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Student Spotlight: Janice Gravely

Janice Gravely walked into an Onondaga Community College orientation session last August expecting to learn about the Paramedic program, and instead was greeted with, "Welcome to the course." She laughed, shook her head, and did what she had done throughout her career in the United States Army. She accepted the mission and jumped right in! Her split-second decision launched her first semester at OCC, and the next chapter in a lifetime of service.

Marie-Alayna Byrnes' SUNY Reconnect Story

Marie-Alayna Byrnes tried college three times before, and three times life got in the way. Working in the restaurant industry, struggling with her mental health, moving around - she could never make it work. "I couldn't afford not to work. That was a huge thing in my way." At age 28, after leaving her restaurant job earlier this year and being hospitalized, it was time to try again. "I decided to take much better care of my mental health and advocate for myself more. I thought I owed it to myself."

Happy National Twin Day!

December 18 is National Twin Day, an opportunity to celebrate the unique bond shared by siblings born minutes apart. Whether identical or fraternal, twins have memories of inside jokes, shared milestones, and a sense of togetherness that lasts a lifetime.

Onondaga Community College has at least nine employees who are twins. Several of them were kind enough to come together, show pictures of their twin, and share stories of their twin experiences.

Celebrating Our December 2025 Graduates

Onondaga Community College marked a milestone moment on December 16 as graduates crossed the SRC Arena stage in a commencement ceremony filled with pride, reflection, and celebration. More than 300 students were eligible to participate, each recognized for their determination and perseverance that brought them to this long-awaited achievement.

Student Spotlight: Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle Rodriguez worked tirelessly to get to this week. She's a 32-year-old mother of two and a first-generation college student who just completed her Cybersecurity degree. "It's been a long time coming. It's something I've wanted for a long time. I stayed focused and determined, and I'm finally here. I'm proud of myself."

Student Spotlight: Shew Way

Shew (pronounced SHAY) Way is completing her associate degree in Mechanical Technology this semester, marking the culmination of a journey that began halfway around the world, long before she set foot on the Onondaga Community College campus.