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When newly elected Onondaga County Legislator Maurice "Mo" Brown '17 wanted to bring his supporters together for a ceremonial swearing-in ceremony, there was only once place where he wanted the event to be held. "OCC is my home. It's the reason I originally came to Syracuse, and it's the reason I stayed. The partnerships I've fostered, the friendships I've built, none of it would have been possible without OCC. I've met mentors, friends, and students all of whom worked to create the person I am today. I'm a lifetime OCC Lazer."

Josanique Everson decided to change the course of her life, and the Syracuse Surge Workforce program provided her with the opportunity to do so. "One day I had an epiphany! I wanted to do something that wasn't so 9 to 5 oriented and more career oriented."

The welcoming environment at Onondaga Community College helped Noah Rivers find his passion and figure out what's next. "OCC was incredible. Everyone wanted to see you hit your goals and succeed. The whole community on campus was very helpful."

When Chris Cresswell was growing up in Madison County, Shoppingtown Mall in the neighboring Onondaga County Town of DeWitt was one of his favorite places. "It's where I used to go with my parents. I remember playing Pokemon in Media Play. There was a pet store where I always got my fish. And as a teenager it was where I went to the movies for the first time without parents."

It was the perfect ending to a story years in the making. As the Wiggins family crossed the stage inside SRC Arena to receive their degrees at Onondaga Community College's December Graduation ceremony, their story was shared with the audience by Dean Karen Fabrizio: "Finally tonight, our last two graduating students. First is Barbara Wiggins. Her degree is in Human Services. Following her is her daughter, Tanisha Wiggins who is also receiving her Human Services degree. And joining them on stage with Doctor Hilton is another of Barbara's daughter's, Alisha Wiggins.

2023 is quickly coming to a close, but there's still time to participate in the OCC Foundation's year-end appeal! Onondaga Community College students who may benefit from your support include:

Chaiya Renfroe

The Syracuse Mets have created two scholarships which will support students who plan to use their education to benefit the community.

"The Syracuse Mets 'The Nine' Scholarship"

Patty Sawmiller knows how in-demand cold-weather clothing is among students at Syracuse's Dr. Weeks Elementary School. "We have almost 800 kids in our school. We constantly hear about the need for hats, gloves, and coats. Every single set of hats and gloves I am receiving today means one more kid can make it to school without frostbite, or just play in the snow and be kids," said Sawmiller who is the Community School Supervisor at Dr. Weeks.