♪♪♪♪♪♪ Processional ♪♪♪♪♪♪
Good evening and welcome to
Jefferson Community College’s
56th Spring commencement.
Jefferson alumna Jessica Jones,
class of 2005, will perform the
national anthem followed by  
College Chaplain, Sister Juliana 
Raymond, will offer 
the invocation.
♪♪Oh, say! can you see by the 
dawn's early light ♪♪
♪♪What so proudly we hailed at 
the twilight's last gleaming; ♪♪
♪♪Whose broad stripes and bright 
stars, through the 
perilous fight, ♪♪
♪♪For the ramparts we watched 
were so gallantly streaming♪♪ 
♪♪And the rocket's red glare, the 
bombs bursting in air, ♪♪
♪♪Gave proof through the night 
that our flag was still there: ♪♪
♪♪Oh, say! does that 
star-spangled 
banner yet wave♪♪ 
♪♪For the land of the free and 
the home of the brave♪♪
I now declare the Spring 2020 
Jefferson Community College 
Commencement Ceremony OPEN.
Good evening! As March days
awakened us to sunshine, showers,
snowflakes (again!)
and spring semester's midpoint, we were 
about to be awakened to our own 
resilience and response. 
Tonight's Invocation is offered as my 
"Prayer for the Trailblazers".
Classroom doors, now shut, opened 
new ways of disseminating course 
content.
Technology challenged; its use was 
explained and encouraged by 
colleagues and friends.
Campus became off-limits as hands 
and hearts opened.
Trailblazing requires careful 
calculations and common sense.  
Soon-to-be-JCC graduates, 
your presence at this Commencement 
means you stayed the course and 
reached completion!
I invoke God's abundant blessings 
on each of you and on all who've 
been your guides!  Amen
Thank you Jessica Jones, Chaplin Raymond
and Faculty Marshall Jack Donato.
Again, welcome to our 56th
spring commencement.
A virtual ceremony is certainly not the
commencement that everyone imagined 
when we began the spring semester
in January.
While I had planned to shake each of your
hands as you walked proudly
across the stage,
this unprecedented time in our history
has forced the College to recognize your
achievements in a different way.
What I hope now is that you do not let the
extraordinary events of this past semester
diminish the sense
of pride and satisfaction you should feel upon
completing your college degree! 
Despite all that is going on in our country
and around the world, it is important to
recognize and celebrate what
you have achieved – right here, right now in
this very moment.
Therefore, on behalf of the faculty and
the entire campus community,
I extend hearty congratulations to the
students who are to be awarded degrees
and certificates this evening. 
A very special welcome to parents,
spouses, families and friends of our
candidates for graduation, all watching
online this evening.
It is appropriate that we recognize the
important role family and friends play
in the achievement we are honoring
this evening.
Parents, spouses, children, neighbors
and friends have encouraged and
supported you along the way.
While you may not be celebrating with
them together this evening,
I hope you will take a few moments to
thank those who have helped you
achieve your educational goals.
A phone call, a notecard, or even a
Google Meet will go a long way in showing
your appreciation to those who have
played a role in your journey.
At this time, I wish to introduce the
Jefferson Community College
Board of Trustees:
Nathan Hunter, Chair 
Nathan Hunter, Chair 
Judy Gentner, Vice Chair
Rebekah Widrick, Student Trustee
Pamela Beyor-Murtha,
Michael Crowley,
Elizabeth Fipps,
Terry Fralick,
David Males,
and Eugene Renzi,
Jefferson Community College is very
fortunate to have a dedicated and
talented Board of Trustees.
Our Board members give endless
hours of support and leadership
to the College.
I also wish to introduce
Chair Scott Grey and Vice Chair
William Johnson and the
Jefferson County Board of Legislators. 
Jefferson County is the local sponsor for
this College and we are appreciative of
their strong support.  
Jefferson Community College now has
over 23,500 alumni who live and work in
communities all across America as well
as locations abroad.
Tonight we will celebrate the 314 students
who are expected to complete their degree
or certificate program this
spring and summer.
Each year, the State University of
New York recognizes students who
successfully integrate academic excellence
with other aspects of their lives,
including community service, creative and
performing arts, athletics, entrepreneurship,
leadership or career achievement.
This year, Rebeka Widrick and Sarah Wilder
were chosen for the SUNY Chancellor’s
Award for Student Excellence
and we are very pleased to recognize them
this evening for their outstanding
accomplishments.   
Rebekah Widrick is an outstanding student
scholar and model for academic excellence
at Jefferson.
She has earned President's List
recognition and is a member of the
Phi Theta Kappa honor society.
Rebekah has enhanced her academic
experience by participating in the
National Society for Leadership & Success
and taking Honors Program coursework.
Active in student government, Rebekah
was elected to represent her peers as the
Student representative on the
College's Board of Trustees
and serves as a member of the
President's Advisory Council.
Additionally, she is treasurer of the
Business, Hospitality and Tourism Club
vice president of the Art Club,
serves as a volunteer for the North Country
Heart Walk and is the reigning Miss Irish
Princess for Jefferson County.
Rebekah is currently pursuing her
associate's degree in accounting with
plans to graduate from Jefferson
in December.
Sarah Wilder truly exemplifies a
well-rounded student scholar.
A model of academic excellence, she
has earned President's List recognition
every semester and is a member of the
Phi Theta Kappa honor society. 
Sarah has enhanced her academic experience
by taking Honors Program coursework and
participating in the National Society for
Leadership & Success.
A business administration major, Sarah
has clearly demonstrated her desire to
maximize her collegiate experience by
spending the fall semester studying
abroad in Portugal and studying the
effects of climate change on grapes used
in winemaking.
Sarah has immersed herself in many
co-curricular activities, often taking
a leadership role.
She is vice president of the Business,
Hospitality and Tourism Club and was
integral to planning the annual Business
and Leadership Symposium.
She is a member of the Cannoneers golf
team, serves on the Athletic Board of
Control and volunteers with the
North Country Heart Walk.
Sarah plans to continue her studies with
SUNY Potsdam, completing her bachelor’s
degree in business administration through
the Jefferson Higher Education Center. 
Congratulations Rebekah
and Sarah! 
Also, two Jefferson Community College
students were named to the
All-New York Academic Team
sponsored by the American Association
of Community Colleges and
Phi Theta Kappa international honor
society for two-year colleges.
To be chosen for the All-New York
Academic Team, students must hold
a minimum grade point average
of 3.25 and demonstrate scholarly
achievement, leadership skills, and
community service involvement.
Cara Aguirre and Rebekah Widrick,
congratulations on your All New York
Academic Team achievement.
At this time, I would like to recognize
five candidates for graduation who were
enrolled in the Honors Program.
Honors program students demonstrate
commitment to academic excellence
through
the pursuit of study in honors courses
and in-class honors projects.
Cara Aguirre, Marcelino Avelar,
Brooke Mahon, Maddison Sochia,
and Sarah Wilder
congratulations on your outstanding
achievements.
Tonight we are also recognizing those
students who are members of the
Tau Xi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa
Honor Society.
These students have distinguished
themselves through achieving a grade
point average between 3.5 and 4.0.
Their scholarly excellence is symbolized
by the gold honors stole they wear with
their cap and gown.
Congratulations to Phi Theta Kappa
members of the class of 2020.
As many of you know, in addition to
the exceptional relationship this
College enjoys with area schools and the
community we serve, Jefferson Community
College has a very special relationship
with Fort Drum and the 10th
Mountain Division.
Fort Drum soldiers and family members
are an integral part of this
College community.
Among our spring and summer graduates
are 9 active duty and 24 veteran students
who completed their degree requirements.
Those students are distinguished by
wearing red, white and blue cords that
signify their military service.
For your contributions to this nation and
to the quality of life for this College,
we thank you.
very year, the State University of New York
recognizes outstanding members of the
professional staff across
he entire 64-campus university system with
prestigious Chancellor's Awards
for Excellence.
Over the years, a total of 108 Awards
for Excellence have been bestowed
on JCC faculty and staff.
We are pleased tonight to be able to
recognize five members of our campus
community for receiving
Chancellor's Awards.
Bruce Alexander, Excellence in
Professional Service
Dr. Venkat Chebolu, Excellence in
Teaching
Susan Hughes, Excellence in
Classified Service
Dr. Ilka Luyt, Excellence in
Adjunct Teaching
Dawn Robinson, Excellence
in Faculty Service
Congratulations to each of our Chancellor’s
Award recipients for their achievements,
outstanding records of excellence and
their commitment to higher education.
At this time, Vice President Tom Finch
will introduce our student speaker.
Good evening.  This is a very special 
night for our graduates.  
Congratulations to all members of the 
Class of 2020 for achieving your goal of a 
College Education.
Good luck in your future academic 
endeavors and your career. 
You have earned the right to be proud 
of your achievements.
Each year, I have the distinguished honor 
to introduce tonight's Student Speaker from 
the Class of 2020.
Your speaker this evening is originally 
from Joplin, Missouri and currently 
resides in nearby Sackets Harbor.
While serving in the military, he 
deployed to Afghanistan, was stationed 
in Germany, and performed 
missions in Poland.
He will be completing his Degree and 
graduating with an Associate of Science 
in Individual Studies 
and plans to transfer to SUNY Oswego 
this coming Fall to pursue his 
Bachelor’s Degree.
A familiar face from campus, your 
speaker served as Vice President of 
Student Government 
and worked with his peers in the 
Veterans Services office. 
Having earned a perfect 4.0 GPA, he 
has been named to President’s List while attending 
Jefferson, and is a member of the 
College’s Tau Xi Chapter of Phi Theta 
Kappa international honor society and 
the National Society of Leadership 
and Success.
Additionally, he represented Jefferson 
at the annual SUNY Student Assembly 
meeting held in Albany, NY.
Your speaker is respectful toward faculty, 
staff and his fellow students and held in 
high regard by his peers. 
Without further ado, it is my pleasure to 
introduce your Student Commencement 
speaker, Jonathan A. Brown.
Members of the stage party, President
Stone, faculty, friends, family, and the
class of 2020.
“You are nothing but a failure.”
These were the words I heard as child
growing up in the rural part of
southern Missouri.
As a child these words cut deep, and
even now, as I stand here, I still feel a
slight pain in my chest.
It was ironic because they
“homeschooled” me, hindering my
education until I started public
school in the 6th grade.
Needless to say, I did not grow up with
a strong support network.
All of this gave me my “why?”, because
once we know why we are doing something
it’s not for nothing regardless of
what our task is.
To quote Viktor Frankl, “Those who have a
'why' to live, can bear with almost
any 'how'.”
For me this “why” was because I didn’t want
to fail because I was too lazy, apathetic,
or unambitious.
None of us here have had the exact same
experiences in life.
Some of us have had a hard life; losing a
loved one, failing when we were at our
absolute worst, or still struggling with school
no matter how much time we put into it.
We can define ourselves in life with how, in
the time of stress and anguish, we handle
difficult challenges that lay before us.
All these decisions that we have made in our
past have led us to this point, and now we
must ask ourselves why it matters to us.
As an adult I found myself in the Army
where I would deploy to go fight in
Afghanistan.
During that time, I would see truly
amazing things, and some things
that weren’t.
Later in life I would have the opportunity
to travel the world, and that’s exactly
what I did.
Throughout my travels I’ve been lost
during a cold winter night in Kiev trying
to figure how to read Cyrillic.
I’ve had my passport taken by a Russian
guard on the Transnistria border on a very
cool foggy morning, and I have been
cornered by a group of men looking
for a fight.
In each of these situations a random
stranger helped me. A young lady in
the Kiev underground.
A random passenger on my bus who
spoke English and agreed to help me.
And a random stranger who approached
the group and explained that they were
confusing me with someone else.
And yet I was still terrified when I started
classes at Jefferson Community College
because I didn’t think I would be able
to finish it. (But just like then, help will
always come in different forms.)
When we face challenging times we learn
a lot about ourselves, for anyone who has
ever gone on a difficult hike I’m sure this
will sound familiar.
At some points in life all we can do is
look down and take our next step forward,
and at others times, this step
may be backwards.
We are going to fail, there is no way
around this fact of life.
n the last few semesters each and every
one of us have made a choice to
pursue a degree.
A degree that we may use to get into the
job that is waiting after this.
A degree that is acting as a steppingstone
to another degree.
Or a degree that we have wanted to have
since we were a child so we could be the
first college graduate in our family.
In our quest to obtain these degrees we
have all spent thousands of dollars to
get us to this point.
We have spent long nights trying to get
ready for the test we have tomorrow.
We have spent time meeting new people
who challenged our ways of thinking.
All of this is preparing us to handle
whatever lies ahead of us.
Regardless of what our next step will be,
large or small, we will be better equipped
to handle it after graduating
from Jefferson.
Not because we learned what a pleb was.
Or how to do a science experiment that
makes us question how easy it would be
to get into the drug trade.
Or realizing how a multi-level marketing
company may in fact be, a pyramid scheme.
But because we know at the end of our
hike there is a beautiful view waiting for
us, that all the hard work we just did
was for something that mattered to us.
Something that not everyone can do.
Not all of us here will face a difficult road
ahead. Some of us will set off with our
path already set.
Some of us are looking to make an impact
in our own world wherever that is.
And some are just happy that they
were able to get to this point.
We all have a reason to be proud today
regardless of how easy or hard this
was for us.
Because whatever is next for us, is now
one step closer than it was, and that is
something to be proud of.
Thank you.
Thank you, Jonathan.
What a wonderful representative you
are of the graduating class and we are
so proud of your hard work and many
accomplishments.
Tonight, I have the distinct privilege
of sharing some remarks with you,
the class of 2020.
Congratulations Graduates of the
Class of 2020! 
Making this accomplishment even more
gratifying –for you is to have finished
your education
in one of the most unprecedented
times in our world history.
In the midst of change, ambiguity and
adversity, YOU STILL FINISHED!!
Now, think back to all of those times
along the way where doubt showed up.
Either someone told you, or you
believed it yourself—that you
were not college material.
And I say, LOOK AT YOU NOW!!
You ALL are college material.
And you proved that, not only to your
professors, your family and friends,
but you also proved it to yourself!
What you did, again in an environment
that was very different than when
you started,
in an environment where you were
unsure—you still kept going.
You demonstrated the drive, the
leadership, the unwavering strength
you never realized you had, and
you finished. I applaud you!
But, graduates, this is not the
finish line.
No, this is just the beginning.
It is the beginning of a wonderful
journey that each and every one of
you has the opportunity to map for
your individual lives.
It is the beginning of the next step
of your educational experience, of
your career, and of your personal
and professional development. 
This is where it starts, not ends.
You have before you the opportunity
to go out and show the world what
you believe and who you are.
In order to really know what you
believe, to really test what you think
you know, you have to explore the
people and places around you.
Be open to different things, different
cultures, different people, different foods,
different experiences.
It is only through that exploration that
you gain a breadth of knowledge to
shape, evaluate, and create what
you truly believe.
Resist the urge to stay static —that
defeats the purpose of all of your
hard work.
The true power of education comes
through the transformation that it
stirs up inside you.
Continue that process throughout
your life. Your beliefs can always be
tested, and may sometimes be
changed—and that’s okay.
Change is good—and will be
necessary, now even more
than ever.
It will be an important part of how
you, our new leaders, will bring
us forward.
In doing so, you must be open to
change, and to hearing a wide range
of ideas and opinions
as we as we rebuild our economy after
this pandemic, and as we
reimagine our future.
Now, these changes do not mean that
you relax your values.
I believe that your values are the “who”
of you, and while they may evolve
over time,
they must be the foundation upon
which the rest of your life is built.
You need to know very clearly what
you will stand for, and what
you will not.
In our lives, there are so many things
that make us who we are.
Certainly our childhood experiences are
a factor, but there are other
factors as well.
What other factors make you who you are?
Which way does your gut, your internal
compass guide you?
As you work to find and calibrate your
“True North,” which is the essence of
who you are to your core,
I’d like to offer some key points to
help in that process.
1.	Vow to learn something in every
experience you have, good or bad—
there is always a lesson in those experiences
—whether it is what you’ve done right or
wrong—there’s always much to learn.
2.	Never miss an opportunity to learn
something new—there’s no risk of knowing
everything, so keep finding ways
to learn more,
to build more upon what you already know,
and to continue to challenge yourself.
3.	Find friends from all different ages,
races, religious beliefs—understand and
appreciate the differences.
They challenge your own thinking, and
that’s where your own beliefs are built,
validated, or maybe even challenged.
4.	Dare to be different, innovative,
or just plain you- Work proudly and
confidently in the individuality of you.
I believe each of you has the gift to
enhance our future and we will need
these gifts in the coming years.
Please share them often and openly.
In conclusion, I just want to thank
you for the opportunity to address
all of you this evening.
It is an honor to serve as this college’s
president and to watch you thrive.
remember meeting several of you
when you first arrived to campus,
frightened, nervous, unsure.
And again, I say, look at you now!
You all made it and I celebrate you.
I just want to say one more thing—
as a mom.
didn’t go the traditional route of
going to college as a young person.
I didn’t get my first degree until
I was 38 years old.
I failed, and failed, and failed again.
But, through all of those trials, I was
preparing for something I didn’t
know I’d ever achieve. 
was preparing, unbeknownst to
me, to be here, today.
I didn’t know where my stubborn
unwillingness to fail would lead me,
but I never gave up.
I kept pushing toward something even
though I had no clue that something
would bring me to this place today.
And now, I am in the position to do
something so incredibly special—so
along with now officiating
commencements for more than 1,500
graduates since I’ve been here at Jefferson
Community College, my son is also a
member of this graduating class of 2020!
That makes all of the failures, all of the
mistakes, all of the trials worth it.
I am incredibly fortunate to be able to
do this for him, and for all of you.
Congratulations, class of 2020!
Remember that we are depending on
you, our next generation—our
best generation.
Go forth and be successful—in whatever
way you define your own individual success!
Thank you!
We are now coming to the moment
that you have all been
waiting for.
This evening the members of the
Class of 2020 become the newest
membersof the Jefferson
Community College Alumni.
We sincerely hope that tonight
doesn’t mark the end of your
relationship with Jefferson, but
that you will continue to feel like
a member of this
College community.
Once again, I would like to
extend my own personal
congratulations to all of you.
It is indeed a privilege and
honor to serve as this
College’s President
and to work with students, 
faculty and staff to help you
achieve your goals.
Commencement is the best
time of the year at Jefferson
Community College.
Tonight you are brimming with
pride over having achieved
your goals.
Your families and friends are
equally as proud.
Not only is this the best day of
the year for you, but it is also
the best day of the year for
all who work at the College.
Your success is why we do
what we do!
The College awards three types
of degrees to those who have
successfully completed
two-year programs of study:
Associate in Applied Science,
Associate in Science, and
Associate in Arts.
Certificates are awarded to
those who have successfully
completed one-year programs.
Chair Hunter, these members
of the Class of 2020 are
identified as candidates for
commencement
nd are recommended to the
Board of Trustees for the
appropriate certificates
and degrees.
On behalf of the board of 
trustees it gives me great
pleasure to award
to you certificates in the
degrees of associates in
applied science, associates in
arts and associates in science,
with all the rights and
privileges appertaining
there too.
At this time, Jefferson’s
Associate Vice Presidents
will announce candidates
for graduation from each
of the three academic divisions:
Jerilyn Fairman,
Liberal Arts Division.
Linda Dittrich, Math,
Science, Health and
Technology Division
Terrence Harris,
Workforce Development
& Business Division
I am please to present the
following candidates for
certificates and degrees
in Childhood Education,
Chemical Dependency,
Criminal Justice,
Early Childhood,
Fire Protection Technology,
Humanities and Social Sciences,
Human Services,
Individual Studies,
Physical Education and
Teaching Assistant.
Jessica Riley
Certificate Early Childhood
Nikol Marie Turner
A.A.S. Chemical Dependency
Elizabeth A. Smith
A.A.S. Early Childhood
Jack Daniel Lake
A.A.S. Fire Protection Technology
Nayana Ololade Abisogun
A.A.S. Individual Studies
Teresa Kelly Bates
A.A.S. Individual Studies
Ryan Michael-Carter Gallo
A.A.S. Individual Studies
Kristy Marie Vance
A.A.S. Individual Studies
Randi Lynn Davis
A.A.	Childhood Education
Briel Patricia Faircloth
A.A.	Childhood Education
Brianna Hall
A.A.	Childhood Education
Kayla Marie Side
A.A.	Childhood Education
Mackenzie E. Doxtater
A.A.	Humanities and Social Sciences
Grace Elizabeth Gehrke
A.A.	Humanities and Social Sciences
Hunter Hall
A.A.	Humanities and Social Sciences
Joshua David Hunt
A.A.	Humanities and Social Sciences
Patrick James Koelmel
A.A.	Humanities and Social Sciences
Jacob Liam Maloney
A.A.	Humanities and Social Sciences
Kelsey Michael McIntyre
A.A.	Humanities and Social Sciences
Crystal D. Moran	A.A.	Humanities and Social Sciences
Sonne Elise Ortiz	
A.A.	Humanities and Social Sciences
Megan Lynn Payne
A.A.	Humanities and Social Sciences
Natalie Renee Scheiderich
A.A.	Humanities and Social Sciences
Nelson M. Stone, III
A.A.	Humanities and Social Sciences
Scott Taylor Matthews
A.A.	Humanities and Social Sciences -
Creative Writing
Sarah Marie Ellen Ellis-Folsom
A.A.	Humanities and Social
Sciences - Psychology
Storm Alexis Turck
A.A.	Humanities and Social
Sciences - Psychology
Michalina Jane Weishew
A.A.	Humanities and Social
Sciences - Psychology
Madison Shammas
A.A.	Individual Studies
Lindsey M. Bradley
A.S.	Criminal Justice
Karlasia Clarisse Grant
A.S.	Criminal Justice
Sydney G. Hunter
A.S.	Criminal Justice
Grace Anne Knapp
A.S.	Criminal Justice
Lejon Phillip Lewis
A.S.	Criminal Justice
Indy Stone Martin
A.S.	Criminal Justice
Kristin Nichole Prichard
A.S.	Criminal Justice
Karl Montgomery Sieberns
A.S.	Criminal Justice
Skyler Dee Trumble
A.S.	Criminal Justice
Janiah La'Sha Wiley
A.S.	Criminal Justic
Amanda Marie Crofutt
A.S.	Early Childhood
Anthony Michael Demarco
A.S.	Early Childhood
Taylor Leann Johnson
A.S.	Early Childhood
Abigail Marie LaPlatney
A.S.	Early Childhood
Jessica Riley
A.S.	Early Childhood
Brianna Kaden-Amree Sibley
A.S.	Early Childhood
Kayla Sutton
A.S.	Early Childhood
Katie Louise Augustine	
A.S.	Human Services
Morgan Eggleston
A.S.	Human Services
Caitlin Ann-Sherrier Grove-Rose
A.S.	Human Services
Karla Louise Hoistion
A.S.	Human Services
Sierra Jordan LaClair
A.S.	Human Services
Samantha Mae Lawrence
A.S.	Human Services
Keira L. Morgia-Horning
A.S.	Human Services
Lauren R. Nichols
A.S.	Human Services
Tanya M. Pew
A.S.	Human Services
Nikol Marie Turner
A.S.	Human Services
Kylie Rayann Wood
A.S.	Human Services
Cassie Louise Ziegler
A.S.	Human Services
Jenna Rae Amo
A.S.	Individual Studies
Marcelino Avelar
A.S.	Individual Studies
Jonathan Andrew Brown
A.S.	Individual Studies
Robert Sean Ray Elliott, Jr.
A.S.	Individual Studies
Jacob Mark Heller
A.S.	Individual Studies
Natalia Ososkalo	
A.S.	Individual Studies
Korrine Marie Patterson
A.S.	Physical Education
I am pleased to present
the following candidates
for certificats and degrees
in Agri Business, Computer
Information Technology,
Computer Information Systems,
Computer Science,
Energy Technology,
Engineering Science, 
Hospitality and Tourism,
Mathematics, Mathematics
and Science, 
Nursing, Wine Management
and Marketing, and Zoo
Technology.
Nicholas O. Perkins
A.A.S.	Computer Information Technology
Crystal L. Johnson
A.A.S.	Hospitality and Tourism - Culinary Arts
Maddison Michelle Sochia
A.A.S.	Hospitality and Tourism - Culinary Arts
Seth Daniel Bacher	
A.A.S.	Hospitality and Tourism -
Hotel and Restaurant Management
Bailey Elizabeth Boulton
A.A.S.	Nursing
Natalie Alexis Cole
A.A.S.	Nursing
Alexandra Ryann Crawford
A.A.S.	Nursing
Brandi Jean Crutchfield
A.A.S.	Nursing
Marcos Cruz	
A.A.S.	Nursing
Meisha Leigh Daka
A.A.S.	Nursing
Paige Elaine DeRocher	
A.A.S.	Nursing
Lauren Anne Eddy	
A.A.S.	Nursing
Jessica Graham
A.A.S.	Nursing
Margaret P. Hallinan
A.A.S.	Nursing
Sabrina Richelle Honey
A.A.S.	Nursing
Katrina Marie Johnson
A.A.S.	Nursing
Jessica Lee McGimsey
A.A.S.	Nursing
Mia Racheal Morgia
A.A.S.	Nursing
Celeste Donkia Pabon
A.A.S.	Nursing
Klarissa Jean Parsons
A.A.S.	Nursing
Johnna M. Perry
A.A.S.	Nursing
Kayla Marie Stockman
A.A.S.	Nursing
Grace Lynn Walker
A.A.S.	Nursing
Megan Marie Wilson
A.A.S.	Nursing
Heather Beth Gage
A.A.S.	Zoo Technology
Hailey Ann Gamble
A.A.S.	Zoo Technology
Shawn Christopher Fountain	
A.S.	Allied Health & Biological
Sciences - Natural Sciences
Kyle Robert Nichols
A.S.	 Allied Health & Biological
Sciences - Natural Sciences
Nyckolas Carl Tolson-Seery
A.S.	 Allied Health & Biological
Sciences - Natural Sciences
Jefferson Edward Brown
A.S.	Computer Science
Noah Steven Newton
A.S. 	Computer Science
Antonio S. Wilson
A.S.	Computer Science
Logan Garett Christopher
A.S.	Engineering Science
Jameelea Shakera Palmer
A.S.	Mathematics and
Science - Allied Health
Brooke Alecta Mahon
A.S.	Mathematics and Science
- Allied Health & Biological
Sciences
Alexandra Montgomery Woodruff
A.S.	Mathematics and Science
- Allied Health & Biological
Sciences
I am please to present the
following candidates for
certificates and degrees 
in Accounting, Business
Administration, Office Studies,
Office Technologies,
and Sports Management.
Ashley Ann Slate
A.A.S. Accounting
Erin Makenzie Jones
A.A.S. 	Business
Administrative 
Kimberly Lynn Call
A.A.S. 	Office Technologies - Administrative Assistant
Chelsea Nicole Coss
A.A.S. 	Office Technologies -
Administrative Assistant
Alyce Nichole Harris
A.A.S. 	Office Technologies -
Medical
Tiffany Leighann Varin
A.A.S. 	Office Technologies -
Medical
Amanda Lynn Denslow
A.S.	Accounting
Jay Walter Holland
A.S.	Accounting
Cara Aguirre
A.S.	Business Administration
Erica Jean Dixon
A.S.	Business Administration
Norileen Receipt
A.S.	Business Administration
Emily M. Rogers
A.S.	Business Administration
Sarah Marie Wilder
A.S.	Business Administration
Joseph Andrew Wargo
A.S.	Sports Management
On behalf of my fellow trustees
i want to extend our sincere
congratulations to each of you.
We are proud of your
accomplishments and
share in the joy you are
feeling tonight.
As you begin the next chapter
of your lives we wish you
well and
sincerely hope your connection
to Jefferson remains strong.
Sincere congratulations to
each of you!
You have now become the
Jefferson Community College
alumni of 2020.
The College takes great pride
in our alumni and we look
forward to sharing in your
future achievements.
Tonight we also recognize the
success of 8 students who have
completed master’s degrees
with SUNY Potsdam through
their institution’s partnership
with the Jefferson Higher
Education Center.
Many, if not most, of the students
who complete bachelor’s degrees
and master’s degrees
through the Higher Education
Center have also previously
graduated from Jefferson
Community College.
Would Jefferson's Associate
Vice President, Terrence
Harris please annouce
the candidates from SUNY
Potsdam.
I am pleased to present
the following candidates
for Master of Science in Teaching
and the Master of Education
in Literacy Specialist from
SUNY Potsdam.
Cassandra B. Storey
Childhood Education, M.S.T.
Megan Hill
Literacy Specialist, M.S.Ed.
Another congratulations to all
of you!
Graduates, if you are watching
in your cap and gown,
please stand.
Now, you may move your
tassels to the left side to
signify receiving your degree.
Congratulations! 
Quite appropriately, the major
focus of this evening's
celebration is on you,
the graduates of the class
of 2020.
It takes a team effort, however,
to create your educational
experience.
Working in partnership with
you, both within and
outside of the classroom,
were this College's faculty
and staff.
For the learning and respect
nurtured within each classroom,
or the support services and
extra-curricular activities
delivered so professionally
by staff members,
and for the well-maintained
facilities and beautiful
grounds  -   all of us
are truly indebted. 	
However, as we know, you
ARE the focus of this celebration
and  our faculty and staff
have a message to share with you all.
You' ve worked so hard,
you have accomplished so
much, tough time make
tough people
you have such a bright
future, we're proud of you.
From the whole Social
Science Department
Congratulations!
Congratulations! 
From your Ed Planners,
Career Services, Veterans
Services, we want to say ..
Congratulations to the
Class of 2020
Congratulations Zoo
Technology Narwahls.
Thank you for all your
hard work.
It has been a pleasure
working with you, we
wish you the best
please stay in touch.
Hello, This is Margaret
Taylor from the office of
Student Activities.
Congratulations!
You did it.
You set the goal
and you achieved it.
Now ask yourself
what is next.
Congratulations from the
Enrollment Services Office!
Graduates, This is
Professor Dening.
For all your hard work,
and commitment
for the pride you must
be feeliing today,
this is a time to
celebrate you and
all of your accomplishments
Congratulations.
Congratulations Class of 2020.
What a year you had.
You have clearly showwhat
you are capable of during
the hardest of times.
You have persevered
and cam out on top
earning your degree.
The entire Athletic
Department wishes you
best of luck in your
future endeavers,
Go Cannoneers!
♪♪♪♪
Hi I am Dawn Robinson
department chair for Business
Studies.
Welcome class of 2020 graduates.
The Business Department has a
few  words of wisdom for you.
Hi graduates I am Kathryn
Brownell, Associate Professor of
Business.
Well this is a first, you can add
this to your resume and use it
in your first permenant job
interview.
You are part of the first virtual
spring 2020 commencement
at Jefferson.
We know it is not the same as
walking across the stage with
your family and friends
cheering you on.
But we are cheering you on.
We care about your long nights
of studying and you significant
achievement.
So here goes ...
Congratulations!
Hello everyone this is
Professor Covell. 
This is not we envisioned
as a graduation in September.
The Pandemic has stepped in..
But remember that you have
one thing that other people
do not and that is a JCC
Business Degree.
Use your business degree and
you will be successful against the
pandemic. I wish you the best.
Hi I am Sherrie Ditch. AS your
Associate Professor in business
I am especially honored this
year to congratulate you  
on your accomplishments in this
world of uncertainty and
pandemic.
In the future continue to work
hard, be humble and never forget
this is no limit to what you
can achieve.
Please never give up.
Hi, I am Dawn Robinson again
and I want to welcome you and
I want to say that I know this
isn't exactly what we planned
but i have to say this is still one
of my favorite days on campus. 
It's a day that we celebrate
your achievements and you
to a distinct group of individuals.
Welcome to JCC alumni.
Hi grads, this is Mrs. Wilder,
Assistant Professor of Business
and I would like to quote a
famous film ...
Finding Nemo, you have all
officially made it through
the ring of fire.
You are now officially grads
and especially with this
Covid 19 pandemic
you have done something that
no one else has ever done inour
past and hopefully we will
never encounter again in our
future so what I have to say
welcome, you are now
officially one of us. Just keep
swimming.
And now for our final salute.
We - wish - you - the - best!
Congratulations Jefferson
Class of 2020.
All that hard work has final
paid off and here you are.
This is your day, enjoy it.
Keep in touch, we would
love to hear how you are doing.
♪♪♪♪
Congratulations graduates!
Just remeber what i always
said in class
your degree is your ticket
to the world.
Congratulations and rock on
from Doc!
Hey JCC class of 2020!
Thank you so much for
bringing your kindness,
your patience and your
sense of humor into my
classroom during this really
challenging semester.
I am so proud of you.
Now we are honored
to share messages from
Senator Charles Schumer and
Congreeswoman
Elise Stefanik
Hello to Jefferson Community
College.
this is Senator Chuck Schumer
and it's my honor to address
the faculty and staff,
families and friends of the
graduates and most of all, you
the class of 2020!
Now I am really sorry I can't
join you in person
as I do almost every year.
but I am grateful modern
technology
allows us to still be
connected on this very
special day.
We all know these are difficult
times,
perhaps more difficult than
most of us have experienced.
There are two aspects of this
pandemic that make things
all the more challenging,
The first is our uncertainty
this virus is brand new.
and our lack of knowledge
about it, how do we get the
virus,
how is it spread, how does it
affect different people
differently.
when will we have an effective
anti-viral medication and
vaccine,
most of all, how soon can we
get back to normal?
And the second aspect is just as
bad we have to isolate ourselves.
We New Yorkers during times
of trouble like to come together
and be with each other, share
experiences, together.
After 911 I stood with President
Bush on the pile
no partisan divisions, we came
together as Americans and
New Yorkers.
After Sandy I walked the streets
and beaches of NYC 
and Long Island.
We can't do that now we have
to remain isolated.
So the challenges of this
moment are truly unique
but so has been our collective
response.
The fact that we are finding
new ways to do things like
celebrating this 
graduatio virtual.
Just goes to show you
New Yorkers won't let
anything, anything stop us
from honoring what's so
imprtant
First I would like to say a
quick word to the parents,
nothing, nothing will take away
your decades of hard work
raising your children which
they as well as all of us
are so very grateful for.
While this day may be
tempered by worries
about the future
at least there is one silver
lining, you are not seated in
the balcony way in the back
you get to sit next to your son
and daughter and give them
a hug
as they receive their diploma
and become an adult before
your very eyes.
Congratulations to the moms
and dads.
And one more word of thanks,
today as we celebrate right now,
there are men and women all
across the state and the nation
who are serving on the front
line, risking their lives in the battle
against the corona virus. Doctors,
nurses, healthcare workers,
pharmacists, ambulance drivers,
food workers, police officers,
firefighters and so many more.
Thay are our heros and I am
working in congress to cretae
a Covid 19 Heros Fund
Which would provide pandemic
premium pay to all essential
workers.
Let's have a virtual round of
applause for them!
Now to the class of 2020!
I knowthis may not be what
you pictured even a few
months ago
but today is still your day. All
your hard work has earned you
a degree from a fine institution
of higher learning and nothing
can take that away from you. 
Right now it may feel like the
future is a dark hole. What has
been true throughout history
is just as true today. That even
in times of difficulty there are
alwaysnew opportunities
new ways of thinking, doing
things in a better way.
So my message for the class
of 2020 is simple, 
It's natural to fear the unknown,
but don't let the harshness of
this current moment 
prevent you from seizing
opportunities, they're out there.
ANd don't forget you have
incrediable assets, a college
degree from a great institution
and loving families who have
your back through thick and
thin.
Our society will overcome
this pandemic and so will you.
When the worst is over,
we need your help to rebuild
country even stronger than
it was before! You are our
future leaders. We have faith in you.
So to the graduates I say once
again, congratulations, good
luck and God's speed
Good morning. It's
Congresswoman Elise
Stefanik
While I amnotable to be there
in person I wanted to
participate
in todays graduation day.
Today is a culmination of years
of effort, dedication
and perserverance.  Each of
our students have worked
incredibly hard to get to this
moment and i want to thank
you for that tremendous work.
I also want to take the opportunity
to thank your teachers and the
entire staff at Jefferson
Community College
and your fmilieswho supported
you in your pursuit of higher
education.
While this not a traditional
graduation day in some ways
we are more united
than ever, working to defeat
and combat this virus.
I know that each and everyone
of you represent the best and
brigthest of our next generation
of leaders and again I want to
congratulate you on today's 
tremendous achievement.
Wasn’t that was wonderful?
Our faculty and staff are so 
proud that you have completed
your college degree,
as am I.
We know the future holds even
greater things for each and
every one of you.
Jessica Jones will join us again
to perform Jefferson’s
Alma Mater,
accompanied by
Dr. Lisa Scrivani-Tidd,
professor of music.
Following the alma mater,
Chaplain Raymond will
offer the benediction.
♪♪ Jefferson of wine and
white  your royal colors fly, ♪♪
♪♪ bring light and learning
might as all the years go by. ♪♪
♪♪ We will pledge our loyalty
to all your standards true. ♪♪
♪♪ Whatever strife and
through-out life we’ll
give our thanks to you. ♪♪
♪♪ Jefferson your guiding
light will shine on us as
the sun, ♪♪
♪♪ making strong our whole
life long, building character
one by one. ♪♪
Graduates, In the days and months ahead 
there will be many opportunities to 
reflect on Spring 2020. 
At the core of these reflections, 
place GRATITUDE.
As this wonderful, unique ceremony 
concludes, the next steps of 
trailblazing begin.
I pray that God's blessings 
(like those March snowflakes) will pleasantly 
surprise you from time to time.
Graduate trailblazers, 
GOD BLESS YOU!  Amen
Thank you all for joining us in
our virtual ceremony
this evening.
I wish you good health, great
happiness and much success!
Once again, congratulations
Class of 2020.
