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During a busy 2021-2022 academic year, more than three dozen Onondaga Community College Faculty members dedicated their spare time to their own professional development by taking micro credential courses as part of the Association of College and University Educators Certificate in Effective College Instruction. Twenty-two faculty members completed all four micro credential courses to earn their certificate. Sixteen more began the process by taking and completing at least one micro credential course.

Alex Waelder '16 has found his happy place in work and in life. He's in his first season working as an Account Executive with the Premier Lacrosse League, and in his down time he's enjoying life in Southern California. "Between the subject matter of the job, the travel I get to do because of it, the people I work with, and the connections I've been able to make, it's been a home run. The whole experience really checks the boxes of things I'm passionate about."

More than three dozen high school students from across the Syracuse City School District spent a month of their summer on the Onondaga Community College campus, taking part in the Liberty Partnerships Program which focused on making participants better students and citizens. "We were there to support each other and not judge each other, and to have some fun," said Program Coordinator Heather Niver.

Three years ago when Ari Oviedo was about to enter high school, he learned about the possibility of earning college credits early and took advantage of it. "I signed up for college in 8th grade. When I saw there was an opportunity to get free credits I thought 'why not?' I decided it was a fantastic opportunity. Ever since then it's been a really interesting ride."

George Jackson is receiving an invaluable start to his college experience thanks to Onondaga Community College's Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). The EOP Residential Pre-Freshman Summer Institute gives approximately 40 students the chance to get a head start on college. Over the course of 5-and-a-half weeks students live on campus, take college classes, eat their meals in the cafeteria, and get a taste of what college life is like. "I've really liked it. It's amazing. It helps me feel independent as a person," said Jackson.

Sewing machines and colorful fabric could be seen in all corners of the Onondaga Community College campus for two weeks in July, marking the return of Quilting by the Lake (QBL). The quilting conference was absent for two years due to Covid. "We were so happy to be back. Everyone was thrilled. This is a special community of people who love getting together," said Davana Robedee, Program Director at the Schweinfurth Art Center in Auburn.