Public

Encouraging Conversations About Enduring Questions

The academic highlight of Kaia Gaskins first semester at Onondaga Community College was a new class, Introduction to the Liberal Arts (LBL 101). She recalls discussions centering around topics like "what is happiness" or "what is beauty." Those conversations about enduring questions and the realization that so many things were open to others interpretation led to a deep understanding and acceptance of diverse viewpoints. "I loved it. It was my favorite class. Everyone was respectful and it was a safe space where you could express your opinion about anything we talked about.

Seeing The World Through Language

Christian Sampsell plans to use his love of language as a vehicle to take him around the world. “Since the 10th grade I’ve wanted to move abroad. At first I was thinking about France, but near the end of my senior year I became infatuated with Japan and Japanese culture. I feel like immersing in a culture and foreign language is like an outlet of wisdom in a sense. It’s very fulfilling to experience things like that.”

Learning About Climate Change From The Experts

When Onondaga Community College's School of Math, Science & Engineering offered students an opportunity to attend a Climate Change Conference during the spring semester, a half dozen of them jumped at the opportunity. "It was a lot of fun. Everything was very well put together. Many of the presenters were very passionate. It was nice to be around people who shared that passion," said Eli Hunt.

Celebrating Degrees

The achievements of graduating Black, African-American, and African Onondaga Community College students were recognized during the Kente Cloth Celebration, held April 26 in Storer Auditorium. Each student received a colorful Kente Cloth which will be worn at commencement.

Event speakers included:

The Animal Doctor: David Lee '84

Dr. David Lee '84 is one of the "top dogs" at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. The school is a world-renowned leader in veterinary medical education, biomedical research, animal medicine, and public health. He credits Onondaga Community College with helping him get where he is today. "OCC gave me a foundation of how to be a good student along with a sense of direction and purpose. It drove me to not only graduate with a bachelor's degree from Cornell, but to go beyond."