OLEAN — Dozens of graduates crossed the stage Friday night at the Olean YMCA as Jamestown Community College conferred associate’s degrees and certificates for the Class of 2024.
College President Daniel DeMarte reported that 409 graduates joined the almost 30,000 JCC alumni since the first commencement in 1951. He spoke of the wide range of JCC students, from the 2,000 high schoolers at 38 schools who are getting an early jump on college, the 150 students from outside the area — some from as far as South Africa — and the nontraditional students who faced adversity to excel.
“As president, I’m constantly impressed with the character of our students. They are ambitious, intelligent, talented, and determined to accomplish wonderful things through their hard work,” he said of the graduates.
“You will be called upon to guide our organizations and institutions, and to determine the accepted and meaningful values of the day. … I am confident that your experience at Jamestown Community College has provided you with a strong foundation for what comes next.
“Always remember to be humble, gracious and kind to those you serve. Express your gratitude freely, and give of yourself completely.”
The keynote speaker was Scott Kindberg, sports editor at The Post-Journal newspaper in Jamestown and a JCC graduate. JCC presented the Distinguished Alumnus Award to him in 2023.
Kindberg noted his last speech at JCC — in a public speaking class 43 years ago — ended in embarrassment as his professor and fellow students pointed out his mismatched socks.
“The moral of this story? Avoid 8 a.m. classes — and check your socks before you leave your house/apartment/dorm,” he said. “That true story is much like life since I walked this campus as a student. Just when I think I’m metaphorically water skiing on glassy water, the wind picks up and the water gets choppy. But, you know what? You can always find a way to pick yourself up and make a difference. In a positive way.”
He noted his disappointment when, in the early 1990s and covering the Buffalo Bills’ runs to the Super Bowl, the Post-Journal declined to send him to the championship game. Instead, he had an interview with Fredonia high school basketball player Michael Heary, whose father had passed away the week before.
“’I was in there while he was dying,’ Michael told me. ‘They had a computer screen that showed his blood pressure and his heart rate, and his numbers were decreasing slowly. Then his heart rate went from zero to 24 three times — that’s my basketball number,’” Kindberg said. “I remember turning my head away from Michael, looking out the window and literally biting my tongue in an effort to keep from crying. I still get choked up when I tell this story. The Super Bowl seemed meaningless. I realized ‘my purpose’ was right in front of me, in my hometown. It just took a 16-year-old to remind me of that.”
Anna Gilbert, the student speaker at the ceremony, spoke of her lifelong love of learning.
“When I became a single mother the summer before my sophom*ore year in high school, aspirations of higher education shifted to graduating from high school and finding employment to support my son. College became a ‘one day when my kids are grown, I will’ thought. A goal I verbalized from time to time, though never truly believed I would bring to fruition,” Gilbert said, adding she moved to New York amid the COVID-19 pandemic to be closer to her grown children and enrolled at JCC. “I hadn’t been in school in over 20 years & so much had changed. I was petrified. I had to ask myself if I believed I could really do this.”
She pushed through and met the requirements to enroll in JCC’s nursing program.
“Let me tell you, two years in the nursing program have challenged me in ways I never imagined possible,” she said. “Yet despite every deadline which seemed impossible to achieve, every nursing and pharmacology exam which had me questioning my choice in career path, there was an encouraging influence beside me. From family or friend, fellow nursing student or professor, JCC faculty or an acquaintance — at that moment of self-doubt, they gifted me the exact motivation I needed to keep moving forward.”
A ceremony at the Jamestown campus will be held at 10 a.m. today.
Graduates and Honors
Spring 2024
*Phi Theta Kappa member
Associate in Arts
Liberal Arts & Sciences: Global Studies — Angeline E. Rexford
Liberal Arts & Sciences: Language, Literature, and Writing — Damian Cook, Grace Morehouse
Liberal Arts & Sciences: Social Sciences — Athanasios Bakas, Alexandria R. Clemente, *Alyssa Crosby, Riley F. Eaton, Kaylee Gollhardt, Grem Lee, Pehyton Moore, Jacquelyn A. Nickerson, *Celia J. Nilsen, Jada F. Santiago, Olympia O’Shiadahail-Lopez-Gast, Ember E. St. Clair, *Alyssa M. Studley, Lucas E. Sutherland, Sierrah C. Torres, *Ethan J. Tyger, Sheila M. Tyler, Andrea J. Walker
Associate in Science
Addictions Counseling — Justin W. Jimenez, Julie Karpinski, *Elin Scalise, Chase C. Wenke
Business-Business Administration — *Maysa Bayramova, *Stacey Blackler, James Cassidy, Kodi A. Colton, *Nkosinathi V. Dlamini, Joslyn Eddy, Blake Ehmke, Lauren E. Green, Michael E. Holdridge, Kaiden Lanagan, *Prosper Mbuyi, Cyrus A. Morano, Jaxson P. Pencek, Chad Peterson, Gage Reiss, McKenzie K. Schuyler, Zane N. Smith, *Madison R. Summers, Samuel H. Wildrick-Cole
Communication — *Julianna G. Main
Computer Science — *Shakib Yahya M. Alkamel, Austyn P. Brumbaugh, Sebastian B. Conti, Joseph G. DiGregorio, Brady Fye, Patrick J. Green, Wendy Michelle Huezo Martinez, Alexander Hunt, Aden J. Wilmore
Criminal Justice — Caidence N. Anderson, Kaedence C. Ault, *Hanna C. Bigelow, *Jade Bouvier, Guinevere T. Colley, Jorden Crouse, Kelly K. Dubuc, Haleigha G. Hardy, Shawn H. Lawton, *Caelyn N. Mett, Patricia R. Wilcox, Samantha H. Wilson
Cybersecurity — Victoria L. Bates, Domenic A. Cusimano, David R. Gard, Alexander Hunt, Matthew T. Rugg, Adrian J. Weaver
Engineering Science — Matthew J. Marais, Zachary Ryberg, Joseph C. Smith, Erin K. Sterkenburg
Environmental Science — Hayley Dawson, Kate L. Kester, Cadance L. Main, Aodhan J. O Se
Fine Arts: Music — Rylee M. Gore, Luke W. Ingersoll, Liam P. LaForest, Ithilien E. Weekley
Fine Arts: Studio Arts — Zeb M. Coan, *Rena L. Colletti, Nicole Cosico, Hannah S. Eckert, Alicyn R. Emley, Ian Freay, Kaylee Gabalski, Samantha L. Gast, *Bailey E. Lundmark, Miranda J. McKane, Alexis N. Moons, Justina-Joy S. Moore, Ezekiel Newcomb, Alec M. Silluzio, Morgan A. Tobio
Human Services — Jessica L. Chastain, Stacey M. Hill, Desirae McMillen, Mary L. Mosley, *Emma Westley
Individual Studies — Matthew E. Adams, Samantha L. Annis, Timothy A. Beimel, Cal Boozel, Alex DePasquale, Alyssa Drozdiel, Jaedon R. Enos, Erika S. Ensell, Jenna P. Fisher, *Qin Di Gerwitz-Dunn, Joshua W. Halterman, *Kieran J. Jacobs, Amanda K. Llaneta, Brandon M. Lobb, Lucas W. Marsh, Randi Metzger, Atlin J. Moore, Alexander R. Rodriguez, Mariah Sakala, Jordan T. Stephens, Sarah J. Swanson, Gabrielle M. Wigren
Liberal Arts & Sciences: Adolescence Education — Jazmin R. Accardo, Ezequiel A. Alejandro Lopez, *Marissa J. Fiorella
Liberal Arts & Sciences: Childhood Education — Ellie E. Arnone, Cora A. Blodien, Bryan E. Briggs, Ashley Corcoran, *Chloe Hirt
Liberal Arts & Sciences: Early Childhood Education — *Madison R. Avery, Ava E. Bordonaro, Alyson M. Brickey, Claire Conti, *Audrey Gassman, Lacey J. Johnson, Kaylynn Keesler, Jason A. Lutgen, Lynn Patterson, Melissa Riling
Liberal Arts & Sciences: Mathematics & Sciences — Nathaniel L. Barone, Eric C. Baumgartner, Rosemarie Brauchler, *Hyeonsang Cho, Derek J. Crimmins, *Momen R. Dahab, Morgan Dowdell, Brian A. Johnson, Madison N. Kramer, Grace M. Lundmark, Emily R. Melquist, *Meghan E. Mistretta, Emilie E. Nobles, Travis J. O’Connor, Brittany L. Pfeiffer, Maddie E. Pitts, Madison P. Ring, Celeste Roberts, Alivia J. Shilling, Megan L. Steadman, Tia N. Thompson, Owen N. White, Angelina Wilder, Media Arts — E. Burdick, Chyann M. Kelly, Riley J. McKinsey, Angelica E. Rivera, Kelsey L. Shea
Music Industry — Michael A. Arcay
Physical Education Studies — Sarah Bray, Toby S. Gifford, Logan A. Grinols, Hayden C. Hoag, Jalyn B. Moorehead, Delaney L. Rotoli, Lindsey Spitz
Sport Management — Bradley Babco*ck, Eddie M. Bartoli, Matthew T. Bohurjak, Jeffrey G. Brush, Mickey D. Jordan, *Kara L. Navarre, Angelique G. Palacio, Alexander Watt
Associate in Applied Science
Administrative Professional — Christina Wilson
Business-Business Administration — Jaimie Van Etten, *Zachary Kianos, Savanna A. Krystofiak, Katie Lyman, Bjay Riehle, Adrian M. Ross, Lisa M. See, Angela M. Thomas, Emily A. Willgens
Criminal Justice — Hailey M. Fort, Robson Knappenberger, Allison K. McCall, Elijah J. Nuccio
Human Services — Khadijah R. Thomas
Individual Studies — Ashley C. Anderson, Jordon L. Bowen, Emma G. Collins, Kyleigh Dimpfl, Nora L. Edwards, Desserea Gasper, Brayden Lobb, Tahera Muntakim, Faith A. Retterer, Julia K. Schmitt, Noah Sheehan, *Casey J. Sheehyholbrook, Kason K. Short, Day Striker, Paiden E. Wittmeyer, Jenna Wright
Information Technology — Kyler J. Edwards, Aaron George, *Karen McAvey, Marcus E. Walrod
Mechanical Technology—Aaron L. Grover, Armon J. Lenahan, Jack Sturges
Mechatronics — Jon M. Cook
Nursing — Amy L. Andres, Jill Arrance, Caressa Blair, Olivia N. Bleuer, Arianna R. Brien, Abbie J. Buerkle, Ashley M. Burch, Savana M. Carapellatti, *Carrie A. Chapman, Emily Cline, Chantele Comstock, Genesis O. Cosme, Erin N. Coulter, Ryanne J. Cousins, Madison DeKoning, Melissa D. DuBeck, Hannah K. Ellman, *Samantha S. English, Jennifer A. Finch, Payton Fiske, Ashley J. Frank, James R. Freeman, *Anna R. Gilbert, Lakin C. Gustafson, Mandy Haight, Caitlin N. Hallowell, *Joseph C. Harter, *Karin V. Hartson, Bethany G. Haynes, Sabrina M. Herbert, Grace C. Hollenbeck, Ashley A. Irons, Barbara M. Lutton, Samantha Macri, Sarah J. McCullough, Zachary E. Meiss, Myleishka E. Mendez Ortiz, Emma R. Mikolajczyk, Alysse Morton, Anna E. O’Neal, Mikayla E. Osterhout, Donia Paczynski, Mason V. Parks, Tristen A. Parsons, *Jenna Perry, Hannah O. Pfeffer, Sophia R. Ragonese, Laikyn M. Regensdorfer, Brianna G. Roberts, Adeline H. Saddleson, Laura J. Seekings, *Danielle P. Sikorski, Samantha J. Streicher, Lexi M. Stroebel, Jenna N. Thomas, Leionna J. Thomas, Regina M. Tkacik, Madysen Vasquez, Anna Vecchio, Chelsea Watson, Elizabeth A. Woleben, Katherine I. Yaworsky, Trenton Yorty, Brittney Zemcik
Occupational Therapy Assistant — Rylee C. Backer, Michele A. Baum, Sydney Beeman, Taylor R. Bianco, Zachary Cash, Annika L. Chase, Willow M. Comstock-Eastlick, Brooke C. Lowry, Emily A. Lowry, Nicole McGrath, Jaelyn A. Mohney, Kaylynn M. Rosequist, Jena E. Vacanti
Sport Management — Matthew I. Chacon, Shane D. Keith
Welding Technology — Lukas J. Baer, Jeff Deyoung, Mark Firkel, Nicholas Mazzone, Dominic Morris, Anthony J. Wolff, Steven Zentz
Certificate
Addictions Counseling — Margaret Hallberg
Administrative Professional — Amy Jonsson
Computer-Aided Design — Mark Firkel, Mark Oneill, Alexander J. Weinbach
Digital Audio Production — Rylee M. Gore, *Kieran J. Jacobs, Caleb A. Johns, Matthew T. Rugg, Justin M. Swan, John F. Whipple
Digital Graphic Design & Publishing — Angelica E. Rivera
Health Information Technology — Baylee Klusek, Nicole Tokos
Healthcare Studies — Ashley C. Anderson, Elizabeth C. Lutgen
Industrial Equipment Technology — Steven J. Collins, Jackson Marsfelder
Law Enforcement Technology — Garrett M. Catanese, Brock S. Johnson, Shauna M. McGuay, Aaron J. Pacos, Kristy Sicignano, Noah E. Stuve, Bryant A. Talbot
Machine Tool Technology — Alexander J. Weinbach
Tourism & Hospitality — Bethan B. Wallace
Welding Technology — Tyler L. Becker, Ryan P. Mead
Summer 2023
Associate in Arts
Liberal Arts & Sciences: Language Literature, and Writing — Joseph R. Terhune
Liberal Arts & Sciences: Social Sciences — Mikala A. Parnell, Kristina Reed, Hannah C. Teagarden
Associate in Science
Business-Business Administration — Ethan Frank, Maygan J. Stoddard
Human Services — Makenzie A. Carroll, Tommielynn Childs, Ashley Miller
Individual Studies — Sage E. Bertges, Brionna Bush, Karina I. Carlo, *Maddix R. Deschler-Gilfert, *Jordan Henry, Elizabeth A. Stewart, Ashlin G. Zilker
Liberal Arts & Sciences: Early Childhood Education — Buffy Nicole Helms, Erin Monitto
Liberal Arts & Sciences: Mathematics & Sciences — *Ysmayyl Bayramgeldiyev
Associate in Applied Science
Business-Business Administration — Daniel L. Standish
Health Information Technology — Dylan Nelson
Individual Studies — Mahli P. Brophy, Heidi Gonzalez, Christina C. Maddox, Daniel L. Marrocco, Raelynn E. Wilson
Information Technology — Connor S. Chojnicki
Occupational Therapy Assistant — Leah M. Keith
Certificate
Health Information Technology — Susan Kehrli
Healthcare Studies — Harley M. Brown, Fransisca Childs, Ashlyn R. Collins, Michelle Droney, Jayla P. Frank, Aiden Gardiner, Faith Long, Gracie J. Motil, Michaella S. Rhodes, Lena T. Smith, Ellie R. Strade
Welding Technology — Daren Vaillancourt
Winter 2023
Associate in Arts
Liberal Arts & Sciences: Humanities — Leah A. Gustafson
Liberal Arts & Sciences: Social Sciences — Grace E. Arrance, Sheala M. Barresi, *Heather M. DeJesus, Steven Dewey, Alyssa M. Grover, Leah A. Gustafson, Cassandra M. Hurd, Michaliah D. LiVecche, Morgan L. Palmer, Alexis C. Sleggs
Associate in Science
Addictions Counseling — Caitlynn L. Carson, Courtney E. Huston, *Kimberly A. Kwiatkowski, Marissa Rosado, Rosalee A. Royce, James L. White
Business-Business Administration — *Michelle Bouton, Donovan S. Fiscus, Michael Hamed, Jessica L. Knapp, Gabriella Mager, Chance A. Meeder, *Alice E. Moffatt, Dylan Nilson, Cheznea Rivera, Abigail I. Rupp, Jasmine I. Santiago
Communication — Kenzie B. Genthner
Computer Science — Jonathan Erickson, David R. Gard, Vinil Keshav, Kyler Nickerson, Na Ouyang, HongLin Ye
Criminal Justice — *Kaden Cruz, Breeanna Finefrock, Jamaladie Pacheco, Christian C. Sardi, Cathleen Traver
Cybersecurity — *Suleyman Eminov
Fine Arts: Music — Jaedyn R. Stoltz
Fine Arts: Studio Arts — Isis A. Catlett, *Belinda F. Paine, Devon L. Walrod
Homeland Security — Lisa M. Knoxsah, Erin R. Nolan
Human Services — Ashlynne M. Pischera, Samantha Vanderlaske
Individual Studies — Antonia M. Coffaro, Jaykob J. Cornell, Christopher A. Eades, Isaiah J. Maine, Averey Pockey, GraceAnn E. Rebmann, *Amarily Rodriguez, Brianna M. Ryan, Mushirah L. Sheppard, Justin M. Swan
Liberal Arts & Sciences:Adolescence Education — Chelsea J. Adolph, Kaden M. Dove, Nicholas Gilmore
Liberal Arts & Sciences:Childhood Education — Calvin M. Ricker
Liberal Arts & Sciences:Early Childhood Education — *Jolize Beukman, Madeline F. Browning
Liberal Arts & Sciences:Mathematics & Sciences — Skyela Banse-Fay, Aystyn P. Barrett, Colton J. Cappalino, *Riley G. Herling, Paiton E. James, Rachael L. Kehrli, *Charlie Milliman
Music Industry — Alexander F. Kemery
Physical Education Studies — Joshua O. Carr, Brendon A. Ramsey, *Cassidy A. Vincent
Sport Management — Bryce A. Peterson
Associate in Applied Science
Business-Business Administration — Christian Baffoin, *Milagro Fred, Daniel Keller, Maxine Langford, Rita Malone, Christopher Navarro
Criminal Justice — Alexander V. Bradley, Ashton M. Witkowski
Health Information Technology — Tara Dissell, Amanda B. Johnston, Megan Langdon, Emily A. Lyon, Kellie J. Rivera
Individual Studies — Shaelyn Anderson, Gerald C. Carris, Alicia M. Fedrick, Cole T. Hedlund, Tammy J. Ingrao, Goldie Madison, Michael A. Mitchell, Samarie E. Waddington
Information Technology — Steven Atherton, Trent P. Bjork, Austyn D. Cummings
Mechanical Technology — Chadwick Crandall, James M. Dunne, Dustin Elliott
Sport Management — Zachary S. Rohlin
Welding Technology — Scott C. Gardner, Krista E. Johnson
Certificate
Administrative Professional — Robert Cole
Computer-Aided Design — Michael A. Mitchell
Cybersecurity — Cole Green, Terence Roberts
Entrepreneurship — Megan L. Daley
Healthcare Studies — Nikki L. Head, Taegen E. MacCrea, Breanna M. Militello, Emily A. Rasmussen
Information Technology — Cole Green
Award Recipients
Kaedence C. Ault, Criminal Justice Award
Ava E. Bordonaro, Teacher Education Award
Alyson M. Brickey, Teacher Education Award
Jessica L. Chastain, Geoffrey O. Dodd Transfer Scholarship
Mark Firkel, Welding Technology Award
Joseph C. Harter III, Thomas J. Burke Memorial Soldiers Love Nurses Award
Kimberly A. Kwiatkowski, Addictions Counseling Award
Armon J. Lenahan, Gene Haas Foundation Award
Rita Malone, Business Administration — A.A.S. Award
Karen McAvey, Information Technology Award
Ashley Miller, Human Services Award
Na Ouyang, Mathematics Award
Melissa Riling, Teacher Education Award
McKenzie K. Schuyler, Business Administration — A.S. Award
Ember E. St. Clair, Social Sciences Award — Psychology
