Public

Frances Perez-Nunn has an amazing drive to better herself through higher education. She's a student at Onondaga Community College who commutes three days a week from Albany. That's 150 miles each way! Why does she make the 2-and-a-half hour drive twice a day? "There are plenty of other community colleges between here and there, but none offer an ASL (American Sign Language) program like OCC does."

Eli Hunt has a genuine appreciation for his surroundings and the history behind them. That's what motivated him to put his time and effort into an Honors Project focused on the ecological and geological history of the Onondaga Community College campus.

The finished product is a large, glossy poster which was hung recently at the Furnace Brook Center by Hunt along with Professor Justin Fiene. "I'm really proud of how this came out but I'm not surprised," said Professor Fiene. "I knew we would get something good from Eli."

Being heavily involved in campus life has made a significant difference in Eddie Flynn's Onondaga Community College experience. "I've made so many connections here and it's so enjoyable. I have so many friends I wouldn't have had if I was just attending class. I come to school everyday and look forward to everything I'm part of."

The new exhibit in Onondaga Community College's Gallery is the work of an artist and instructor who was raised in a rural and majestic Malaysian village steeped in a colorful traditional culture. Rashidah Salam grew up surrounded by the rich art and craft of her community as well as the influence of multi-cultural and multi-ethnicity traditions. "I recreated the memory of the garden of my childhood. It's a sanctuary for me and I hope those who visit my garden here will find peace and happiness," she said.

Onondaga Community College welcomed hundreds of classic cars to campus for the 2nd annual Cruise & Views Car Show presented by Maguire Auto. The first Saturday of fall came with perfect weather; partly sunny skies and high temperatures in the 60s.

The Onondaga Community College Women's Soccer team is beginning to play well as it progresses into the season. "We're trending in the right direction," said Head Coach Sean St. Denis. "If we continue to play the way we are capable of playing, we should end up with an above .500 record and possibly contend for the regional championship. We've proven we can hang with some of the best teams in the region."