Fall 2025 Alumni Faces Honorees

Five former Onondaga Community College students were recognized as Alumni Faces honorees during a ceremony Thursday October 16, in the Frederick Marvin and Ernst Schuh Recital Hall. Their accomplishments were highlighted during the event, and their likenesses and inspirational success stories were added to the Alumni Faces display on campus. The honorees are:

Chidera Joseph '16

• Before OCC: Jamesville-Dewitt High School
• OCC Degree: Business Administration
• Profession: Digital Growth Strategist at Google
• Her story: Chidera immigrated to the U.S. from Nigeria with her brother after being orphaned at age 8. At OCC, she participated in the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program, was an officer in Student Government, and tutored fellow students in calculus. She earned a Communications degree at Cornell University, and now works at Google, where she helps businesses grow through digital marketing.

Robert Kent '82

• Before OCC: Nottingham High School
• OCC degree: Criminal Justice
• Profession: Healthcare Strategic Policy Advisor
• His story: Rob dedicated his professional life to helping people through public policy. He earned degrees from OCC, the SUNY College of Technology in Utica/Rome, and Syracuse University College of Law. He worked in Albany in the off of the New York State Senate Majority Leader, was the General Counsel for the Office of Addiction Services and Supports, served as the General Counsel at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, and in 2023 became President of Kent Strategic Advisors, LLC. His specialty is healthcare strategic policy focused on helping clients maximize their opportunities to serve those in need of help.

Brandon Lazore '14

• Before OCC: Henninger High School
• OCC degree: Art
• Profession: Traditional Graffiti Artist
• His story: Brandon is a member of the Onondaga Nation's Snipe Clan whose inspiration for a career in art came from graffiti he saw every day while growing up in Syracuse's Hawley-green neighborhood. After leaving the area to work as a civil engineer, he returned a decade later and decided to pursue an Art degree at OCC. After graduating magna cum laude, Brandon worked as a carpenter while improving his art skills in his free time. Eventually, he grew the business to the point where he could support himself entirely as a full-time artist. He's repeatedly given back to OCC by creating artwork that is displayed across campus.

Healther Silvia '90

• Before OCC: Westhill High School
• OCC degree: Early Childhood
• Profession: Recently retired Principal of Donlin Drive Elementary in Liverpool
• Her story: Heather balanced full-time classes while working night shifts to fund her education. Following OCC, she earned bachelor's and master's degrees, taught in Syracuse City Schools, served as an instructional coach in the West Genesee Central School District, and in 2014 became Principal of Donlin Drive Elementary School in Liverpool, leading the school to national recognition for outstanding achievements among underserved students. She retired in 2025.

Quindell Williams '08

• Before OCC: Nottingham High School
• OCC degree: Electronic Media Communications
• Profession: Career and Technical Education Workforce Development Coach, Syracuse City School District
• His story: Quindell had two outstanding careers since his time at OCC. After completing his bachelor's degree at SUNY Oswego, he earned two Emmy Awards as a photojournalist at the television stations of CNY Central. He was also one of the first of two licensed Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) pilots in the Syracuse TV market. In 2018, he left the television business to return to the Syracuse City School District as a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Drone Technology instructor, teaching students how to operate remotely piloted aircraft systems at PSLA at Fowler. In 2024, he became the CTE Workforce Development Coach for the entire school district, supporting students as they build relationships with post-secondary, industry, and community partners.