Onondaga Community College celebrated the accomplishments of its graduating students during commencement December 11 in the SRC Arena. Approximately 230 students were eligible to participate in the ceremony.
The student speaker was Karar Abed, a 2023 graduate of East Syracuse Minoa High School who earned a Mathematics and Science degree in just three semesters. Abed immigrated to the United States from Iraq and struggled initially in school while learning the English language. He went on to become a highly decorated student at OCC. "Because of both my failures and my successes, I learned that a better tomorrow is not a gift we wait for. It is a destiny we create through the love we give, the sacrifices we endure, and the hope that fuels our hearts knowing that each step today ignites the fire within to shape a future beyond our dreams." Abed is transferring to SUNY-ESF where he will major in Biochemistry. His career goal is to become a heart surgeon.
During OCC's commencement ceremony speakers included OCC President Dr. Warren M. Hilton, Provost Anastasia Urtz, J.D., and SUNY Student Assembly President and SUNY Trustee Gio Harvey. The OCC Singers, under the direction of Professor Lisa Miller, performed the National Anthem and OCC Alma Mater.
A high-quality livestream of the commencement ceremony was produced by students and faculty in the Broadcast Media Communications degree program. The effort was led by Professor Tony Vadala. You can view a recording of their livestream on OCC's YouTube page.
