MCC Daily Tribune

Meet Members of the Class of 2023!

MCC's newest graduates are poised to make an impact. Learn how some of these graduates will be applying their MCC education to the local workforce and to advanced studies at area colleges. Starting May 12 through May 19, several Class of 2023 members will be featured in the Daily Tribune and Student Tribune. The success of our graduates keeps MCC inspiring every day. #MCC2023

Valeria “Val” Krokhmalyuk

As the Russia-Ukraine war escalated in early 2022, Valeria “Val” Krokhmalyuk could not sleep well or focus on her studies at Monroe Community College. She worried about the safety of her aunts, uncles and cousins living in Ukraine and would call or text them for developments every chance she got.

“Over time, it took a toll on me because I wanted to keep in touch every second. I faced a drop in my grades and an overall worsening of my mental state,” said the 21-year-old Greece, NY, native, who a year ago was named to the dean’s list.

Through the steady support of her MCC family – particularly Professors Thomas Blake and Scott Rudd, her counselors, and friends she made through the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor society – Val ultimately overcame her struggles and finished the semester strong. Her mental health improved, especially after her relatives fled and resettled in other parts of Europe. In fall 2022, Val reset her goals and immersed herself in on-campus and community activities grounded in human rights advocacy.

“I became heavily involved in the community service projects my PTK team was doing, as well as in the Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights Project,” said Val, who leads the MCC chapter of PTK and is a member of HGHRP. For example, her efforts in one of the HGHRP activities focused on keeping a record of human rights abuses and violations committed in Ukraine during the war. “It’s been a lot to write about. I still do get emotional, but it’s good for me,” she said. “I’m taking the time to educate myself.”

On May 25, Val will graduate with three credentials: an associate degree in individual studies with a concentration in communication, a certificate in advanced studies, and a microcredential in Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights Studies – on top of having received the 2023 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. She plans to pursue an advanced degree in media communication.

“MCC is full of opportunities because I’ve utilized most of them,” said Val, who will be the latest in a long line of proud alumni in her family. “The honors program at MCC puts me at an advantage when I transfer. And being able to receive four scholarships at MCC, I’m forever grateful. MCC has given me so much.”

Photo caption: Portrait of MCC graduating student Val Krokhmalyuk standing outside her home and wearing a magenta floral top.

Attached Files:
Valeria Val Krokhmalyuk_headshot web.jpeg

Hency Yuen-Eng
Community Relations
05/17/2023