Jefferson Holds 62nd Spring Commencement in May 2026

Jefferson Community College (JCC) held its 62nd Spring 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 368 students who are December 2025 graduates and May/August 2026 candidates for graduation, pending satisfactory completion of coursework. Nine students received two degrees/certificates, bringing the total number of degrees and certificates awarded to 377.

Twenty-three percent (23%) of graduates 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, were distinguished by wearing red, white, and blue cords in recognition of their service to our country. Eleven students were recognized for participating in JCC’s optional Honors Program and approximately 52 students were recognized as members of JCC’s Tau Xi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges. Jefferson’s Class of 2026 spans forty years ranging from age 18 to age 58. 

Distinguished alumnus and Jefferson County Treasurer, Brian Peck, delivered 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 was international athlete Karim Saleh of Cairo, Egypt. He graduated with his degree in Sports Management. Goalkeeper for the men’s soccer team, Saleh also served 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 he 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 were recognized with academic awards and honors during the commencement exercises.

Tony Jin of Adams and Ben Ramer of Watertown were recognized for receiving State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor’s Awards for Student Excellence. Jin graduated with two associate in science degrees- one is mathematics and the other in 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 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 were recognized for being named to the 2026 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) All-New York Academic Team. Honorees include 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 graduated with his associate in science degree in sports management. Streebel graduated with their associate in applied science 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 11 candidates for graduation were recognized for completing this program - 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 were recognized for receiving SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence - Dawn Bartlett, Watertown, Associate Professor of Humanities, Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service, Robert Cooper, Lowville, Adjunct Instructor of Lab Sciences, Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching, Katie J. Corbin, Chaumont, Coordinator of Advising, Career and Transfer Services, Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service, Kathy J. Flanders, Clayton, Assistant Professor of Lab Sciences, Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, and Cheryl Martin, Watertown, Secretary, Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service.

Three graduates were recognized for completing their bachelor’s and master’s degrees from SUNY Potsdam, Jefferson Higher Education Center (JHEC) partner.  

The ceremony was live streamed on the College’s website and will be posted on the College’s YouTube channel. Immediately following the ceremony, graduates were led to a professional photo shoot and reception.