Photos from the event and video of Alumnus Art Rees.
In March, Onondaga alumni who work for National Grid attended a special breakfast as part of the Reach Beyond Campaign’s outreach to its more than 38,000 alumni and the local corporate community.
Onondaga President, Debbie Sydow provided the group with a brief update on the exciting things happening on campus, and acknowledged the wonderful support of National Grid for the campaign and the impact of alumni on the College and the broader community. Also attending were members of the National Grid executive team including Kathy Lyford, VP of Operations who discussed the strong educational partnerships between National Grid and the College.
In addition to facilitating the morning’s discussion, OCC Foundation board member Melanie Littlejohn, VP of Business Services, talked specifically about National Grid’s support of the Sankofa Project – a program that offers targeted support to traditionally under-represented students at Onondaga. Onondaga alumnus Jim Kelly, who also serves as an adjunct professor in the College’s Electrical Engineering Technology program, discussed the details of a new Lineman/Utility Worker certificate program.
Another alumnus Arthur Rees, an accounting professional at National Grid, offered comments on the pivotal educational experience he had at Onondaga, which has inspired him to create an endowed scholarship in memory of his favorite professor. Excerpts from Mr. Rees's comments can be heard in the slide show above.