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."
About nine months ago, Sam Pandossi decided to gamble on himself. He had tried college before but it didn't work out. He had become used to the security of a full-time job in retail and the financial security that went along with it.
Then he heard about Micron, and the new Electromechanical Technology program which would be starting at Onondaga Community College. He considered his options and decided to enroll. "My anxiety was off the charts. I had to quit my job. The whole time I was asking myself 'is this the right call?' I'm leaving a steady paycheck for a big risk."
The OCC Foundation is Lazer-focused on supporting students. That's why on Monday, April 15 the College will begin a "Week of Giving" fundraiser. Because 85% of OCC graduates live and work within 25 miles of the campus, when you support students you are also ensuring a vibrant future for our community.
OCC students come from a wide variety of backgrounds with a shared goal of improving their lives through higher education. Our unique student population includes:
It's not unusual for students to travel to warm climates during spring break. But for 10 Onondaga Community College students who are also Meg O'Connell Social Justice Scholars, their trip to Puerto Rico last month was all about community service. "While we helped others, we learned so much and bonded through the experience. We lived the lifelong learning of a college," said Dr. Annie Tuttle, PTK Advisor and Assistant Dean of Civic Engagement.
Two distinguished alumni will receive SUNY Doctorate degrees during Onondaga Community College's Commencement Ceremony.
There was a mix of "ooos, "ahhhs," and applause as the Onondaga Community College campus suddenly went dark during the solar eclipse on the afternoon of April 8, 2024.
In the hour-and-a-half leading up to the eclipse OCC's Pep Band played, Professor Fred Jaquin and Professor Melissa Hicks explained to spectators what they were seeing, and there were eclipse-themed cookies to enjoy.
Below is a video of the West Quad in totality (press the play icon), followed by photos of members of the campus community enjoying the historic moment.
There are nearly 1,300 Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society chapters around the world. And Onondaga Community College's chapter has the hardware to prove it is among the best!
At the recent PTK international conference known as Catalyst, OCC received the following awards:
