Tompkins Cortland Community College recognizes more than 100 December graduates

By Kevin L. Smith

Tompkins Cortland Community College recognized 123 students at its 22nd annual December Graduates Recognition Ceremony on Dec. 6.

The ceremony was created in 2002 as a way to “celebrate students graduating after the fall semester,” according to a release. Each graduate received either a degree or a certificate.

Kerry Curran, an English professor at TC3, was the keynote speaker. Curran began her speech with creativity, then dove into a story of how a student “with great foresight” kept a class connected during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“From that day forward, I decided to embrace the creativity my students bring to each class and to incorporate a lot more freedom in the ways they develop and deliver their work for my assessments,” Curran said. “The irony is, when invited to include that kind of creative approach to our established assignments, students often work harder and produce far better outcomes.”

Curran spoke about how students helped her through a personal loss, and how other students impressed her with insight and growth.

“When we encounter these TC3 graduates in the last days of their classes or in our strategic planning sessions or future board meetings — or even in our greater community— I am certain we will congratulate them on the academic achievements they have earned from us,” Curran said. “But perhaps those moments could be opportunities for something even better? A chance to experience what they might be able to teach us? You just might find that, like me, you learn a lot.”

Kyleigh Golden-Appleton, president of TC3’s Student Government Association, spoke on behalf of the students.

“We each have been led to this moment on different paths, having different goals and focuses, facing different challenges and given different opportunities,” she said. “After this moment, we will continue on our own paths, pursuing our own callings. But for tonight, we share in a special moment, a moment of celebration.”

Golden-Appleton talked about her own journey and how she “overcame uncertainty to thrive.” She also knows that each graduate has their own unique story.

“All of our paths have been complex in their own way. We’ve all experienced challenges, internally and externally,” she said. “We’ve all felt overwhelmed and doubted ourselves at some point. But our being here tonight is a testament to our perseverance and the support around us. Just as we’ve shared in adversity, so too have we shared in gifts of connection, community, learning and transformation.”

TC3 noted in its release that all December graduates are welcome to participate in the traditional commencement ceremony on May 21 of next year.

Dryden Dispatch appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Send story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com.

In brief:

‘Coffee with the Superintendent’ is Jan. 13

Dryden Central School District (DCSD) superintendent Josh Bacigalupi will host “Coffee with the Superintendent” on Jan. 13 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Dunkin’ Donuts at 36 North St. in the village of Dryden.

The event is an opportunity to meet and have a conversation with the district superintendent.

For information, contact DCSD at 607-844-8694.

Storytime at the library on Dec. 20

The Southworth Library will hold storytime on Dec. 20 at 10 a.m.

The story on Dec. 20 is “How to Catch a Reindeer.” Participants receive a free book, while supplies last.

There will be no storytime on Dec. 27. For more information, go to southworthlibrary.org or call 607-844-4782.

Meetings for the month of December

The Dryden Town Board will meet on Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. The town’s broadband committee is scheduled to meet Dec. 20 at 10:30 a.m.

The public is invited to attend the town meetings in person or via Zoom.

The Village of Dryden Board of Trustees will meet at 6 p.m. today, Dec. 18, at the village hall at 16 South St. The public is invited to attend.

Book club to meet Dec. 19

Books & Brew, a genre-based book club, is scheduled to meet Thursday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. at the Hopshire Farm & Brewery in the village of Freeville.

The theme for the month of December is the new millennium. The club encourages members to choose a book that was written between 2000 and 2010. For suggestions, books will be on display at Southworth Library in the village.

For more information, contact the library at 607-844-4782.

Yoga for Life held every Wednesday in Freeville

Village of Freeville resident Michelle Dardia hosts a Yoga for Life session every Wednesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Freeville United Methodist Church at 37 Main St.

The drop-in fee for the session is $10. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Some experience is helpful but not required, as the sessions are committed to being accessible.

Variations and modifications are offered, and extra mats and blocks will be available at each session.

For information or questions, contact Dardia at dollysdaughter@hotmail.com or 607-279-4785.