Alicia Oberlender is passionate about strengthening the Onondaga Community College campus and making a positive impact in her surrounding community. That commitment inspired her to apply for a position on the first-ever National Grid Foundation Youth Advisory Council. She was thrilled to learn she was one of just 12 students selected from across New York, Massachusetts, and Delaware.
When Moha Al Rifaai walks into his Architectural Design Studies classes at Onondaga Community College, he carries more than sketches, software models, and class assignments. He carries a promise to himself, and to a home he hasn’t fully known since childhood.
When Carter Menikheim heard about the new SUNY Reconnect program, he didn't hesitate. "As soon as it was announced, I knew immediately I was going to college. I knew immediately I wanted to focus on computers as a career. I had taken Cisco online courses. I had a general background in IT. I had to hop on this. It's a great opportunity."
For students who grow up in the foster care system, the path to a college degree is often stacked against them. Nationally, only 3% to 4% of foster care students earn a four-year degree, and just 2% to 6% complete a two-year degree. Onondaga Community College's new Lazer’s Fostering Success College Program (LFSCP) is working to change that narrative.
Throughout the spring semester, we are introducing you to several of our Student Success Navigators. For Onondaga Community College students, they are the dedicated point of contact for support. Student Success Navigators assist with class registration, help students stay on track academically, and connect students with campus resources to support their success.
Kelly Unz
Onondaga Community College celebrated the accomplishments of its young scholars, hosting an Early College Program Recognition Ceremony. A total of 99 students in Early OCC, P-TECH, and Spartan Academy were recognized for earning a place on the honor roll during the fall 2025 semester.
Spend a few minutes chatting with Cassaundra Richardson, and you will quickly realize she has a boundless amount of energy and enthusiasm for life. At age 31 she's a full-time student at Onondaga Community College who was recently inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, works full-time as Dean of Students at OnTech Charter High School in Syracuse, co-parents 9 children, and runs a business on the side. "I'm fortunate to wake up every day and enjoy what I do. It's amazing to find something I'm passionate about because it's not like I'm working. These kids - it's worth it.
When Jennifer Gridley heard about the new SUNY Reconnect program, she knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity she couldn’t pass up. SUNY Reconnect is a new, tuition-free community college program for students between the ages of 25 and 55 who have not yet earned a college degree. It covers the cost of tuition, fees, books, and supplies after all other financial aid is applied.
Andrew Blodgett '22 decided at a very young age where he would work one day. "I remember being 8 or 10 years old and we were driving down Route 104 (in the Oswego County town of Scriba). I pointed at the cooling tower and said, 'What's that?' My parents said, 'That's the cloud factory.' I said, 'I want to work at the cloud factory one day!'"
Throughout the spring semester, we are introducing you to several of our Student Success Navigators. For Onondaga Community College students, they are the dedicated point of contact for support. Student Success Navigators assist with class registration, help students stay on track academically, and connect students with campus resources to support their success.
AJ Suslovic
