Jefferson to Hold 62nd Spring Commencement on May 15, 2026

Jefferson Community College (JCC) will hold its 62nd Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the McVean Student Center Gymnasium. Jefferson’s Class of 2026 is comprised of 364 students who are December 2025 graduates, May 2026, and August 2026 candidates for graduation, pending satisfactory completion of coursework. Eight students are receiving two degrees/certificates, bringing the total number of degrees and certificates to be awarded to 372.*

Jefferson’s Class of 2026 spans forty years with eight graduates aged 18 and two graduates aged 58. Twenty-three percent (23%) are military-affiliated, reflecting the College’s longstanding partnership and strong relationship with the 10th Mountain Division community at Fort Drum. During the ceremony, they, along with faculty and staff veterans, will be distinguished by wearing red, white, and blue cords in recognition of their service to our country. Eleven students will be recognized for participating in JCC’s optional Honors Program and approximately 52 students are members of JCC’s Tau Xi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges.

The College is honored to have distinguished alumnus and Jefferson County Treasurer, Brian Peck, deliver the keynote address. At the age of 25, Peck founded Coughlin Printing and successfully grew the business from a single employee to a staff of 18 before transitioning into public service. His career in government includes serving as Director of Operations for State Senator Patty Ritchie, longtime Chief of Staff to State Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush, and Town Supervisor for the Town of Champion. He is a Second Lieutenant in the New York National Guard and serves as the Executive Officer for its 56th Company. Earlier in his career, Peck served as Associate Dean at Davis College, Binghamton, where he also taught ethics. He supports community emergency response efforts as a ham radio operator with the Jefferson County Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) Team and volunteers extensively, including serving on the Jefferson Community College Foundation Board and its finance subcommittee. His service extends internationally as well. He has taught English as a second language in China and helped build a school in Bolivia. Peck holds an associate degree from Jefferson, a bachelor’s in earth science from SUNY Brockport, and a master’s in counseling from Summit University.

The student commencement speaker is international athlete Karim Saleh from Cairo, Egypt. He is graduating with an Associate Degree (A.S.) in Sports Management. Goalkeeper for the men’s soccer team, Saleh also serves as president and past treasurer of the Student Government Association (SGA), resident assistant (RA) in JCC’s student housing, and student representative on the Athletic Board of Control. In 2025, he was selected as a student speaker at the college’s logo unveiling, reflecting his leadership and engagement within the campus community. Saleh received the 2026 Outstanding SGA Member Award and the 2026 Student Life Outstanding Graduating Sophomore Award. Beyond academics, he is an Amazon-published author of the dark fantasy novel Echoes of Power, developed from skills gained in ENG 101 with Professor Michael Avery. He has sold more than 20 copies and this month published his second book titled Echoes of Power: What Power Takes. He is an avid comic book collector, including a 42-year-old comic purchased locally at Salmon Run Mall. His post-graduation plans are still being explored. 

Several students, faculty and staff will be recognized with academic awards and honors during the commencement exercises.

Tony Jin of Adams and Ben Ramer of Watertown will be recognized for receiving State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor’s Awards for Student Excellence. Jin, a dual major, is graduating with his associate degree in mathematics and natural sciences. Ramer completed his associate degree in sports management in December 2025 and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree at SUNY Cortland. The Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence acknowledges students who have best demonstrated and been recognized for the integration of academic excellence with other aspects of their lives, which may include community service, creative and performing arts, athletics, entrepreneurship, leadership or career achievement. 

Four JCC students will be recognized for being named to the 2026 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) All-New York Academic Team. Honorees are Ben Ramer of Watertown, Daniel Storey of Adams, London L. Streebel of Fort Drum, and Yen X. Sy of Black River. PTK is the international honor society for 2-year colleges. To be chosen for the All-New York Academic Team, students must hold a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 and have a history of scholarly achievement. In addition to academic achievement, candidates are also evaluated on their leadership and community service involvement. Ramer completed his associate degree in sports management in December 2025. Storey is graduating with his associate degree in sports management. Streebel is receiving their associate degree in paralegal studies. Sy anticipates graduating from Jefferson with her associate degree in natural sciences in December 2026 and an associate degree in nursing in May 2027. 

The Jefferson Community College Honors Program offers students with exceptional academic skills the opportunity to receive enriched instruction and nine candidates for graduation will be recognized for completing this program. Honors program students select three courses and enhance them as Honors Options by choosing a project for each and working directly with a faculty member to provide a unique and rewarding educational experience. Members of the class of 2026 who will graduate with Honors Program designation are Shyla J. Graves of Castorland, Tony Jin of Adams, Aeris G. Morgenstern of Philadelphia, Kiley H. Perkins of Watertown, Kirsten L. Pratt of Watertown, Avery M. Pritchard of Adams, Isaac M. Reynolds of Adams Center, Madison L. Shepherd of Adams Center, Daniel Storey of Adams, London L. Streebel of Fort Drum, and Cady Weaver of Adams Center.

Five members of Jefferson’s faculty/staff will be recognized as recipients of the SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence. The Chancellor’s Awards recognize extraordinary achievement and encourage the continuation of excellence. Dawn Bartlett, Watertown, Associate Professor of Humanities, received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service. Robert Cooper, Lowville, Adjunct Instructor of Lab Sciences, received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching. Katie J. Corbin, Chaumont, Coordinator of Advising, Career and Transfer Services, received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service. Kathy J. Flanders, Clayton, Assistant Professor of Lab Sciences, received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. Cheryl Martin, Watertown,  Secretary, received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service.

Three candidates for graduation from SUNY Potsdam, Jefferson Higher Education Center (JHEC) partner, will be participating in the ceremony and receiving their bachelor’s and master’s degrees from SUNY Potsdam. 

The ceremony will be video-streamed on the College’s website beginning at 6:45 p.m. Immediately following the ceremony, graduates will be lead to a professional photo shoot and  reception.   

*As of May 13, 2026