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Graduating Black, African-American, and African students were recognized during OCC's annual Kente Celebration, held April 24 in Storer Auditorium.

The event was organized and emceed by Flagan Prince, Director of Early College Pathways and K-12 Partnerships.

Opening remarks were delivered by President Warren Hilton.

History Professor Tara Ross discussed the history of the Kente Cloth.

Graduating students Jaedin Feimster-Roget and Senora Ramseur shared their OCC experiences with those in attendance.

Duke Sturgis had a good job in a machine shop when he heard about a new program at Onondaga Community College and decided to give it a try.

The rapidly rising cost of tuition at some colleges and the suffocating debt which accompanies it is one of the hot topics in our country. It's a topic Laura Frateschi hasn't had to concern herself with thanks to the OCC Advantage program. "At a young age I didn't have a huge understanding of the concept of money. I watched all of my friends go away to four-year colleges and I was a little bit jealous. I quickly found out after my first semester that I made a great decision and it's life-changing for me."

Jake Proctor's career goal is to help fellow Veterans figure out what comes after they complete their military service. So when he heard about the State University of New York's (SUNY) new Veterans Enrollment and Support Internship Program which would be implemented at Onondaga Community College, he thought he was the perfect person for the job. "I can articulate the benefits of OCC as a Veteran, what we have going on here, how they can succeed, share my experiences, and give them that encouragement which was what I needed to start.

Monica Barksdale is a no-nonsense adult learner. With 7 children, 3 dogs, her own business, and a full-time job, she doesn't have a moment to waste. Taking classes at Onondaga Community College along with all of the other moving parts in her life is a big challenge, and she's ready for it. "Failure is not an option. I need to do this, accomplish this, get through this because it's going to be a stepping stone towards greater things."

Five Onondaga Community College students took advantage of an opportunity to explore an summer learning opportunity. On April 19 they visited SUNY Binghamton where they will spend most of the summer participating in the Bridges to Baccalaureate program. The 8-week paid summer science research experience helps underrepresented students transition from community colleges to a four-year institution.

This summer's participants from OCC are:

Students in Onondaga Community College's Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) were honored for their achievements during a Convocation Ceremony held April 18 in Storer Auditorium.

Those recognized included:

Alicia Oberlender was prepared to go directly from West Genesee High School to a four-year college and a science-related major when she began having second thoughts. A week before the start of classes, she decided to step back. "I realized I needed to take a break, focus on myself, and figure out what I wanted to do."

During her gap year, one of the things she focused on was learning karate. A great uncle who passed away when she was 8 years old had earned his black belt and she was always intrigued by the sport. She gave it a try, loved it, and recently earned her purple belt.

Cai Oristian did a lot of academic and career exploration while attending LaFayette Big Picture School. At one time or another automotive technology, psychology, and criminal justice all seemed like viable courses of study and eventual careers. Ultimately a conversation with trusted voices made the difference. "I sat down with my teachers and said 'I have no idea what I want to do! My History teacher said 'you like to write. Why not just look at that?' I did, and decided this was what I wanted to do."