Say Yes Alumni Spotlight | Dom Donnay

For Dom Donnay, a 2020 graduate of the Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central (ITC), a Say Yes Syracuse Scholarship was more than financial support — it was the foundation for a journey of growth, exploration and purpose.

While in high school, Dom was a dedicated student who paired academic achievement with a passion for systemic change. He began taking Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA) classes his junior year and participated in Smart Scholars, a partnership between ITC and Onondaga Community College that allowed him to earn college credits while still in high school.
Beyond the classroom, he served on the Superintendent’s Student Cabinet and contributed to both the Code of Conduct and Strategic Plan Steering Committees. He also joined the City of Syracuse Youth Advisory Council, collaborating with Food Nutrition Services to diversify school lunches to better reflect the student population.

“I’ve always been driven to create opportunities for others,” Dom said. “Being involved in those conversations helped me see how student voices can really shape change.”

From a young age, Dom dreamed of becoming a physician — a goal inspired by his curiosity about science and his desire to help others. He first learned about Say Yes Syracuse through early outreach programs that introduced elementary students to the idea of college and the scholarship opportunities available to them.

When it came time to apply for college, Dom knew where he wanted to be. He enrolled at Syracuse University, majoring in public health with a concentration in addiction prevention and a minor in addiction studies.

“My college experience started off rocky since I began during the pandemic,” he said. “But I was lucky to be part of the student contact-tracing team, which gave me firsthand experience in public health and lab work.”

One of Dom’s most memorable college experiences was studying abroad in Florence, Italy. “It made me realize how big the world really is,” he said. “There’s so much out there to explore — and I’m grateful for the connections I made along the way.”

Throughout his college years, Dom remained active in the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program at Syracuse University (CSTEP) and later served as a program ambassador, speaking to students about careers in health care. “CSTEP supported me through some of my most challenging moments,” he said. “They’re truly my second family.”

After earning his bachelor’s degree in 2024, Dom moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he completed a master’s in public health with a concentration in community health practice. He also earned his Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credential in May 2025.

During graduate school, he served as co-president of the Graduate Public Health Association, helping strengthen partnerships between the university and local public-health organizations.
Next, Dom will begin a paramedic program in January 2026 while preparing to apply to medical school, with aspirations of becoming a surgeon.

Reflecting on his journey, Dom credits Say Yes Syracuse for opening doors that once felt out of reach.

“Say Yes gave me the opportunity for growth, adventure and networking,” he said. “It allowed me to pursue my true passions without the financial burden of college. Attending Syracuse University because of my scholarship gave me a second family — people who’ve supported me every step of the way. I’m forever grateful.”

Today, Dom continues to embody the spirit of Say Yes Syracuse — using his education, leadership and compassion to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.