GCC

Austin Moody, billed as an up-and-coming country singer/songwriter from Nashville, so up-and-coming, his first CD won't be out until the end of the year, played GCC for a couple hundred appreciative country fans.

Moody said he's played Upstate before and likes coming up here. It reminds him of home. There are real country fans here, he said. 

"And I mean, real country fans," he said. "Not bro-country fans. Not, 'I'm hot. You're hot. We're in a pickup truck,' country fans, but real country fans."

Press release:

An FBI Special Agent will address issues of cybersecurity at a free public forum Thursday, Oct. 6, at Genesee Community College.

It will be held from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in the Conable Technology Building / Room T102, located at 1 College Road, Batavia.

In an age of online convenience, security threats are always a looming possibility. Through Internet shopping, banking, social networking and mobile apps, we all have a cyber presence that needs to be protected.

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, which is designed to engage and educate public and private sector partners through events and initiatives to raise awareness about cybersecurity, provide tools and resources needed to stay safe online, and increase the resiliency of the nation in the event of a cyber incident. 

The Criminal Justice Club of Genesee Community College and members of the College's Computer Services Department, Computer Repair Club and GUSTO (Genesee Unites to Support Team Opportunities) are hosting this special guest speaker, a Supervisory Special Agent of the Buffalo Division's Cyber Squad. It brings together local, state and federal intelligence community experts to combat computer intrusions, viruses and other cyber threats.

A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation.

The FBI leads the national effort to investigate high-tech crimes, including cyber-based terrorism and espionage, computer and network intrusions, and major cyber fraud and identity theft. To stay in front of current and emerging trends, the FBI gathers and shares information and intelligence with public and private-sector partners worldwide.

Mary-Clare Stokes gets a strike of blue hair weaved into her own as part of Spirit Week at Genesee Community College and to honor the college's 50th anniversary.  Kassandra Bowen, of The Mane Attraction Salon & Spa, is performing the weave. Staff from Mane Attraction were in the Student Union this afternoon to provide the weaves to any students who wanted them. It was all Stokes' idea.

Press release:

There are still opportunities to enroll in fall classes at Genesee Community College! The late-start, 12-week session begins Monday, Sept. 19, and courses are offered at most of GCC's seven campus locations, as well as online.

Principles of Fly-Fishing (PED 193) is one of the more unique, new courses available. It is being offered at GCC's Medina Campus Center at 11470 Maple Ridge Road. The new two-credit course runs on Tuesday nights and begins this Tuesday, Sept. 20, from 6 – 8:30 p.m. under instructor Patrick Seidel.

"This 12-week course is perfect for anyone interested in fly-fishing – from the beginner or novice, to those who have some experience but want to refine their skills," Seidel, an adjunct instructor said. "Tom Brokaw once said, 'If fishing is a religion, fly -ishing is high church.' We intend to make this new course a fun, educational opportunity that welcomes the whole 'congregation' of fly-fishing enthusiasts."

Seidel has been teaching at GCC since the fall of 2015 and has 15 years of fly-fishing experience to his credit. He is also a fly-fishing instructor for the Lockport High School and a Wilderness First Aid instructor, American Red Cross instructor, and New York State First Aid instructor. For a short video of fly-fishing, check out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCsqAsPfTXM&feature=youtu.be.

Classes in the 12-week session are easily accessible and run mornings, afternoons and evenings, during the week as well as on Saturdays, on campus or online. Busy students can pick the right time, day or place that meets their needs and their schedules.

The fall 12-week session boasts more than 35 courses in a variety of dynamic subjects including American Sign Language, Principles of Business, Healthful Living, Introduction to Computers, Human Relations and Interpersonal Communication to name a few. Late start classes are offered at most of GCC's seven campus locations:

• Albion, 456 West Ave. / 585-589-4936

• Arcade, 25 Edward St. / 585-492-5265

• Batavia, One College Road / 585-345-6800

• Dansville, 31 Clara Barton St. / 585-335-7820

• Lima, 7285 Gale Road / 585-582-1226

• Medina, 11470 Maple Ridge Road / 585-798-1688

• Warsaw, 115 Linwood Ave. / 585-786-3010

Additionally, GCC also offers the final segment of late start eight-week courses beginning on Monday, Oct. 17. For all the class options at GCC visit www.genesee.edu/courses/schedule.

To apply online for classes at any Genesee Community College campus location, new students should go to: http://www.genesee.edu/Admissions or call the Admissions office at 585-345-6800.

Press release:

At this time next year -- in 2017 -- Genesee Community College will formerly introduce the "plus-minus" grading system replacing the old structure that has relied solely on A, B, C, D and F, the College's Board of Trustees learned at its monthly meeting on Monday night.

The broader grading range will include A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D- and F, and "will provide a more accurate reflection of student achievement," according to GCC President James M. Sunser.

The process to convert the grading structure has been a multi-year effort that began in 2015. In her report to the Trustees, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Kathleen M. Schiefen explained that GCC is now among the very few educational institutions nationwide that uses the five-letter grading scale. In May 2015, the College's Academic Senate approved the proposal to add the plus and minus letter grades to the College's student evaluation system, and began the multiyear process to change the grading structure.

Expanding the grading system reinforces the College's number one priority which is student success and completion. Next fall, the grading system will break down into the following letter grade to grade point averages: A = 4.0; A- = 3.67; B+ = 3.33; B = 3.0; B- = 2.67; C+ = 2.33; C = 2.0; C- = 1.67; D+ = 1.33; D = 1.0; D- = .67; F = failure.

"Using the plus–minus grading scale encourages students to do better by giving an added incentive to keep working," Dr. Schiefen explained. As an example, a student with a 70 average and another student with a 79 average will both receive a C. However, as students realize that by working a little harder they might receive a C+ they will be inspired to work hard through to the final assignments or examinations.

Plus-minus grading also helps the admissions selection process distinguish between the various levels of student achievement. Programs such as nursing that have strict admission criteria can better determine the students who are most apt to succeed in the more rigorous academic settings.

But introducing the new grading system is a rigorous task in itself and warranted a careful, two-year plan to ensure all departments change over their systems appropriately. From each academic division to the Records and Business Offices, all full-time and adjunct faculty members, as well as every page of the College's website, the Student and Faculty Handbook, College Catalog, the Banner database system and each and every course syllabus are being carefully culled to ensure a comprehensive conversion to the plus-minus structure.

In other business, the Board of Trustees:

• Heard Richard Ensman, executive director of the Genesee Community College Foundation report on College Village, which has owned and operated the student residential community adjacent to the College's Batavia Campus for 16 years. With occupancy at more than 80 percent this semester, College Village continues to expand and improve the facility by increasing and improving its scope of services. College Village has introduced the "coaching model" through a combination of active engagement and proactive programming to increase student retention and graduation rate. Five college courses, as well as seminars, tutoring and referrals are available at College Village, many in the new "Root" which is located in the basement level of the Hemlock Building. In addition, College Village has expanded public transportation opportunities into the City of Batavia to further engage the student residents in the life of the local community with service now running on Friday nights from College Village to various points in the City.

• Heard Garth Swanson, GCC professor of History, report GCC's Academic Senate, where he has recently assumed the role of president. As a governing body with broad, college-wide representation, the Senate is the primary voice for faculty and staff and operates under four standing committees: Curriculum, Academic Innovation, Academic Standards and Student Success and Retention. The fifth ad hoc committee Emerging Initiatives, addresses the many issues facing community colleges overall, and could likely become a permanent part of the organization under Swanson's leadership. Among the Senate's 2016-2017 priorities are strengthening campus-wide communication; creating an integrated strategy for rapid responses to the changing academic environment; broadening the faculty's role in academic innovation; and supporting GCC's accreditation process with Middle States Commission for Higher Education. The Senate meets every fourth Tuesday of the month, and Senate committees meet every second Tuesday of the month, both at 12:45 p.m. Prof. Swanson welcomed the Board of Trustees to attend.

• Heard Virginia Taylor, Ph.D., vice president for Student and Enrollment Services, report that 133 international students are enrolled at GCC this year representing Japan (58), Netherland Antilles / Carousel Islands (24); United Kingdom (14); Korea (five); Brazil, Canada, Ireland, Nigeria (all four each); Bangladesh (three); China, Timor Leste, Ukraine (each two), and one student is enrolled at GCC from each of the following countries: France, Ivory Coast, Jamica, Malaysia, Russian Federation, Spain, Turkmenistan and Vietnam.

• Approved the following donations: Bridal gowns and social occasion dresses of assorted sizes valued at more than $12,000 to be used and potentially repurposed by the College's Fashion Program; and a pulmonary function testing machine valued at $6,000 for the College's Respiratory Care Program.

• Welcomed Jenna Curcio as the 2016-2017 student trustee. Curcio, from Rochester, is a pursuing a Fashion Business degree with aspirations of transferring to Fashion Institute of Technology.

• Heard of the appointment of Eric Edwards as a new temporary, grant-funded student support services technical specialist. Coming from Hilbert College with eight years of experience as an admissions counselor, she has extensive knowledge in the transfer process, financial aid, career counseling and academic advising. She is a GCC alumna with a Human Services, AS; and also earned a BS from Hilbert and an MS from St. Bonaventure.

• Welcomed the following new GCC employees who attended the post-meeting reception: Shelitha Williams, Ph.D., associate vice president for Student Success; Dr. Laurel Sanger, director of Nursing; Jennifer Wakefield, program director of The BEST Center; and Maureen Spindler, visual communication specialist in the Marketing Communications Office.

Press release:

For the next 50 days, students in the GCC Veterinary Technology Club will be challenged to take a total of 5,000 pictures in an effort to raise money for two spring experiential learning trips planned for March.

Beginning on Sunday, Sept.11, and continuing until Sunday, Oct. 30, Vet Tech students will take pictures that have both a veterinary technician and an animal in them, posting their candid's to the GCC Vet Tech Facebook page for the public to view and follow along. All pictures must be taken and posted to the Facebook page within the 50-day period in order to count toward the fundraising effort.

Students will solicit and collect pledges much like you would do for a walk-a-thon or bike-a-thon, but the pledge will be per picture with a maximum of 5,000 pictures. For example, a one cent per photo pledge would equal a $50 donation, or a half-cent per photo pledge, would equal a $25 donation. Those who pledge will support the GCC Vet Tech Club as a whole, and all of the posted pictures have the intrinsic value of showing GCC's Vet Tech students doing what they love -- working and being with animals.

"The fun idea benefits students in a multitude of ways," Carrie Caccamise, director of GCC's Veterinary Technology Program, said. "We will continue to accept pledges through the 50-day period, but are starting to solicit pledges now. All pledges will be collected at the end of the Photo-thon. We hope everyone enjoys following along on our Facebook page and will consider pledging!"

Funds raised through the photo-thon effort will support Vet Tech students in one of two trips currently in the planning stages for the College's spring break in March. Both trips will provide important experience in veterinary medicine in a different setting than is not currently available at the College or the surrounding field visits in Western New York.

The first possible destination is the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, Fla., where seniors in the Vet Tech program visited this past spring for the first time. While at the Zoo, the students observed exams and treatments on many exotic animals including a penguin, a two-toed sloth, a spur fowl, white and black rhinos, a pig, tortoises, a screech owl and elephants, as well as armadillos, tortoises and pythons.

The exams involved anesthesia, radiographs, ultrasound exams and blood draws. Since these animals are not as friendly as most dogs and cats, the students were able to observe the different techniques for handling and administration of anesthesia during the examinations. The other Vet Tech student trip being explored for spring break is to an Indian reservation in Arizona that does not offer regular veterinary care.

Anyone wishing to pledge or follow along for the 50-day photo-thon can visit the GCC Vet Tech Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GCCVetTechGO/ for more information. Those wishing to pledge by check can make checks payable to GCC Vet Tech Club and send them to: GCC Vet Tech Program – D309, Genesee Community College, One College Road, Batavia, NY 14020.

Press release:

The Holland Land Office Museum is hosting a presentation and review of Genesee Community College – The first 50 Years given by co-author Larry D. Barnes. 

This event will be held at the Holland Land Office Museum at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 30. There will be a book signing after the program. There is no cost and everyone is welcome. The museum is located at 131 W. Main St. in the City of Batavia.

The book, written by Barnes and Ruth E. Andes, both faculty members 1968 – 2014, is a history story of a dynamic achievement through innovative programs, workforce development and community involvement. It follows the College from a converted department store with 367 students to more than 7,000 students studying in more than 60 different programs.

Press release:

As Genesee Community College celebrates a monumental milestone in 2016-2017, the College invites visitors to explore the past and present, and look forward to the future using the recently launched 50th Anniversary website, http://sunygcc50.genesee.edu.

The Anniversary website is the central online meeting place for Anniversary news, calendar of events and a collection of memorabilia recognizing the College's True-Blue Past and Golden Future. Designed to highlight GCC's many accomplishments over the past 50 years, the new site gives users a visual and informative review of the College's first half century. 

Included within the website are "Points of Pride" -- 50 interactive, visual moments to illustrate events, faculty and staff, and key College achievements and distinctions. With the click of a button, visitors can learn many significant aspects of GCC from The BEST Center to online courses and degrees, campus growth to athletic achievements, and much more. The "Online Scrapbook" feature allows users to upload their own photos and recollections of the College to share their memories and join the celebration. 

"We wanted a website that was visually appealing, interactive and easy to navigate," Donna Rae Sutherland, associate director of Marketing Communications, and a member of the Anniversary Steering Committee said.

"The new website is a great way to look back at GCC's many achievements and see some of the amazing things our students and alumni have been doing for five decades. It's also a fun way to prepare for the exciting future. Keep an eye on the Calendar since we will be posting new opportunities throughout the coming year." 

The Timeline takes visitors back to the founding of Genesee Community College when the group of local Jaycees formed a Citizens Committee to help forge community support to pass the public referendum. It also recognizes important leaders such as past GCC presidents, Alfred O'Connell, Ph.D., Cornelius Robbins, Ph.D., and Stuart Steiner, Ph.D., as well as current president James Sunser, Ph.D.

With more than 80 photos featured on the overall site and the opportunity for all to contribute more memorabilia to the Online Scrapbook, the website reflects GCC's 50th Anniversary theme which is "Our True-Blue Past – Your Golden Future."

GCC's 50th Anniversary celebrations continue with the following upcoming events:

-- Futurist Jack Uldrich will give the keynote address at the Wolcott Jay Humphrey III Symposium for Leadership and Community Life at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22;

-- Fall-Fest Cougar Weekend schedule continues Friday and Saturday, Sept. 23 – 24, offers plenty of opportunities for the whole community including the second annual Cougar Crawl on Friday evening. All-day festivities on Saturday include: the Rods and Rock Car Cruise; several student and alumni athletic competitions; the Craft and Vendor Fair; and the Award Ceremony for the Men's Lacrosse Team who won the NJCAA National Championship this past spring, and the unveiling of "Genesee Community College – The First 50 Years" by co-authors and faculty emeriti Larry D. Barnes and Ruth E. Andes at 3 p.m. in T102 of the Conable Technology Building. 

The new website is easily accessible from the College's main homepage, www.genesee.edu, by clicking on the 50th Anniversary logo on the lower right portion of the page.

Press release:

Acclaimed global futurist, speaker and best-selling author Jack Uldrich paints vivid pictures of what the world may look like in just a few short years. Often asked, "What will the future look like?" Uldrich's response is, "Predictably unpredictable."

The key, according to Uldrich, is embracing paradox: learning to unlearn, thinking about the unthinkable, recognizing failure as a key component of success, and understanding that an awareness of one's ignorance is a key component of true wisdom. On Thursday, Sept. 22, at the 2016 Wolcott J. Humphrey III Symposium at Genesee Community College, Uldrich will serve as the keynote speaker for the event and deliver a presentation to help guests better prepare for the unpredictable.

Uldrich's keynote address begins at 4 p.m. in the Stuart Steiner Theatre of GCC's Batavia Campus will be followed by a panel discussion featuring local representatives from agriculture, education, healthcare and leadership. Confirmed panelists to date include: John Noble, president of Linwood Management Group, LLC (agribusiness); James M. Sunser, Ph.D, president of GCC, (education); Daniel Ireland, president and CEO of UMMC (healthcare); Nathan Rudgers, senior vice president for Farm Credit East (business / entrepreneurial development), and Peggy Marone, Leadership Genesee director, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County (community leadership).

Seating is limited. Admission for the event is $25 and advanced reservations are strongly encouraged. 

Speaking at more than 100 engagements each year, Uldrich argues that creativity and action are more powerful and versatile than knowledge. His speeches are packed with energy, anecdotes, and thoughtful business and personal advice that educate, entertain, and inspire audiences. He brings to light the advantages of being creative and using the powers of individual imagination.

A best-selling and award-winning author of 11 books, including one of his latest, "Foresight 2020: A Futurist Explores the Trends Transforming Tomorrow," Uldrich provides an in-depth exploration of how the "Internet of things," big data, social media, robotics, biotechnology, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy and "collaborative consumption" will change everyday life for all of us in the very near future. Through upbeat, practical and actionable insights, his presentation sheds light on future trends, emerging technologies, innovation, change management and transformational leadership.

As an advisor to Fortune 1000 companies, Uldrich has presented to hundreds of businesses and organizations on five continents, including General Electric, General Mills, the Young Presidents Organization (YPO), Pfizer, Invitrogen, St. Jude Medical, AG Schering and more.

Uldrich is a frequent guest on major news outlets, including CNN, CNBC and NPR. He is an ongoing contributor to emerging technologies and future trends for publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Wired, and Business Week and regularly makes television appearances on the Science Channel's "FutureScape" and the Discovery Channel show "Inside Out." He is also founder and "Chief Unlearning Officer" of The School of Unlearning – an international consultancy designed to assist organizations succeed tomorrow by unlearning today.

Uldrich is a formal naval intelligence officer and Defense Department official. He previously served as the director of the Minnesota Office of Strategic and Long-Range Planning.

Call the Genesee Community College Foundation at 345-6809;

Visit the website: http://www.genesee.edu/cms/home/events/humphrey/

Email Patty Hume at pahume@genesee.edu.

As part of the College's 50th Anniversary celebration, the first 50 students and the first 50 GCC alumni who reserve their advance seats will be admitted free! Students of any age are otherwise $10.

About the Wolcott J. Humphrey III Symposium

Wolcott J. (Jay) Humphrey III was a man of vision. At the time of his death, he was a member of Genesee Community College's Board of Directors and was regarded as one of the region's foremost civic leaders and a strong proponent of leadership development.

The Humphrey Symposium brings speakers with a national or regional reputation to GCC to discuss various facets of leadership in honor of a man that inspired others to develop new initiatives and reach for extraordinary levels of success. Past speakers have included Syracuse University Basketball Coach Jim Boeheim, Paycheck CEO Thomas Golisano, Dr. Donna M. Fernandes, president of the Buffalo Zoological Society, Jerry Greenfield of Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc., and many other national and regional leaders.

Mindfulness, self-improvement and guidance are important themes in today’s crazy world. With all of this anxiety swirling around our society, it’s probably the most perfect and appropriate time for a wonderful painting exhibition called “Meditations” by Joanna Angie at The Rosalie “Roz” Steiner Gallery at Genesee Community College in Batavia.

“Meditations” runs through Sept. 24. The gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and open during GCC special events.

Buffalo artist Angie’s large, colorful thangka paintings explore the themes of compassion, community and knowledge. The images stem from the natural connection of Tibetan spiritual practice and the traditional form of art dating back to the 11th century. In addition to their stunning beauty, the thangka paintings serve as objects of devotion, aids to spiritual practice and sources of blessings to the who meditate upon them.

Angie’s colorful works are reflective of her life’s path. Her early childhood passion for colorful paintings began a journey of creative pursuits. Along the way, she got involved with Tibetan spiritual practice, which has taken her across the world to places like China, Tibet, India and beyond. After founding Buffalo Arts Studio in 1991, Angie directed the organization and worked on her mural career.

Visit www.VisitGeneseeNY.com to learn more...

Press release:

The two new facilities under construction at Genesee Community College are beginning to take shape and both projects are on schedule to be completed next summer, the College's Board of Trustees learned at its monthly meeting following a project tour. 

The structural steel is rising on the new 18,478-square-foot, two-story Student Success Center, which will connect to the existing Conable Technology Building through a second-story bridge. As the new "front door" of the Batavia Campus, the Student Success Center will partially enclose the College's central clock tower quad and provide a one-stop service center for students seeking admissions, financial aid, academic advisement, as well as job and career counseling. 

The site work for the new, 56,614-square-foot Richard C. Call Arena continues with the structural steel anticipated in the coming two or three weeks. Located adjacent to the Soccer and Lacrosse Turf Field at the far west side of campus, the new facility will be the largest open public space in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties and is expected to draw as many as 500,000 visitors to the campus each year. The large arena will not only accommodate an array of athletic competitions, but all kinds of civic, community, trade, industry as well as college events -- from farm, boat and tractor shows to commencement ceremonies where a whole family can sit together. 

Combined, the two projects make up the largest component of a nearly $25-million overall capital project. 

In other business, the Board of Trustees:

• Heard a report from Barbara Sadden, director of the Upward Bound program, which is celebrating its 32nd year as part the federally funded TRiO Program. Through a partnership between Genesee Community College and numerous area secondary schools, the program serves students in Genesee and Wyoming counties from low-income families and/or families where neither parent holds a bachelor's degree. Upward Bound provides these students with year-round academic instruction, tutoring, counseling, mentoring, cultural enrichment, work-study programs and other activities all focused on increasing their likelihood of graduating from high school and enrolling in a college or university. Since 1984 when the program was introduced, 1,671 students have been served, and Upward Bound students have successfully enrolled in more than 24 different colleges and universities. In addition, as high school students enrolled in GCC's Accelerated College Enrollment Program, Upward Bound students have taken 324 college credits. 

• Approved President James Sunser's report on the reaffirming of the following College policies with minor revisions: Use of Equipment (5006), On-Campus Sales (5007), Parking Regulations (5008), External Support of Research and Development Activities (5010), Process for Independent Auditing Services (5011), Purchasing Policy (5015) and Petty Cash (5016). 

• Appointed the Board of Trustee committee assignments as follows: Buildings & Grounds -- Donna Ferry (chair), Peter Call, Maureen Marshall, Laurie Miller and Jacalyn Whiting; Personnel -- Laurie Miller (chair), Benjamin Bonarigo, Robert Boyce, Maureen Marshall, and Diane Torcello; Policy -- Benjamin Bonarigo (chair) and Jacalyn Whiting; Finance -- Peter Call (chair), Donna Ferry and Diane Torcello; NYCCT -- Donna Ferry; Foundation -- Robert Boyce, Peter Call, and Jacalyn Whiting; GCC Association -- Laurie Miller; Nominating -- Donna Ferry (chair) and Robert Boyce.

• Heard President Sunser report on the following new personnel appointments:

• Laurel Sanger, will begin as the new director of GCC's Nursing program on Sept. 5. She leaves Monroe Community College after nearly 20 years of experience as the dean of Science, Health and Business, the chair of the Nursing department and a nursing instructor. She earned two master's degrees, in Gerontology Nurse Practitioner and Public Administration from Nazareth College and The College at Brockport, respectively. She resides in Rochester.

Other new Nursing program instructional staff include: 

• Crystal Shelanskey earned her master's degree in Nursing Education from Roberts Wesleyan College, and has been clinical adjunct instructor at GCC for three years and a visiting nurse in the Rochester area performing in-home patient support. She resides in Rochester.
• Beth Felix also earned her master's degree in Nursing Education from Roberts Wesleyan College. She has worked as a clinical instructor for both GCC and MCC and currently works as an intensive care RN in the Rochester Regional Health System. She resides in Rochester.
• Sabrina Schwartz is a 2010 graduate of GCC's Nursing Program and earned her master's degree from SUNY-IT Utica. She has worked in a variety of nursing specialties including clinical teaching, in-service and telehealth, and has three years of maternity experience. She currently is a per diem nurse in maternity and newborn nursing. She resides in Newfane.
• Mary Dixon is a 1984 graduate of GCC's Nursing Program and earned her master's degree in Nursing Education from St. John's Fisher College. She has since served as an adjunct nursing instructor at both institutions. As a certified oncology nurse, she currently practices oncology and hematology nursing. She resides in Batavia.

Photo provided by GCC. Award winners -- all wearing medals around their necks -- are pictured from left: Michelle A. Peck, M. Richard Dudkowski, Rafael Alicia-Maldonado, Ph.D, Karen Huffman, Ph.D, Carol Marriott, Pamela N. Lusk, Edward J. Grabowski, and Karen K. Wicka. (Not shown: Roxanne M. Holthaus.) GCC President James Sunser is standing in back in the center. Chair of GCC's Board of Trustees Laura Bohm is standing in front with her hands clasped together. 

Press release:

Nine members of the Genesee Community College faculty and staff, two of whom live in Genesee County, have been recognized by State University of New York Chancellor Nancy Zimpher for outstanding contributions to their profession, the campus and the community. The Chancellor's Award for Excellence is given in recognition of consistently superior professional achievement and encourages the ongoing pursuit of excellence.

The following GCC faculty and staff members earned the 2016 award and were honored at a reception on the Batavia Campus Thursday, Aug. 18, in the Stuart Steiner Theatre.

Award for Excellence in Teaching

***Roxanne M. Holthaus, Assistant Professor, Nursing – Holthaus joined GCC as a full-time faculty member in 2009. With over 16 years of experience, both as a highly engaged registered nurse and a family nurse practitioner in a university setting, Holthaus was promoted by the College to the rank of assistant professor of Nursing in 2015. She earned a bachelor's degree in Biology from SUNY Binghamton and a bachelor's and master's degree in Nursing from the University of Rochester School of Nursing. Entirely dedicated to the success of her students, Holthaus is the coordinator and point of contact for the "Nursing Boot Camp" program, a series of clinical lab and simulation exercises run for two to three nights during the months of July and/or August, as a means of helping students maintain their nursing skill set during the semester break. In the classroom, Holthaus uses multiple techniques to enhance the learning environment and believes that all students enrolled in the nursing program have the right to learn and the chance to be successful. She believes that students need to be reached where and how they learn best, which means understanding that the same approach will not work for all. ***Holthaus resides in Le Roy.

Karen K. Wicka, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice – Wicka was an attorney who left the practice of law to pursue her passion of teaching. She began her time at GCC as an adjunct professor of criminal justice in 2001 and was hired as a full-time instructor in 2008. As of 2012, Wicka has held the title of assistant professor. In addition to classroom learning, she has taken an active role in promoting learning through other school activities, including the Criminal Justice Club which she is a co-advisor for. Within the club, Wicka aids students in running various activities and events which help them learn more about and participate in the criminal justice field. She has also inspired in students to give back to the community through various service activities such as raising money for the Genesee County K-9. Wicka obtained a bachelor's degree in Political Science from SUNY Potsdam before earning a juris doctorate from Albany Law School of Union University. Her legal experience includes serving as an associate for Bond, Shoeneck & King, LLP, in Buffalo and O'Connell and Aronowitz, P.C. in Albany, where she previously worked as a law clerk. Wicka is a member of the Criminal Justice Educators Association of New York (CJEANYS), Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS), the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the New York Bar Association. She continues to give back to the College with her time as a volunteer for the Scholars Symposium and the New York State Historical Society Essay Contest for GCC, helping students prepare and revise essay submissions. She resides in Hamburg.

Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching

Edward J. Grabowski, Adjunct Instructor of Social Science and Business – Grabowski teaches a variety of courses at GCC across multiple disciplines, including Criminal Justice, Business Law and Paralegal Studies, and at several locations. He has taught on an adjunct basis at the College since 2007, bringing a level of excitement and entertainment to the classroom. Grabowski's teaching style creates an atmosphere that is highly conductive to student learning and he does whatever he can to help students be successful, frequently going above and beyond expectations of adjuncts to help a student in need. His career in law enforcement began with an A.A.S in Police Science from GCC in 1976. He then earned a B.S. in Police Science and Education from Buffalo State College and finally, Grabowski received a J.D. from the University at Buffalo School of Law in 1997. Heavily involved in his community, he has been a Boy Scout leader for 20 years and teaches law and criminal justice-related merit badges to Boy Scouts. Grabowski is a member of the Orleans Niagara BOCES School Board and has a professional Santa Claus costume, portraying Santa since 1982 at local events. He resides in Medina.

Pamela N. Lusk, Adjunct Instructor of Social Science and Health – Lusk has taught for GCC since the Albion Campus Center opened in the fall of 1990. Her background and education allow her to teach in multiple subject areas, including Psychology, Health, Human Services and Sociology. Lusk obtained a dual-major bachelor's degree in Health Education and Community Development and a master's degree in Health and Social Sciences from The College at Brockport and completed her Ph.D in Psychology from Cornell University. She has been so highly regarded at Genesee that she has been asked to fill other temporary assignments for the College including acting associate dean for the campus center and wellness coordinator the Title III Grant. In addition to teaching, Lusk volunteers her time both within the College and in her community and encourages her students to do the same. She has led the Albion Campus Wellness Student Club and has overseen numerous fundraisers and other service projects to help those in need. Lusk's exuberance and positivity is contagious, not only with students, faculty, and staff but also with community members.

Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities

Karen Huffman, Ph.D, Assistant Professor of Biology – Huffman has been a member of the College's Science faculty since 2011 and has become an integral part of the department, being promoted to the rank of assistant professor in the fall of 2014. She has been instrumental in developing service learning at Genesee and has worked to develop coursework with colleagues from across the academic divisions to help students learn better study skills, note taking, and develop writing skills. Huffman graduated with Honors from Indiana University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology. She then moved to Texas and completed a Ph.D in Biology at the University of Texas, teaching, carrying out original research, and presenting at national meetings. Her teaching includes stints as an adjunct professor at a number of community and four-year colleges in Chicago and Buffalo, and as a high school biology teacher at Mt. Mercy Academy in Buffalo. Beyond GCC, Huffman serves on several state level committees including the NYS Science Content Advisory Panel and the Science Teachers Association of New York State, where she serves on the Board of Directors and was recently elected as the statewide college level representative. She was instrumental in planning and executing the College's first Scholars Symposium Day, which was held in the spring and provided a platform for students and faculty to present their research on topics of interest to them. Huffman continues to represent GCC through presentations that she makes at local, state and national conferences as well as through a long list of publications.

Award for Excellence in Faculty Service

M. Richard (Rick) Dudkowski, Professor of Business/Marketing/Fashion – Dudkowski has been a valued member of the GCC faculty since 1984, making significant contributions to the College and in particular, the Fashion Business program. He was hired as the first full-time faculty member in the Fashion program and through his leadership, the program has grown from 12 students to its current enrollment of 73 students. He is well known in the Western New York fashion industry and is frequently sought after to serve as a guest speaker or judge for an event. "Mr. D," as he is called by his students, was the 2001-2002 recipient of the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching and the 2008-2009 recipient of the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities. He is currently co-chairing the College's 50th anniversary steering committee and he co-chaired the 20th anniversary steering committee, helping to organize special events to recognize the founding of GCC. Under Mr. D's watch, the annual fashion show celebrated its 35th anniversary in the spring and has grown into the largest and longest-running fashion show in Western New York. For the past 15 years, under the direction of Mr. D, the Business Forum Club has hosted the annual "Ducky Derby," raising thousands of dollars to support the United Way. Richard earned an associate degree in Business Administration from Erie Community College, a bachelor's degree in Consumer and Business Studies from Buffalo State College, a master's degree in Vocational and Technical Education from Buffalo State College, and he has completed all but the dissertation at the University at Buffalo in the Educational Doctorate program in Vocational Education. He resides in Clarence.

Award for Excellence in Professional Service 

Rafael Alicea-Maldonado, Ph.D, Dean of Math/Science and Career Education – "Dr. RAM," as he is known on campus, came to GCC as an instructor of Chemistry in 2000. He received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2004-2005 and after reaching full professor status in 2010, and he won again in 2011 for Faculty Service. He oversees 40 academic programs, a significant portion of the Academic Affairs division. A native of Puerto Rico, Dr. RAM earned a bachelor of science degree in Chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico and a doctoral degree in Chemistry from the University at Buffalo. He was awarded the Mattern-Tyler Excellence in Teaching Award from the Department of Chemistry at UB, has authored several publications, and has presented at over a dozen conferences. In August of 2011, Dr. RAM was became the academic dean of the Math, Science & Career Education Area at GCC after the College conducted a nationwide search for the position. He currently teaches the Intro to Chemistry course in an online format, which he developed. Dr. RAM resides in Buffalo.

***Carol Marriott, Associate Vice President for Institutional Research and Assessment – Marriott's career at the College began in 2000 as a temporary grant coordinator to oversee operations of a Title III Grant. Under her direction, the grant provided GCC with a strengthened endowment and several facilities that greatly improved the quality of the learning experience, setting the College apart from its peers. At the end of the grant, Marriott returned to school and obtained a master's degree in Higher Education from the University at Buffalo before returning to work at Genesee as the director of Institutional Research. She advanced to the position of associate dean for Institutional Research and Assessment in 2009 before being named associate vice president in 2012. Under Marriott's leadership, Genesee has never missed a deadline, or been unable to accommodate a change to reporting requested by external stakeholders such as SUNY or Middles States Commission on Higher Education. Her creative and innovative approach to problem solving has resulted in the development of major decision-making tools at the College, such as the Genesee Strategic Intelligence (GSI) system. Her leadership has put GCC at the forefront of its peers and been recognized at the state level as well as by Middle States. ***Marriott resides in Corfu.

Award for Excellence in Classified Service

Michelle A. Peck, Secretary of Health, Physical Education and Athletics – Peck started her career at the College in 2007 and she has been an integral part of the Health, Physical Education and Athletics departments from that time forward. Serving as secretary to both the director of Athletics and to the director of Health and Physical Education at GCC, Peck's work requires a high level of organization and her daily routine consists of multitasking to complete several projects in a timely manner. She has served on several search committees and is a member of LEAD, which is a leadership, development committee for student athletes. Peck actively assists in organizing and participating in several events each year, such as the GLOW Corporate Cup, athletic team games and fundraisers, Mission Condition, Athlete Olympics, Mini-Summit, Athletics Hall of Fame, and more. She continuously meets the needs of hundreds of students, faculty, athletes and coaches each year while balancing her responsibilities and efforts under two supervisors. Peck resides in Orangeville.

Project organizers see the START-UP Genesee seminar series as a necessary starting point for prospective entrepreneurs to navigate what could become a complicated road to success.

But, ultimately, it is the funding component of this partnership among local and state agencies that will generate the fuel to enable new businesses to survive and thrive.

As reported on Tuesday in The Batavian, START-UP Genesee has been formed to assist all types of businesses from early stage planning to site selection, access to capital and product development or diversification.

The initiative will kick off with an open house at 3:30 p.m. Aug. 31 at the Harvester Center, 22 Masse Place, Batavia, and continue with six programs for entrepreneurs every other month starting in November.

The Batavia Development Corp. and the Genesee County Economic Development Center are two of the eight agencies that have come together to set START-UP Genesee in motion.

BDC Coordinator Julie Pacatte and GCEDC Marketing Director Rachael Tabelski believe the effort will produce results largely due to the current funding streams available to entrepreneurs.

“At the BDC, we primarily work with microenterprise – start-ups with five or fewer employees -- and we have had a lot of success with the 'Get Underway' grant program,” Pacatte said, noting that numerous start-ups have taken advantage of City of Batavia microenterprise grants.

Pacatte added that BDC directors are exploring programs that provide more programming, including mentorship and ongoing improvement strategies.

Tabelski touts the GCEDC’s commitment to entrepreneurship, calling it one of her employer’s three pillars of economic development, and she dismisses suggestions that the agency only doles out tax breaks to businesses.

“We administer loan funds, and can point someone in the direction of the Batavia Development Corporation or the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce for smaller ‘micro’ loans,” she said.

Both Pacatte and Tabelski have high praise for the START-UP NY program offered through Genesee Community College.

“As far as tax incentives, START-UP NY is basically a feeder program that helps (entrepreneurs) move in the right direction,” Pacatte said. “It’s a key component in Genesee County, thanks to the efforts of William Emm, (executive vice president of planning and institutional effectiveness), who is the architect of the GCC START-UP NY plan.”

Tabelski said that “entrepreneurship is the key to employing more people and a way to get tax incentives through START-UP NY at GCC.”

“The idea of START-UP Genesee is to find out if someone has an idea that could turn into a viable business plan and be eligible for space."

START-UP NY offers new and expanding businesses the opportunity to operate tax-free for 10 years on or near eligible university or college campuses in New York State.  GCC has designated 50.6 acres of vacant land at the Batavia campus as well as 19,678 square feet of vacant space at the Dansville campus.

The college targets businesses in agribusiness, advanced manufacturing, technology, energy development (bio-digesters and advanced energy management systems) and agricultural research. For further information on the qualifications for the START-UP NY program and the application process, go to: http://startup-ny.com/

Additional grant funding is available through New York State’s Consolidated Funding Application and Empire State Development, and through programs such as 43 North in Buffalo and Hi-Tech Rochester’s Venture Challenge.

Tabelski said that Batavian Georgeann Carrubba, who came up with an invention to help those with ostomy bags, was “shepherded” by the GCEDC’s Innovation Zone, which provides access to “venture capital folks and enables businesses to scale up more quickly.”

In related developments:

Pacatte said that her agency has submitted grant requests to ESD for Ellicott Station remedial work, and received CFA funding last year to study the feasibility of subdividing the 20-acre core Harvester Park, encompassing parts of Harvester Avenue, Masse Place and Swan Street.

She said that Samuel Savarino, developer of Ellicott Station, is closing in on a couple of tenants – one to operate an entertainment/retail destination and the other two to lease office space. 

The Harvester Park plan will be revealed in the next 30 days, she said, adding that owners of the land on Swan Street that has been considered as a possible site for a new City of Batavia police headquarters, had been talking about developing the parcel “before the police conversation came up.”

Submitted artwork by thangka artist Joanna Angie as featured in new exhibit at GCC's Roz Steiner Gallery called "Meditation."

Press release:

The schedule is now in place for artists and exhibits that will be featured in the Rosalie "Roz" Steiner Art Gallery this fall at Genesee Community College, and thangka (Tibetan buddhist painting) artist Joanna Angie will display her works from Aug. 22 – Sept. 24 to begin the season.

Evident in her artwork, Angie has a strong sense of connection to Tibetan spiritual practice. Through thangka, a traditional Tibetan form of religious art dating back to the 11th century, Joanna seeks to convey images of compassion, community and knowledge.

"What I found in the Tibetan spiritual practice and thangka paintings was a natural sense of connection," Angie said. "The images stand for qualities we can develop such as compassion, community and knowledge, knowing there was no good judging me, just cause and effect."

Angie is the daughter of an Italian immigrant who escaped Mussolini's wrath and was proud of his American citizenship. After her father's death when she was just 14 years old, faith slowly came to her and school teachers and college professors became new guides in her life. After graduating Bennett College, Angie opened a gourmet food business, but became very sick by the age of 28. Relocation to Massachusetts exposed her to a Tibetan healer and a hatha yoga teacher, giving her new opportunities to heal and figured immensely into her healing process.

As a community-engaged artist, Joanna has worked on numerous projects including the public art project to commemorate the Centennial of the Pan-American Exposition in 2001. She was an active member of the Community Outreach Committee for the 2006 visit to Buffalo by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama and in 2005, 2007 and 2010; she was an active participant in Beyond/In WNY Exhibitions, collaboration between visual arts organizations in the Western New York Region. Her mural commissions include work at Carnegie Hall Towers and William Hurt's residence in New York City and at St. Paul's Cathedral and The Buffalo Club in Buffalo.

Founder of the Buffalo Arts Studio and acting director from 1991-2012, Angie has exhibited her work at galleries in Buffalo, including Anderson Gallery, Buffalo Arts Studio, CEPA, El Museo, Hallwalls, Contemporary Arts Center, Himalayan Institute of Buffalo, Insight Gallery; as well as the Kenan Center in Lockport, Olean Public Library Art Gallery and the Schweinfurth Art Center in Auburn.

In addition to its aesthetic beauty as a work of art, thangka serves as an object of devotion, an aid to spiritual practice, and a source of blessings to those who meditate upon it. Joanna's exhibition "Mediation" will be shown Aug. 22 – Sept. 24 and an opening reception is planned for Sept. 8 beginning at 1 p.m. The exhibition will close with a reception on Sept. 24 beginning at 1 p.m. during GCC's Homecoming festivities.

The Roz Steiner Art Gallery will continue to host natural and historical works through the fall with the following exhibits:

• Oct. 6 – 28 -- "On Watch": A curiosity in the process of knowledge formation drives the conceptual framework for Timothy Frerichs' artwork. Through his site-specific installations, he seeks to address and inform ways of responding to and observing the natural world. With the idea that "to categorize is to know," he explores how gathering objects for information and the creation of knowledge constitutes and develops into a reality, particularly in terms of how culturally accepted concepts evolve and become mainstream.

The Exhibition will begin with an opening lecture and reception at 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 6.

• Nov. 10 – Dec. 16: "A Celebration of Native American Heritage": A comprehensive survey of Native American Heritage spanning 150+ years, this exhibit features a diverse collection of regional artifacts on loan from the Rochester Museum and Science Center as well as artwork from contemporary Native American artist Carson Waterman. Waterman's art and public murals can be found in and around Western New York, as well as at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.

Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. For more information on all upcoming events at the Roz Steiner Art Gallery visit www.genesee.edu/gallery or www.facebook.com/gccgallery

This is Booker Edgerson, a star cornerback with the Buffalo Bills in the 1960s.

When I told Edgerson that I'm a little rusty on my Bills' history because I'm a lifelong San Diego Chargers fan, he smiled and said, "then you must know Lance Alworth."

Of course, I know Lance Alworth. I used to watch Alworth play, though I was very young at the time.

"I'm the only man to catch Lance Alworth."

"You ran down Lance Alworth?"

"Yup, I ran him down."

In fact, Edgerson's Wikipedia page notes that he's the only man in NFL history to catch Alworth from behind.

"I played against him my whole career," Edgerson said. "We came into the league together. Man, he was tough to cover."

Edgerson was playing in a golf tournament Monday at Stafford Country Club to benefit the scholarship fund at Genesee Community College. He was one of five former Bills players, and former Lions player, who participated in the tournament. This is the first year for the tournament, but the planning committee is already talking about next year.

The only man to catch Lance Alworth ... that's quite a line on a professional football resume.

Press release:

The Genesee Community College’s Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) Program and Genesee County Youth Bureau are partnering to offer Genesee County sophomores, juniors and seniors the Genesee County Youth Lead Program.  

We are currently recruiting our fifth class and are looking for 15 youth representing our nine high schools who would like to improve their leadership skills and expand their knowledge on the community and resources therein.

Genesee Youth Lead is designed to help our youth assess their strengths, weaknesses and potential for personal and intellectual growth. We provide the opportunity for students to develop their leadership skills by being a part of a team, the community and by hands on learning within the county. Last fall, students were able to take field trips, speak directly with government officials, and so much more.

The Youth Lead Program will take place at Genesee Community College & Genesee County Youth Bureau beginning Oct. 15^th at GCC with a Meet & Greet and then class to follow.

The class sessions are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays; Oct. 15, 22, 29; Nov. 5, 12, 19; Dec. 3 and 10.

The program will cost $55 and the students will earn one college credit through Genesee Community College. If there is an economic hardship please contact the Genesee County Youth Bureau.

The areas of the community to be explored during the fall program are Government & Law Enforcement, Health & Human Services, and Agriculture.

Applications for the program will only be accepted until Oct. 5th and can be found at: http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/youthbureau/. Please contact Chelsea at the Genesee County Youth Bureau with questions at (585) 344-3960 or at Chelsea.Elliott@co.genesee.ny.us

Press release:

Genesee Community College announced today that Laura J. Bohm was elected chair of the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees for 2016-2017. Her appointment as chair begins at the first meeting of the 2016 -2017 year at the August board meeting.

The other Board of Trustees appointments at the monthly meeting July 11 included Donna M. Ferry as vice chair, and Peter R. Call as secretary.

Bohm has most recently served two one-year terms as vice chair and succeeds two-term chair, Diane D. Torcello.

Bohm was originally appointed to the College's Board of Trustees by Gov. Mario M. Cuomo serving a nine-year term from 1986 until 1995. During that time she served as board chair from 1992 to 1995. Her more recent gubernatorial appointment was made by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo in 2008 for a seven-year term, and she was reappointed for a second seven-year term running from 2015 until 2022.

Bohm demonstrates a history of leadership, having recently begun a two-year term as chair of the New York Community College Trustees (NYCCT). As a voluntary nonprofit consortium of community college trustees, NYCCT was established to strengthen the effectiveness of New York community college trustees and helps shape public policy impacting community colleges. The organization represents the appointed board members who govern the 30 community colleges in the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Bohm was recognized in 1999 with an award for Distinguished Service from the Association of Boards of Community Colleges, the predecessor to the current NYCCT.

Her service goes well beyond community colleges as she has supported the local community through extensive volunteer work and leadership by serving as chair or a member of the United Way Board of Directors, the Batavia City Youth Bureau, Habitat for Humanity, The Paolo Busti Italian Cultural Foundation, the Franciscan Sisters of the Divine Child, the Board of Directors of Birchwood Village in Batavia and the Batavia City School Board. Bohm also was a commissioner for the Batavia Housing Authority.

As a Genesee Community College trustee, she is currently a member of the College's Buildings and Grounds and Finance committees, and is a representative to the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), a national organization representing community college trustees.

Press release:

When Genesee Community College Board of Trustees initiated the Genesee Promise Plus (GPP) summer scholarship program in 2008 its goal was to remove financial barriers that often prohibit high school graduates in the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties from attending college. Trustees also felt the scholarship program would help families of the graduates recognize that a college degree is perhaps the most valuable investment for their future. 

The GPP report provided by Virginia (Ginny) Taylor, Ph.D., GCC's vice president for Student and Enrollment Services at last week's Board of Trustees meeting, illustrated the importance of the summer scholarship program and how its growth continues to positively impact families in the GLOW region. 

Through the past eight years, college officials have expanded GPP beyond its original scope of providing a scholarship for one or two summer GCC classes to just graduating high school seniors. Today, high school juniors, GED recipients, homeschooled students, as well adults who have never attended college before can also apply and receive a GPP scholarship for one or two classes. 

Interestingly, it is high school juniors that have shown the most substantial growth between 2015 and 2016. As of last Monday, there was an 82-percent increase over last year in the number of juniors who had applied for GPP scholarships. Batavia High, Elba and Pembroke Central were the schools showing the most growth, and homeschooled students jumped from 19 to 37 students. High school seniors increased by 17 percent. The number of adult students applying for GPP is small but also growing. Last year five adults applied, while this year the College welcomed 14 adult applicants. 

"Summer enrollment in Genesee Promise Plus continues to be a powerful opportunity for residents in our GLOW community, and we are excited to have another strong summer session this year, which starts July 5th," Taylor said. "It's not too late register."

There are more than 60 courses offered by GCC in Summer Session II with classes at all seven campus locations and online. From ceramics to chemistry, algebra to accounting, history to hip hop culture-GCC courses all offer SUNY transferable credit.

One more week to register! GPP application deadline is Friday, June 24.

To apply online go to: http://www.genesee.edu/home/academics/genesee-promise-plus/

You can also stop in at any of GCC's seven campus locations:

• GCC at Albion – 456 West Avenue (Rte. 31), Albion, NY 14411- (585) 589-4936

• GCC at Arcade – 25 Edward Street, Arcade, NY 14009 - (585) 492-5265

• GCC at Batavia – 1 College Road, Batavia, NY 14202 – (585) 345-6800

• GCC at Dansville – 31 Clara Barton Street (as of July 2, 2012), Dansville, NY 14437 – (585) 335-7820

• GCC at Lima – 7285 Gale Road, Lima, NY 14485 – (585) 582-1226

• GCC at Medina – 11470 Maple Ridge Road (Rte. 31A), Medina, NY 14103 – (585) 798-1688

• GCC at Warsaw – 115 Linwood Avenue, Warsaw, NY 14569 – (585) 786-301

Press release:

Genesee Community College, which has administered tens of thousands of tests through the years, was recently tested, the College's Board of Trustees learned at Monday's (June 13) monthly meeting. The trustees were pleased to learn the College's Campus Safety department not only passed the test, but were also in the 90th percentile. 

Unbeknownst to the college's administration, its security systems and its readiness for a terrorist attack were tested by an unplanned and unannounced visit by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security over three separate days. Suspicious vehicles in the parking lots, unregistered visitors taking photographs, and activities inside the Batavia Campus were not only noted by the Campus Safety officers, but also recorded and finally reported to outside authorities.

It was then College officials learned that the Batavia Campus was one of the few sites that successfully responded in a safe and secure manner to Homeland Securities clandestine efforts to test terrorist threat readiness. Many of the unannounced exercises conducted by Homeland Security in public spaces such as shopping centers, hospitals, public arenas and other campuses go unnoticed and unreported. 

"When the Board of Trustees voted to expand Genesee's public safety office to include peace officers several years ago, they made a very wise decision and investment," GCC President James M. Sunser said. "We are continuously working to be aware of all activities on our campuses, and be as sensitive as we can to any suspicious activity." 

In other business Monday evening, the Board of Trustees:

• Heard Trustee Donna M. Ferry, chair of the Nominating Committee, report on the following recommendations for the 2016-2017 slate of officers for GCC's Board of Trustees: Laura J. Bohm, chair; Donna M. Ferry, vice chair; and Peter R. Call, secretary. The Board will vote on these recommendations at the next meeting on July 11.

• Heard Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Kathleen (Kate) Schiefen report that the GCC's Nursing program recently completed a year-long comprehensive review. With the Board of Trustees approval, the proposal to rebuild the program under concept-based curriculum will be sent to the State University of New York (SUNY) and eventually to New York State Department of Education and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. With the flood of changes in today's ever-advancing healthcare environment, both instructors and students are often frustrated by the extensive knowledge needed to study, remember and apply to real practice. The new concept-based curriculum manages the information overload, increases student engagement and the development of critical thinking skills.

• Heard President Sunser report on the extension of the GCC Educational Support Personnel Association (ESPA) employee contract which includes annual salary increases of 2 percent for the next three years. 

• Heard William (Bill) Emm, executive vice president for Planning and Institutional Effectiveness, report on the progress of the College's "Self Study" in preparation for next year's Middles States Accreditation visit. Approximately 80 members of the College's faculty and staff are serving on seven working committees, each focused on one of the seven Accreditation Standards. The Steering Committee is co-chaired by Emm and by Tim Tomczak, professor and director of GCC's Social Science division. Professor Tomczak is currently editing the seven narratives produced by the committees and the draft will be ready for final review by the College community before the end of summer. These efforts are in preparation for Middle States Accreditation site visit scheduled April 2-5, 2017.

• Heard Kevin Hamilton, vice president and Finance and Operations, report that GCC is now hosting a Mesonet Weather Station on the northeast corner of the Batavia Campus near the cellular tower. The station is part of a network of 125 weather stations installed across New York State, funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Together, the system will provide vertical profiles of temperature, relative humidity, 3D wind speeds, cloud height, and eventually soil temperature readings when sensors are added. The system of weather stations, overseen by the State University at Albany, will benefit homeland security, energy, aviation, emergency management and agriculture, and comes at no cost to GCC. 

• Welcomed staff member, Maureen Spindler, GCC's new visual communications specialist. Maureen has more than 20 years of experience in photography, owning The Village Photographer, a boutique photo studio in Hilton, where she specialized in portraits, events and commercial photography. She served as photographer and graphic designer at Finger Lakes Community College and with the Pavilion Gift Company. She and husband, Paul, have three adult children. They reside in Hilton.