Public

No matter how fast technology changes and advances, the importance of words and the power of writing will always be needed. Employers have told us they need people who know how to write. That's why Onondaga Community College developed a Creative Writing degree program in time for the fall 2020 semester. The skills students learn will put them on the path to a rewarding career in marketing, public relations, or even computer and video game programming.

Everybody knows Bob. He's the stick figure character on signs posted across the Onondaga Community College campus, reminding you to wear your mask. "This is Bob. Bob wears his mask at all times on OCC's campus. Be like Bob." It's a serious message delivered simply and memorably. It's author is Rashel Chahine, a member of OCC's Student Government. The idea for it came from a meeting she had with Zach Snyder, OCC's Digital Marketing Specialist who oversees the College's social media channels.

• Degree Program: General Studies
• High School: Abraham Lincoln on Coney Island, class of 2018

When Davon Armstead decided to attend Buffalo State on a football scholarship two years ago, he wasn't ready for a large, four-year institution. "If I knew in high school what I knew now, I would have gone to a community college first. I was playing football and having so much fun I lost track of what I was really there for. I want to eventually go back to a four-year school, but this time I will get there the right way."

Do you love music? Onondaga Community College has created a new degree program which can help you turn your passion into a meaningful career producing music. The Sound Recording degree is designed to provide students hands-on training in recording, mixing, and mastering music while using industry-standard equipment and software. Our program is designed to allow students to seamlessly transfer to SUNY Oswego or SUNY Fredonia with junior status.

Scott Schuhert, DBH wants students to know that despite the initials after his name (which stand for Doctor of Behavioral Health) and his Dean of Students title, he knows the challenges that come with being a community college student and is here to help. "I took a long time to get where I am but I'm just a guy. I don't wear a suit and tie because when I did, students would look at me like I was different. I tell them to just call me Scott."

SparkCharge has two new high-profile business partners! The Buffalo-based startup company, which makes portable rapid electric charging units for electric cars, was founded by former OCC roommates and Electrical Technology majors Christopher Ellis, '14 and Richard Whitney, '13 along with Syracuse University alumnus Joshua Aviv.

• Degree program: Nursing

When Keila Arencibia arrived in the United States from Cuba five years ago, her first challenge was learning the English language. She interned at Syracuse's Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) where she enjoyed talking to people and learning the language through conversation. She also worked on her English at home. "I started watching kids movies, I read books for young students and translated the words into English. Movies and books really helped."