Press release:
Genesee Community College celebrated this year's Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Wednesday, March 19 at a reception that filled room T119 of Conable Technology Building with family and friends, some who arrived as a surprise from as far away as Alaska.
"We were delighted to have so many visitors join the celebration that recognizes the success of our alumni and extols their many accomplishments and community service," Jackie Christenson, alumni affairs coordinator said. "It was a moving moment listening to memories and how these GCC graduates find their way in the world with so many incredible achievements."
Lawrence Saupe, a 1989 GCC graduate, is now a Major in the New York Air National Guard, and anticipates being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in September of this year. He began his military service after graduating from Pembroke High School in 1982. He served as a crew chief for C-130 transport planes in Germany, graduating with honors from Flight Engineer School. After four years of active military service, Larry came to GCC in 1987, earning his associates degree in Engineering Science in 1989. He continued his studies at the University at Buffalo where he earned a bachelor's Degree in Aircraft Systems and bachelor's and master's degrees in Mechanical Engineering. His senior year was delayed when he was deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm. He earned two air medals and his crew received a special honor for rescuing three critically injured Marines under hazardous conditions.
Larry was a research and development engineer at Graham Corporation in Batavia for 10 years before taking a position in 2002 with General Electric in Schenectady, NY. After five years with GE, he joined the Knolls Atomic Power Lab in Niskayuna, NY, in 2007 where he currently serves as a thermal test engineer. While pursuing his professional career, Larry has remained in the Air Force as a reservist and currently serves as an Air Operations Strategist with the 174th Attack Wing in Syracuse.
"Overall I have always strived to build on previous education and experience and also to share what I have learned with others," Larry said. During his time at Graham he taught a Physics course at GCC. He is currently president of the Experimental Aircraft Association's Adirondack chapter and speaks often to groups about aircraft performance and weather.
Larry lives in Galway, NY, with his wife, Shelli, and stepdaughter, Allison. Besides flying, he also enjoys biking, kayaking, sailing, boating and snowmobiling. He will be introduced by his sister, Jeannie (Saupe) Burdick, a 1981 GCC alumna who is a professor/counselor at GCC.
Stephen Tarbell took to heart the advice of his Criminal Justice Professor Ronald Hallman who told his students to know their community, get involved, volunteer and be part of the problem-solving. After earning his Criminal Justice degree from GCC in 1978, Tarbell went to work for the Wyoming County Sheriff's Department. Over a 23-year career, he served as a deputy sheriff, scientific evidence technician, technical sergeant and investigator specializing in crime scene and fire investigations.
While working for the Sheriff's Department, Steve earned a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice/Public Administration/Accounting from Empire State College and a master's degree from the Nelson A. Rockefeller School of Criminal Justice at the University of Albany.
At the same time Steve began his career in public service. He served on the Warsaw Central School Board, on the Village Board and as deputy mayor of Silver Springs and as Wyoming County Youth Court coordinator. He served as town councilman for the Town of Castile and currently serves as the town supervisor. He is also a member of the Wyoming County Board of Supervisors and the Wyoming County Community Hospital Board of Managers.
Steve completed Leadership Wyoming and in 2013 received the program's Alumni Leaders Award. He has received numerous other awards including Wyoming County Deputy of the Year and Wyoming County Sheriff's Department Commendation Award, local, state and national awards for his service to youth, as well as the U.S. Department of Justice FBI Commendation.
Steve lives in Silver Lake with his wife of more than 30 years, Mary Pamela, who says "he still finds time to be a great father, husband and grandfather to his granddaughter who he adores." Steve's son and daughter-in-law, residents of Alaska, made a special surprise trip to Batavia for this ceremony.
The GCC Hall of Fame featuring photos of all inductees is located in the Conable Technology Building of the Batavia campus on the second floor corridor. For more information visit GCC's Hall of Fame Web site: http://www.genesee.edu/alumni/halloffame/
