education

GCC's Foundation Director of Development Tammy Arneth, Vice President for Student Enrollment Services Shelitha Williams, Ph.D., and GCC President James M. Sunser, Ed.D.

Submitted photo and press release:

Last week, Genesee Community College received a $2,000 scholarship from strategic higher education consulting firm, CampusWorks.

In celebration of the company's 20th anniversary, CampusWorks launched a scholarship giveaway pledging to donate $2,000 scholarships to 20 different colleges and universities across the United States and Canada. In all a total of $40,000 in financial support is being donated to help students in need.

CampusWorks' vision is to improve society by making higher education accessible to everyone, and offering these scholarships is a big step toward making that vision a reality.

"After two decades working directly with community colleges, we see firsthand the challenges many students face," said CampusWorks CEO Liz Murphy. "We are thrilled that this scholarship will help students pursue their educational goals at Genesee Community College."

Year after year, education costs rise resulting in an increase in the number of students who need financial assistance.

"The team at GCC is delighted to be among those selected to help celebrate CampusWorks' 20th Anniversary and being able to offer an additional scholarship to our students is truly a gift beyond measure," said GCC President James M. Sunser, Ed.D.

"Last year alone, GCC's Foundation awarded over $145,000 in scholarships to GCC students in need and we anticipate a greater demand this year. It is reassuring to know firms like CampusWorks recognize this challenge for our students."

GCC is currently accepting student scholarship applications until Feb. 1.

Current or new students interested in any of GCC's scholarship opportunities are encouraged to visit www.genesee.edu/offices/finaid/scholarships/ to view the available scholarships and to apply online. In addition, GCC offers expert advisement to help students and their families search for and complete scholarship applications.

Potential new students of all ages are invited to GCC's Academic Open House scheduled on Veteran's Day, Monday, Nov. 11, from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Batavia Campus. Register online at www.genesee.edu/home/offices/admissions/visit/. A financial aid session is included in the program.

Press release:

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the “OneUSDA Internship” opportunity for Summer 2020. As part of the Federal Pathways Program, the OneUSDA Internship Program will provide students a way to explore serving their country through a career in government while gaining work experience in agriculture, natural resources, rural development, and other career fields.

“Our goal at USDA is to recruit the best and retain the best through our OneUSDA Internship Program offered nationwide,” said Secretary Perdue. “Today’s young people are the future of America and there are few things more American than agriculture. We’re aiming to find young talent, with a diverse background, across all 50 states, to begin their careers as interns with USDA.”

The OneUSDA Internship Program offers Federal opportunities to students currently enrolled in qualifying educational programs or institutions, with a comprehensive developmental program intended to provide students with experience in a dynamic work environment that will enhance their educational goals and shape their career choices.

An internship with USDA will involve various components of on-the-job experience, mentorship, and training tailored to the student’s education, experience, and interests.

During 2019, USDA was proud to host thousands of interns throughout the country, many of which were through the Federal Pathways Program. In the Summer of 2020, USDA will hire Pathways Interns in hundreds of locations in nearly every state in the country for the following occupational fields:

• Veterinary Science
• Biological Sciences (e.g., natural resources management forestry, wildlife biology, fish biology, ecology, botany, rangeland management, recreation)
• Engineering & Architecture
• Agribusiness, Contracting, Procurement, and Industry
• General Administration and Office Support
• Financial Management
• Information Technology

USDA is making sure the Summer 2020 OneUSDA internship job announcement is easier-than-ever for students to find and apply for. After choosing the geographic location of preference and the career path that best matches with student’s area of study and professional aspirations online, students simply follow the weblinks here to set up an account, then follow the prompts to apply to the internship.

When applying, students will also have an opportunity to indicate their preferred occupational area of interest and USDA Agency or office. The application window opens today (Nov. 1) and close on Nov. 15^th. Application review will begin immediately thereafter.

For more information, visit www.USDA.gov/Internships.

City of Batavia firefighters gave Gretchen Weicher, a student at St. Paul Luthern School in Batavia, a ride to school in a fire truck as an award for winning the department's annual fire safety poster contest.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the opening of the 2020 scholarship application cycle for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program.

The program aims to increase the number of students studying agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, and other agriculture-related disciplines. The program is available through the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE).

The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program was established in 1992 as part of the partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the 19 1890 Land-Grant Universities (PDF, 1.2 MB).

The program provides full tuition, fees, books, room and board to students pursuing degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or related academic disciplines. When the student has completed the academic and summer work requirements of the scholarship, USDA may convert the student to a permanent employee without further competition.

Currently, USDA and 1890 Land-Grant Universities are providing scholarships to 109 students.

“The Scholars Program is an important way to collaborate with historically black land-grant universities and train the workforce for 21^st century agriculture.” said Mike Beatty, director of USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement.

This program is among several USDA efforts to build the capacity of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Since the passage of the Second Morrill Act of 1890, USDA has supported scholarships, research, education, extension activities, and grants for facilities and equipment at these institutions.

The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program is available to high school seniors entering their freshman year of college, and college sophomores. General requirements include U.S. citizenship, a GPA of 3.0 or higher, a score of 1080 or more on the SAT or 21 or more on the ACT, and acceptance to, or currently attending an 1890 University to study agriculture, food, and natural resources.

The scholarship is renewable each year and is contingent on satisfactory academic performance and normal progress toward the bachelor’s degree. Additional requirements are listed in the application package.

All application materials must be postmarked by Friday, Jan. 31. See the 2020 high school application (PDF, 337 KB) and the 2020 college application (PDF, 347 KB) for details. For other questions, email: 1890init@usda.gov

Press release:

The faculty and students of the Fashion Design and Business programs at Genesee Community College are excited about several upcoming events that celebrate the changing seasons and how to best present yourself.

The first event, the Color Draping Session is free and open to the public and scheduled Monday, Nov. 4, from 1 to 3 p.m. in room T119 in the Conable Technology Building. Under Fashion Design Professor Donna Ehrhart, students and participants from the local community will enjoy a free consultation. Together, they will determine the color palettes that most appropriately complement each person's unique hair color, skin tone, complexion and eye color, and the seasonality of fashion.

"Color psychology goes all the way back to the 1700s and has continued to shape both the world of fashion and art, especially through the creative process of design or when painting or photographing portraits," Professor Ehrhart said.

"The Draping Session gives our sophomore students the opportunity to practice the skills they learned last year and engage the freshmen students in the theory of color. We hope members of local community will join us and also enjoy the event."

The second event, "Dress for Success and Dining Etiquette" is open to GCC students only and is co-sponsored by the College's Fashion Program, Alumni Office and Student Success Center. On Wednesday, Nov. 13 from 5 - 6:30 p.m., again in room T119, Professor Ehrhart will be joined by Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs Jennifer Wakefield in preparing a multifaceted program that will cover not only the importance of dressing for success, but also all the nuances of dining in a manner that reinforces professionalism and confidence.

"Is bacon eaten with a fork or your fingers? Which fork do you use? Which water glass is yours? Knowing the answers to these questions can be a critical component to the impression one makes," Wakefield said. "A lot of important business is conducted over a meal and it is best to know dining etiquette and not let something as simple as having pepper in your teeth detract be your lasting impression." Student participants must come prepared to this event by wearing their business attire.

A third and final opportunity that is also in development with GCC's Fashion program is a window display competition in tandem with Downtown Batavia's "Christmas in the City." Several store fronts will be designed and decorated by GCC students in time for the holiday event on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Press release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce the return of "FAFSA and Fries" -- the popular Free Application for Federal Student Aid workshops. They are designed to assist current or potential new students from Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties planning to attend any college.

The first session is from 12 to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4.

"FAFSA and Fries" sessions will be held on the first Monday of every month from 12 - 7 p.m. at the McDonald's restaurant, located at 573 E. Main St. in Batavia. Participants will also enjoy French fries, complements of McDonald's!

Sessions are scheduled through January; the calendar of Adult Educational Opportunity Center support workshops and financial aid events, and more, is available at www.genesee.edu/aeoc/.

At these sessions, the AEOC from the college will help students and their families complete the FAFSA and TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) and GED (General Education Development (or some call it diploma)) enrollment forms, conduct scholarship searches, college or trade school searches and so much more.

Participants are encouraged to contact AEOC@genesee.edu to reserve a seat in any session and to learn what information and materials should be brought to the session. Walk-ins are also welcome. 

The AEOC serves students of all ages and provides its services free of charge for college and trade school students, veterans, GED students, those seeking career counseling and more. All of the AEOC services are available to anyone, not just students of Genesee Community College.

Parents, guardians and students are also encouraged to check out the totally free FAFSA and NYS TAP grant workshops being held at the Richmond Memorial Library, located at 19 Ross St. in Batavia, on:

• Thursday, Nov. 14 from 4 - 8 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 16 from 12 - 4 p.m.
• Wednesday, Jan. 15 from 4 - 8 p.m.

Individuals interested in any of these opportunities are encouraged to contact the AEOC office at 1-888-394-2362 or via email at AEOC@genesee.edu.

Submitted photo and press release:

For more than 20 years, Genesee Community College has invited the public to its Main Campus in Batavia on Veterans Day for two very important events -- welcoming potential new students with an Academic Open House and honoring veterans for their service to our country with a Veterans Day Ceremony.

On Monday, Nov. 11, the tradition continues to host potential students of all ages and their families to Open House from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. and the entire community to the annual Veterans Day Honor Ceremony at 12:30 p.m. 

The Academic Open House session will begin with an early bird registration and campus tour at 8 a.m. for those early risers. General registration will be open from 8:30 a.m. - 9 a.m. when the program will begin.

During the program's information sessions, attendees will hear from Admissions, Financial Aid, GCC's Student Success Center representatives and more. Then, the hour-long Academic Fair will open promptly at 10:15 a.m., where GCC professors and instructors from across campus gather to showcase their programs, meet and chat with interested students and family members.

Complete campus tours that include the new Richard C. Call (athletic) Arena and Student Success Center as well as the new apartments at College Village, the Library, Book Store, Student Union, Genesee Center for the Arts and GCC's many state-of-the-art classrooms and labs will be from 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. for anyone interested.

In addition, an optional Nursing Program Information Session will begin in room T102 at 12 p.m.

Online registration for the Open House is the best way to reserve a seat for the opportunity to explore GCC.

Whether you are looking to attend college for the first time, return to college to advance your current career, or even launch a brand new venture, GCC's success coaches are specifically trained to guide individual pathways to success.Meet your success coach at Open House!

The campus tour lasts approximately 60 minutes and participants are encouraged to dress comfortably and wear walking shoes. Self-guided tours are also an option, borrowing a digital tablet from GCC's Admissions office.

A virtual tour is also available fully online here. 

Immediately following Open House, GCC will host its annual Veterans Day Honor Ceremony at GCC's Batavia Campus beginning at 12:30 p.m. featuring community and student veteran guest speakers.

At 1:15 p.m. a complementary lunch will be served to all veterans.

Those unable to attend the event in Batavia are encouraged to enjoy the event live-streamed at: https://www.genesee.edu/home/event-streaming/ or watch the broadcast at one of GCC's Campus Centers in Albion, Arcade, Dansville, Lima, Medina and Warsaw.

GCC is also holding a special Financial Aid Day / Saturday Visit Day on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019 from 8 a.m. 'til 1 p.m. featuring admissions and academic program information.

On this day, with an official transcript or copy of a GED, attendees will be able to apply and be admitted on the spot!

Those specifically seeking help with completing the FAFSA forms should register here or visit https://www.suny.edu/attend/events, click on "SUNY Financial Aid Days" and find the Genesee Community College Nov. 23 event to register.

Visit Day walk-ins are welcome; however registration for the event guarantees a one-on-one session with a financial aid expert to help complete the FAFSA application online. Interested individuals are encouraged to call GCC's Admissions Office at (585) 345-6800 with any questions.

With more than 65 affordable degree and certificate programs, online courses, Hyflex learning opportunities and seven campus locations, GCC makes it possible for anyone to achieve his or her higher education dreams.

Submitted photos and press release:

As tireless advocates, effective trustees, passionate leaders and highly effective facilitators and visionaries, Genesee Community College is delighted to announce that former trustees Robert L. Boyce, of Le Roy, and Peter R. Call, of Batavia, were recently honored by New York Community College Trustees.

The NYCCT is a voluntary nonprofit consortium of community college trustees that strengthens the effectiveness of NY community college trustees for development and implementation of public policy that impacts community colleges.

Boyce (inset photo below right), who served the College for more than 18 years, received the NYCCT Benefactor Vision for Tomorrow Award, and Call, received the Marvin A. Rapp Distinguished Trustee Service Award after seven years of dedicated service. Both former trustees were recognized at NYCCT's fall conference in September. 

Boyce's long commitment to GCC has been impressive since he joined the Foundation Board of Directors in 2005, serving as president, vice president and chairing numerous committees including the Finance, Fund Development, Risk Management committees, and also several annual campaigns.

Once appointed by the Genesee County Legislator as a GCC Trustee in 2014, he actively participated in the Policy, Nominating and Personnel subcommittees and also the critical 2018-2023 Strategic Planning Steering Team that developed the mission-centered, "Framing Our Future" Strategic Plan that guides every aspect of the College.

As a Foundation board member and College trustee, Boyce oversaw the development of quality student housing programs, innovative new safety initiatives, the construction of two new residence halls and the renovation of several others. Under his tutelage, he also supported critical capital improvements on campus such as the Roz Steiner Art Gallery (2011), and the Student Success Center and Richard C. Call Arena (2017). 

The Benefactor Vision of Tomorrow Award is given based on level of involvement, how the involvement has improved the quality of education and/or services at the community college, and the benefactor's vision and motivation for being involved. 

Boyce's other civic leadership commitments include the United Memorial Medical Center, the Le Roy Emergency Ambulance Service and Le Roy International Rotary Club where he is also a Paul Harris Fellow. Boyce served in the Army and graduated with a Business degree from the University of Buffalo.

Call's extraordinary support has also significantly enhanced the College since his first day as a GCC trustee in 2012. He served two terms as secretary to the Board and one term as vice chair, and he was the liaison to the College's Foundation. Call (lower inset photo right) also chaired the Finance Committee, leading the institution through a period of declining enrollment with clear fiscal responsibility and helping foster a positive relationship with Genesee County, GCC's local sponsor.

He has long been an advocate for two-year postsecondary education especially in relation to the local economy and workforce. 

In addition, Call's leadership and life-long career and expertise in agribusiness helped create GCC's Food Processing Technology, AAS degree, as well as enhancements to the College's Veterinary Technology and Criminal Justice programs.

During his tenure, GCC also achieved its largest capital campaign ever, raising more than $5.2 million to build the new Student Success Center and Richard C. Call Arena, fittingly named after Peter's father who had the creative vision and secured the leading gift for a building that would recognize the local agricultural community. 

Beyond his work on GCC's Board of Trustees, Call is director of Farm Credit East and serves on the boards of Seneca Foods, Farm Fresh First and United Memorial Medical Center. He was recently elected to the Cornell University Board of Trustees.

The Marvin A. Rapp Award was established in 1986 to recognize longstanding and exemplary trustee service providing significant leadership on boards, participating in state and national activities benefiting community colleges, and demonstrating a commitment to innovation in community college programs.

Rapp was a Finger Lakes Community College trustee and an educator by profession. As a staunch advocate of community colleges, he assisted in the establishment of 13 of the 30 community colleges in New York State. 

"We cannot thank Mr. Boyce or Mr. Call enough for their devotion to Genesee Community College," GCC President James M. Sunser, Ed.D., said. "They are stellar examples community members who continuously foster good citizenship and value the impact that the College has had on the community for the past 50-plus years."

Press release:

Genesee Community College is delighted that the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce (GCCC) received the New York Community College Trustees' Business/Industry Partnership Award.

The award recognizes the many shared initiatives that have helped create a prosperous community and a great place to live, work, raise a family, own a business, and also draw in students from around the globe for higher education.

GCC nominated the Chamber of Commerce, citing the following examples of the winning partnership between the two organizations.

The BEST Center, GCC's workforce development division and the Chamber of Commerce have worked closely for decades. Consistently sharing news, information and opportunities have helped develop business leads and important networking events that build strong business relationships, as well as essential workforce training to encourage economic growth.

This past spring, the Chamber was instrumental in planning the College's first opportunity to host the NJCAA Men's Lacrosse National Championship game in the new Richard C. Call Arena, laying the groundwork for many other national events in the future.

The GCC Foundation is pleased and proud to have worked closely with the Chamber for years, including the establishment of the Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund in 1989. In addition, Tom Turnbull, president of the Chamber, has served on the Foundation's Board of Directors since 2006, including his current role as secretary.

The College has also served on Chamber committees to represent education-related topics and concerns.

Whether it's a long-term commitment such as a scholarship or board service, or a shorter-term opportunity such as a symposium, workshop, or fund and fund-raising gala, the partnership between GCC and Genesee County Chamber of Commerce has long been mutually beneficial. The relationship bolsters both organizations, and enables each to better serve our shared community.

Submitted photo and press release:

In recognizing the National College Transfer Week, officials at Genesee Community College are excited to announce today (Oct. 23) the updated affiliation and articulation agreement with SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse.

It paves the way for students to graduate from GCC and easily transfer into one of seven upper-division medical programs.

Specifically, students who meet and maintain eligibility requirements in their respective programs of study at GCC can follow the specific program transfer path to SUNY Upstate Medical University to earn a Bachelor of Science in: Medical Imaging Radiography (X-ray); Medical Imaging Sciences/ Ultrasound; Medical Technology; Medical Biotechnology; Radiation Therapy; Respiratory Therapy; or Nursing.

Upon admission to GCC, specific student success coaches and the transfer coordinator are assigned to work individually with each student intending to transfer under the terms of this agreement and ensure the appropriate course load.

Together, they continue to work with the assigned students to help expedite the successful completion of the customized transfer pathway.

Students maximize every credit and every semester by filling elective slots and other general education requirements with courses that effectively meet the standards of the articulation agreement.

"There are many reasons students choose to start at GCC," said Kristen Hargrave, transfer coordinator at GCC. "Some aren't sure what career path they want and so earning an associate degree in General Studies is a way to explore a variety of options while completing general education requirements at a two-year college price.

"Other students know exactly what they want to do and where they want to go, but also recognize that by starting at GCC, they can get the first two years completed for a portion of the cost! By following SUNY Transfer Paths or taking advantage of articulation agreements between two and four-year schools, which map out very specific courses to maximize the student's tuition dollars and minimize the number of semesters required, they can earn the same four-year degree, usually in the same time, but with way fewer student loans."

In addition to one-on-one planning and consultation, GCC's Transfer Center coordinates numerous information fairs and college visits to help current students find and establish connections with four-year colleges and universities, both within the public SUNY system as well as private institutions.

The Transfer Center also works to establish Articulation, Transfer and Enrollment Agreements that guarantee students' specific transfer credits and program admission from GCC to a participating four-year institution.

Genesee Community College maintains over 200 agreements at any given time. All of these agreements support GCC's continual efforts to help students achieve their academic and career goals with maximum efficiency.

Students looking to take advantage of any of GCC's transfer, articulation or enrollment agreements, including the SUNY Transfer Program, should schedule a meeting or contact Transfer Services located in GCC's Student Success Center at transfer@genesee.edu for one-on-one help customizing their own academic plan.

Press release:

The Genesee County Job Development Bureau would like to announce its Youth Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Program.

Young adults may receive funding for in-demand career training. The program offers opportunities to out-of-school youth ages 16 to 24 years, who face barriers to education, training and employment. The goal is to make it easier for youth to find a job and a career training path. 

The program is looking to help youth -- from the young mother or father who wants to return to school, to a recent graduate that is trying to enter the workforce with no experience; to the young man or woman who left high school and now wants to finish said, Teresa Van Son, director of the Genesee County Job Development Bureau.

"Everyone has their own story and things that have gotten in their way," she said. "We want to help remove some of those obstacles. Our program is here to assist by providing support and guidance that will allow them to participate successfully in education and training opportunities to reach their fullest potential."

Young adults have the chance to participate in training for certificate and degree programs, which will assist in obtaining marketable skills for employment in their desired field of study.

Unsure what career you want? You can explore careers through paid work experience or job shadowing with a local employer.

The benefits and services can include: career counseling and support, tuition, employment-readiness training, and paid work experience. We may also help with limited supportive services including course fees and supplies, mileage reimbursement, driver's training, work clothes or uniforms.

Individuals are eligible to participate if they are between 16-24 years old, meet eligibility guidelines and possess one or more of the following barriers to employment: pregnant or parenting (mother or father), a school drop-out, homeless, foster care and/or aged out, ex-offender, or an individual with a disability.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the unemployment rate is much higher than average for 16 – 24 year olds at 9.1 percent. The education a person receives affects their employment status.

In 2018, among youth (ages 16–24) not enrolled in school who did not graduate from high school, only 51 percent were employed, either full- or part-time. The employment rate goes up from there with each educational milestone a person reached according to Child Trends.

"We want to help our local youth reach those milestones," Van Son said.

For more information, please contact the Genesee County Career Center, at (585) 344-2042 and speak with the youth counselor Lisa Smith or by email at lisa.smith@co.genesee.ny.us

Submitted photo and press release:

When artists of different genres come together, their combined creation inspires in new ways seldom seen at the beginning of their collaboration. Such is the case with a new exhibit opening at the Roz Steiner Art Gallery at Genesee Community College on Nov. 12.

The gallery will display a series of 52 acrylic paintings created by Professor of Fine Arts at Genesee Community College, Heather S. Jones. The paintings were created to illustrate a children's book titled "M is for Mindful," written by national award-winning journalist Robin L. Flanigan, which is being published by Good Nature Press in November as part of the exhibition.

"M is for Mindful" is a children's poetry book that cultivates self-awareness, compassion, respect for diversity, and other practices that shape the way people think and act. The story is visually represented by Jones's vibrant nature-themed paintings. The illustrations guide children through the book's concepts, empowering young readers to attain and maintain an intentional, balanced and considerate life.

On Thursday, Nov. 14, a special celebration will take place in the gallery and the entire community is invited to attend any and all parts of the day:

• 12:30 p.m. -- Meet Jones and Flanigan and hear them talk about their project;
• 1 p.m. -- View the exhibit, mingle and enjoy refreshments;
• 2:30 p.m. -- Robin L. Flanigan reads from "M is for Mindful" in the gallery;
• 5 - 8 p.m. -- Book Launch and evening reception: Purchase a copy of "M is for Mindful" and have it signed by both the illustrator and author to celebrate the project and inspire young and old readers alike.

This exhibit will be on display at GCC's Roz Steiner Gallery from Nov.12 - Dec.12.

The artist and author met through the happy coincidence of a mutual friend in central New York, where a vibrant network of artists in all media and persuasions thrive.

Jones has taught at GCC since 2008, and she is active in many creative pursuits, including but not limited to her role as collaborator with international Vida Design Studio, through which she designs clothing and products; study abroad instructor with multiple colleges; and creative director and illustrator of Good Nature Press.

Through the years, she has also taught at Geneseo State University, Empire State College, as well as public schools and she was the administrative director at Camp Stella Maris.

She earned her MFA from RIT and her BFA from Alfred University, and she received a SUNY Chancellor Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities in 2015.

Besides painting, Jones' professional skills also involve printmaking, photography, glassblowing, metal fabrication, ceramics, textiles and organizational management. Her work can be viewed at the following online websites:

• GlassFeather Studio www.glassfeatherstudio.com
• Saatchi Art Gallery https://www.saatchiart.com/hsjones
• Vida Collections https://shopvida.com/collections/heather-jones

A seasoned writer with bylines covering a dynamic range of topics, Flanigan uses the name and website "The Kinetic Pen" to capture the essence of her gift as an author, observer and her 20-plus year career as a writer. Raised in Sedona, Ariz., and now settled in Rochester, she earned her BA in Language and Literature from St. Mary's College of Maryland, including one year of study at the Centre for Medieval and Renaissance in Oxford, England.

Flanigan honed her craft as a newsroom beat reporter for 11 years, working for the Democrat and Chronicle in Rochester and The Herald-Sun in Durham, N.C. During this period of her career she earned nearly a dozen newspaper and press awards.

Since 2005, Flanigan has been a freelance writer for numerous magazines, newspapers, literary magazines and marketing initiatives, including but not limited to People magazine, US Airways, Education Week, The Sun, Motherwell and Talking Writing, and her coffee-table book entitled "Rochester: High Performance for 175 Years" was published in 2009.

Among her many topics are personal profiles, education, healthcare, business, home trends, beauty, fashion and family life. "M is for Mindful" is her first children's book.

The book project is an excellent illustration of how artistry and creativity cross into different media, and when combined the result is truly an enterprising opportunity that inspires in ways that may not be as available singularly.

"I am excited to show my students how the fine arts and painting can create opportunities to be entrepreneurial impacting not only their careers, but also inspiring an audience in ways far beyond the original canvas or exhibit," Jones said. "This project and the exhibit illustrate how careers in creativity can take an artist in all kinds of directions as long as they remain open, receptive and flexible in their life's journey."

Jones's talent and hard work in creating these paintings and contributing to "M is Mindful" have earned her a place in GCC's Recognition Matters series, which highlights the accomplishments of the College's faculty, staff and students. Officials at GCC have embraced this series as a way to acknowledge not only the achievement, but the high quality of the recognized individuals who demonstrate GCC's "beyond expectations" brand.

The Roz Steiner Art Gallery is open to the public Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesdays - Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The gallery is also open during special events as published at www.genesee.edu/campuslife/arts. Admission is free.

For more information, contact Gallery Coordinator Mary Jo Whitman at (585) 343-0055, ext. 6490, or via email: mjwhitman@genesee.edu.

GLOW OUT is hosting its second educational program on "Welcoming Schools" at GO ART!, located at 201 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia.

It will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22.

The presenter for this program is Carole Ebersole-Weis, who is the WNY coordinator for the Human Rights Campaign, which is the largest LGBTQ advocacy group and political lobbying organization in the United States.

There will be a Q-and-A session with Ebersole-Weis following the program.

Light refreshments will be served.

This event is FREE. All are welcome.

RSVP to Gregory Hallock at GO ART! 585-343-9313.

Oakfield-Alabama's open house on Thursday night was capped off by the music department's annual cabaret show, which featured some of the students' favorite show tunes.

Occasionally, a Batavia High School student completes their graduation requirements out of cycle with the rest of their class and receives their diploma at a Board of Education meeting. That was the case Tuesday night for Hezekia N. Burch.

Submitted photo and press release:

As the fall season gets underway with brisk temperatures, mark your calendars for Genesee Community College Foundation's 2019 Encore celebration, "An Evening of Elegance" cochaired this year by Mary Blevins (above seated) and Jenna Holota (above right).

Join the entire GCC community for dinner, drinks, dancing and a holiday concert by "Nik and the Nice Guys" on Saturday, Dec. 7, in the Richard C. Call Arena at GCC's Batavia Campus. Tickets are on sale now, click here.

Since its inception, the Encore Gala has provided an opportunity for the local community to raise funds for student scholarships. In 2018, the Foundation awarded over $145,000 in scholarships. As the world and economic factors change, the need for scholarships grows -- and so does Encore!

Blevins has lived and worked in Batavia for 28 years while she raised her sons John and Matthew. In addition to being the branch manager at ESL Federal Credit Union in Batavia, Blevins is the chairman of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

"I've always believed in the work GCC does," Blevins said. "I was so honored when Rick Ensman contacted me to chair this event.

"I'm excited to bring together new elements and admired traditions to through music, dining, dancing, networking, and friendship all wrapped up in 'An Evening of Elegance' at Encore 2019. I hope everyone will come out to enjoy it and to support the scholarships that change lives for so many students."

Holota, grew up in Batavia and is now raising her 3-year old daughter, Mckenzie, in her hometown. As the assistant branch manager at ESL, Holota enjoys helping the credit union members through every financial situation they encounter. 

"When Mary asked me to cochair this event with her, I was both proud and honored," Holota said. "I've enjoyed attending the event in the past. Knowing that I will be contributing to a scholarship program for GCC students makes it extra rewarding."

Each year, GCC offers opportunities to sponsor the Encore event. These sponsorships are critically important to the scholarships GCC provides its students and are available at several levels this year: the Holiday Chord Circle -- $1,000; the Golden Guitar Society -- $600; and the Inner Circle -- $300. Each of these levels includes tickets (six, four or two, respectively) for the event.

To become "An Evening of Elegance" sponsor, please complete the online forms here or contact the Foundation Office at (585) 345-6809, or foundation@genesee.edu today.

Press release:

Le Roy – Traumatic events can directly impact a student’s ability to learn. The National Survey of Children’s Exposure to Violence found that more than 60 percent of children surveyed experienced some form of trauma, crime, or abuse in the prior year, with some experiencing multiple traumas. This exposure often prevents students from their ability to focus in class, study or can even impair their capability to do well on a test.

The Genesee Valley Educational Partnership has a new Trauma, Illness and Grief (TIG) Service to serve component school districts by delivering training and crisis support that links schools’ vision for trauma-responsive practices to processes for implementing sustainable change.

The service includes crisis training for teams in each school district, crisis response support in the event of a school tragedy, public relations/communications support and regional coordination of services to support students with mental health needs.

The TIG service brings together school districts and mental health providers to create a comprehensive support system in the Genesee Valley region.

The mission of TIG is to maintain and grow a community and school-based consortium of culturally sensitive and clinically appropriate training, support, and resource services to assist schools in responding to the emotional needs of children, teachers, and other school personnel, which arise from trauma, violence, illness, grief and loss.  

The TIG core curriculum prepares schools/districts to respond and intervene effectively during times of crisis and to support resiliency. This shared training assures that any responders are able to effectively and efficiently intervene to support their own district as well as dis­tricts throughout the network.

In the event of a district- or school-wide crisis, school districts can deploy and receive responders from both within and outside of the school in a coordinated and systematic manner through the Back Up Support Network.

Julie Donlon, assistant superintendent for the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership, explains why this service was launched and how it supports component districts.

“Despite our best efforts in taking a proactive approach at protecting our students, staff and communities from trauma, illness, grief and loss, life events happen that impact people in different ways," Donlon said. "The TIG service is designed to create supportive networks that encompass trained professionals to respond effectively in times of crisis.

"GVEP has partnered with Monroe County TIG to serve schools in the Genesee Valley region to ensure our students, staff and community have access to comprehensive support networks during times of tragedy. Through a regional approach, we've partnered with districts and local agencies to build a stronger, more resilient community.

"The service revolves around proactive efforts in planning, preparation and response. Together, we are stronger.”

About GVEP

The Genesee Valley Educational Partnership operates as a Board of Cooperative Educational Services providing shared programs and services to 22 component school districts located in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Steuben counties in New York state.

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