Roger Mirabito
on
May 18, 2026
On Campus
Students celebrated reaching the finish line as they crossed the stage in the SRC Arena during Onondaga Community College's commencement ceremony.
Students celebrated reaching the finish line as they crossed the stage in the SRC Arena during Onondaga Community College's commencement ceremony.

Onondaga Community College held its 63rd commencement ceremony on May 16, celebrating the accomplishments of nearly 700 graduating students.

The student speaker was Kierra Yager, who earned a Humanities & Social Sciences degree. She plans to continue her education - and become a pediatric clinical psychologist.

A SUNY Honorary Degree was presented to Haudenosaunee Faithkeeper Oren R. Lyons. OCC Honorary Degrees were presented to Joe Cecile, Stephen Fournier, and Kevin and Kathy LaGrow ‘79

Prior to commencement, a Nurse Pinning ceremony was held for 44 graduating students. The ceremony is a symbolic welcome into the Nursing profession. 

SRC Arena was filled to capacity for commencement.
SRC Arena was filled to capacity for commencement.

 

OCC President Dr. Warren Hilton (left) shared a moment on stage with a graduating student and her child.
OCC President Dr. Warren Hilton (left) shared a moment on stage with a graduating student and her child.

 

Family members and supporters cheered for their member of the class of 2026.
Family members and supporters cheered for their member of the class of 2026.

 

OCC's class of 2026 included Claire Detor (left) and her mother Megan Detor (right) wearing matching boots.
OCC's class of 2026 included Claire Detor (left) and her mother Megan Detor (right) wearing matching boots.

 

Haudenosaunee Faithkeeper Oren Lyons received a standing ovation when he was presented with his SUNY Honorary Degree.
Haudenosaunee Faithkeeper Oren Lyons received a standing ovation when he was presented with his SUNY Honorary Degree.

 

Nearly 700 students were eligible to participate in OCC's Commencement ceremony.
Nearly 700 students were eligible to participate in OCC's Commencement ceremony.

 

Graduate Ava Falvo is escorted from the stage by her uncle, OCC Campus Safety Police Chief Jeff Peckins.
Graduate Ava Falvo is escorted from the stage by her uncle, OCC Campus Safety Police Chief Jeff Peckins.

 

Student Speaker Kierra Yager (right) holds a drawing made by Oren Lyons (left). Behind him is Rex Lyons.
Student Speaker Kierra Yager (right) holds art work made by Oren Lyons, who is seated on the left. Behind him is Rex Lyons.

 

picture of well-decorated cap

 

Prior to commencement, a Nurse Pinning ceremony was held in Storer Auditorium for 44 graduating students.
Prior to commencement, a Nurse Pinning ceremony was held in Storer Auditorium for 44 graduating students.
Keywords
OCC
Onondaga Community College

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