Laura Alcock began mapping out her future in 8th grade. "I knew I wanted to be a lawyer and it would take seven years of schooling. I wanted a shortcut and thought working toward my college degree at OCC while I was in high school would be a good way to do it."
Onondaga Community College's Board of Trustees presented the John H. Mulroy Founder's Awards to four distinguished community members during its June meeting. The award was created to recognize those whose meritorious service has advanced the mission, vision, and excellence of OCC and enhanced its capacity to provide students with the opportunity to explore, discover, and transform their lives.
Onondaga Community College today announced its list of student honorees for the spring 2021 semester.
A list of honorees is below. They are sorted alphabetically by the community they reside in.
Spring 2021 Semester – Grade Point Average between 3.70 and 4.0
Altmar
Carlos Gabriel Calanoc
Onondaga Community College was recognized for its outstanding service to Student Veterans when Military Times named it "Best For Vets." The prestigious honor is the result of the largest and most comprehensive ranking of schools for military service members and veterans.
Emmalee French came to Onondaga Community College with a dream. As a member of Oswego High School's class of 2020, she wanted to earn a college degree for an in-demand job so she could return to her hometown and live and work in the community she grew up in and loved. Last month she earned her Electrical Technology degree from OCC and walked into a full-time job as an Electrical Technician at Novelis in Oswego. And she did all of it without going into debt.
Onondaga Community College's SRC Arena and Events Center is reestablishing itself as Central New York's premier venue for events of all sizes. With COVID-19 vaccination rates going up and infection rates declining, the arena hosted a job fair Monday, June 14. The fair was presented by Onondaga County and gave job seekers one-stop-shopping for immediate employment in a variety of service and professional industries. There was also a COVID-19 vaccination clinic offered by Wegmans for event attendees.
MaryPat Carhart fell in love with the possibility of a career in health care at a young age. She was a student at East Syracuse Minoa High School who found her calling in BOCES LPN program. While working as a Licensed Practical Nurse she decided to come to Onondaga Community College and pursue a Nursing degree. She found the College to be the perfect place for an adult learner juggling the demands of life, work, and school. "The professors and instructors were engaging and supportive regardless of who you were or where you were from.
Regina Kangela is overcoming incredible odds as she pursues her dream of becoming a physician. She's gone from having to flee her home in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to being the only community college student selected in all of New York State for SUNY's Educational Opportunity Program Pre-Medical School Scholars Program. "This means so much to me. It gives me hope I can have a bright future no matter what my background might be."
