A refugee from Somalia who is also an Onondaga Community College alumnus is the newest member of OCC's Board of Trustees. Haji Adan '12 was sworn-in during the Board's meeting Tuesday, February 11.
Adan is Executive Director of Refugee & Immigrant Self-Empowerment, also known as RISE, in Syracuse. He's an active member of the Central New York community serving on the Onondaga County Youth Board, the Somali Advocacy for Justice & Equality Movement, and the New York State Hate & Bias Prevention Regional Council.
Adan immigrated to the U.S. two decades ago after spending 14 years in a refugee camp. He earned his GED in 2008, completed his associate degree in General Studies from OCC in 2012, his Executive Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Georgetown University, and his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.
He was appointed to OCC's Board of Trustees by Onondaga County Executive J.Ryan McMahon III.
