GCC

Some of the students and staff at Genesee Community College came together today on the lawn outside the north side of the forum for an aerial photo of them forming a human number 50 as part of the college's year-long celebration of its 50th anniversary.

Photos courtesy Genesee Community College.

Morgan Eastlack, owner of Morgan Joanna Films in Albion, was the drone operator for the event.

Cindy Hegelberger, assistant professor and reference services librarian, was a participant.

With the GCC Cougar, Kristen Murk, student activities and organizer of the event, and Cliff Scutella, director of student activities.

Press release:

Clifford "Cliff" Scutella has spent most of his professional life working with students. From his early beginnings as a program supervisor at Monroe Community College to his current role as director of Student Activities at Genesee Community College, Scutella has had an impact on hundreds of lives. With such an effect on so many people throughout the years, it's no surprise that the Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities (APCA) recently recognized Scutella with a Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring him for great service to the hundreds, if not thousands of students he has worked with and supported through the many years.

"I am very proud and humbled by this recognition," Scutella said. "For as long as I have been fortunate enough to work in the positions I've had, I have never felt as though I've worked a day it my life."

Scutella is no stranger to earning praise from the APCA, having been named the National Advisor of the Year by the Association in 2012 and the Northeast Regional Advisor of the Year in 2011. He also received a State University of New York Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service in 2003 an award given in recognition of consistently superior professional achievement and the pursuit of excellence. And, Scutella was also been hailed as Who's Who in American Junior Colleges.

The APCA strives to promote campus engagement through quality educational experiences, affordable entertainment and community service initiatives. The Association hosts many annual leadership development workshops and conferences for regions and teams through the year and throughout the country. Last year, over 600 college or universities and more than 2,000 students and higher education professionals attended in APCA conferences and activities.

From 1969 through 1973, Scutella served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Enterprise. Following his military service, he helped veterans obtain employment and further their education as a counselor for the Veterans Outreach Center in Rochester. He then worked as a program supervisor, student activities advisor and assistant director of Student Activities at MCC before moving to The College at Brockport where he held the role of alumni affairs director. Scutella began his time at Genesee in 1990 and has held the role of student activities director ever since. He was named the assistant dean for student life in 2006, a role he held for two years.

Cliff earned an associate degree from MCC before obtaining a bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts and a Master's Degree in Education from The College at Brockport. He is a member of the Association of College Unions-International (ACUI), the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA), College Student Personnel Association of New York (CSPA), Rochester Area Activities Directors (RAAD), and many other student and higher education groups. Cliff has volunteered his time for community service initiatives such as STOP DWI, Smoke Free, Planned Parenthood, Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity and Drug Free Communities. At GCC, his committee work supports student retention, strategic planning, the fine and performing arts, global education and in-service training.

Outside of work, Cliff enjoys spending time with his family, gardening and sporting events and activities which includes chasing around his eight grandchildren. He currently resides in Brockport

A new show opened at the Genesee Community College Roz Steiner Art Gallery yesterday featuring the work of students. The show, called Vision, runs through May 21.

Press release:

Genesee Community College's 36th Annual Fashion Show scheduled for Saturday, April 29, which means more than 250 designers, seamstresses, coordinators, models, hospitality, security and refreshment experts, MCs, photographers, videographers and product merchants are all working in high gear.

This year's show entitled, "Elysium," is derived from Greek mythology and describes "an often imaginary place or state of utter perfection and happiness" sometimes referred to as paradise or a land where all beauty lies.

Students are now putting the finishing touches on their interpretations of "Elysium," introducing different Greek gods and goddesses into the design concepts making up 14 separate, fast-moving scenes. Each scene has its own coordinator(s), models, music, merchants and of course, a fashion feast of color, fabric, style, accessories, movement, motion and sensation.

The following highlights the scenes with each coordinator and supportive merchant in the upcoming Fashion Show:

TERPISCHORE - Goddess of Dance and Chorus

Scene Coordinator: Kayla Suchanick (Fredonia)

HADES & PERSEPHONE - God of the Underworld & Goddess of Spring/Underworld

Scene Coordinator: Jenna Curcio (Rochester)

Stores/Designers: Windsor, Autumn Fox Creations, My Witchery, Loy Gross, Vivo Masks, Party City (Greece)

TITANS - Second Generation of Divine Beings

Scene Coordinators: Dominique Hughes (Medina) & Bailey Johnson (Hamlin)

Stores/Designers: Kohl's (Batavia), Taylor Wilson

CHLORIS - Goddess of Flowers

Scene Coordinators & Designers: Naoko Hayashi (Ishikawa, Japan) & Momoka Fukatsu (Shizuoka, Japan)

EURYBIA - Goddess of the Sea

Scene Coordinator & Designer: Nadine Jeffery (Batavia)

ZEUS - King of the Gods

Scene Coordinators & Designers: Anthony Walker (Liberia) & Luke Kondrat (Exeter, NH)

HEMERA & NYX - Goddess of Day & Goddess of Night

Scene Coordinator & Designer: Jesse Foster (Oakfield)

ODYSSEUS - Greek Mythological Hero

Scene Coordinator: Mariah Paddock (Clyde)

Stores: Gitman Bros.

MAAT - Goddess of Truth, Balance & Order

Scene Coordinator & Designer: Alicia Acker (Rochester)

FATES/MOIRAI - Deities of Fate

Scene Coordinators & Designers: Min Muchler (Dansville) & Seonggyung Choe (Busan, South Korea)

NEMESIS - Goddess of Revenge

Scene Coordinators: Lyesha Lantz (Rochester, NY) & Daisha Spence (Raleigh, NC)

Designer: Lyesha Lantz

APOLLO - God of Music

Scene Coordinator & Designer: Masato Tsunekawa (Tokyo, Japan)

GAIA - Goddess of the Earth

Scene Coordinators: Ciera Schwartz (Akron) & Mary Nolan (East Aurora)

Store: Francesca's Collections (Greece)

APHRODITE - Goddess of Love

Scene Coordinator: Kourtney Shearer (Mayville)

Stores/Designers: M.A. Carr Bridal, Dalia's Bridal, Jill Monroe, Megan Hollister, Charles Men's Shop

"Elysium" gives students the opportunity to not only express their creativity and originality, but to tell a story. By tying together elements from Greek mythology and drawing inspiration from the lives and personalities of Greek gods and goddesses, GCC students intend to show how today's fashion is much more than just a materialistic concept. The show will illustrate how GCC fashion students appreciate both art and history, and how aspects from different cultures are presented universally in the fashion world today.

Due to the overwhelming popularity of GCC's annual Fashion Show, the event features two complete shows scheduled on April 29 at 3 and 7 p.m. in the William W. Stuart Forum of GCC's Batavia Campus. Tickets for the show are available for $5 in advance or $7 at the door and can be purchased by calling 585-345-6830. Advance tickets are strongly recommended.

Press release:

Genesee Community College’s Stuart Steiner Theatre will be transformed into the deep jungle, allowing audiences to follow three cheeky monkeys. Seeno, Hearno and Sayno journey toward wisdom as they swing through the trees without a care, learning to survive as humans encroach upon their idyllic world.

Three Wise Monkeys is presented by GCC’s Forum Players Children’s Theatre Ensemble and features one show only at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 28. Audiences of all ages will enjoy watching Seeno, Hearno and Sayno in their quest to find their lost baby monkey, Dono, and return him to his rightful place—all while eating bananas, of course!

Tickets are $8 for adults, and $5 for seniors (55+) and students (16+) and GCC faculty/ staff. GCC students with ID are $3, and GCC alumni with ID will receive a $2 discount on adult ticket. To reserve seats contact the GCC box office at boxoffice@genesee.edu or (585) 345-6814.

Cast and crew:

• Maryanne Arena, artistic supervising director, Le Roy
• Jessica Skehan, “Dono,” Holley
• Taylor Renee Wilson, narrator, Cheektowaga
• Mikayla Godleski, stage manager
• Benjamin Martis, "Sayno," Curacao
• Pedro Phellipe, "Seeno," Jundiai, Brazil
• Valentine Strange, costume designer, Alden 
• Becka Naber, dancer
• Xochitl Rosario, dancer
• Tillison Pease, sound designer, York
• Emily Carey, narrator
• Spencer Henley, "Hearno"/Tiger, Akron
• Kaylee Koch, lighting designer, Alexander
• Celeste Brownell, "Hearno"/Tiger, Batavia
• Brie Cummings, backstage/projections, Bath
• Gabriel Grey, backstage, Batavia
• Robert Reiss, director, Batavia
• Ed Hallborg, technical director
• Tara Pocock, choreographer
• Clare Francis, narrator, Alexander
• Kandice Green, backstage

Photos by Maureen Spindler.

Press release:

Noted author Stephen Schottenfeld will present a reading on Wednesday, May 3, at 12:30 p.m. in the Roz Steiner Art Gallery at the Batavia Campus of Genesee Community College.

"Bluff City Pawn" is Schottenfeld's most recent work, published in 2014 by Bloomsbury USA. The story follows a Memphis, Tenn., pawnshop owner as he enlists his brother's help in a scheme to acquire a valuable gun collection. Through the lives of three brothers, the book explores themes of class, family, race, ownership and loyalty during tough economic times where desperation and the drive to get ahead dominate.

He also completed a story collection, "Miss Ellen Jameson Is Not Deceased," and he is currently at work on his next novel. His stories have been published in various publications, including The Gettysburg Review, Virginia Quarterly Review and New England Review.

His work has garnered a grant from the Michener/Copernicus Society of America, a Halls Fiction Fellowship from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a Shane Stevens Fellowship in the Novel from the Bread Loaf Writers' Conference, and special mentions in both the Pushcart Prize and Best American Short Stories anthologies.

Schottenfeld holds a master's degree from Johns Hopkins University and earned an M.F.A. at the University of Iowa, where he is also a graduate of the Iowa Writers' Workshop. He currently is the James P. Wilmot assistant professor of English at the University of Rochester.

JoNelle Toriseva, Creative Writing Club co-advisor and director of English, Communications & Media Arts, invited Schottenfeld to campus to share his work and creative process with students and the local community.

Ladi Terry leads an exercise using photos to help foster creative engagement during one of the seminar classes at today's creative conference at Genesee Community College.

The half-day event included an opening speaker and several seminar sessions on a variety of topics.

Below, Shawn Adamson talks about storytelling frame and form using examples from Pulp Fiction. Bottom photo, a marketing session.

This is the winning picture in the NY-27 Congressional Art Competition, by Leah Buddenhagen, of Niagara Wheatfield Senior High School.

Buddenhagen couldn't be at the awards ceremony today at Genesee Community College because she was busy taking a college entrance exam.

Rep. Chris Collins was on hand for the awards ceremony and spent time touring the gallery and meeting individually with each of the students who were able to attend.

The were 71 pictures entered into the competition from high school students from throughout the NY-27.

The show was judged by Roz Steiner Art Gallery Director Mary Jo Whitman and GCC Associate Professor of Fine Arts Heather Jones.

Runner-up, by Maya Lake, Medina High School.

Madeline Keenan, of Batavia High School, in front of her picture, which received an honorable mention, with her family. The other honorable mention went to Zackary Dubel, Iroquois Central High School.

Press release:

The 2017 Cougar Classic Golf Tournament is just a few months away and registration is now open for the second annual event scheduled for Monday, July 24, which will once again take place at the prestigious Stafford Country Club, 8873 Morganville Road, (Route 237) Stafford. With 88 golfers, 22 teams, 60 sponsors and tons of fun the inaugural event in 2016 raised approximately $25,000 for student scholarships!

The registration deadline is June 16, so don't wait until the last minute!

"We're looking forward to building on last year's success," Jerry Reinhart, who is returning as chair of the Cougar Classic Golf Tournament. Reinhart is member of GCC's Class of 1971, founder of Access Rentals and president of Reinhart Enterprises Inc.

"Although we saw a few raindrops last year, we're anticipating another day of quality golfing among friends and colleagues, and all for a great cause," Reinhart said. "As an alumnus myself, I can attest to the value a GCC degree and the important contribution the College makes to our community overall."

Up to 36 foursomes will once again take part in the 18-hole event, which tees off in "shotgun" style at 12:30 p.m. New this year will be a bocce tournament, welcoming more than just golfers to join the fun. Registration will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a light lunch available. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., participants are invited to attend dinner in the club house where a silent auction and prize drawings will conclude the event. Games including Skins, Beat the Pro, Longest Drive (Men's and Women's), Closest to the Pin and a Putting Contest add excitement to the day and gives everyone a chance to walk away with one of a number of prizes.

Sponsorships of all kinds are currently being sought to support the event and student scholarships. The sponsorship levels are: Platinum $3,000; Diamond/Dinner $2,000; Gold/Lunch $1,500; Silver/Beverage Cart Sponsor/$1,000; Titanium/Tee $500; and Bronze/Hole $100. In-kind support, golf games, and clever or creative sponsorships are also appreciated. The first gracious sponsor is the John W. Danforth Company, which pledged at the $1,000 Silver Level.

The cost per foursome is $500, or $125 per individual golfer. The cost to participate in the Bocce Tournament is $200 per team of four or $60 per individual player. For anyone interested in attending the event and supporting local students but cannot make the golf tournament, the dinner-only option is only $20 per person.

To receive a Cougar Classic printed invitation, participate as a golfer, bocce competitor, sponsor, volunteer or dinner guest, please contact Jennifer Zambito at (585) 343-0055, ext. 6265 or email the alumni office at alumni@genesee.edu. For further information, including golf and sponsorship registration and event updates, check out the Cougar Classic website at www.genesee.edu/home/offices/alumni/cougar-classic/.

Press release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce that Bill Kauffman will help congratulate and send off the College's 49th graduating class on Sunday, May 21 when the homegrown political writer serves as the commencement speaker for the event. Kauffman's selection was announced at the last Board of Trustees' monthly meeting. The ceremony will take place in the College's Anthony T. Zambito Gymnasium and will begin at approximately 1 p.m.

Born and raised in Batavia, Bill has been a regular contributor to the Wall Street Journal and also written for publications such as The American Conservative, The American Scholar, the Los Angeles Times Book Review, The Nation, New York History, Newsday, The Australian and The Spectator of London.

Kauffman has authored 10 books, including "Look Homeward, America: In Search of Reactionary Radicals and Front-Port Anarchists," which the American Library Association named one of the best books of 2006 and won the Andrew Eiseman Writers Award. His book "Ain't My America, The Long Noble History of Antiwar Conservatism and Middle American Anti-Imperialism" was named by Barnes & Noble as one of the best books of 2008. Locally, he is probably best known for his "Dispatches from the Muckdog Gazette: A Mostly Affectionate Account of a Small Town's Fight to Survive (2003)," the story of Batavia and its changing fortunes.

He is profiled in Who's Who in America and Contemporary Authors and his screenplay adaptation of Harold Fredric's novella, "The Copperhead," was filmed in King's Landing, New Brunswick, Canada, and visited theaters in 2013. The DVD was released in 2014 and more information is available at www.copperheadthemovie.com.

While his political views may be difficult to categorize, Kauffman is critical of development and often writes approvingly of distributism and agrarianism, and is strongly anti-corporate. He has described his politics as "a blend of Catholic Worker, Old Right libertarian, Yorker transcendentalist, and delirious localist," and considers himself an independent as well as a "a peace-loving football fan."

Bill has lectured or given readings at many colleges, including Alfred University, Brown University, Georgetown University, Marquette University, the University of Louisville, Utica College and Wellesley College.

A familiar face in the local community, Bill is vice president of the Genesee County Baseball Club, which owns the Batavia Muckdogs of the New York-Penn Baseball league. He can be found at Muckdogs' games during the summer months along the third baseline at Dwyer Stadium.

Bill earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Rochester before joining the staff of Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan in the U.S. Senate. After leaving Moynihan's team for the West Coast, Kauffman relocated back to Batavia from California in 1988 with his wife, Lucine. The couple now resides in Elba and has a grown daughter, Gretel.

The College anticipates recognizing more than 800 students at commencement, including those completing programs of study in August 2016, January 2017, May 2017 and the anticipated graduates in August 2017. Approximately 220 graduates with their families will be participating in May 21 ceremony.

While the event is open to the public, seats in the gymnasium are reserved for family and friends of graduates. The ceremony will be streamed live on monitors across the Batavia campus and also around the globe. To view the live streaming, just go to the GCC website www.genesee.edu and click on the Live Streaming link directly from the homepage.

Immediately following commencement, a reception with punch and light refreshments will be hosted in the William S. Stuart Forum for all guests and graduates.

The college is also offering free child care services during commencement for children 8 weeks to 5 years of age. Please sign your children up in the Student Activities office or call 585-343-0055, ext. 6261.

Press release:

When Genesee Community College hosts its second annual Scholars' Symposium on Thursday, March 30, students, faculty, staff, community leaders and friends will showcase some of their most inspired work.

Presented by the Genesee Community College Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities (CURCA) Committee, the full-day event includes presentations, performances, exhibits and guest speakers -- all focused on the most inventive and bright the minds of our community. All events are free and open to the public.

"We're looking forward to exploring the creative and innovative work accomplished by our students, faculty and friends of the College," said JoNelle Toriseva, director of GCC's English, Communications and Media Arts, who is organizing the event. "The Scholars' Symposium is a day to catch your breath from the rigors of academia, and enjoy expanding the possibilities for professional and personal growth."

John Covach will deliver the event's keynote address on "The History of Rock and Roll." He is professor of Music Theory at the Eastman School of Music, as well as the chair of the College Department of Music, director of the Institute for Popular Music and a Mercer Brugler Distinguished Teaching Professor at the University of Rochester. He has published dozens of articles on topics dealing with popular music, 12-tone music, and the philosophy and aesthetics of music. As a guitarist, Professor Covach has performed throughout the United States and Europe. He remains an active performer with the progressive-rock band, Land of Chocolate.

Another highlight to the Symposium will be sharing GCC's Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) partnerships. Two Latin American Academy Fellows for the USA-Mexico Multistate COIL Program (MCP) are giving presentations after the keynote address in the Stuart Steiner Theatre. Under the leadership of the COIL Center, the Latin America Academy (LAA) is developing course-based partnerships between SUNY (State University of New York) campuses and universities in Latin America, which are members of the growing Global Partnership Network (GPN). The COIL Center selected GCC and its faculty to develop and pilot equitable, team-taught coursework to emphasize experiential and collaborative student learning and help sustain long-term international teaching and learning partnerships. Through COIL, students from different countries use web-based technology to gain a new cultural lens for an enriching intercultural experience.

GCC's Assistant Professor of Photography and Art, Joe Ziolkowski, has been working with Carlos Flores, Ph.D., from the University of Colima, while Toriseva has joined with Luis Marin-Urias, Ph.D., from the University of Veracruzana for her English 102 course. Both Flores and Marin-Urias will meet with faculty, students and administrators in addition to delivering academic talks in the afternoon.

The full schedule of events for GCC's Second Annual Scholars' Symposium is as followed:

• 8:30 – 11 a.m.: Registration (William W. Stuart Forum)

• 9 – 10 a.m.: Oral Presentation Session A (Conable Technology Building, T102, T122, T121, T119 A & B)

• 10 – 11 a.m.: Oral Presentation Session B (Conable Technology Building, T102, T122, T121, T119 A & B)

• 11 a.m. – Noon: Poster Session (William W. Stuart Forum)

• Noon – 1 p.m.: Lunch (Cafeteria or Subway) and Visit various art exhibits in the Steiner Theatre Lobby; Media Center of the Alfred C. O'Connell Library; and Penumbra Exhibition Space – second floor hallway between B205 and B207. 

• 1 – 2 p.m.: Professor John Covach, Keynote Address, "The History of Rock and Roll" (Stuart Steiner Theatre)

• 2:15 – 2:45 p.m.: "The Internet of Things: Past and Present Challenges" presented by Dr. Carlos Flores, University of Colima (Stuart Steiner Theatre) 

• 2:45 – 3:15 p.m.: "Merging Artificial Intelligence and Writing in COIL" presented by Dr. Luis Marin-Urias, University Veracruzana (Stuart Steiner Theater)

• 3:15 – 4 p.m.: Award Ceremony (Stuart Steiner Theatre)

The event is sponsored, in part, by a President's Innovation Award (PIA) which provides funding for innovative activities and projects that promote community involvement in the life of the College, stimulate student and community pride, or help establish pilot programs and initiatives with the potential for positive long-term impact. For further information on the Scholars' Symposium, visit: http://www.genesee.edu/events/scholars-symposium/

For specific information about the Scholars' Symposium contact Director of English, Communications and Media Arts JoNelle Toriseva. Her email address is:  jrtoriseva@genesee.edu, and her telephone: 585-343-0055 ext. 6627.

Press release:

Friedrich Nietzche once said, "We should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once." With great music, fine lighting, a diverse cast of more than a dozen practiced dancers and a range of choreographic styles by Tara Pocock, a Genesee Community College faculty member, "The Night of Dance" promises to be a great day found and fully appreciated. The one-show only event is scheduled Saturday, March 25 at 7 p.m. in the Stuart Steiner Theatre at the Batavia Campus. All proceeds will benefit the GCC Forum Players Theatre Group.

"This fun and family-friendly event will feature varying dance styles from jazz, hip hop, modern, lyrical, and tap," Pocock said. "It combines the talent of many and will even include an optional audience participation opportunity."

Music for "The Night of Dance" will range from Michael Jackson to Skrillex, the 90's hip hop hits to contemporary "rise up" and some "guillotine" music scores to complement multiple styles of movement. The cast includes: Tara Pocock of Batavia, Erin Korn of Brockport,

Katie Luttrell, Nicole Pritchard, Sam Hunt, Remiah Sundine, Alexis Moore, Alex Dowd,

Madison Dowd, Amanda ball and Riley McPherson-all from Churchville, Makayla Spence from Rochester, Rebecca Phelps of Bergen and members of the GCC Dance Club

Tickets prices are: General admission $8; Seniors (55+), students (16+), GCC faculty and staff $5; GCC students with a valid ID $3 and all GCC alumni with the Alumni card receive $2 off regular priced tickets. Doors open at 6:30 and there will be a 15 minute intermission during the 90 minute program.

Photos by Howard Owens

Information from a press release:

The topic for Criminal Justice Day 2017, during National Crime Victims' Rights Week, is "Education, Prevention & Resources for Older Adults." A forum on this subject will take place on Monday, April 3, at the Stuart Steiner Theatre at Genesee Community College in Batavia. It runs from 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the campus is located at 1 College Road, Batavia.

Cost to attend is $10 per person, or $5 for students. Seniors 60 and older get in free.

According to the event organizers, abuse of older adults occurs in many different ways: physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, as well as financial exploitation in the form of forgery, scams and credit card or property theft.

The forum will explore the various facets of elder abuse, the signs of abuse, and provide strategies and resources in preventing abuse, along with where to go for help and how to proceed after an individual has been victimized.

Perpectives will be shared by representatives from the the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Genesee County District Attorney's Office, Secret Service, Lifespan, Genesee County Office for the Aging, Ombudsman Program, Genesee Justice, Department of Social Services as well as a local senior citizen organization president.

National Crime Victims' Rights Week provides a time of national remembrance for crime victims and survivors in order to raise awareness about the rights and needs of crime victims; the challenges that victims face in seeking help and hope in the aftermath of crime; and the positive impact that we can all have in providing services and support to victims and survivors of crime.

The theme of "Strength. Resilience. Justice." reflects this vision of the future, one in which all victims are strengthened by the response they receive, organizations are resilient to challenges, and communities are able to seek collective justice and healing.

In addition to the aforementioned participants and GCC, the event is also presented by these partners: Batavia City Police, Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (GCASA), Genesee County Youth Bureau, Mental Health Association of Genesee and Orleans County, and YWCA of Genesee County.

To RSVP, make checks payable to GCASA, and mail by Monday, March 27 to: GCASA, 430 E. Main St., Batavia NY 14020.

Include your name, address, city, state, Zip code, phone, and email address.

For questions regarding registration, call 343-1124 or email Diane Klos at  dklos@gcasa.org      (FAX is 585-343-9622)

The work of Genesee Community College students enrolled in Fine Arts courses are on display this month in the Rosalie "Roz" Steiner Gallery.

Opening receptions were held yesterday afternoon and evening.

The artwork was created by students involved in drawing, painting, 2D and 3D design, and ceramics.

The show is on display through the end of March.

Press release:

Community members of all ages should save the date for Genesee Community College’s 36th Annual Fashion Show scheduled for Saturday, April 29.

This year’s show entitled “Elysium” was introduced by fashion student Ciera Schwartz, of Akron, Elysium can be defined as “an often imaginary place or state of utter perfection and happiness.” Schwartz explained how the word is derived from the Greek mythological interpretation of heaven, and is often referred to as paradise or a land where all beauty lies. Hence, this year’s Fashion Show theme focuses primarily on student’s interpretations of different Greek gods and goddesses.

“Elysium” gives students the opportunity to not only express their creativity and originality, but to tell a story. By tying together elements from Greek mythology and drawing inspiration from the lives and personalities of Greek gods and goddesses, GCC students intend to show how today’s fashion is much more than just a materialistic concept. The show will illustrate how GCC fashion students appreciate both art and history, and how aspects from different cultures are presented universally in the fashion world today.

To quote Homer from "Odyssey" in “Elysian Fields,” Elysium can be described as a paradise: “to the Elysian plain… where life is easiest for men. No snow is there, nor heavy storm, nor ever rain, but ever does Ocean send up blasts of the shrill-blowing West Wind that they may give cooling to men.”

Due to the overwhelming popularity of GCC’s annual Fashion Show, the event features two complete shows scheduled on April 29 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the William W. Stuart Forum of GCC’s Batavia Campus. Tickets for the show are available for $5 in advance or $7 at the door and can be purchased by calling 585-345-6830. Advance tickets are strongly recommended.

Sponsors for the production are currently being solicited and accepted. Business donations of $10 or personal donations of $5 are available. To extend appreciation, the business or personal name will be included in the souvenir program and on the Fashion Show website. If writing a check, please make it payable to GCCA. To schedule a time for pick up or to make special arrangements for your donation, please contact Cheryl Young, 585-345-6830.

To stay current on details and information about this year’s show and to gain an inside look at the lives of the fashion students at GCC, follow @trendygcc_ on Instagram and @trendygcc on Twitter for updates!

Press release:

Genesee Community College will host a Job and Transfer Fair dedicated to careers in the health care industry from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 9 at the College's centrally located William Stuart Forum.

The event is designed to introduce potential new employees to employers, and also provides health care businesses an opportunity to present their trade and services to the local community. Local and regional health care companies will be available to answer questions, accept resumes and distribute material relating to their company. Area colleges will also be present to discuss transfer opportunities within their programs.

The following employers and colleges will be available to distribute career information and other printed materials, answer questions and receive resumes (this list is subject to change):

Employers:

ACM Global Laboratories

Ardda Animal Hospital

Crossroads House

Erie Canal Animal Hospital

Fidelis Care

Finger Lakes DDSO

Heritage Christian Services

Highland Hospital

HomeCare & Hospice

Livingston County Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation

Maple City Physical Therapy

Maxim Healthcare Services

Rehab Resources

Rochester Psychiatric Center

Tender Loving Family Care

Thompson Health

Army National Guard

Marine Corps

Navy

Colleges:

SUNY Alfred State

Chamberlain College of Nursing

The College at Brockport (SUNY) Army ROTC

The College at Brockport (SUNY) – Department of Nursing

Daemen College

Roberts Wesleyan College

SUNY Empire State College

St. John Fisher College – Wegmans School of Nursing

Positions being recruited include: Veterinary Technology, Medical Administrative Assistant, Registered Nurse, Physical Therapist Assistant, Respiratory Care and Polysomnographic Technology.

The job fair is FREE and open to the general public. For the most current listing of registered employers, please visit the Career Services Web page at www.genesee.edu.career/events. Employers interested in attending the fair should contact the Career Services office at 585-345-6888 to register for this event.

Press release:

Hélène Biandudi turned a fascination with the game 20 Questions and family dinners into an award-winning career. Her desire to be a journalist began at the age of 8 in her makeshift production studio in her childhood home, and on Wednesday, March 8 she will visit Genesee Community College as part of the Fashion Business Program Speaker Series.

Biandudi is an acclaimed journalist, documentary filmmaker and the host and producer of the PBS weekly news magazine show, "Need to Know" on WXXI Television in Rochester. Her desire is to shed light issues affecting the underserved and to connect cultures and communities through the power of story, and her work includes covering the first inauguration of Barack Obama, the death of music icon Michael Jackson, and the CBS/Vogue Fashion's Night Out program. She previously worked at the CBS Primetime show "48 Hours Mystery" in New York City where she contributed to several documentary specials for the network.

Among her current projects is "The Empty Hanger," an original series created by Biandudi, which uncovers and reveals the untold and often overlooked stories of the people who design, manufacture, tailor, study, wear, talk about and claim to be forever changed by clothing. The goal of the series is to challenge and expand how consumers view fashion choices and everyday dress by examining the varying degrees of impact and influence of clothing on our culture.

Don't miss the chance to listen to Hélène Biandudi on Wednesday, March 8, from 1 – 2:30 p.m. in room T102 of the Conable Technology Building at the GCC Batavia Campus. The event is free and open to the public; however, seating will be limited. Those wishing to attend can RSVP by calling (585) 345-6830.

For further information on Biandudi's work and projects, visit her website at www.helenebiandudihofer.com.

Press release:

Artwork and creations from Fine Arts majors at Genesee Community College as well as non-majors registered in arts courses will soon be showcased at the Rosalie "Roz" Steiner Art Gallery when Artists Taking Flight, GCC's annual Fine Arts Student Exhibition, is on display beginning on Wednesday, March 1.

The exhibition is held annually to showcase the artistic achievements of Genesee Community College students. An opening reception is planned for Thursday, March 2, from 12 – 2 p.m. and again from 5 – 7 p.m.

"Each year, this exhibit gives us a chance to highlight the many talents of our students," said GCC Professor of Ceramics and 3-D Design Moi Dugan. "Whether they are students in our Fine Arts program or just taking one of our many offered arts classes here at the College, the work will show how hard-working and talented our students really are."

The exhibited artwork will reflect a diverse range of coursework from drawing, painting, 2D & 3D design and ceramics. All of the artwork is created within the perimeters of a specific project assigned from the curriculum established for each individual Fine Arts class. The assignments range from projects aimed at refining technical skills and learning basic fundamentals, to challenging students to use aesthetics as a means to convey conceptually sound ideas.

While stressing the importance of visual communication and expression, courses in Fine Arts provide students the opportunities to develop a range of highly creative skills, knowledge and values relating to careers as professional artists.

The exhibit will be on display in the Roz Steiner Art Gallery through March 31. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. For more information on all upcoming events at the Roz Steiner Art Gallery visit www.genesee.edu/gallery or www.facebook.com/gccgallery.

Press release:

The expanding campus at GCC in Batavia has taken shape, and the College welcomes prospective students and their families to the Batavia Campus Open House from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 1. Although not completed, visitors can view from the outside the progress of the new Student Success Center and Richard C. Call Arena, and learn about academic and career options that the College has to offer, as well as the application process and financial aid opportunities.

In addition to a comprehensive selection of over 70 degree and certificate programs, including courses in the areas of Creative Arts, Health Care, Criminal Justice and our Business Administration concentration in Marketing and Social Media, GCC is introducing a new student success coaching model to its campus community. It will provide efficient enrollment and student services through a new level of intentional engagement that will foster students' academic and personal success. The College's team of professionally trained success coaches will be assigned students in areas of targeted academic interest and demographic populations. They will follow their students from the first stages of admissions, through advisement, enrollment and registration, financial aid and also assist with student accounts right through to graduation and commencement.

Representatives from the GCC Student Services departments will be on hand to answer all questions about admissions, financial aid, career and transfer services, student activities, opportunities at the Center for Academic Progress, athletics and more. Tours of the campus will be available, including a tour of College Village – GCC's residential housing. Those interested in attending the Batavia Campus Open House on are encouraged to pre-register at www.genesee.edu/OpenHouse or by calling 866-CALL-GCC.

Genesee Community College is located at One College Road, Batavia, NY 14020. The College also offers convenient learning options at six campus centers in Albion, Arcade, Dansville, Lima, Medina and Warsaw, as well as online.

For more information about the Open House, contact GCC's Admissions Office at 585-345-6800 or email Admissions@genesee.edu. For online, door-to-door driving directions go to: 

http://www.genesee.edu/about/visit/maps/

The Alfred C. O'Connell Library at Genesee Community College recently recognized and honored several published faculty and staff members of the College with its own local version of the popular READ posters, which are seen in libraries across the country and feature celebrities such as Seth Meyers, Rachel Maddow, Kelly Ripa and others. The library hosted a reception on Jan. 26 to celebrate GCC authors who participated in the library's second READ Poster Project, unveiling custom posters that will be prominently displayed on shelving units in the library's circulating book collection area.

This year's GCC authors honored were Maryanne Arena, Marie Iglesias-Cardinale, JoNelle Toriseva, Joe Ziolkowski and Christopher Montpetit.

Maryanne Arena is the director of Fine and Performing Arts at the College and is an assistant professor of Theatre Arts. She teaches theatre classes and supervises theatre practicums. She has contributed to the book, "What is Theatre?"

Marie Iglesias-Cardinale is a professor of English and is currently teaching several writing and literature courses. She has several published works, including the poem, "My Turn," which was published in the Afro-Hispanic Review; "To Crown a King," in Comstock Reviewand "Many Goodbyes," in Poetry Magazine.

JoNelle Toriseva is the director of English, Communications and Media Arts and is an assistant professor of English. She teaches writing and English courses and has published the books "Rodeo Day" and "Becoming Ballet," and has had many poems published in literary magazines throughout the country.

Joe Ziolkowski is an assistant professor of Photography and Art and author of books, "Walking the Line" and "Pressure."

Christopher Montpetit, who participated virtually, is the theatre/production manager at the University of Toledo, Department of Theatre and Film. He teaches online courses for GCC and is the author of the book, "What is Theatre?"

GCC reference services librarian and assistant professor Cynthia Hagelberger and systems and electronic services librarian and associate professor Michelle Eichelberger put out the call to all published faculty and staff authors in the college community last fall and welcomed the responding participants. The posters will be on display in the library so that the college community, including potential students touring the college, can see a visual celebration of GCC faculty and staff scholarship. The library is planning on continuing the READ Poster Project in the coming years and all published GCC faculty and staff authors are welcome to participate.

The project was initially funded by GCC's Academic Innovations Committee and the poster making software and supplies were funded by an Academic Innovations grant.