This information comes from Genesee Community College.
In his last year as President of Genesee Community College, Stuart Steiner, Ed.D, -- leader of the school for more than 37 years -- will give students one last farewell before he heads into retirement. At the request of the Student Government Association, Steiner has agreed to serve as commencement speaker at graduation on Sunday, May 22.
Commencement ceremonies begin at 1 p.m. in the Anthony B. Zambito Gymnasium of the Batavia campus.
Since Genesee Community College was founded in the 1960s, Steiner has been a tireless leader ever-focused on the future of the college and student success. Originally, he served as Dean of Students for a short period and then became Dean of Instruction/Executive Dean until 1975. That year, he became president of the college. He is the second-longest serving community college president in the nation.
When announcing his retirement earlier this year, Steiner pointed out that he felt comfortable handing the reins to someone else because in so many measurable ways, Genesee is truly in the best shape it has ever been.
Enrollment has reached an all time high and Genesee finds itself fiscally sound thanks in part to record breaking fundraising efforts over the past year. The School of Nursing is up and running in the new Med-Tech building across from the Batavia Campus building. There is new campus center in Lima, and the sophisticated Rosalie "Roz" Steiner Art Gallery – located next to the Stuart Steiner Theatre – was met with enthusiasm when it opened earlier this month.
Steiner has managed all this recent prosperity and growth without raising tuition for the past two years.
"We've asked Dr. Steiner to speak at graduation, not only because we look up to him as an educational professional, but because we want to thank him for what he's done for us as students here at Genesee," said Ian Dries, president of the Student Government Association. "Without him, our education wouldn't have been the same."
While the event is open to the public, seats in the gymnasium are reserved for family and friends of graduates. The ceremony will be streamed live throughout the campus through a video cast to the Stuart Steiner Theatre, T102 and on every monitor on campus – including the Student Union and cafeteria for those who would like to tune in. Tickets are not necessary to watch the ceremony in these areas.
Immediately following commencement, a reception with punch and light refreshments will be hosted in the Forum for all guests and graduates.
The college is also offering free child-care services during commencement for children 8 weeks to 5 years of age. Please sign your children up in the Student Activities office or call 585-343-0055, ext 6261.
