Announcements

Press Release:

Genesee Community College (GCC) is pleased to announce the GCC Business and Employee Skills Training (BEST) Center recently welcomed three new staff members to its team with the addition of Christa Palmer, Corinne Saluste, and Maria Velazquez de Machado in the roles of assistant director, coordinator of community education, and coordinator of technical programs, respectively. Palmer began her new role on July 1. Saluste and Velazquez de Machado began their new roles with the College in September.

"The BEST Center is extremely pleased to welcome Christa, Corinne and Maria," Jennifer Wakefield, executive director of workforce development and The BEST Center said. "All three individuals bring outstanding professional credentials to our team, including new program development and training design experiences, and creative and innovative ideas to further expand our presence in the GLOW area."

Palmer, a Batavia native, is the assistant director of workforce development. Christa has over 26 years' experience in education and in her former role at GCC, developed programming for the new technical programs in HVAC, Refrigeration, Industrial Electric and Computer Numerical Controls (CNC). In her new role as assistant director, she will oversee corporate training contracts for The BEST Center. Christa holds a bachelor's degree in communications, master's degree in elementary education and educational administrative certification from SUNY Brockport.

Saluste, also from Batavia, is the coordinator of community education, specializing in courses designed for personal and professional growth. Corinne collaborates closely with the GLOW community to provide courses that promote both personal and professional advancement to strengthen the workforce. Her programs cater to a wide range of learners, offering everything from driving courses for new drivers to leadership, healthcare, and public safety courses for emerging professionals. Corinne, also a GCC alumna, has an associate degree in Business Administration.

Velazquez de Machado, originally from Venezuela, is the coordinator of technical programs. Maria oversees the development and management of various technical courses and training programs. Her role includes increasing non-credit enrollment and expanding program offerings to meet the needs of the regional economy. She brings extensive experience in program management, strategic communications and content creation. Maria holds Social Communications and Business Administration degrees and is bilingual in Spanish and English. Her commitment to serving underrepresented communities and proficiency in digital tools makes her an asset to The BEST Center.

The BEST Center at GCC is the recognized regional leader in developing the skilled workforce that powers local economic growth. The Center serves individual employees as well as businesses large and small with seminars, workshops and trainings designed to improve the performance of people and processes.

For more information contact Vice President, Development, Admissions and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.

Submitted photos courtesy of GCC.

Press Release:

Buffalo State University is pleased to welcome the Class of 2028 to campus. The new Bengals started class on August 26.

• Joseph DiRisio of Batavia
• Jermaine Watson of Batavia
• Heather Nicholson of Corfu
• Mykenzie Dylag of Corfu
• Shelby Nicholson of Corfu

Press Release:

Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York, announces the recent promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Emmanuel Fisher from Le Roy, assigned to the Company E, 427th Brigade Support Battalion, received a promotion September 15 to the rank of private.

Makenzie Lafreniere from East Bethany, assigned to the 222nd Military Police Company, received a promotion August 16 to the rank of sergeant.

Army National Guard promotions are based on a Soldier's overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism, and future development potential.

These promotions recognize the best-qualified Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.

Press Release:

Cassidy Ertel of Bergen has been named to Southern New Hampshire University's Summer 2024 Dean's List. The summer terms run from May to August.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.500 to 3.699 for the reporting term are named to the Dean's List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.

Press Release:

Crossroads House is pleased to announce the appointment of Marilyn Almeter-Milbrand, MS, BSN, RN, as the new Director of Resident Care. 

Marilyn brings with her more than 30 years of extensive experience in nursing, management, and healthcare leadership, making her a vital asset to our comfort care home. 

With a Master of Science in Management and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Keuka College, as well as an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Genesee Community College, Marilyn’s educational foundation is complemented by a stellar career across various health sectors, including hospice care, acute care, and nursing management. 

Professional Experience

Prior to joining Crossroads House, Marilyn served as Chief Executive Officer at Hospice of Orleans in 2023, where she provided compassionate leadership and operational oversight to hospice care services in Albion.

Marilyn's career also includes two decades at Rochester Regional Health – United Memorial Medical Center, where she held progressively responsible roles culminating in her position as Vice President of Nursing/Chief Nursing Officer from 2017 to 2019. During her tenure, she led various initiatives, such as:

• Steering the nursing team toward achieving Baby Friendly status.
• Leading the hospital’s initial Magnet Journey, a prestigious designation in nursing excellence.
• Implementing a Nursing Investment Program to promote professional development and certifications among nurses.
• Achieving recognition for Stroke Center of Excellence and Joint Center of Excellence certifications.

Marilyn’s earlier roles included serving as the Director of Professional Practice, overseeing nursing standards, quality control, regulatory compliance, and policy development. She also held nursing leadership positions at Medina Memorial Health Care System, where she excelled as a Nurse Manager in Intensive Care and the Emergency Department. 

Leadership and Vision 

Crossroads House Executive Director, Tracy Ford, expressed excitement about Marilyn's appointment, "Marilyn’s remarkable career and deep commitment to quality patient care make her the perfect fit for Crossroads House. She is taking on the role previously held by founder, Kathy Panepento. Her leadership will be pivotal as we continue to provide compassionate end-of-life care to our residents and their families."

A Commitment to Excellence in Care

Marilyn is a long-standing member of the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) and currently serves on the Genesee and Orleans County Health Department Quality Assurance Board. Her leadership will undoubtedly strengthen Crossroads House’s mission to offer compassionate, quality care for those nearing the end of life. 

Press Release:

Over 800 students graduated from SUNY Delhi in the Spring of 2024. Commencement was held Saturday, May 18, with certificates, associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees conferred upon the classes of Fall 2023 and Spring 2024.

Rachael Herold of Pavilion graduated from SUNY Delhi with a bachelor's degree in Nursing.

Press Release:

Horizon Organic, a pioneer in organic dairy and the largest USDA-certified organic milk brand in the world, today announced the 2024 recipients of the Horizon Organic Producer Education (HOPE) program scholarships, which encourage young people to seek careers within organic or sustainable agriculture and/or large animal veterinary science.

The scholarship recipients, who must be the children or grandchildren of Horizon Organic producer partners, are each awarded $2,500 to use toward their college education. Horizon Organic became the first national organic dairy brand to offer scholarships designed to build the next generation of organic leaders through the initiation of the HOPE Scholarship program in 2007. During the past 17 years, the HOPE Scholarship program has awarded 105 scholarships totalling more than $290,000 in financial support.

“Farmers are the heart of Horizon Organic, and the HOPE Scholarship program is one way we are helping ensure organic farmers keep farming for generations to come,” said Tyler Holm, CEO of Horizon Organic. We believe in the organic difference, and we’re proud to share this value with the 2024 HOPE Scholarship recipients along with our shared passion to shape positive impact and educate communities about the importance of organic agriculture.”

This year’s HOPE Scholarship recipients include:

Rachel Hatch (Freedom, N.Y.), age 18, is the daughter of producers Jeremy and Sara Hatch of Emary Springs Farm who have been shipping milk to Horizon Organic for 21 years. This year Rachel began attending State University of New York College of Agriculture & Technology (SUNY Cobleskill) pursuing an agriculture business degree that will fuel her passion to promote organic agriculture, whether it be to return to the family farm or other opportunities within the organic agriculture system. 

"Being a HOPE scholarship recipient means a lot to me and my family,” said Rachel. “It shows that Horizon Organic is a company that is willing to give back to the community and to farmers that have been a part of their success for many years,” shared Rachel. “It also means that they are willing to support young adults like me in our passion for agriculture and are very encouraging in our futures."

Zackary Tillotson (Pavilion), age 19, is the grandson and son of producers Paul and Jason Tillotson, respectively, of Cottonwood Farms LLC. The farm has shipped milk to Horizon Organic for 19 years. Zackary is a two-time HOPE Scholarship recipient and recently started his sophomore year at State University of New York College of Agriculture & Technology (SUNY Cobleskill) pursuing an agriculture business degree. His goal is to enhance his family farm's productivity and sustainability to ensure the farm and his family can continue to thrive for future generations, all the while committing to upholding and advancing organic standards through innovative and efficient practices.

"I am incredibly honored and grateful to be a past and now a 2024 HOPE scholarship recipient,” said Zackary. “This scholarship not only alleviates a portion of the financial burden for school, but also allows me to continue my education in agricultural business. I am very excited to bring the knowledge I gain to our family farm. I look forward to maintaining a strong relationship with Horizon Organic throughout my college journey and as I return full-time to the farm."

The HOPE Scholarship program is more relevant than ever as consumers are seeking out organic foods and beverages at an unprecedented rate. According to the 2024 Organic Trade Association Industry Survey, U.S. sales of certified organic products approached $70 billion in 2023, a new record for the sector. Organic dairy and egg sales specifically were up 5.5 percent last year. This increasing demand  points to the continued need to support and cultivate organic farmers and others in sustainable agriculture who are dedicated to advancing the organic industry and delivering the high-quality organic products consumers are craving.

Horizon Organic is committed to putting its farmers first, and the HOPE program is just one way the organization supports these essential business partners. From providing farmers with profitability consulting, intergenerational transition planning to keep farms in the family, and estate and retirement planning, to traveling vet care to offer individualized guidance for farmers’ specific concerns about their herds, and availability to collaborate on milk quality and continuous improvement, Horizon Organic aims to nourish a happy, healthy future for farmers, families, animals and the land.

The 2024 HOPE Scholarship recipients were selected by a committee of organic and agricultural industry leaders, including: John Foster, Chief Operating Officer, Wolf & Associates; Tina Owens, VP Agriculture Transition, Intrinsic Exchange Group; and Kelly Shea, Chief Executive Officer, Shea & Associates.

More about Horizon Organic and the brand's commitment to supporting family farmers and organic agriculture can be found at https://horizon.com/organic-dairy-brand/organic-farmers/farmer-support-program/.

Press Release:

The following local students are enrolled in the University at Buffalo Honors College for the 2024-25 academic year:

• Angelina Luker of Alexander
• Connor Domoy of Basom
• Lydia Evans of Batavia
• A. Jo Tarbell of Corfu
• Elli Schelemanow of Byron
• Ella Mattice of Le Roy

UB is New York State's flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system.

"The Honors College is made up of students who are intellectually ambitious and interested in pushing themselves and others to maximize their undergraduate experiences," Honors College Academic Director Patrick McDevitt says. "Our inclusive curriculum and dedicated staff nurture and support honors scholars as they grow as leaders, creative thinkers and globally-minded citizens."

The UB Honors College supports and challenges academically gifted students to strengthen their studies and explore their interests across the disciplines. Currently, 1,788 of UB's approximately 20,170 undergraduate students are enrolled in the Honors College. The college welcomed 537 first-year students for fall 2024. The college had one of the largest out-of-state enrollments to date, and welcomed 42 international students representing over a dozen different countries.

Honors scholars enjoy many benefits designed to foster academic and personal success - including personalized advisement, faculty mentorship, priority registration, access to unique funding opportunities, specialized living communities and a network of global honors alumni.

Honors scholars must maintain a 3.300 undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA) during the first year and at least a 3.500 undergraduate GPA in each successive year to graduate with an overall GPA of 3.500.

Press Release:

Brooke Kennedy of Basom was among 11 students who participated in Baldwin Wallace University's(BW's) faculty-led study abroad program in Guatemala during the spring semester.

Kennedy, a graduate of Oakfield-Alabama Central School majoring in international studies, completed an experience led by Drs. Javier Morales Ortiz of political science and Kelly Coble of philosophy who took students to Guatemala to learn about cultural and ethical perspectives while exploring pathways to positive social changes.

The BW Center for Global Exploration engages students through global exploration and off-campus study that enhances personal growth, educational enrichment and career development as part of the university's liberal arts effort to cultivate contributing and compassionate citizens. Through faculty-led and independent study abroad opportunities, students can build strong communication skills, enhanced critical thinking and personal confidence from trekking the unknown. For more photos, follow @bw.explore on Instagram.

Press Release:

Charles Urbanczyk of East Bethany graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Speech & Hearing Sciences from Pennsylvania Western University on May 4.

Urbanczyk, who studied at PennWest's Edinboro campus, was among nearly 1,800 students who received undergraduate, masters and doctoral degrees.

PennWest University celebrated the successes of these graduates during spring commencement ceremonies on each campus.

Press Release:

SUNY Oswego recently recognized several Genesee County residents as high academic achievers on its President’s List and Deans’ List for the fall 2024 semester.

President's List students are those attaining semester grade-point averages of 3.8 or higher while carrying required academic credits. Students on the President’s List include:

• Ty C. Kornow, Basom, psychology

Deans' List students are those attaining semester grade-point averages between 3.3 and 3.79 while carrying required academic credits. Students on the Deans’ List include:

• Cassidy C. Ball, Bergen, undeclared
• Ethan W. Cramer, Basom, business administration
• Farryn E. Kennedy, Le Roy, linguistics
• Finch Uhrinek, Basom, geology
• Dylan Zielinski, Corfu, broadcasting and mass communication, cinema and screen studies

Press Release:

Elmira College recently announced this year's recipients of its annual Key Award. This year's award was given to 831 students in 17 states. A tradition that goes back to 1935, the Key Award is presented to outstanding students in their junior year of high school or preparatory school. Students included:

• Jason Rowe of Elba
• Aedyn Groth of Oakfield
• Lillian Bromstead of Darien Center
• Ava Higgins of Batavia
• Lilyana Beardsley of East Bethany
• Kylee Brennan of Batavia
• Allison Keller of Le Roy
• Callie Douglas of Oakfield
• Xavier Garcia of Byron

Recipients receive an $88,000 scholarship over a four-year period, $22,000 per year, upon enrolling at Elmira College.

"This award is given to students with the potential to excel academically, serve as leaders, and go on to enjoy success in life," said Charles Lindsay, president of Elmira College. "We hope they will choose to make Elmira College their place."

Sponsored by the EC Alumni Association, the Key Award recognizes students for high scholastic achievement, leadership, citizenship, and participation in extracurricular activities.

Press Release:

The families of the late Baptist and Christina (Costa) Stefani, and Dominic and Johanna (Rigoni)

Costa, including Matthew Temple of Le Roy, gathered for their 44th consecutive annual family reunion at Freeman Park in Mumford on Sunday, July 28.

Both founding families made their homes in Lime Rock. Their first family reunion was held in 1981. 

After a buffet and dessert table, a short business meeting was conducted by Mary Lathan of Caledonia. Family news since last year included three high school graduations: Temple will be attending Finger Lakes Community College; Lathan of Wake Forest, North Carolina will be attending High Point University this fall; and Blair Magari of Fayetteville will be attending Le Moyne College. 

Michael Costa, of Retsof, died Saturday, December 23, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia, and children Joshua (Mandy) Costa of Retsof, and Angela (Lancing) Pascuzzo of Piffard. He was the son of Sandy and Doris Baker Costa of Buffalo.

Chris and Ann (Tracy) Publow will be leading next year’s Stefani-Costa Family Reunion.

Press Release:

SUNY Delhi is proud to recognize Rachael Herold of Pavilion for being named to the Dean's List for the Spring 2024 semester. Herold is pursuing a degree in Nursing.

The Dean's List is a recognition of academic achievement for students who are enrolled in six or more credits and earn at least a 3.5 grade-point average for the semester.

Press Release:

Vermont State University (VTSU) is pleased to announce that David Greer, of East Bethany is part of VTSU's inaugural graduating class for May 2024!

This diverse group of over 1000 students hailed from more than 200 Vermont towns, over 20 states, and various countries around the world. Congratulations to Vermont State University's Class of 2024!

Press Release:

Seven exceptional members of the Genesee Community College team have been recognized by the State University of New York for outstanding contributions to their profession, the campus and the community. The SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence is given in recognition of consistently superior professional achievement and encourages the ongoing pursuit of excellence.

The following faculty and staff members earned a SUNY Chancellor Award for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Richard A. Schlesinger was awarded the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching. This award recognizes consistent superior teaching at the graduate, undergraduate or professional level in keeping with the State University's commitment to providing its students with instruction of the highest quality.

Dr. Schlesinger has been a member of our college's communication faculty since 2016 and has taught a variety of courses including Interpersonal Communications, Speech, First Year Experience, Career Explorations, and Argue and Debate. Communication courses go well beyond the textbook since lessons need to come to life with real-world applications, and Dr. Schlesinger creates well-crafted lessons which are designed to build practical skills. He is a highly experienced individual known for creativity and adaptability both inside and outside the classroom and is committed to student success. In addition, he is the author of: "If You Don't Ask The Answer Is No: A Practical Guide for Getting Through College Without Falling Through the Cracks" and is currently working on his second book.

Michele L. Terry was honored with the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in the Classified Service, a system-level award established by SUNY to give system-wide recognition for superior performance and extraordinary achievement by employees in the Classified Service. These awards demonstrate the University's commitment to individuals who provide superior service to its students and the community at large.

Michele has been a member of our college's classified staff since her arrival in 2002. She began as a Clerk-Typist, became a Secretary, and has been in the role of Executive Secretary since 2009. Michele has cheerfully transitioned to different job responsibilities under different supervisors over the years and continually maintains a positive atmosphere. She has proven to be a "patient teacher" to new employees and often steps up to help at the Hub of the Student Success Center. Michele is involved in, and assists with, many campus events. In addition, she serves as secretary to the GCC Association Board and became a notary public in 2019.

Teresa L. Sukiennicki received the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Faculty Service, which recognizes the consistently superior service contributions of teaching faculty. This service must be sustained over multiple years and may occur in a variety of venues.

Teresa has been a member of the College's biology faculty since 2006 when she started as an adjunct instructor prior to becoming a full-time faculty member in 2009. She has been regularly involved with the Academic Senate, including being co-chair of the Academic Standards Committee for over eight years. She was the Outdoor Adventure Club advisor for eight years, and regularly volunteers within the community. Teresa maintains her connections with educators outside of the College through her participation in several professional associations and gives back to the community through her weekly volunteer work at EquiCenter.

Elizabeth M. Simmons was awarded the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Librarianship, which recognizes consistently superior professional achievement in the field of librarianship.

Liz has been a member of our college since 2017 where she started as a Reference and Cataloging Librarian, and in 2019, she became a Systems & Electronic Services Librarian. She has served in a critical role as she navigated the library through some impactful changes including migrating the library's website, establishing technical workflows and training staff for a new Library Services Platform, implementing a laptop loaning program for students, and configuring and implementing a study room booking software in the library. Liz is GCC's SUNY Librarians Association campus delegate and is an active member of other state library organizations in addition to holding positions on a variety of college committees.

Karlyn M. Backus was recognized with the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service. This award recognizes consistently superior professional achievement within and beyond the position.

Karlyn's service to the college began in 2009 as an adjunct instructor, in 2011 she was hired full time as an ACE Program Specialist, she joined the college's Records Office in 2019 as the Assistant Registrar and was then promoted to Registrar. She has always been an individual that embodies the spirit of "Serving Beyond Expectations". She is well known not only on campus for her contributions of knowledge, teamwork and innovative solutions, but at the SUNY level as well. A few examples of her work include leading and supporting several digital transformation efforts, implementing a collaborative collegewide professional development group, and leadership roles within the college's Academic Senate and Information Technology Advisory Council.

Amy V. Conley was awarded the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities, which supports the pursuits foundational to sustaining the intellectual growth of SUNY institutions by recognizing consistently outstanding scholarly and creative productivity, conducted in addition to teaching, by SUNY's instructional faculty.

Amy has been a member of our college faculty since 2009. Some of her career highlights at GCC include her work with the Business Creators Club over the past 14 years and innovative contributions on delivering course content, specifically through hyflex. In addition, Amy is a faculty liaison with the pTECH Program, a 23-24 SUNY Online Ambassador, works extensively with The BEST Center to create and teach classes, mentors student participants in the annual business idea pitch competition, and is an active member of GCC's Educational Initiatives and Career Services Committees. Beyond the classroom, she organizes countless activities including networking events and promotes student involvement in the community.

Laura J. Taylor was honored with the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching. This award recognizes consistently superior teaching at the graduate, undergraduate or professional level in keeping with the State University's commitment to providing its students with instruction of the highest quality.

Laura has been a member of our college since 2017, and since joining the College, has transformed GCC's fashion degree program in several important ways. She oversaw the transition of the annual fashion show from the Forum to the Arena; and perhaps even more remarkably, was able to find a way to make the event possible during the pandemic. Laura works to maintain connections with fashion business leaders nationwide, strengthen relationships with fashion programs at 4-year institutions, and has been instrumental in transforming GCC's fashion degree program to modernize course content and provide students with the best possible resources available.

President of Genesee Community College Dr. James Sunser said, "We are incredibly proud of the exceptional individuals who have received the SUNY Chancellor's Awards for Excellence. Richard Schlesinger, Michele Terry, Teresa Sukiennicki, Elizabeth Simmons, Karlyn Backus, Amy Conley, and Laura Taylor have consistently demonstrated outstanding contributions to their respective fields, our campus, and the community. Their commitment to excellence and dedication have had a profound impact on our students and the overall educational experience at Genesee Community College."

For more information contact Vice President, Development, Admissions and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.

Submitted photos.