SYRACUSE -- Inside the War Memorial in downtown Syracuse, students at Onondaga Community College took their final steps together as students.

Now -- they are graduates.

"Today is a great today," said graduate Zephaniah Horton.  "An accomplishment for myself and my family."

"I'm so happy for all my fellow graduates," said graduate Chris Borncamp.  "It's a very exciting time for what lies ahead."

What lies ahead for these graduates depends on the individual.  Some of the more than 1,400 members of OCC's Class of 2011 will brave the tough job market.  Others will continue their education at a four year school. 

Horton said he plans on pursuing a career in law enforcement, but will attend Syracuse University in the fall to study public health.  Borncamp said he'll be heading to Syracuse University as well, to study public relations and advertising at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.

Futures aside -- students and their families celebrated a job well done this afternoon.  They say they'll look back at OCC with fond memories and hope the school serves as a stepping stone to even more memories going forward.