2024 Curriculum Honorees

Onondaga Community College was always going to be the place where Lou Kaminski began his higher education journey. His parents met while students at OCC and became professors here. His mother Kelly teaches American Sign Language, and his father Mike leads the Broadcast Media Communications program.

Lou's love of making movies from a young age coupled with frequent trips to campus cemented his plans. "I enjoyed storytelling. My dad would take me into OCC when I was a kid and I would see the studio. I loved editing and I wanted to make videos and things like that."

Kaminski also drew inspiration from behind the scenes videos that came with "Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit" movies. "I would watch for hours and hours. I loved watching and learning about how things were done. Whenever I watch something now I think 'how did they do that?'"

On the night of April 30 in OCC's Storer Auditorium, Lou was named Curriculum Honoree in the Broadcast Media Communications degree program. "I am super proud of my son. Lou is a creative and talented person. I can't wait to see all the amazing things life has in store for him," said his mother. "I'm sure it's not easy being the child of the teacher, but Lou consistently did great work in class," added his father. "I did have Lou in a few of my classes which allowed me to see firsthand the quality of his work. What was really fun was watching and listening to his projects he produced in other classes. His audio projects blew me away!"

Lou Kaminski will continue his education at Marymount Manhattan College in New York City. He believes he's ready for the big city after building his foundation at OCC. "I learned so many valuable things here. OCC helped me get out of my shell and meet a lot of people. It changed my life. If I went to a four-year school first, I would have ended up dropping out or changing my major. OCC got me ready."

A complete list of all of this year's Curriculum Honorees is below:

• Adolescence Ed: Peter Peschel
• American Sign Language: Gabrielle Caisse
• Art - Graphic Design: Shradha Raina
• Broadcast Media Communications: Lou Kaminski
• Business Administration: Sarah Metzgar
• Business Technology: Mallory Clos
• Childhood Ed: Jessica Argus
• Communication Studies: Galia Amor
• Computer Information Systems: Jordan Black
• Creative Writing: Zachary Tucker
• Criminal Justice: Mason Learo
• Early Child Care Certificate: Malyun Adan
• Early Childhood: Rebecca Aranda
• Electrical Technology: Ater Lay
• Engineering Science: Isaac Bennett
• General Studies: Caitlin Tighe
• Health Information technology - Medical Records: Patricia Giovannini
• Health Studies: Jennifer Norris
• Hospitality Management - Hotel Management: Emma Kravec
• Humanities & Social Sciences: Jack Brumfield
• Laboratory Science: Alex Espitia-Casallas
• Lillian Slutzker Honors College: Aubrey Fraher
• Mathematics & Science: Taly Phan
• Music: Zachary Thompson
• Nursing - Brennan Costello
• Outstanding Service Learner: Harika Sarimurat
• Physical Education & Exercise Science Studies - Tala Rudd
• Physical Therapist Assistant - Rachelle Lariviere
• Social Media & Digital Communication: Devin Freeman
• Sound Recording: Declan McGlachlin
• Surgical Technology: Valeriy Yatsula