College transformation, the foundation has also witnessed impressive growth. Our generous donors have consistently demonstrated their commitment to the College, our students, and the future of our entire community through education. It is this dedication that is our most precious asset, and one that will ensure continued success and momentum for the next 50 years and beyond.

On behalf of all of us representing the foundation, I thank you for your generous contributions, as we continue our steadfast work to support our students and the mission of Onondaga Community College.

John J. Zacharek
Vice President for Development

Capital Campaign Success

Onondaga’s Capital Campaign, Reach Beyond, was launched in 2008 and hit its $7.5 million “Super Goal” in 2011. The campaign was focused on four elements: the Community Scholars Program,  the SRC Arena and Events Center, the Children’s Learning Center, and the Employee Innovation Fund. The campaign’s honorary chair was William F. Allyn, past President and CEO and third generation owner of Welch Allyn, and co-chaired by Allen J. Naples, Senior Vice President and Regional President of the Central New York Region for M&T Bank, and Robert U. Roberts, retired President for SRC and Chair of its Board of Trustees.

The Community Scholars program was focused on increasing access to higher education for deserving students, offering three types of scholarships:

“Inspire Promise” for recent high school graduates and traditional age college students,


“Renew Hope” for adult learners,


“Fulfill Dreams” for former Onondaga students who stopped school prior to completing their goal of a college degree.

Honoring Dedication

On December 15, 2011 the Health and Physical Education (HPE) Building was renamed Allyn Hall in honor of Bill and Penny Allyn for their lifetime commitment to higher education. Bill Allyn was Chair of the College’s first capital campaign and served as the Honorary Chair of Onondaga’s most recent capital campaign, “Reach Beyond,” which raised more than $7.5 million for the College. The Allyn’s have worked tirelessly while advancing the College’s mission to make high quality educational programs and college credentials accessible to every member of our diverse community. During the dedication ceremony a bas-relief was unveiled in their honor bearing the inscription: “In grateful appreciation to Bill and Penny Allyn for their exemplary dedication to Onondaga Community College.”

Foundation Board Members 

Campaign Donors