For Chance Kennedy, who earned his master's at SUNY Oswego in 2024, serving the city of Oswego is both a calling and a full circle moment.

He was born and raised in Oswego and was sworn in earlier this year as the newly elected First Ward councilor –- returning to serve the community that shaped his approach to public service. Encompassing the northwest corner of the Port City, the First Ward includes a lot of off-campus student housing and the westside waterfront. 

Kennedy is currently an outpatient administrative specialist for SUNY Upstate Medical University, where he helps coordinate care for marginalized communities in Central New York and ensures they receive the medical services they deserve.

In 2024, Kennedy got a master of business administration degree through SUNY Oswego's MBA online program after earning a bachelor’s degree from Bryant and Stratton College in North Syracuse.

Kennedy chose to enroll at SUNY Oswego because the program's top ranking among public institutions in New York state as well as its affordability and proximity to home.

He said his time at SUNY Oswego played a key role in shaping his commitment to community and public service, as he gained insights into people’s expectations and the needs of government.

“SUNY Oswego helped me from a people perspective,” he said. “You know what people want, and are hard-pressed to get out of their government.”

Kennedy also emphasized that his business education played a key role in shaping his perspectives on economic development, particularly in attracting an increase in foot traffic to Oswego’s streets.

“Having an education in business makes you want to keep things affordable,” Kennedy said. “You want new people coming to the city.”

Lifelong learning

Kennedy was grateful for how easy SUNY Oswego made it for him to complete his master’s program online.

“It was great for me,” Kennedy said. “I was able to work full time and still go to classes, and do my homework, even if it was at midnight.” Kennedy said the graduate degree was worth the effort because he felt it was needed to enhance his career and support his personal endeavors.

“We are lifelong learners,” he said. “If you're not learning, you’re not growing.”

Kennedy’s decision to run for First Ward councilor was driven by his desire to turn community concern into action after years of seeing many new councilors not step in to take action on what needs to be done.

“I wanted to be someone who can make those actions happen and make their voices heard,” he said. “We need more diverse voices.”

Kennedy said the transition period and his prior loss in the 2022 race for the seat have already reshaped how he views the role and leadership, more generally.

“This time I learned from my mistakes, and I grew,” he said. “I knocked on a bunch of doors, introduced myself and became a better public speaker.”

Coming full circle

Winning the race for Kennedy was a full circle moment for him being an Oswego native. He shared how monumental it was for him to see the same community that raised him was also rooting for him.

“It's not expected when you see that many people believe in you,” he said. “It makes you feel really good. It is why I want to make the city proud.”

Kennedy shared what his highest priorities were coming into office and it remains simple.

“My priority is whatever residents of the First Ward want,” he said. “From my door-knocking, I’ve heard concerns of public safety from construction proposals to new sidewalk repairs … I’m open to whatever needs to be done. I don't have any agendas. I want to do what's right.”

Kennedy also shared his grandmother's universal wisdom to those seeking advice pursuing a career in government.

“If you have even an inkling that you want to do something, do it –- whether it's a career in government or another endeavor," Kennedy said.

— Written by Jose Vazquez Nava of the Class of 2027 for University Advancement