It took Joshua Bonila five years to become an American citizen, and the native of India couldn't have been happier when the moment he was sworn-in finally arrived. "I've always wanted to be part of the United States. I believe it's the greatest country on earth. I really like the freedoms and the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. I'm here to pursue my dreams. I'm very joyful and thankful to be here."
Students attending Onondaga Community College in the spring 2022 semester will have two new courses of study to choose from. The New York State Education Department just approved the Laboratory Science A.S. degree and the Automotive Technology programs.
After a year without basketball due to COVID-19. the Onondaga Community College Men's Basketball team is back in action. Leading the way for the Lazers are the highly decorated backcourt of Latyce Faison and Jahki Lucas. Two years ago as freshmen, Faison was named an All American and Lucas earned All Region honors. "Everything we do centers around these guys," said Head Coach Erik Saroney. "Our offense runs through them. When they draw attention it opens up things for everyone else."
If you're thinking about changing careers and coming to college later in life, Kay Moses has two simple words of advice: "Do it!"
Onondaga Community College paid tribute to members of the campus community who served in the military with a series of events on Veterans Day. "These things mean a lot," said Nathaniel Sease, a Student Veteran who served four years in the United States Marine Corps. "The appreciation works wonders. For everyone who shows their appreciation, it can be that little bit of hope that Veterans who are dealing with things really need."
There are approximately two dozen publicly funded Cord Blood Banks in the United States and only one in all of New York State. It's located just a mile-and-a-half from the Onondaga Community College campus at Upstate Community Hospital. OCC Nursing Professor Lee Berg believes the close proximity of the Cord Blood Bank provides her students with a wonderful learning opportunity. That's why she always makes sure to bring them there for an eye-opening tour of the facility.
Maizie Millwood's remarkable journey to a degree continued this week when she was welcomed into Onondaga Community College's chapter of international honor society Phi Theta Kappa (PTK). "I'm very excited. It means I'm working hard and it's nice to be recognized."
Millwood is a native of Jamaica who came to the United States in 2001. She enrolled at OCC two years ago with the dream of eventually being accepted into the Nursing program. While taking classes she also worked as a Medical Assistant at the Syracuse Health Center.
OCC's Women's Basketball team has a new leader for the first time 20 years. Kelly Grinnell-Seibt is in her first season as Head Coach of the Lazers. She succeeds Mike Wheeler who she both played for and worked under as an assistant.
Chalea Jones '21 brought her uplifting message of perseverance and believing in yourself to Onondaga Community College students Monday, encouraging them to keep working hard as they pursue their degrees. "Whatever you want to do, give it your all and never give up. Hold tight to what you want to do and what you're working for. It's never too late."
