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Grace Plewak walked the halls of Onondaga Community College’s Whitney Applied Technology Center long before she ever called herself a student here. As a student at Living Word Academy, she competed in the annual Scholastic Art Show, where award-winning pieces were displayed inside OCC’s Whitney building. For three consecutive years, Plewak made the trip to campus to see her artwork hanging on the walls. “I never thought I would end up here,” she said, smiling. “It’s crazy looking back and realizing this is where I go to school now.”

When a flyer about a new tuition-free college program arrived at the Williams household, Rashawn Williams’ mother didn’t hesitate. She snapped a photo of it and sent it straight to her son.

“My mom sent me a screenshot of a flyer they sent to her house saying going to college would be totally free if your major was in high demand,” Williams recalled. “So I knew I had to do it.”

Over the past year, more than 20 students from Onondaga Community College have stepped inside one of North America’s most advanced semiconductor facilities through a unique internship program with NY CREATES, creating an experience that reshapes how students see their future in technology.

Lights, camera, OCC!

Onondaga Community College has a new claim to fame. Last summer, local production company American High transformed parts of campus into a movie set, filming scenes for the new hit film “Pizza Movie.”

Now, that film is topping the charts! It's currently the #1 overall title on Hulu and the #1 movie on Disney+.

If you know the OCC campus, keep your eyes peeled. You might just spot some familiar places on screen, including:

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.

Cassie Briglin

Before the first brushstrokes have time to dry, Nikki Hendrix changes the room. “I’ve been depressed. I’ve been suicidal.”

Her voice is steady, but personal.

“During this time of year, I know you are overwhelmed with exams and making the right grades,” she tells students. “I’m here to let you know it’s okay. You’re going through the process. If you’re feeling stressed out, there are people here at OCC who are phenomenal. They are here to help you.”

Their lives seem like controlled chaos, and they love it. The Johnson triplets commute daily to the Onondaga Community College campus from their Baldwinsville home. Depending on the day and their schedules, sometimes they commute together, sometimes parents get involved in the back-and-forth, and there are part-time jobs to work around as well. "We all go to the same school," Cate says with a laugh. "But we don't see each other very often."

Josh Dela Cruz laughs when he reflects on how he found his way back to college. "It's a really funny story," he said.

Onondaga Community College’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society chapter is once again raising the bar, celebrating a year packed with standout achievements and well-earned recognition.

At the PTK International Conference, OCC’s chapter earned the prestigious Distinguished Chapter Officer honor, securing an impressive 32nd place ranking among roughly 1,250 chapters worldwide, a testament to the leadership, dedication, and excellence of its members.

At the New York State conference, which was held virtually, OCC's PTK chapter received the following honors: 

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.

Collette Charbonneau