Erie County Community College

Erie County Community College Providing the people of Erie County with affordable and accessible education.

We are grateful to always have the support of Erie County, Pennsylvania! 🧡💙
05/30/2026

We are grateful to always have the support of Erie County, Pennsylvania! 🧡💙

🎉TODAY IS GRADUATION DAY🎉Here's a message from EC3 President, Dr. Chris Gray, to our 2026 graduates:"Some of you arrived...
05/30/2026

🎉TODAY IS GRADUATION DAY🎉

Here's a message from EC3 President, Dr. Chris Gray, to our 2026 graduates:

"Some of you arrived here uncertain, but you’ll leave EC3 with confidence and direction and make Erie County an even better place to live and work."

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TODAY at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral Prep Hagerty Family Events Center (501 West 12th Street), we will host our fourth Commencement exercises and welcome the Class of 2026 into our alumni network. Our Ceremony will be live-streamed on our social media platforms and is also open to the public (no tickets required).

Please join us in congratulating and celebrating our graduates!

For more information about the 2026 EC3 Commencement Ceremony, please visit https://www.ec3pa.org/graduation

GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: LilyAnne LarsonMeet LilyAnne, our 2026 graduate speaker. LilyAnne is an absolute star student and P...
05/29/2026

GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: LilyAnne Larson

Meet LilyAnne, our 2026 graduate speaker. LilyAnne is an absolute star student and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society member. EC3 is proud to have her speak on behalf of the Class of 2026 at Commencement tomorrow.

Her favorite professor at EC3 is Kimber Forrester, who has always been incredibly supportive and encouraged her to grow academically while making her feel confident in her abilities. The best part of attending EC3 for LilyAnne has been the supportive environment that allows students to learn new skills and collaborate with one another.

LilyAnne is graduating from EC3 with a degree in General Studies, and plans to attend PennWest Edinboro to pursue her Bachelor’s degree in Marketing.

Her advice to prospective students is to take advantage of the opportunity to earn college credits, build confidence, and experience a supportive environment.
Congratulations, LilyAnne, and best of luck this Fall at PennWest Edinboro!

GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: John KocurMeet Johnny, a very talented 2026 graduate of EC3. You’ve probably heard Johnny’s voice on...
05/29/2026

GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: John Kocur

Meet Johnny, a very talented 2026 graduate of EC3. You’ve probably heard Johnny’s voice on some of our radio advertisements. If you’re an EC3 student, you’ve probably also received his help in the Welcome Center at our Erie West Campus as our receptionist. At tomorrow’s Commencement Ceremony, you will hear Johnny sing the National Anthem.

Johnny had many great classes and professors at EC3, but when he took an Environmental Geology course, it became his favorite class of all time. The class went on multiple fun and educational field trips, and Johnny met wonderful people with whom he became friends and remains close to this day.

When we asked Johnny about the best part of attending EC3, this is what he had to say: “EC3 truly helped me break out of my shell and grow as a person. It gave me opportunities to build both personal and professional connections, which helped me flourish and gain experiences I had only imagined before. Since I’ve been here from the very beginning, when the school first opened in 2021, it has also been incredibly rewarding to witness its rapid growth and expansion. Hearing stories from other students about how EC3 has positively impacted their lives, just as it has mine, is also incredibly heartwarming.”

Johnny will graduate from EC3 with a degree in General Studies, and plans to attend Penn State Behrend in the Fall to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Communications.

Here is some advice from one of EC3’s first students: “My biggest piece of advice is: 'Go for it! You'll never know until you try!’ I’ve heard many stories from people of all ages and backgrounds who were unsure about attending EC3, whether because they hadn’t been in school for a long time or because they were high school students who may have been intimidated by the word “College," as well as every story in between. EC3 provides an amazing opportunity to broaden your horizons and expand your knowledge. We also have an extremely diverse student body made up of people from all races, genders, ages, backgrounds, faiths, and experiences. So, what’s stopping you from joining the EC3 family? I can confidently say you won’t regret it!”

Congratulations, Johnny! And best of luck at Behrend!

GRADUATES SPOTLIGHT: Amaryona Jones & X'Rya ThamesMeet Amaryona and X’Rya, star dual enrollment students at EC3. This dy...
05/29/2026

GRADUATES SPOTLIGHT: Amaryona Jones & X'Rya Thames

Meet Amaryona and X’Rya, star dual enrollment students at EC3. This dynamic duo will graduate with their high school diplomas from NWPA Collegiate Academy AND Associate’s degrees from EC3 tomorrow!

Amaryona’s favorite class at EC3 was Entrepreneurship 101, and X’Rya’s favorite class was Religions of the World. X’Rya really enjoyed taking classes with Professor Anthony Harris, and both her and Amaryona found mentorship with Professor Bill Jeffress. The best part of attending EC3 for Amaryona is connecting with professors and student success coaches to help her build her professional future, and for X’Rya, the best part is being able to earn a degree while still in high school.

Amaryona will graduate from EC3 with a degree in General Studies and plans to attend La Roche University to study Political Science and Finance to become a corporate lawyer one day. X’Rya will graduate with a degree in Management & Entrepreneurial Thinking and plans to attend North Carolina A&T State University to study Biology to become a veterinarian one day.

We asked X’Rya and Amaryona what advice they have for EC3 students, especially local high schoolers who are pursuing dual enrollment, and this is what they had to say:

X’Rya: “Get your work done ahead of time, if you have any questions, ask them, do not procrastinate, make new friends, and have fun!”

Amaryona: “Email your professor about each exam and ask what materials you need to look at for that exam. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help; it doesn't matter how old you are, if you need help, ask. There are plenty of people who would be more than willing to help.”

Congratulations to X’Rya and Amaryona on achieving their high school diplomas and Associate’s degrees tomorrow, and best of luck at North Carolina A&T and La Roche University in the Fall!

🎉Commencement Countdown: 1 day! 🎉Here's a message from EC3 Executive Vice President, Guy Goodman, to our graduates:"A hu...
05/29/2026

🎉Commencement Countdown: 1 day! 🎉

Here's a message from EC3 Executive Vice President, Guy Goodman, to our graduates:

"A huge congratulations to the EC3 Class of 2026!

You didn’t just earn a degree or certificate; you mastered the ultimate juggling act. Balancing work, family, and life while crushing your coursework is no small feat – it takes a commitment that only the dedicated community college student can exhibit. In completing your credential, you have proven that you can handle whatever is thrown at you, meeting the challenge with excellence along the way."

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Save the Date: Saturday, May 30th at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral Prep Hagerty Family Events Center (501 West 12th Street), we will host our fourth Commencement exercises and welcome the Class of 2026 into our alumni network. Our Ceremony will be live-streamed on our social media platforms and is also open to the public (no tickets required).

Please join us in congratulating and celebrating our graduates this month!

For more information about the 2026 EC3 Commencement Ceremony, please visit https://www.ec3pa.org/graduation

GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Misty JimenezMeet Misty, a star 2026 health sciences graduate of EC3. Misty’s favorite class at EC3 ...
05/28/2026

GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Misty Jimenez

Meet Misty, a star 2026 health sciences graduate of EC3. Misty’s favorite class at EC3 was Interpersonal Communication with Kimber Forrester. She enjoyed having all the professors who taught her at EC3 because they each taught her new things and had different qualities that she respected and liked. Her favorite part of attending EC3 is the support from the staff, as well as the immense support she received from her advisor and Director of Health Sciences at EC3, Bailey Shafer. She also enjoyed the flexibility of her classes, allowing her to take classes that work with her schedule.

Misty will be graduating with a degree in Behavioral Health and will begin a new position in upper management the Monday after graduation day. Her advice to prospective EC3 students? “Do it!! If I can come back to college at the age of 50 and graduate Magna Cum Laude, then so can anyone else. The feeling of completing my Associate's degree has gotten me to want to go back and get my Bachelor's degree.”

Congratulations, Misty, and best of luck in your new role!

GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Shannon KnappMeet Shannon, one of our star 2026 graduates. Not only is Shannon an excellent student,...
05/28/2026

GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Shannon Knapp

Meet Shannon, one of our star 2026 graduates. Not only is Shannon an excellent student, but she has also worked as a College Recruiter and a Student Success Coach at EC3. Shannon is a Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society member and was recently selected to attend the PA Commission for Community Colleges (PACCC) annual meeting, where she was recognized as an “All PA Academic Student”.

We asked Shannon what her time at EC3 was like, and she had plenty of good experiences to share: “I have had so many favorites [classes] throughout my time at EC3. From the start, I took CIS 100 with Stephen Kellat. He went above and beyond to support me, which helped me gain confidence in using Microsoft Office products for my other classes. A few semesters later, I took ART 101 with Nicole Catalfamo. I have always been artistic, but taking this course inspired me to create art in my spare time again after many years. I also took two courses with Terrence Mitchell, Introduction to Sociology and Race & Ethnicity, both of which were excellent classes that I learned a lot from. Throughout my time at EC3, the Student Services staff has also always been there to support me behind the scenes while I worked through my courses, and I am grateful for all of them!”

We also asked about her favorite part of the EC3 community, and this is what she had to say: “EC3 has taught me to believe in myself again and reminded me that anything is possible. I had let go of many of my dreams and spent years stuck in survival mode, but through my own hard work and the support of professors, staff, and fellow students, I have regained confidence and can now see many possibilities for my future.”

Shannon will be graduating with a degree in General Studies and will continue her education at Penn State Behrend in the Fall to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology.

Her advice to prospective EC3 students? “Just do it! Getting started was much easier and far less intimidating than I once thought it would be. EC3 is affordable and flexible with scheduling. You can start slowly, take online classes, or do a mix of both, whatever works best for you. The staff is always there to support you through every step of the process.”

Congratulations, Shannon, and best of luck with your new endeavors at Behrend!

🎉Commencement Countdown: 2 days! 🎉Here's a message from EC3 Dean of Academics, Dr. Stuart Blacklaw, to our graduates:"Th...
05/28/2026

🎉Commencement Countdown: 2 days! 🎉

Here's a message from EC3 Dean of Academics, Dr. Stuart Blacklaw, to our graduates:

"The students gathering to receive diplomas are not just smart and talented – they are resilient. Some of those at the event this week have found their way to the stage through challenges far beyond what our faculty laid before them. They cared for children and families, elderly parents, or grandparents. They worked a job, some of them more than one job, and some of them full-time jobs, and had to squeeze their studies into those hours that most of us use for sleep. They navigated disabilities or illness, car troubles, and financial challenges. These students who reach their goals have demonstrated a level of commitment and perseverance beyond imagination. It is the college’s job to be worthy of that commitment, and it is our great honor to be the avenue and never the barrier to your dreams. Congratulations!"

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Save the Date: Saturday, May 30th at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral Prep Hagerty Family Events Center (501 West 12th Street), we will host our fourth Commencement exercises and welcome the Class of 2026 into our alumni network. Our Ceremony will be live-streamed on our social media platforms and is also open to the public (no tickets required).

Please join us in congratulating and celebrating our graduates this month!

For more information about the 2026 EC3 Commencement Ceremony, please visit https://www.ec3pa.org/graduation

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2403 W. 8th Street
Erie, PA
16505

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