College Celebrates December Graduates

Tompkins Cortland Community College celebrated those students graduating this semester with the annual December Graduates Recognition Ceremony on Friday, December 8. It was the 21st time the College has held an event specifically to honor those graduating in December. This year’s event recognized 128 students that are candidates to complete their degree or certificate.

The keynote speaker, as chosen by the students, was Adjunct Associate Professor Fred Farah. Farah encouraged the students to be more than just the accomplishments on their resume as they move on in life. “It’s an exciting time for you,” said Farah, who has taught at the College part-time for 40 years. “But, believe me, the really good stuff lies just ahead.”

Student Government Association President Marybeth Ortlieb also spoke, congratulating the graduates for successfully navigating their time at TC3. “We all have our own story, and every day we add to it,” she said. “In one way or another, TC3 has been part of that journey. So, whether TC3 is just a steppingstone or it is your final destination before you start your career, it is now part of your story.” 

Ortlieb concluded her remarks by noting the graduates had persevered through both good and bad times. “When I was growing up, I was told there are two things that cannot be taken from you and that is your education and your memories,” she said. “I hope that TC3 brought both of these things to you.”

The College created the December Graduates Recognition Ceremony in 2002 as a way to celebrate students graduating after the fall semester, especially those that would not be able to come back for the traditional commencement in the following May. All December 2023 graduates are invited to participate in the traditional commencement ceremony May 21, 2024. 

A recording of the ceremony is available on the College's YouTube channel. TC3 2023 December Graduate Recognition Ceremony  | YouTube