Onondaga Community College's chapter of honor society Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) spent the fall semester working on a major project focused on the issue of mental health and disability. Their efforts included collecting and donating related books to the Children's Learning Center in Ferrante Hall, and hosting a "Living Library" on campus.
Jesus Coronel is excited about the upcoming break, but not because he's because he's going to take it easy after a busy semester. Instead he'll be participating in the Brookhaven National Laboratory's Mini-Semester Program. "It's a big opportunity to expand my horizons, my knowledge, and broaden my perspective of where my opportunities lie in science and the STEM fields."
When Everine Mukeshimana was growing up in a refugee camp in Africa she dreamed of one day coming to the United States, earning a college degree, and becoming a nurse. Living conditions in the refugee camp were poor and she was surrounded by sickness. She thought if she could become a nurse, she could help people become healthy again.
In 2019 she took the first step in making her dream come true when she immigrated to America. "I was so lucky to come here. It's very different from where I came from."
Diana Robertson remembers how uncertain she felt when she came to the Onondaga Community College campus in 1975 to register for classes. She was the first person in her family to go to college and didn’t have anyone at home to lean on for guidance. “I had to choose a major, I had to choose my classes, and I didn’t really know what I was doing. And so, I became a Drama major.”
A newly renovated lab coupled with updated curriculum is giving students in the Mechanical Technology degree program a greater opportunity for professional success. "This state-of-the-art room has changed the way this class is perceived. It feels high tech, students have good access to information, and lots of technology in this room to work with. They feel professional," said Mechanical Technology Professor Michael Grieb, P.E. who is also Chair of Onondaga Community College's Applied Technology Department.
Onondaga Community College's new student mentoring program is off to a great start! "Lazer Link" provides incoming students the support they need to succeed by connecting them with designated returning students.
Ka'Chane Russell was disappointed when her family's financial situation forced her to leave a private four-year college in New Jersey and transfer to a community college. But today she couldn't be happier about being at Onondaga Community College. "I love it here. I know what my purpose is. This is a great campus. It's easy to be involved here and no one excludes you from anything. It's very diverse. You won’t get this at another community college."
