BY RICK MILLER
Olean Star
OLEAN — Jamestown Community College empowers students through mentorship, hands-on projects and real-world experiences, said student speaker Samantha Simon at Friday’s commencement exercises at the Olean YMCA auditorium.
The Cattaraugus County Campus commencement speaker also highlighted JCC’s commitment to academic and personal support, including services for single parents and veterans.
Simon addressed a group of more than 60 graduating seniors, family, friends and college staff. Many of the 150 Olean JCC graduates were unable to attend commencement Friday evening.
At the commencement ceremony in Jamestown the following night, another 340 degrees were presented.
A Rixford, Pa., native, Simon works at InTandem in Olean and plans to continue her college education.
She spoke of JCC giving her “empowerment to dream, empowerment to overcome and empowerment to live.”
Simon said, “JCC ensures that the whole student experience, academic and personal, is always a priority. At JCC, you are never just a name on a roster. Our stories matter and our voices were heard. Our dreams were nurtured in that spirit that we have. Every student’s potential is folded into the fabric of this institution.”
She added: “Congratulations to the resilient, unstoppable, extraordinary Class of 2025. May your class be favored with success, fulfillment and infinite possibilities.”
To celebrate the college’s 75th anniversary commencement, two of JCC’s longest-serving employees, Marilyn Zagora and Nelson Garifi, along with current faculty members Jennifer Visbisky, Madison LaVallee and Brent Harkness addressed graduates, families, friends, and fellow faculty and staff.
Zagora, the recently retired Academic Affairs vice president and JCC vice president emeritus, spoke about the college’s core value of embracing change.
A 50-year employee of JCC, she shared the story of the college’s evolution from humble post-World War II origins. The transformation has included expansion into Cattaraugus County and Dunkirk, embracing women, adult, and international students, introducing fully-online programs, and adapting programs, services, and supports to ensure the success of all learners.
The Cattaraugus County campus will celebrate its 50th commencement next year. JCC was the first community college in the state to award associate degrees.
JCC President Dr. Daniel DeMarte, greeted guests and awarded degrees with Mark Ward, JCC Board of Trustees chairman.
DeMarte said this year’s JCC graduates will put the college over the 30,000 mark in 75 years
“You’re going to get tested in life,” said Ward, an educator for 50 years. “Don’t think the world is going to come to an end because you screw up and fail. Everybody fails. It’s how you respond to adversity that really shows your true character.”
Representatives from the JCC Alumni Association welcomed the new graduates at a reception hosted by the JCC Faculty and Student Association following the ceremony.
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