When news of the new SUNY Reconnect program started coming out a year ago, Ty Worrell decided this was his chance to earn a college degree. He figured the hardest part would be the college application process, so family members helped him out. "I said, 'You get me into class, I know I can do the work.' My ex-wife and middle daughter are the reason why I'm here. They filled out the application to get me into school."
Emerson Brill's winter break wasn't a break at all. Instead, it was a turning point. "My research experience was phenomenal! I got to meet cool people, make connections, and get paid. There was no downside!"
Throughout the spring semester, we are introducing you to several of our Student Success Navigators. For Onondaga Community College students, they are the dedicated point of contact for support. Student Success Navigators assist with class registration, help students stay on track academically, and connect students with campus resources to support their success.
Aaron Goodell
One of Onondaga Community College's leaders has been selected for a prestigious statewide role. Guy Linton, OCC's Director of the Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR), has been chosen for the 2026 Fellowship Class of the State University of New York (SUNY) Leadership Institute.
Linton is one of 29 fellows selected from across New York State, and one of just five participants in the institute's inaugural Disability Support Cohort.
At Brighton Academy in the Syracuse City School District, students come to a small office to talk to someone they trust: Tyquan Thomas. What they may not realize is that their mentor is in the middle of his own remarkable rise at Onondaga Community College.
Latasha Nellons has dreamed of becoming a nurse for as long as she can remember. "When I was 12 years old, I had back surgery. The care that I got was so amazing and nurturing and loving. I felt like my mom was taking care of me. I said I would definitely love to give that back when I get older. I love people, and I love to help others."
The numbers tell a clear story: the nation's need for skilled auto mechanics has reached a critical level. Between open positions and anticipated retirements, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an average of 70,000 job openings annually over the next decade. Adding to the challenge is the rapid pace of technological advancement in today's vehicles, which continue to grow more complex with each model year.
Throughout the spring semester, we are introducing you to several of our Student Success Navigators. For Onondaga Community College students, they are the dedicated point of contact for support. Student Success Navigators assist with class registration, help students stay on track academically, and connect students with campus resources to support their success.
Maria Malagisi
When Kierra Yager opened the letter telling her she had been selected for a statewide award, she was overwhelmed.
“I couldn’t believe it. I cried,” she said. “Growing up, education wasn’t something that was a priority, especially going off to college. In high school, I didn’t get the best grades. When I came here, I finally felt like what I was doing meant something."
When Taitannia Knight graduated from Liverpool High School in 2024, she already had a head start on college life. During her senior year, she took several Onondaga Community College classes in high school and earned nearly a semester’s worth of credits. So when she officially enrolled as a Business Administration major, Taitannia walked onto campus with momentum and a quiet confidence that she had made the right choice.
