Success After SUNY CCC
SUNY CCC alumni make a difference in every profession and every industry. They are leaders in classrooms and operating rooms, on construction sites and in design studios. If you know someone whose story should be told, please let us know. If you'd like us to tell your story, please give us a call or email us! In the meantime, we hope you enjoy the following stories.
Sara Shaut '96
At seventeen, Sara Shaut had just graduated from high school with the natural mix of excitement and uncertainty that comes with that milestone. She was young enough to feel hesitant about leaving home, yet mature enough to recognize that her learning journey had only just begun. When she heard about Corning Community College and its reputation as something more substantial than a mere stepping stone, she knew she had found her answer.
Robert Kramarik, Jr. '78
Robert Kramarik, Jr. — better known as Bobby K in the community — has always believed in the power of local roots. Born and raised in Elmira, Bob’s connection to his hometown has been the cornerstone of both his personal and professional journey. His time at Corning Community College was just the beginning of a path that would span decades of service, creativity, and leadership, all centered around giving back to the community he holds so dear.
Dakota Carr '15
Growing up in Corning, Dakota Carr '15 knew he wanted an educational experience that would offer both personal attention and strong community ties. He found that perfect balance at SUNY Corning Community College, where the small class sizes, supportive faculty, and affordable education allowed him to explore his academic interests while staying close to home. Pursuing a degree in Business Administration, Dakota discovered that CCC was the ideal environment to lay the groundwork for his future career and personal growth.
Rebekah (LaMoreaux) Carroll '08
When Rebekah (LaMoreaux) Carroll ’08 first chose SUNY Corning Community College, she was in a phase of life that few traditional students experience. Juggling the demands of motherhood, running two home-based businesses, and seeking a fresh start, Rebekah needed a college that would offer flexibility and support. “I was considered a ‘mature’ student,” she recalls. “I needed a hybrid model and the flexibility to balance my busy life.” CCC’s hybrid learning environment—offering a blend of in-person and online courses—proved to be the perfect fit.
Kristen (Stewart) Brewer '06
Kristen (Stewart) Brewer’s educational journey began at SUNY Corning Community College right after high school, and it eventually brought her back to finish her degree in her 30s. For Kristen, CCC was the obvious choice, both times. “I knew I could receive a high-quality education right in my hometown,” she recalls, “with the flexibility to transfer my credits to any institution I chose for further education beyond my associate degree.” This combination of accessibility and academic excellence drew her to CCC, becoming the foundation for the successful career she would go on to build.
Bethany McCarey Hammond '10
Bethany McCarey Hammond’s journey with SUNY Corning Community College is a testament to the impact of a supportive and flexible education. Graduating first in 2000 with a degree in Liberal Arts and again in 2010 with a degree in Early Childhood Education, Bethany’s connection to CCC was driven by her desire to stay close to her hometown of Corning. The college’s adaptability and affordability allowed her to effectively balance family responsibilities with her academic aspirations, shaping her path to success.
Kristen Merritt '03
Kristen Merritt, a proud alumna of SUNY Corning Community College's Class of 2003, exemplifies the spirit of exploration and commitment to community service. Her journey to a successful career as a Speech Pathologist at Guthrie Healthcare is a testament to the value of CCC in shaping futures and providing foundational experiences.
Kristen chose CCC as an affordable and flexible option while she was uncertain about her career path after high school. Living in Horseheads and attending CCC allowed her to continue her education close to home. "Being able to live with my parents and attend a community college was the most affordable option," she recalls.