Onondaga Community College to be Recognized with 2025 Community Visionary Award

CenterState CEO is proud to announce Onondaga Community College (OCC) as the 2025 recipient of its Community Visionary Award. This award, sponsored by Wegmans Food Markets, Inc., is given to a person, company or association that embodies the vision of economic opportunity, and that has had a significant impact on community prosperity. OCC will be recognized for its commitment to the community during CenterState CEO’s 2025 Economic Champions Celebration on Oct. 29.

OCC embodies the spirit of this award, actively embracing its role as an instrumental leader and strong partner on workforce development initiatives that create greater access to growing employment opportunities in the region. The college works with community organizations and local employers to understand the totality of the student experience as well as potential barriers to success. It works in collaboration with these partners to design and execute programs that will achieve successful outcomes.

Notably, OCC has shown statewide leadership on semiconductor training and education, committed to building pathways to degree programs and in-demand careers for underrepresented individuals. Additionally, investments like the new Micron Cleanroom Simulation Lab on the OCC campus, opened in October 2025, create a vital tool to prepare students for jobs at Micron and other companies. 

OCC innovates to expand programs, build community connections and create new pathways to success for youth and adults alike. Its degree and certificate programs in health care, manufacturing and other tech related fields provide students with direct-to-work and transfer opportunities. And as part of SUNY Reconnect, OCC plays a pivotal role in helping more individuals boost their earning power with a free associate degree in a high-demand field, like advanced manufacturing, health professions and cybersecurity.

For its dedication to the success of the region, OCC is the 2025 Community Visionary Award honoree. Join CenterState CEO and the larger business community to celebrate OCC and other Economic Champions Oct. 29. The event will sell out, so purchase tickets today.