Nearly 600 students across Jamestown Community College's two campuses received degrees during its 76th annual Commencement. Two ceremonies were held -- one at the Olean YMCA on Friday and the other at JCC's Physical Education Complex in Jamestown on Saturday (pictured). Degrees in 32 program areas and certificates in 17 fields of study were awarded to graduates from the summer and fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters. Individuals also were honored for earning Workforce Development credentials in seven areas.
President Daniel DeMarte noted during the ceremonies that graduates came to JCC from 14 states -- as far away as Arizona, Nevada and Texas -- and seven countries, including Canada, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. DeMarte told the graduates, "You may have sought athletic opportunities, performed on stage, or simply wanted to make a difference through campus events, volunteering, or joining a club. Many of you have also balanced classwork with employment, childcare, transportation, and other challenges. And now, you stand on the other side of those obstacles, having achieved the goals you set for yourself. Your journey of overcoming challenges and actively participating in the pursuit of a brighter future -- for yourself and for all of us -- is what makes today's commencement truly special. I am genuinely grateful that you chose to be part of the JCC community and to become a proud Jayhawk."
Alexandra Goodyear of Hinsdale was the student commencement speaker for the Cattaraugus County Campus ceremony, while Miguel Cocerez was the student speaker at the Jamestown Campus ceremony.
Representatives from the JCC Alumni Association welcomed the new graduates, and receptions hosted by the JCC Faculty and Student Association followed each ceremony.
Photo by Jamestown Community College
