Skip to main content

GCC

GCC to hold its first-ever Creativity Conference

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Anyone who has ever doubted their own creativity, or questioned the impact of creativity in the workplace or in a classroom should attend the one-day Creativity Conference at Genesee Community College on Tuesday, April 15. The conference runs from 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is open to all and features engaging sessions targeted for the business world and academia.

"Every one of us is creative in our own way, every day," said Lina LaMattina, Ed.D, director of GCC's Business programs.

She is so committed to helping people explore and understand their own creativity that she and her colleagues organized a one-day conference to focus on creativity in the workplace and in education coinciding with Creativity and Innovation Week, which is April 15-21.

"We hope the sessions and discussion generated at the conference will stimulate and expand upon a global conversation about creativity," LaMattina said. "Some people are intimidated by the idea of creativity and it restricts their thinking. We want to show them how they can be deliberately creative in their professional, academic and personal lives."

The conference will feature a keynote address by John Fredericks, Ph.D, executive director of the Center for Executive Leadership and Change at Daemen College. He is recognized as a distinguished leader of the internationally renowned Creative Problem Solving Institute (CPSI) for his work in facilitating creative problem-solving leadership.

A dynamic group of presenters with diverse backgrounds and skills will be leading the various sessions. From patent holders to fashion and textile experts, improv practitioners to industrial designers, performing artists and comedians to an English professor, as well as inventors to innovators -- all will be participating in the Conference providing an exciting lineup of vibrant topics.

In the Education Strand, the following sessions have been scheduled:

  • Teaching Techniques to Encourage Creative Thinking, presented by Lynn M. Boorady, associate professor at Buffalo State College;
  • Enhancing Expertise with Imaginative Thinking: Weaving Creativity into your Content, presented by Sue Keller-Mathers, associate professor of Creative Studies at Buffalo State College;
  • What might creativity look like in my students? presented by Pamela Szalay, cofounder the Beyonder Youth Program at Buffalo State College;
  • Using the Concept of "Yes, And" to Promote Creative Thinking, presented by Jane Fischer, cofounder Improv Connections, and Beth Slazak, a member of the Applied Improvisers Network;
  • Facilitating Learning Communities, presented by Mitchell R. Alegre, adjunct professor of Management and coordinator of Special Projects at Niagara University;

Sessions focused in the Business Strand include:

  • Options Thinking: Empowering Individuals to Make Better Decisions, presented Barbara Shine, former GCC Business professor and retired director at The BEST Center who continues to work as a consultant;
  • Innovation and the Start-Up Company, presented by James Burns, product design and development consultant with patents in optical systems, antennas and consumer electronics;
  • Igniting Imagination and Removing Inhibitions to Creativity in Business, presented by Maryanne Arena, GCC's director of Fine and Performing Arts, and Norman Gayford, GCC professor of English.

"Our 21st Century economy demands creative thinking skills in order to survive and thrive in the workplace," LaMattina said. "We invite everyone to come, explore, learn, discuss and get ready to implement creativity tools, techniques and best practices in your organization."

LaMattina initiated the idea for the conference along with her GCC colleagues Barbara Shine, Valerie Bello and Judith Littlejohn and other members of the Creativity Innovation Committee. They received funding for the event from two GCC Foundation grants: the President's Innovation Award Program and the Stuart Steiner Leadership Award.

"We hope this conference will both reinforce and build GCC's foundation for generating and applying creative thinking throughout all aspects of college life," LaMattina added.

Registration is $99 per person for the full day, which includes lunch as well as morning and afternoon refreshments.

For details or to register go to: http://www.genesee.edu/events/creativity-conference/. The schedule is subject to change and additional conference sessions are still being developed.

For further information contact Lina LaMattina:

lmlamattina@genesee.edu or call 585-343-0055, ext. 6319.

Ninth Annual Cool Kids ECO-Fest is April 12 at GCC

By Billie Owens

This information is provided by Genesee Community College:

The Ninth Annual Cool Kids ECO-Fest happens at Genesee Community College's Batavia Campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 12. This fun-filled, educational event aims to increase awareness of important environmental issues while celebrating Earth Day.

It's free and open to the public. The first 250 attendees will receive free tree seedlings to plant. And more than 40 exhibitors will have booths including exotic wildlife, make-it take-it activities, and you get a chance to recycle items you often don't know what to do with.

Some favorite recycling initiatives from years past continue, including the collection of rubber sneakers to be made into running tracks, paperback books sent to American troops overseas and the worn American flags collected for proper disposal.

But just like Mother Earth, the Cool Kids ECO-Fest is ever-changing with new opportunities each year. Planners are excited to be welcoming Habitat for Humanity's call for non-fabric, wood or metal furniture including desks, bookcases, tables and dressers. In addition, old bicycles and reusable bike parts are being collected by Trailside Bikes of Orleans County.

For the first time, Cool Kids ECO-Fest at GCC will not be accepting any electronic waste (E-waste) such as computer CRTs, televisions, stereo equipment or microwave ovens.

Also new this year will be the Seeds of Change -- The Earth Charter and Human Potential Exhibit created by the Soka Gakkai International and The Earth Charter Initiative. The multi-panel display is seven feet tall, and with dynamic images and compelling messages viewers learn about community empowerment, water harvesting, the Green Belt and The Paulo Freire Institute and much more.

After ECO-Fest, GO ART! will screen the environmental film "Comfort Zone" in the Conable Technology Building.

Each recycled item from the list below earns a Cool Kids ECO-Raffle ticket increasing the chances to win great, green prizes including the grand prize of a brand-new bicycle from Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle.

Recyclables being accepted are:

•    Non fabric, metal or wood furniture for the Habitat for Humanity ReStore

•    Old bicycles and reusable bike parts collected by Trailside Bike

•    Old rubber sneakers (no cleats, please)

•    Paperback books for American troops overseas

•    Worn American flags for proper disposal by Shepard, Maxwell and Hale

•    Old eyeglasses

•    Computer ink cartridges

"The small things we do as individuals have a big impact on our planet. That's the theme of Cool Kids ECO-Fest every year. Each one of us makes a difference," said Cool Kids' Steve Appleton. "The items people have brought to Cool Kids ECO-fest over the years have kept thousands of pounds of waste out of landfills. Let's keep it going. ... We can celebrate Earth Day every day as individuals, but on April 12th we come together and become Green Gangsters!"

To expand the festival to a broader audience, GCC is partnering with Genesee Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!) to show the film "Comfort Zone." Essentially it asks, "How big is your carbon footprint?" This critical question is addressed by three Upstate New York filmmakers who explored the impact of climate change from a personal perspective. "Comfort Zone" takes an in-depth look at what happens when the issue comes to our backyards.

The screening is set for 3 p.m. in Room T102 of the Conable Technology Building. Following the film, one of the filmmakers will be on hand to answer questions. The event is a fundraiser for GO ART! and costs $10 for GO ART! members, $15 for non-members, and Cool Kids ECO-Fest volunteers can attend free with seat availability. For more information about the film, please visit http://comfortzoneproject.com.

Cool Kids ECO-Fest is co-sponsored by GCC's Student Activities Office, College Village, and Brockport-based Generation Cool.

Photos: Medical field job fair at GCC

By Howard B. Owens

GCC hosted a job fair this afternoon for those seeking careers or new jobs in the healthcare fields. About two dozen employers had information available and dozens of job candidates came through the forum during the fair.

GCC will host a job fair for general employment opportunities in the region April 10.

If you're in the market for a job or for employees, be sure to check out our new employment Web site for the region, GLOWJobs.net.

Expansion of College Village delayed by unexpected soil conditions, harsh winter

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Mother Nature's record-breaking winter has impacted the construction plan and schedule of the two new buildings currently under way at College Village, the student residence community located adjacent to Genesee Community College in Batavia. At last week's monthly meeting, GCC's Board of Trustees learned that while cold weather and excessive snow has put the construction schedule approximately five weeks behind the original plan, it has also given way to an innovative building solution which will result in a small expansion of the space at the basement level.

Richard Ensman, director of GCC's Foundation which manages the property, reported that although the two new buildings were planned to be "carbon copies" of Hickory and Willow, the two buildings built in 2007, the recent excavation work revealed a different soil variation under one building necessitating an unplanned gravel base. Securing many tons of gravel in Upstate New York at this time of year is nearly impossible and trucking it in from a warmer climate would be costly, Ensman explained. Whitney East, the general contractor on the project recommended a different and innovative solution -- adding a concrete basement to the one building.

"The unsuitable soil conditions have put us behind schedule, but we are pleased that we have a plan to keep the project moving. We carefully calculated the cost variables and for less than the cost of acquiring the necessary gravel, one of the new residence halls will have a basement," Ensman said. "The auxiliary space offers potential for storage and possibly other student study space if properly built-out in the future."

The overall cost of College Village expansion project is $2.84 million and will provide the community with 64 additional beds for a total population of 451 student residents. Each of the two new facilities feature eight suites with four single bedrooms, and a shared common space will allow for more educational, social and instructional opportunities. The project is being financed by a private bond issue.

In other business at the meeting on March 10, the Board of Trustees:

More after the jump (click on the headline)

• Heard that two Genesee Community College Phi Theta Kappa students, Emmeline Vacanti (of Alexander) and Joseph Lubanski (of Macedon) were recognized in the USA TODAY's All-USA Community College Academic Team for exceptional efforts in academic rigor, growth and how well they use their education to benefit their schools and communities. The program is administered by Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. In addition, the following four students will be receiving the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence: Michelle Nagle (of Randolph), Yuki Sasao (of Batavia), Emmeline Vacanti (of Alexander), and Kelly Wetherby (of Olean). A full press release will be available soon.

• Heard Kathleen Schiefen, Ed.D, GCC provost and executive vice president of Academic Affairs, report that Genesee Community College is continuing to review all college curricula to ensure compliance with required accreditation standards and also with the new State University of New York (SUNY) seamless transfer initiatives intended to encourage timely graduation. Since September, more than 106 curricula changes have been submitted to the GCC's Academic Senate for review. Twenty-two of GCC's academic progams have been registered as 50 percent or more complete-able online. Six courses have been submitted to SUNY for consideration as meeting general education criteria. In addition, 22 GCC faculty members have volunteered to participate in the statewide SUNY discussion group reviewing the seamless transfer program within the SUNY system.

• Heard introductions from following new faculty and staff members: Doreen Bortle, James Brooks, Terry George, Rosemary Jonientz, Juanita Lewis, Heidi Lockwood, Kristen Mruk, Derek Payne and Gail Whalen.

Genesee Community College's next Open House is scheduled Wednesday, March 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. at all of the following 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, 31Clara 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

Rural Police Training Academy celebrates 25th graduation class

By Billie Owens

Press release:

This Friday, March 7, at 7 p.m., the Rural Police Training Academy will enjoy a double celebration. As the most recent class of 22 graduates receives their completion certificates, the Academy itself recognizes its 25th Silver Anniversary.

Since being established in 1985, a total of 593 graduates including the current 2013-2014 class have completed the Rural Police Training Academy (RPTA) offered by Genesee Community College through the Division of Criminal Justice Services and The BEST (Business and Employee Skills Training) Center.

RPTA has evolved through its long distinguished history, and now the 11-month program provides basic training both to sworn members of police and sheriff agencies as well as training for pre-employed law enforcement officers.

The program requires 639 hours of training and the major curriculum covered includes Justice Administration, New York State Laws, Community Interaction, Mass Casualties and Major Events, Investigations and practical skills such as field note taking, report writing, case preparation, arrest processing, professional traffic stops and firearms training. RPTA offers a GCC college credit option and also veterans opportunities.

The 2013-2014 RPTA graduates include:

  • SWORN OFFICER GRADUATES:Brittany N. Smyder, Caledonia Police Department
  • Aaron M. Ellis, Corfu Police Department
  • Chad R. Brady and James G. Frascati, East Rochester Police Department
  • Joseph D. Loftus, Class Captain, Genesee County Sheriff's Department
  • Andrew M. Carriero, Platoon Leader, and Shane G. Miller of Gowanda Police Department
  • Edwin S. Bower II and Timothy P. Moulton, Holley Police Department
  • Mark A. Bennetti, Platoon Leader, Le Roy Police Department
  • Dylan D. DiPasquale, Mt. Morris Police Department
  • Catherine M. Mucha and Conner T. Sanford, Nunda Police Department
  • Bryant W. Ferry and Kevin T. Green, Perry Police Department

PRE-EMPLOYMENT GRADUATES:

  • Ryan L. Andrews
  • Jason S. Butterbrodt
  • Andrew R. Fisk
  • Joseph J. Renaldo
  • Tyler S. Smith
  • Zachery A Sobieraski, Assistant Class Captain, Platoon Leader
  • Nathaniel P. Staines

Friday's program features a keynote address by Federal Security Director for Greater Rochester International Airport John P. McCaffrey. Other speakers include graduates of the RPTA program -- Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch, and Sheriff Thomas Dougherty and Undersheriff Matthew Bean, both of the Livingston County Sheriff's Department.

The training programs offered by RPTA has assisted law enforcement agencies in numerous counties, including but not limited to Genesee, Livingston, Wyoming, Orleans, Allegheny, Cattaraugus and Monroe counties. Through the years as policing and public protection has grown more complicated, the program expanded to include a broad cross section of criminal justice topics. The focus, however includes the challenges of law enforcement in rural areas where resources can be limited, sending in backup support takes longer and officers usually cover much greater distances.

"Police protection in a rural community compared to a big city is quite different," said Ray Chaya, director of The BEST Center. "The Rural Police Academy was started by chiefs and sheriffs in the GLOW region who wanted a program that was familiar with the challenges faced by rural police. The larger number of miles means backup forces are farther away, and resources can be limited."

Some of GCC's most seasoned faculty and staff have been involved with RPTA since the earliest days. The late Richard (Dick) Tiede, who served as GCC's Public Safety director for nearly three decades, was a graduate of the first class in 1986. Barry Garigen, GCC's professor of Criminal Justice helped found the program in 1985. And Douglas C. Brooks, former assistant director of operations at College Village has been the RPTA director since 1987.

The program has many distinguished graduates with unique backgrounds. Among the graduates have been a father-son and a father-daughter team, at least two sets of brothers, and one married couple. Gowanda Chief of Police Joseph Alessi and his spouse, Detective Jennifer Alessi, are also graduates. In addition, RPTA offers excellent opportunities to veterans and not long ago one application was completed by a soldier in active duty from Iraq.

RPTA tuition is $3,750 not including the special supplies such as uniform and all applicants must meet a physical agility test. The 2014-2015 class begins April 15th and classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through February 2015.

For further information go to: http://www.genesee.edu/best/development/rural-police-training-academy/

GCC names Employee and Student of the Month for February

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce Tracy Merritt has been named February 2014 Employee of the Month. Tracy is a technical specialist in the Office of Assessment and Institutional Research.

In her role, Merritt is focused on Academic Assessment, working with faculty and administrators to collect assessment data, increase awareness of assessment activities and use of assessment results. She also works to maintain and continuously improve tools to aid in collecting assessment data.

"We have a tremendous group of dedicated instructors and staff here at GCC and my position allows me to meet and work with many of them," Merritt said. "I feel fortunate and proud to be part of GCC's Institutional Research and Assessment team."

In naming her Employee of the Month, the College noted that "Tracy is an exceptionally conscientious employee who routinely goes above and beyond to provide service to the faculty, administrators and coworkers at the College. She played a major role in improving several areas of our assessment process over the last year that resulted in improved communication and understanding of the assessment tools."

Merritt is a lifelong resident of LeRoy. She and her husband of 26 years, Gary, have two adult children, Gary and Sarah. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, genealogy, decorative painting and reading.

Genesee Community College is also pleased to announce Jordan Tillotson has been named the February 2014 Student of the Month. A 2012 graduate of Pavilion Central School, he is pursuing degrees in both Liberal Arts and Sports Management at GCC.

Jordan is an outstanding student and has been on the President's List all three of his semesters. He is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. One of his favorite things about GCC is that it's "such a close-knit community." The College notes that Jordan "is a leader among his peers and often has newer students turning to him for advice."

After graduating from GCC this spring, Jordan plans to transfer to Syracuse University where he'll work toward a bachelor's degree in Sport Management. His dream job would be as a Division One college basketball coach. He currently coaches youth sports in his hometown and serves as a referee as well. Jordan offers special thanks to members of the GCC athletic department "for helping me with whatever it may be." The College salutes Jordan for being "an excellent role model."

Jordan is the son of Chris and Chad Tillotson, and has one sister, Taylor, and a brother Devin.

GCC now offers students new way to share their college achievements

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to offer students a new way to share their college achievements online and through social media. The College has posted the first set of achievements, the President's List and Dean's List honors, to student Merit Pages.

Merit is a social media utility developed by readMedia of Albany, NY. GCC has long utilized readMedia to distribute news releases and student accomplishments to local newspapers. Merit allows the College to provide an individual Web page to each student where (s)he can better track and share all of their achievements, both inside the classroom as well as extracurricular accomplishments.

"This new tool will help our students record and share their many successes through their college years and beyond into their careers," said Donna Rae Sutherland, associate director of Marketing Communications.

How it works

The College has established its main Merit page at http://genesee.meritpages.com. This site posts all of GCC's student achievements collectively, for example, the comprehensive list of all students being recognized on the College's Dean's and President's Lists for a semester. Students won't have their individual Merit Page until their first achievement is announced, and then they "claim" their achievement. Once a student claims his or her first achievement, it is reflected on that student's individual Merit page with a badge and summary. From there, the student can share it on other social media venues, such as Facebook and Twitter. There are now hundreds of students who can claim their Dean's and President's achievements and begin personalizing their individual Merit pages with additional postings, photos and badges.

"Merit pages make it much easier for families to see their student's accomplishments and share them throughout their network of friends and family," said Jackie Vetrano, Web and social media coordinator at GCC. "Students who are already savvy with social media will find this to be an even better way to tell their friends and prospective employers about their accomplishments."

Vetrano advises students who've earned Dean's List or President's List honors for Fall 2013 to check their e-mail and their spam folders to make sure they claim their achievements.

ReadMedia launched Merit in February 2013. GCC is one of many colleges utilizing it.

"We wanted to do our due diligence in making sure this would be beneficial for our students," Sutherland said, emphasizing that students who do not wish to publicize their achievements can easily "opt-out" of doing so.

"We're pleased to offer this opportunity to our students and their families. It's a simple and effective way for them to share all their achievements from academic successes, to participation in athletic teams, student clubs and college events. With the help of social media, Merit helps students build a portfolio that will impress potential employers."

GCC online learning options increase

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce that more than three dozen of its programs have been given the Distance Education designation from the New York State Education Department. This designation is awarded when 50 percent or more of a program's coursework is available online. GCC now has 40 programs with at least 50 percent of their courses available through online learning.

"We're excited to grow our online offerings for students," said Craig Lamb, dean of Distributed Learning at GCC. "Many learners are leaning toward educational options that remove many of the time and place constraints found in higher education. This is especially true for individuals juggling important responsibilities in their lives."

The convenience of learning online, along with GCC's affordability, makes the College an attractive option for a variety of populations:

•    Working adults who have schedules that make returning to college a challenge;

•    Individuals with family and community commitments who need flexible study options;

•    Individuals looking to advance in their career or to transfer who are unable to engage in an on-site educational experience.

"GCC's online courses are of the same high quality as our on-site courses," Lamb said. "The majority of our online offerings are taught by our full-time GCC faculty. Additionally, our online courses cost a fraction of what for-profit online education providers charge."

GCC offers 15 degrees and certificates that can be earned fully online including Business Administration, Criminal Justice and Supply Chain Management.

"These are rigorous programs that lead to career advancement and transfer into bachelor's degree programs," Lamb said.

Additionally, there are 10 degree and certificate options with 75 percent of the coursework available online and 15 degrees and certificates with half the coursework available online.

Students interested in exploring online learning options can visit the Online Learning page of GCC's Web site at http://www.genesee.edu/online. There they can easily see all of the programs the College offers and how much of each one can be completed online.

For more information, contact GCC's Office of Online Learning at (585) 345-6969 or online@genesee.edu.

Cougars fall to Tribunes in regional title game

By Andrew Crofts

Monroe Community College, the no. 14 team in the country, will represent Region III in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II men's basketball district tournament next weekend after the top-seed in the regional tournament knocked off third seed (no. 19 nationally ranked) Genesee Community College in the Region III title game on Sunday, 79-74.

Genesee went back and forth with the host team to open the first half as Ervin Mitchell and Naquil Jones combined to score 18 of the first 22 points for the Cougars. With 7:40 to play in the half, Monroe took the first stretch-lead of the game at 28-22 and the Tribunes did not look back.

MCC held a lead as large as nine in the opening period and took an eight-point lead into halftime after the Tribunes converted on a last-second 3-point basket.

Monroe extended its lead in the second half to as much as 15 at the 8:40 mark when the Tribunes held a 63-47 advantage.

Genesee cut the deficit to single digits after Jones scored six in a row and got GCC to within 70-65 with 1:45 remaining.

A four-point play increased the Monroe lead back to nine with 1:22 left, but after a three-point play from Mitchell and two successful trips to the free-throw line (4-4) from Jones, the Cougars were down 76-72 with 11.6 seconds left.

Forced to foul, GCC put Monroe at the free-throw line and the Tribunes iced the game with late conversions.

Jones finished with a game high 33 points for Genesee and he also grabbed seven rebounds. Mitchell added 19 points and eight boards, Alastair Cole chipped in nine points and Da'Shawn Suber collected seven rebounds and dished out three assists.

Mitchell and Jones were both named to the All-Tournament Team.

The Cougars finish the season with a 23-8 overall record. Monroe will travel to Dean Community College next weekend for the district tournament and a trip to the NJCAA National Tournament on the line.

Cougars survive late scare; advance to regional finals

By Andrew Crofts

The Genesee Community College men's basketball team will play for the Division II Region III title on Sunday for the first time since the 2002-03 season. The third-seeded Cougars knocked off no. 2 Erie Community College on Saturday afternoon in the semifinals at Monroe Community College.

Genesee grabbed an early lead after Da'Shawn Suber scored four early points to put the Cougars in front 6-4 just three minutes in. GCC kept the lead the entire half with help from Ervin Mitchell, who scored 16 first half points.

Ahead 39-35 with 3:10 to play in the opening period, Naquil Jones extended the lead for Genesee by closing the half on a 7-2 run on his own, including the only 3-point basket of the first 20-minutes for GCC, to put the Cougars in front by nine at the break.

Genesee extended its lead to 11 early in the second half after Alastair Cole hit back-to-back threes to give GCC a 53-42 advantage.

Erie responded by going on an 8-0 run to cut the lead down to three before Suber ended the Genesee scoring drought with a layup to give the Cougars a 55-49 lead with 15:45 to play.

GCC kept its distance and with under four-minutes to go held an 83-75 lead after Jones delivered eight straight points for the Cougars. 

The Kats hung around and fought back, using a 10-2 run in a two-minute span to tie the game at 85 apiece with 1:27 left.

Both teams would exchanged empty possessions and after a second straight missed opportunity from GCC, the Kats had a chance for the last look with possession of the ball with 12-seconds left.

After an Erie timeout, the Kats were able to inbound on their offensive end but GCC's Redell Freeman came up with a steal for the Cougars and hit a streaking Suber, who went the length of the floor and laid in the eventual game-winning basket with 6.3-seconds to play. Erie had a last-second opportunity but the Kats came up empty and Genesee survived, 87-85.

Jones led five GCC scorers in double-figures with 25 points. Mitchell finished with 20 points and seven rebounds, Jason Perry-Murray delivered his second straight double-double with 13 points and 11 boards, Cole ended the game with 12 points and Suber added 11 points and seven assists.

In the two previous meetings against ECC this year, GCC was a combined -30 in rebounding. Both teams collected 38 total rebounds apiece on Saturday.

The Cougars will take on top-seed Monroe Community College on Sunday at MCC. The Tribunes escaped their semifinal game against Mercyhurst North East, 77-75. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m.

Late free-throws send Cougars past #10 Tribunes; GCC women fall in regular season finale

By Andrew Crofts

Alex Morris was the hero on Thursday night, converting two free-throws with 2.2 seconds left in the game to send the Genesee Community College men's basketball team past visiting #10 Monroe Community College, 87-86.

Up two at the start of the second half, GCC gave up an 18-4 Tribunes run and fell behind 56-43 five-minutes in.

The Cougars clawed back and got to within five after Morris converted a basket and a free-throw with 6:30 remaining.

Redell Freeman kept GCC close, answering an MCC three-point basket with an old school three-point play of his own to make it 77-72 Monroe with under five-minutes to play.

After a Morris layup, Ervin Mitchell tied the game at 81 apiece with a three-point play with 3:00 left. GCC then came up with a defensive stop and with under 2:30 to go, Morris hit one of two free-throws to give Genesee an 82-81 lead.

Monroe answered and went on a 5-1 run in a span of a minute to take back the lead.

Down 86-85 with less than 30-seconds to play, Genesee came up with the defensive rebound after a missed MCC free-throw and turned it over to Morris, who drove to the basket and was fouled with 2.2 seconds left. The sophomore hit both free-throws and a last second MCC attempt from mid-court was unsuccessful, giving Genesee its 21st win of the season.

Morris ended the night with a game high 24 points and he also collected nine rebounds. Mitchell added 21 points and four assists, Alastair Cole chipped in 17 points, Naquil Jones finished with 11 and Freeman added eight points and four rebounds.

With the win, Genesee (21-7, 6-4) locks up the number three seed for the Region III playoffs and will host Jamestown Community College next Tuesday night at a time to be announced.

 

 

Thursday night marked the final game of the regular season for the Genesee Community College women's basketball team and the Cougars ended the season on a losing note, falling to Monroe Community College, 82-28.

Genesee grabbed an early lead after Breana Gleaton converted a three-point play and Hillary Rivera scored two of her five points in the first half to put GCC in front, 5-2.

MCC would then use a 30-6 run to take the lead for good and went into the locker room at the half up 44-20.

Genesee managed just eight points, all coming from Dashawna Jenifer, and three field goals in the second half, and the Tribunes outscored the Cougars 38-8 in the final period.

Jenifer's eight points were a team high and she also collected 11 rebounds. Gleaton finished with seven points and eight boards, Shanell Glover chipped in six points, Rivera finished with five and Macey McCulley added two points.

Genesee ends the regular season 5-21. The Cougars will take the court in the Region III play-in round next Wednesday night at a time and place to be determined.

GCC to hold Creativity Conference in April, speakers wanted from business, education, nonprofits

By Billie Owens

Press release:

A conference on creativity and creative problem solving will take place from 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday April 15 at Genesee Community College.

In preparation for the conference, organizers are seeking examples of creativity in the areas of business (for profit or not) and K-16 education to share with people in our region.

The goal is to broaden the conversation around the application of creativity and innovation.

Our business track includes the use of creativity within all organizations, both for-profit and nonprofit. In the education track, we intend to share best practices, tools and techniques in teaching K-16 students how to think creatively within and across disciplines.

We hope you will join us in this critically important conversation either as a speaker or an attendee.

We invite proposals for 50-minute presentations/workshops that broadly or specifically support the conference theme of creativity/creative problem solving.

Please submit your proposal using the following link:

http://www.genesee.edu/events/creativity-conference/

For questions or additional information, contact: Lina LaMattina, Ph.D., at:

lmlamattina@genesee.edu

or 585-343-0055, ext. 6319

Cougars clip Generals in final seconds; Women fall

By Andrew Crofts

Ervin Mitchell put back the game-winning basket with three seconds remaining on Sunday afternoon, to help the Genesee Community College men's basketball team defeat Herkimer County Community College, 93-92.

Both squads played at a back-and-forth pace in the first half, with neither team holding a lead larger than seven points.

Naquil Jones converted on 4 of 6 three-point baskets for GCC in the opening period and led all scorers with 22 points at the break.

Jones hit his fifth three-pointer of the game to cut the Generals lead down to one early in the second half, and then Genesee used a 6-0 run in a span of just 20 seconds to take a 60-57 lead with 14 minutes to play.

Alastair Cole hit back-to-back threes to give the Cougars a 79-76 lead with six minutes remaining, and Redell Freeman scored five-straight points to keep GCC in front, 89-84 with under three-minutes to play.

Trailing 91-89, Herkimer converted on a 3pt basket with 20 seconds left to grab a 92-91 lead. After a GCC timeout, the Cougars looked to Jones for a game-winning three, but his shot was off the mark. Mitchell was able to elevate for the rebound and with three-seconds remaining, stuck back the game-winner to give Genesee its 18th victory of the season.

Jones finished with a game-high 29 points, Mitchell scored 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds, Cole ended with 14 points, Jason Perry-Murray added 13 points and nine rebounds and Dashawn Suber dished out 10 assists and added seven points.

Genesee (18-6, 3-3) will return to action at home on Tuesday night against Jamestown Community College-Olean at 6 p.m.

(Ervin Mitchell (#0 white) sticks back the game-winner)

 

 

In the final game of a four-game homestand, the Genesee Community College women's basketball team dropped a 63-49 decision to Herkimer County Community College on Sunday afternoon.

Genesee committed 16 first half turnovers and fell behind early.

Terra Clanton and Breana Gleaton delivered seven points each in the first half, but GCC trailed Herkimer by as much as 20 in the opening period.

Gleaton completed a three-point play to cut the Generals lead down to 30-19, but Herkimer ended the first half on a 19-4 run.

The Cougars got to within 14 in the second half, but could not draw closer as Herkimer extended its lead to as much as 21 in the final period.

GCC had four scorers in double figures, led by Dashawna Jenifer who finished with 13 points. She also grabbed 10 rebounds. Clanton and Gleaton each added 11 points and Shanell Glover recorded a double-double, collecting 12 rebounds and scoring 10 points.

Genesee (5-16, 0-6) will return to action on Tuesday night at Finger Lakes Community College. Tip-off time is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Google can't find GCC's main campus in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Anyone searching to find directions to Genesee Community College's main campus in Batavia are advised to avoid using the online Google Maps utility. Despite many attempts by the College to have Google correct the problem, Google Maps continues to direct visitors trying to reach GCC's main campus to the College's Albion Campus Center located 30 miles north of Batavia in Orleans County.

"We have contacted Google multiple times to rectify this problem and are continuously told that it takes weeks for their algorithm to correct misguided directions. In addition, Google claims its tech support cannot manually intervene to remedy the problem," said Donna Rae Sutherland, associate director of Marketing Communications.

"It's been incredibly frustrating and also rather dangerous. Buses of athletic teams, performing artists and potential students have all gone 60 miles out of their way traveling in haste back down Route 98, which is often very blustery with poor visibility during the winter months."

The problem has been an ongoing for approximately a year with short periods of time when Google Maps accurately listed the Batavia Campus, but currently the right side panel posts a map and information to the Albion Campus Center without even mentioning the main campus is in Batavia. Google's proprietary software uses unique algorithms to provide mapping information automatically. Unknowing visitors are logically following Google's posted directions without clicking through to find the right campus and its proper location.

Sutherland recommends Web searchers utilize MapQuest and the College's Maps and Directions Web page available at: http://www.genesee.edu/about/visit/maps/ This gives users door- to-door directions to any campus location and also explicit directions to the main campus in Batavia.

"Most other online utilities are able to find us perfectly, but with Google's ongoing problem we strongly advise people to steer clear of using Google Maps to find GCC."

GCC trustees review plan for implementing Start-Up New York program

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Monday night, Genesee Community College Board of Trustees reviewed the plan that the College will use to assess proposals from companies interested in applying for the Start-Up New York, also known as State University of New York (SUNY) Tax-free Areas to Revitalize and Transform Upstate NY program.

The statewide initiative was introduced by Governor Andrew Cuomo last year to encourage potential developments on or within one mile of each of SUNY's 64 campuses by offering tax-free status to both the company and new employees for up to 10 years. Each SUNY institution can designate up to 200,000 square feet of space for Start-Up New York projects to create new jobs associated with the academic curriculum offered by the connected campus.

For further information about Start-Up NY go to: http://startup-ny.com/

William Emm, GCC's executive vice president for Planning and Institutional Effectiveness, is GCC's point-person for the new, Albany-based initiative that aims to transform SUNY campuses into tax-free communities for new and expanding businesses. Emm shared GCC's multipage assessment plan that requires: each proposed company to identify the designated space, including square footage, with an AutoCAD site drawing; a description of the type of business being proposed; how the business aligns with GCC's academic mission and programs; and how the business generates community and economic benefits.

Additional assessment questions include:

• How will the company's product or service further GCC's mission?

• How many new net jobs will be created in the first two years of operation and overall?

• How many future employees will require additional training or education provided by GCC?

• How will the company establish itself as a good member of the community?

• Has the local municipality and/or economic development entity been informed of the tax-free space request?

With this information, GCC's designated Start-Up NY advisory committee, which will include representatives from the College's four-county service area, will carefully review each proposal and score the applications against a thoughtfully compiled rubric.

GCC President James Sunser will be informed of all incoming applications, remaining abreast of the committee's efforts and recommendations, while keeping the Board of Trustees apprised of each opportunity.

Any applications that meet all criteria will be reviewed by the GCC Board of Trustees and, with the Trustees' approval, an amended Campus Plan featuring the new business partnership will be available for review for a minimum of 30 days by GCC's Faculty Senate, local municipality, local economic development agency, applicable union representatives and the Student Government Association. With successful review and approval, the application is then submitted to SUNY for review and approval.

"We have developed protocols and strict criteria at different levels of the College to ensure companies are fully qualified to receive these tax-free benefits," President Sunser said. "All proposals and people will be considered under a consistent and thorough review to remain above any question of impropriety."

After a lengthy discussion, the Board approved the next phase of the process which allows College administrators to submit GCC's Start-Up New York evaluation and review plan to be submitted to SUNY for the next level of review and critique.

College board invites nominations for honorary associate degrees

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Board of Trustees is inviting faculty, staff, students and community residents to nominate individuals for honorary Genesee Community College associate degrees, Trustee Laurie J. Miller said at Monday evening's board meeting.

Nominees must be individuals who have an association with Genesee Community College, and who have made extraordinary contributions to the life and growth of the College; or who are notable leaders in academic disciplines taught by the College; or individuals who have earned business, professional, civic or scholarly accomplishments. Honorary degrees will be awarded during the May 2014 commencement ceremonies, Miller said.

Nomination forms are available on the College's Web site at:

http://marketing.genesee.edu/images/GCCHonoraryAssociateDegreeNomination2014.pdf

New York State law was amended six years ago to permit community colleges to award honorary degrees. Past honorary degree recipients at Genesee Community College include founding president Alfred C. O'Connell (2007); former Genesee County Board of Supervisors Chair William W. Stuart (posthumously in 2007); founding trustee and college advocate Neil T. Burns (2007); founding and longtime trustee Anthony T. Zambito (posthumously in 2008); Genesee's first staff member, Eva L. Bohn (2011).

In other business Monday evening, the Board of Trustees:

  • Heard Diane D. Torcello, Finance Committee chair, report that Lumsden and McCormick, LLC, the College's auditing firm, completed the fiscal audit for the 2012-2013 year, and issued a "clear, clean" audit without deficiencies. Torcello also said that first quarter operations were consistent with budget projections.
  • Heard President James Sunser report that 340 students are currently finishing their coursework in the fall semester and upon successful completion they will be candidates for graduation in January. Specifically, there are 145 A.S. degree (Associate in Science); 165 A.A.S. (Associate in Applied Science; 6 A.A. (Associate in Arts); and 24 Certificate graduation candidates from GCC in January 2014.
  • Heard Virginia M. Taylor, Ed.D, vice president for Student and Enrollment Services, report that the College's "Winterim" session has enrolled 114 students, up from the 35 students enrolled from Winterim last year. Winterim offers online credit courses between the fall and spring semesters.
  • Heard President Sunser report on the appointment of two new staff members. Doreen Bortle will serve as technical assistant in the Math/Science and Career Education office as a testing associate. She has taught GCC's First Year Experience course as an adjunct faculty member for the past three years. Bortle received her B.S. degree from SUNY Brockport and resides in Batavia. After numerous years serving as an advisor in GCC's Student Support Services area, Theresa Gorecki is now the technical specialist in the College's Career Services office. The position is funded through a Perkins Grant as a temporary appointment. Gorecki earned her M.S. in Elementary Education from Medaille College and her B.S. in English from SUNY Empire State College. She resides in Batavia. "Both of these employees have been working at Genesee for some time in a part-time capacity," President Sunser said. "After conducting a full open search, it was nice that the best candidates were right here already serving the College. I know they bring a lot of institutional understanding to their new roles."

Genesee Community College's Spring 2014 semester opens Jan. 13. To register for courses stop by any campus location or go to: www.genesee.edu/courses/schedule/.

Academic and financial aid advisors will be available Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Fridays 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; and Saturday, Jan. 11, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. In addition, the offices will be opening at 8 a.m. Jan. 6 - 9, 2014. These hours extend to all seven campus locations:

•    Albion, 456 West Avenue / 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

Nursing students graduate from two-year program at GCC

By Howard B. Owens

Photos and information submitted by John Summers.

Genesee Community College held a graduation ceremony Thursday night for its students who successfully completed a two-year registered nursing program.

Top photo, Kathy Palumbo, director of Nursing at GCC, addresses the graduates and audience.

Christy Summers receives her RN pin from Shana Flow and and Patricia Kendall-Cargill.

Graduates Meghan Domm, Angeline Coast, Brandon Richards, Christy Summers, and Jessa Woodley.

GCC men's basketball downs Niagara College; women fall

By Andrew Crofts

Naquil Jones scored seven early points to spark a 15-5 start for the Genesee Community College men's basketball team on Thursday night, and the Cougars earned their fifth win in a row, 83-76.

The visiting Knights from Niagara College (Canada) erased a six-point GCC halftime lead and took a 46-45 lead three-minutes into the second half.

Redell Freeman came off the bench and hit two straight three-point baskets and Alastair Cole also hit consecutive three-pointers, sending GCC on a 12-0 run and giving Genesee the lead back for good.

Ervin Mitchell played to another double-double, scoring 24 points and grabbing 17 rebounds. Gabriel Burroughs finished the night with 13 points, Cole added 12 points, Freeman dished out seven assists and scored 11 points and Jones grabbed six boards to go along with 11 points.

Genesee improves to 6-2 with the win and will travel to Lakeland Community College on Friday night for a 7 p.m. start.

 

 

A six-minute scoring drought to start Thursday night's game set the Genesee Community College women's basketball team back against Niagara College (Canada), and the Lady Cougars fell to the visitors, 65-55.

Genesee was 0-14 from three-point range in the opening half and committed 13 turnovers to fall behind at the midway mark of the contest.

Despite the early struggles, GCC started the second half on a 13-5 run and got back to within three midway through the second. Niagara responded and went on a 7-0 run to extend the lead back to double-digits and never looked back.

Genesee was just 2-29 from beyond the arc and shot below 25% on the night.

Dashawna Jenifer led the way for Genesee with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Macey McCulley added nine points and grabbed five boards, Renetta Fordam chipped in eight points, Shanell Glover collected 11 rebounds and scored six points and Hillary Rivera added five points.

Genesee falls to 1-6 with the loss and the Lady Cougars will travel to Lakeland Community College on Friday for a 5 p.m. start.

 

 

(Picture: Renetta Fordam (#40/white) fires a shot over an outstretched Niagara College defender)

GCC men's basketball cruises to win over Medaille

By Andrew Crofts

The Genesee Community College men's basketball team has won its last four games and has scored 100 or more points in three out of the last four after a 113-69 win over visiting Medaille College (JV) on Tuesday night.

Ervin Mitchell extended his scoring streak of 20 or more points to seven games in a row after scoring 21 points on Tuesday night in limited action.

Genesee shot close to 60% and the Cougars' bench saw plenty of action, producing 45 points in the win.

Gaberiel Burroughs led the way for GCC with 26 points and six rebounds. Naquil Jones added 19 points, Redell Freeman and Alex Morris each finished with 13 points and Freeman dished out nine assists. Da'Shawn Suber chipped in nine points and Alastair Cole added eight points and six boards.

The Cougars held Medaille to just 32% shooting from the field and forced 24 turnovers, resulting in 26 fast-break points.

Genesee improves to 5-2 and will host Niagara College (Canada) on Thursday night for an 8 p.m. start.


Subscribe to GCC

Authentically Local