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The Distinguished Alumni Award of ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ Cortland Community College was presented to three alums at the College’s commencement ceremony on May 21, 2025. 

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes alums who have excelled in their professional life and in service to the community. After nominations from the community, a committee selects worthy recipients to honor. The winners were presented their awards by President Amy Kremenek at the College's 2025 Commencement.

Julie Matijas graduated in 2000 with a General Studies degree. She went on for her bachelor’s degree from SUNY Cortland before starting an impressive career in real estate. Matijas has served as the executive officer of the Cortland County Board of Realtors, a board member and ambassador for the Cortland County Chamber of Commerce, and the facilitator of the Leadership Cortland program. 

Patricia Schaap is a member of the class of 2004, earning a degree in human services before getting her bachelor’s degree at SUNY Cortland. She has been a fixture in the community ever since, working at Catholica Charities of Cortland County for 13 years before moving to the Cortland County Mental Health Department in 2019. She now is Director of Community Services for Cortland County, while also serving on the board of the Cortland County Community Action Program (CAPCO).

Mame Ndiaye graduated from TC3 with a degree in criminal justice in 2015. She earned a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Cortland and her master’s degree from Cornell University. She works in the Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy at Cornell University and is the founder and CEO of a company that provides career services. She also is a United Nations consultant and has served as the regional Social Justice, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator for NODA, the national association for orientation, transition, and retention in higher education.