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.
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."
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.
When Quri Conrow Blakes walks across the stage at graduation tomorrow, she won't just be receiving her associate degree in Human Services. She'll also be celebrating resilience, faith, and a dream years in the making.
Mark Parry stands next to the dentist's chair every day, assisting with procedures and handing over instruments. "I work next to the dentist, but I want to be on the other side of the chair one day." At age 29, he may finally be on his way.
Abigail Webster has mixed emotions about completing her Onondaga Community College degree. She's excited to finally achieve the milestone 12 years after graduating from West Genesee High School, but not ready to leave a place that has meant so much to her. "I really enjoyed it here. I loved it a lot in a way that surprised me. I'm quite sad about being done. I was trying to figure out ways I could stay longer."
On December 16, 2025, Chedy Hampson will walk across the stage at Onondaga Community College and finally receive a degree he began pursuing more than 30 years ago. After attending Mansfield University, Monroe Community College (MCC), and OCC on three separate occasions, and after years of believing he’d fallen short, an evaluation of his credits revealed he had already completed everything required for an associate degree in Liberal Arts & Sciences: General Studies.
Vienna Missell is a high school student by age only. Her math skills belong in a college classroom, and she has the statistics to prove it. She is currently in second place in the New York State Mathematics Association of Two-Year Colleges (NYSMATYC) Math League competition, having just earned the highest score ever recorded by an OCC student.
"You have so many good stories, you should write a book!" If Glenn LaPoint '16 had heard that once, he'd heard it a thousand times.
Central New Yorkers know him as Glenn "Gomez" Adams thanks to his 40-plus year career in the media, including the last 31 years at radio station TK-99 where he hosts the morning show, "Gomez and Company." He's also a stand-up comic with countless stories from that part of his life to share as well.
