A Visual Journey: The Evolution of the Onondaga Community College Logo

Onondaga Community College (OCC), a two-year institution located on a 280-acre campus in Syracuse, NY, has a rich history deeply intertwined with the local community and the Onondaga Nation. As Central New York's partner in education for success, OCC's visual identity has evolved over the years, reflecting its mission, values, and connection to the region's heritage. The college, a SUNY (State University of New York) school, is locally sponsored by Onondaga County. This article explores the history of the Onondaga Community College logo, highlighting its different iterations and the significance behind each design.

The Enduring Legacy of the Onondaga Nation

The name "Onondaga" signifies "People of the Hills," and the Onondaga Nation holds a significant position as a member of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Known as the keepers of the Central Fire, the Onondaga are regarded as the capital of this confederacy. OCC's location on Onondaga land, the historical home of Tadodaho, underscores the importance of honoring this legacy. Since 1995, OCC has proudly flown the Haudenosaunee flag, acknowledging the Onondaga Nation's vital role in the region’s history. The Skä•noñh - Great Law of Peace Center is a Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Cultural Center focused on telling the story of the native peoples of central New York. The history covers topics such as Creation, European Contact, The Great Law of Peace, and more.

1961: The Genesis of the College Seal

In 1961, Edward S. Jay, an English faculty member, designed the first college seal. The college welcomed its first class of students in the fall of 1962 and its first graduating class in 1964. The first classes occurred in the college's downtown Syracuse location, the now-demolished Midtown Plaza.

1969 - 2005: A Symbol of Tripartite Education

In 1969, a new seal was introduced by Steve Meltzer, the Art Director for WCNY-TV. This seal featured a three-point flame symbolizing the three major divisions of the college: Liberal Arts, Mechanical Arts, and Creative and Performing Arts. In 1970 the college moved to its new and current location in the Town of Onondaga.

2005 - Present: A Modern Crest

The current crest, adopted in 2005, was designed by Jennifer Wolfe Design.

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A Hub of Academic and Extracurricular Excellence

OCC offers numerous areas of study for career or transfer programs. In 2001, OCC started the Arts Across Campus program that showcases artists from various art fields. OCC teams have won a combined 17 team national championships across: Men's Lacrosse (12 championships), Women's Lacrosse (2 championships), Men's Basketball (1 championship), Men's Tennis (1 championship), and ESports (1 championship).

The SRC Arena & Events Center is a multi-purpose facility that serves as the home of OCC's men's and women's basketball teams, and numerous NYSHPSAA section III championships for several sports. The facility possesses a six-lane track as well as three flex courts to host basketball, tennis, volleyball, and other sports. The facility is also used for community and scholastic events, and concerts.

Celebrating Alumni Achievements

Onondaga Community College honored its latest class of Alumni Faces during a ceremony March 4 in the Recital Hall in the Academic II building. The distinguished group of former students included a sports television producer, a humanitarian, an educator, and a banker.

Jennifer Belcher, a 1987 graduate with a major in Humanities, exemplifies OCC's impact. Her passion for humanitarian work began nearly 20 years ago with a trip to El Salvador as part of Habitat for Humanities. She and her husband have traveled the world helping others and presently reside in Papua New Guinea where they serve with Wycliffe Bible Translators.

Bill Bonnell, a 1983 graduate with a major in Electronic Media Communications, has won more than a dozen Emmy Awards while coordinating coverage of major sporting and entertainment events for over four decades. He oversees ABC's Saturday Night Football for ESPN and ABC, the College Football Playoffs, and the new XFL professional football league.

Nicholas Roberts, who majored in Music, has worked as a college professor and is presently completing his Ph.D. in History as a Presidential Fellow at the University of Notre Dame.

Rick Shirtz, who majored in Business Administration, presently oversees commercial banking operations in multiple counties as a Regional President for NBT Bank.

Earlier in the day both Bonnell and Shirtz spent time on campus, answering student questions and offering career advice.

A Commitment to Student Success

Onondaga Community College marked a milestone moment on December 16 as graduates crossed the SRC Arena stage in a commencement ceremony filled with pride, reflection, and celebration. More than 300 students were eligible to participate, each recognized for their determination and perseverance that brought them to this long-awaited achievement.

Student speaker Abigail Webster, a 2013 graduate of West Genesee High School, addressed her classmates after earning her degree in Communication Studies. "One of the most important lessons I learned here at OCC is that growth is boundless when nurtured. With this in mind, I'd like to thank the faculty, family, and friends here today for creating an environment that helped us to thrive. You've inspired us to believe that we are capable and worth being here. Your support means the world," she said. Webster plans to continue her academic journey by pursuing both bachelor's and master's degrees.

The ceremony also celebrated the accomplishments of two familiar community leaders who also received their degrees. Jeffrey Passino, the Onondaga County Sheriff's Department Undersherrif, completed his Criminal Justice degree nearly 30 years after he began attending OCC. And entrepreneur Chedy Hampson, who founded TCGplayer and eventually sold it to eBay, received his General Studies degree. He has since started the South Side Community Growth Foundation with a focus on rebuilding the neighborhood systems - community centers, walkable shops, safe streets - that once shaped his own life.

Prior to the event in the SRC Arena, OCC honored its newest nursing graduates during a Nurse Pinning Ceremony held in Storer Auditorium. Thirty-six students were individually recognized as they received pins symbolizing their commitment, compassion, and hard-earned success.

Archival Treasures: Preserving the College's History

Onondaga Community College Archives collects, preserves and provides access to historical records concerning the history, development and social interactions of the college, from the college’s beginning in downtown Syracuse to its present campus on Onondaga Hill. This is a partial list of what is contained in the archives. The collection includes commencement ceremony programs from 1964 to present and the college yearbooks from 1964-1975. The archives also hold the collections of Professors Donald B.

A Vision for the Future

Onondaga Community College is Central New York’s partner in education for success. Achieving our mission through: Student Access, Retention, Completion, Transfer, Academic Excellence, Student Engagement and Support, Career and Workforce Advancement, Responsible Stewardship of Resources, and Community Engagement.

Onondaga Community College will be recognized as a dynamic leader in higher education and as one of the nation's most innovative community colleges.

OCC’s current mission and vision were updated as part of the college’s mission review and strategic planning process in 2014-16 and approved as part of the 2016-21 Strategic Plan by the OCC Board of Trustees on June 21, 2016. The mission and vision were reaffirmed by the Board of Trustees with the approval of the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan on November 28, 2023.

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