This year's commencement at Onondaga Community College marks lots of milestones.
The campus is celebrating its 50th year. It also has many new additions, including a new arena which allows the school to hold graduation on campus. Our Iris St. Meran spoke with graduations about the transformation.

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- It was all about new beginnings on the campus of Onondaga Community College. Saturday, college dignitaries sent off another group of graduates into the world bringing with them fond memories.

Graduate and Student and Ambassador Kelly Donovan"Just the different class sizes and the great friends that I met throughout my career at Onondaga."

The college has been a place of education for 50 years. This year the location of commencement is another cause for celebration. The SRC arena was recently constructed, which makes this the first graduation ceremony on the campus in 40 years.

"I feel very honored that I'm a part of the class of 2012. The first one at SRC Arena and it's almost Ironic that we're the first to graduate but this our last official academic function," said graduate and Keynote Speaker Matthew Miller.

"It's a great feeling for people to come up to me and be like, 'Oh so you're the first class graduating from the SRC Arena,' Donovan said, “and you have such a proud moment."

Another proud moment is being shared with President Debbie Sydow. She is also saying goodbye to OCC after more than a decade there. Dr. Sydow announced earlier this year she's taking over the reigns at Richard Bland College.

"I think she'll go out with a memorable class. My whole class is very fun and full of laughter. I think she'll definitely remember this class is the first class to graduate in the arena and know she's left with a lot of great memories," said Donovan.

These are memories that were made today and will continue in the years to come.