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When Kierra Yager steps to the podium to address the Class of 2026 at commencement, it will mark a defining moment in her journey. She's been chosen as this year’s student speaker, and she sees the opportunity as more than an honor.

“It feels like every step along my path led me here. Reflecting on my time at OCC, and my education as a whole, helped me understand what it truly means to me. It’s given me the chance to become the person I’ve always wanted to be: someone who helps, guides, and brings light to others facing difficult paths.”

Throughout the year, we are introducing you to several of our outstanding technology teachers who are preparing students for rewarding careers. Today, we introduce you to Professor Colleen Stevens.

What Professor Stevens Teaches

• Electromechanical Technology and Math.

Education

What began as a simple conversation between two student leaders quickly evolved into a dynamic, community-building event inside the Lazer Garage, home to Onondaga Community College’s Automotive Technology program.

“I reached out to Becca and suggested our clubs collaborate,” said OCC Veterans Club President Dominick Kastner. “We realized we have a lot in common when it comes to our members.”

Onondaga Community College's chapter of the American Association of Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC), in partnership with the Women's Basketball team, invites you to tee off for a great cause at the Scholarship Scramble!

Kayla Suppa had just completed her bachelor's degree when she made a life-changing decision.

She was returning home to Oneida High School for a farewell concert for her former band director, David Hawthorne, who had served the school district for more than 30 years. "I thought, 'Oh my gosh! What did I do with my life?' I thought about going to college for music, but could never commit to it."

Instead, Suppa had earned an associate degree in Human Services, a bachelor's degree in Social Work, and was enrolled in a related master's program.

Ben Seigal contracted COVID more than once, and it was Long COVID that hit him the hardest. He lost his job. The migraines made it difficult to function, let alone work consistently. Some days were manageable; others were not. Even now, he says, sudden temperature swings can trigger symptoms. “I still have it, but it’s gotten so much better,” he said. “I feel a heck of a lot better.”

Onondaga Community College Professor of Culinary Management Chef James Taylor loves incorporating locally grown ingredients into what his students make.

So when fellow faculty member and Mathematics Professor Olin Stratton came to him with fresh maple syrup from his farm, Chef Taylor cooked up a winning recipe. "We took our vanilla-based gelato and added a maple syrup swirl to it," said Chef Taylor. "We sold it for a dollar a scoop at Bechamel's (the student-run store) and everyone loved it! This is a high-quality maple syrup. There are no additives."

Music has been a constant in La Vern Arrance-Doud’s life. His mother played piano at church, and from an early age he followed her lead. Throughout primary school, he learned the trumpet, baritone horn, French horn, and piano. By 18, he knew what he wanted: to study music in college.

Life, however, had other plans. Now, five decades later, Arrance-Doud is finally pursuing that dream as a student in the Music program at Onondaga Community College - and he’s savoring every moment.

On a busy afternoon inside the Gordon Student Center, students and alumni had the opportunity to explore employment options in one central location.

Onondaga Community College’s Office of Career & Transfer Services hosted a STEM Career & Internship Showcase, connecting more than 150 students with regional employers. The event reflected a core part of OCC’s mission: preparing students not just to graduate, but to thrive in the workforce.