Class of 2024 Sebastian Bucknor

Sebastian Bucknor’s journey from Ghana to Tompkins Cortland Community College is one of our first inspiring Commencement stories this year. Growing up in Ghana with an American-raised father, Sebastian spent the first ten years of his life immersed in an environment that fostered his love for art.

Bucknor was initially skeptical about attending a community college like TC3, but his perspective took a dramatic turn during his first semester, thanks to the incredible support he received from the faculty and staff.

Sebastian’s passion for graphic design began in high school in Ghana, where he developed a keen eye for combining art and technology. At Tompkins Cortland, he found his true calling. Initially hesitant about his skills with the Adobe suite, he received invaluable guidance from Professor Chris Xaver, who helped him secure his first job at a call center and level up his skill set. He felt so confident in his new abilities that he switched from Mass Media to Graphic Design and flourished under the mentorship of Professor Chris Shanks.

Beyond the classroom, Sebastian has made a significant impact on campus life. He connected with the Student Government Association through Leah Tompkins and Cheyenne Gorton, eventually becoming the President of the African Caribbean Association and the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. These roles have allowed him to foster a sense of community and inclusion, drawing from his own experiences adjusting to life in the US and the colder climate of New York.

Sebastian’s impressive resume and dedication to his craft have paved the way for his future endeavors, including plans to transfer to Binghamton University. With aspirations in marketing, advertising, and fashion, he envisions a career that merges visual presentation with animation, aiming to work for a major company one day.

Kudos to you, Sebastian!