Manu Shergill saw the pandemic as his opportunity to better himself. That's why the 35-year-old native of Queens decided the spring 2021 semester was the perfect time to begin his college education. "I thought I could take some classes online and ease into college. And work was slowing down so I had more time available for classes."
A 49-year-old mother from Georgia who is a United States Air Force Veteran is this year's student representative on the Board of Trustees. Catherine Hadden is serving as the Student Trustee while pursuing her Nursing degree. As Student Trustee she attends all board meetings, participates in executive sessions or closed-door portions of meetings, and has full voting rights.
Most students who enroll in Onondaga Community College's Fire Protection Technology degree program come to campus with experience responding to fires as members of their hometown departments. But a service-learning opportunity for students in a Fire Investigation class (FPT-252) opened their eyes to what happens after the flames have been extinguished.
Gordon Gallery is part of a unique group of high school and college students. As a member of East Syracuse Minoa High School's Spartan Academy, he's simultaneously working toward his high school diploma and Mathematics & Science degree from Onondaga Community College. He will receive both next June. "It will be pretty unique and a great feeling when I finish this. The sense of accomplishment will be great."
Katie Gabriel has brought her "Lines And Lineage" exhibit to Onondaga Community College's art gallery. Gabriel is the Arts Coordinator in the Fayetteville-Manlius School District where she's taught at the high school since 2010. She also owns the Gabriel Contemporary teaching studio in Manlius where she provides instructional figure drawing workshops to local youths and adults.
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."
