Sara Shaut '96: Finding Her Foundation
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.
CCC offered exactly what Sara needed: a place where students weren't just enrolled but truly supported, where they were challenged without being overwhelmed, and where they emerged prepared for whatever came next. The college provided rigorous academics within comfortable reach of home, wrapped in an encouraging atmosphere where confidence could flourish and dreams could crystallize into concrete plans.
When Sara completed her A.S. in Math and Science in 1996, she carried with her much more than academic credentials. Two professors had left indelible marks on her educational experience: Harold "Benny" Hunziker and Elaine Corwin. Even decades later, Sara remembers both with deep fondness, recalling how their passion and personal attention transformed learning from obligation into joy. They possessed the rare gift of making even the most complex concepts feel accessible and engaging.
The small class sizes at CCC fostered something precious—meaningful relationships that created a sense of academic family rather than institutional anonymity. "They really made learning fun," Sara reflects, her voice carrying the warmth of those cherished memories. Not even Spencer Hill's famously harsh winters could diminish the close-knit community that had embraced her during those formative years.
After CCC, Sara's educational journey continued at SUNY Cortland, where she earned her degree in Health Science. This foundation led her into nonprofit work, a calling she strengthened with a Master of Public Administration from Binghamton University. For nearly two decades, she has served as Vice President of Programs for the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc. Her professional path has also wound through meaningful roles at SUNY CCC itself, Planned Parenthood of the Southern Finger Lakes, and Rape Crisis of the Southern Tier.
When Sara looks back at her journey, which began at CCC, she sees something far more valuable than academic preparation alone. The experience gave her both practical skills and an ethical foundation that has enabled her to serve her community with genuine purpose. "Education played a vital role in preparing me to serve my community effectively," she explains. "I've been able to draw from real-world learning experiences throughout my career to make a meaningful impact."
Her advice to prospective students comes without hesitation: "If you're considering CCC, I'd say go for it—it's a smart, solid first step that can open a lot of doors. It gives you time to explore different careers and figure out your path if you're not quite sure what you want to do after high school." Sara's wisdom extends to learners of all ages, something she witnessed firsthand when her mother returned to school at 70. The two actually shared a class together, creating a memory that perfectly illustrates the spirit of CCC and Sara's belief that the College is "a welcoming place to learn something new, build confidence, and prove that it's never too late to invest in yourself."
Today, Sara has built a rich life in Elmira with her 17 year old son, two dogs, and three cats. Her free time finds her walking the scenic Chemung River trails or cheering enthusiastically at her son's baseball games. Her continued commitment to community service and personal growth reflects the values that first took root during her time at SUNY CCC, serving as living proof that some educational experiences shape not just careers, but entire life philosophies.