Photo: Fall color at GCC
After Jerry Greenfield's talk at Genesee Community College yesterday, I stopped to take a picture of the GCC clock framed by autumn color. Greenfield is co-founder of Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc.
GCC
Genesee soccer sweeps Cayuga Community College
Nine different players scored for the Genesee Community College women's soccer team on Wednesday afternoon, en-route to a 10-0 win over Cayuga Community College.
Kate Sprinsteen got the scoring going for GCC in the 12th minute and Ashley Makowski followed with a goal less than thirty-seconds later. Dana Hansen, Karissa Schuster and Rachel Ball also beat the Lady Spartans goalkeeper during the opening period, to stake Genesee a 5-0 lead at the half.
Hansen, the only repeat goal scorer in the game, made it 6-0 in the 49th minute and Sarah Loranty, Rachel Oliver, Amanda DiSalvo and Samantha Bogdan all added goals in the second half.
Hansen, Sprinsteen and DiSalvo also tallied two assists each.
The Lady Cougars sent 40 shots on the Cayuga CC net and outshot the Lady Spartans, 40-1.
Maddie Potter and Megan Mase split time in net to earn the shutout.
Genesee improves to 5-3-1 and will host Erie Community College on Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m.
(Karissa Schuster (#5, white) works past a Cayuga CC defender)
Jordan Cooper scored a first half hat-trick to pace the Genesee Community College men's soccer team to a 4-1 victory over Cayuga Community College on Wednesday night.
Cooper netted the first goal of the game in the 20th minute of the first half to give the Cougars the early lead. He followed with a second goal just nine-minutes later thanks to an assist from Ryan Burns. Ben Polk set Cooper up for his third goal in the 40th minute before Nathan Rose made it 4-0 after cashing in on a corner cross from Aaron Dunks with just over three-minutes left in the opening period.
Genesee was held scoreless in the second half and gave up a Cayuga goal late, but shut the door and held on for the victory.
Cameron Evans made four saves in net, playing all 90 minutes. Cooper's hat-trick were his first three goals of the season.
The Cougars improve to 4-3 overall and will host Erie Community College this Saturday for a 3 p.m. start.
Co-founder of Ben & Jerry's says company leaders can stay true to their values in business
It is possible, Jerry Greenfield told the assembled audience in GCC's Stuart Steiner Theater this afternoon, to run a business that is both socially conscious and profitable.
Ben & Jerry's did it, and it's a culture that remains in place even 12 years after Greenfield and his partner Ben Cohen sold Ben & Jerry's to Unilever for $326 million.
From early on in the company's history, Greenfield said, he and Cohen shared a vision that the company would buy raw materials locally, invest in the communities where Ben & Jerry's operated and donate to charitable causes.
They also did things like find suppliers such as a bakery in New York that employs disadvantaged workers (the bakery makes brownies for Chocolate Fudge Brownie ice cream).
"The way we approached it was to think how can we find ways to bring social and environmental concerns right into the day-to-day business activities so it's not central to what we do but just a part of what we do," Greenfield said
Greenfield's appearance was part of Wolcott J. Humphrey III Symposium on Leadership and Community Life.
Several times during his talk, Greenfield referenced "community" -- like where Ben & Jerry's buys product or where Ben & Jerry's donates money or how it supports its employees. He encouraged the audience to support local businesses and businesses that share the customer's values.
"I think everything is essentially local," Greenfield said after his talk. "For Ben & Jerry's, the farmers that we buy milk and cream from are neighbors. We want to support our neighbors."
Genesee baseball out of fall tournament after extra-innings loss to Erie Community College
It took extra-innings to settle the score in the first round of the Western New York Athletic Conference Fall Championship tournament on Tuesday afternoon, and the host Genesee Community College Cougars came out on the losing end to Erie Community College, 7-5.
The fourth-seeded Cougars allowed a first inning run to no. 5 ECC, but answered to tie it in the bottom of the first when Rafael Lozada plated Christopher Soto with a two-out double.
Erie took the lead in the bottom of the second inning with two runs, and added a run in the fourth and a run in the fifth to take a 5-2 lead going into the bottom of the eighth. After managing just two hits since the third inning, Genesee strung five straight hits together in the home half of the eighth and scored three runs to tie the game at five apiece. Soto and Emmanuel Garcia delivered singles and scored a run each.
After two scoreless extra innings, the Kats broke through with two runs on two hits, a walk, and an error in the top of the 12th inning. The Cougars were set down in order in the bottom of the frame.
Soto ended the game two-for-five with two runs scored, Garcia added two hits including a double and Josh Maier went two-for-four with a run scored.
The loss ends the fall season for Genesee. Erie will move on to play no. 1 Monroe Community College on Saturday morning at 11 a.m at Dwyer Stadium. No. 2 Mercyhurst North East will play the winner of Tuesday night's game between no. 6 Jamestown Community College and no. 3 Niagara County Community College at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the GCC campus. The winners will meet in the championship game at Dwyer Staduim after the conclusion of both morning games.
(#21 Ryan DiMartino delivers an extra-inning base hit on Tuesday afternoon in the opening round of the WNYAC fall tournament)
GCC men's soccer tops previously unbeaten Mercyhurst NE
The Genesee Community College men's soccer team gave Mercyhurst North East its first loss of the season on Thursday night, as the Cougars defended home turf and turned in a 2-0 Western New York Athletic Conference game victory.
Kern O’Reilly rebounded a header from Jake O’Leary that ricocheted off the crossbar and calmly netted the game’s first goal for GCC in the 54th minute to give the Cougars a 1-0 lead. Genesee then capitalized on a through ball on the back line from Yuta Hashimoto to Austin Richardson in the 68th minute. The two goals sealed the deal for GCC, which maintained a solid back line all night with O’Leary and Kyle Shaw.
With the win, Genesee improves to 3-2 overall and 1-0 in conference play.
The win comes two days after a 5-0 victory on the road at Corning Community College on Tuesday. The match was a makeup of a Sep. 11 contest that was postponed due to rain.
Ryan Burns netted two goals for GCC and O'Leary, O'Reilly and Nathan Rose also found the back of the net.
Genesee will return to action on Saturday when they travel to Niagara County Community College for a 1 p.m. start.
Plans moving forward for expansion of College Village
There's more demand than space for student housing, so officials are planning two more housing units at College Village.
The expansion will provide housing for 42 more Genesee Community College students than the 389 accommodated now in the nine existing buildings.
College Village is owned and run by Genesee Community College Foundation Housing Services Inc.,
Director John Sisson shared the development plans with the Town of Batavia Planning Board last night. He said if site plan approval is granted Oct. 1, construction will begin almost immediately with plans to have the new units ready for students at the start of the 2014 school year.
Of course, any discussion of College Village quickly turns to the issue of fire department calls to student housing.
Sisson said the college is working very hard with students to reduce the number of fire calls. Last fall, there were 24 fire alarms at College Village. So far this year their have been 10.
Town of Batavia fire, an all-volunteer department, responds to each and every call of burnt popcorn, burnt grilled cheese and smoking pots of overcooked soup.
"When they get a call they want to come out," Sisson said. "They support coming to calls 100 percent because it's a high volume of people that needs extra attention paid to them."
College Village now offers cooking classes for students at the start of the year along with fire safety training.
First Assistant Chief Nate Fix conducts a fire safety class that is mandatory for all village residents.
"Nate Fix does a great job," Sisson said. "The students are there. They're attentive and they listen. I think you'll see a reduction in fire calls."
If there is a fire call, once construction is completed, firefighters will find it easier to get their new 80,000-pound ladder truck into the quad, giving the ladder truck access to all the buildings. The sidewalk into the quad is being widened to 24 feet, with concrete poured deeper to support the weight of the truck.
GCC is unique among the state's two-year schools because it attracts about a quarter of its students from outside its market area, said Rick Ensman, director of development and external affairs for GCC.
Even with the expansion, there will remain more demand for student housing than available units, he said.
"Housing adjacent the campus makes or breaks a decision to attend specialized programs," Ensman said.
UPDATE: The total cost of the project is $2.81 million, according to Ensman. That includes all planning, building, furniture, equipment, etc., as well as debt financing. The project will be funded through a private loan to the foundation and repaid through fees paid by students.
Genesee CC volleyball downs Jamestown
The Genesee Community College volleyball team defeated fellow Western New York Athletic Conference opponent, Jamestown Community College, 3-1 on Tuesday night to remain unbeaten (3-0) in WNYAC play.
The Lady Cougars took the first set from the no. 6 team in the NJCAA Division III National Poll, 28-26 after trailing at one point, 17-13. GCC dropped the second set, 25-20, but won the final two sets 25-17 and 25-15, to earn the win.
Michelle Nagle had a strong night, finishing with 15 digs and 14 kills. Nohema Garcia-Torres finished the match with 38 assists and 14 digs, Leyinska Quiles-Torres added 23 digs and nine kills, Stephanie Maddox served well, tallying seven aces and also added 13 digs, Andrea Pursel chipped in 12 kills and four digs and Chelsea Gerace tallied 20 digs.
Genesee improves to 8-11 overall and will travel to Rhode Island this weekend to compete in the Community College of Rhode Island tournament.
(GCC's Andrea Pursel goes up for the kill during the first set of Tuesday night's match against Jamestown CC)
GCC athletic trainer named September Employee of the Month
Press release:
Genesee Community College is pleased to announce that Athletic Trainer Eric Sandler has been named September 2013 Employee of the Month. Eric and his wife Jessica live in Gates and are the parents of a 3-year old daughter, Jenna.
Eric has been with GCC since September 2007. As head athletic trainer he provides all aspects of sports medicine to the college's sports teams, including injury evaluation, rehabilitation, and taping and wrapping. He also serves as the strength and conditioning coach.
"I am responsible for designing and implementing year-round training programs for injury prevention and increased sports performance," he said.
Eric also oversees the hiring of about 40 students per year to work in Athletics.
In addition, Eric serves as an adjunct instructor in Health and Physical Education, teaching the coursework for the Personal Trainer concentration in the Fitness and Recreation Management program.
"These courses culminate in students being eligible and qualified to take a certification exam in Personal Training," he said.
Eric is described as a "passionate and dedicated teacher." In naming him employee of the month, the college noted "Eric's expertise in the Personal Trainer concentration is of tremendous assistance to our students in guiding them to earn their certification." He has made noteworthy contributions to improve curriculum in the Fitness and Recreation Management program and always displays the highest level of professionalism and dedication to the institution and the students.
Prior to his work at GCC, Eric was an athletic trainer/sports performance coach at Agape Physical Therapy in Rochester. He also served as a graduate assistant athletic trainer at the University at Buffalo where he earned his Master's Degree in Exercise Science. He received a bachelor's degree in Physical Education from the College at Brockport.
Eric is a member of the 2010 GCC Leadership Academy. Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his family and playing softball and fantasy baseball/football. Of his work at the college Eric says his favorite part is "knowing that my daily actions have a direct impact on the students I teach/serve."
Lady Cougars drop home opener
The Genesee Community College women's soccer team lost its home opener on Tuesday night to visiting Monroe Community College, 8-0.
The #6 Lady Tribunes got two goals from Katie Knell less than a minute apart in the first half to take a 2-0 lead into halftime. Jessica Riggall assisted on both goals, which were scored in the 15th and 16th minutes respectively.
MCC tallied six more goals in the second half, including a third from Knell in the 81st minute. Riggall chipped in two goals of her own and Miranda Colon added two assists.
The Lady Tribunes outshot Genesee 31-6 on the night.
The loss drops GCC to 1-2 overall and 1-1 in conference play. The Lady Cougars will travel to Herkimer County Community College on Thursday for their next contest beginning at 4 p.m.
'Goddess of Cancer' GCC Forum Players theater performance
Event Date and Time
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GCC rolls out $42 million plan for upgrades to campus to better compete for students
To remain competitive, Genesee Community College must grow and expand its facilities, college President Jim Sunser told the County Legislature's Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday.
The committee approved a $42.5-million Facilities Master Plan for the college.
Half the funds for the new buildings and improvements will come from state grants, Sunser explained, and while the county is technically on the hook for the other $21 million, GCC is uniquely positioned to quickly pay down any debt.
"This is a very responsible plan that not only moves us forward and continues to make us a competitive choice for students in the region, it will help ensure Genesee County students don't opt to go to one of the other schools," Sunser said.
GCC, he noted, competes for students with Erie, Niagara, Finger Lakes and Corning, and if a Genesee County student decides to attend one of those schools, the county must pay a fee to those other community colleges for each student that enrolls.
The neighboring community colleges have all recently made significant additions to their campuses.
"These colleges have made improvements and are already ahead of us in terms of square footage and services," Sunser said.
However, because GCC is the only community college in the GLOW region, it draws students -- and revenue -- from neighboring counties, which is one way the college can help pay for upgraded facilities.
The other, he said, is the successful GCC Foundation, which does a good job of raising funds to support the college.
Even though the college will come back to the Legislature to seek approval for specific projects under the plan, it's important that the entire plan be approved now so the college is in line for state funding as it becomes available.
Getting into the queue now, Sunser said, will make fundraising easier.
The two big components of the facilities plan include:
- A "student success center," which will be a "front door" for new and current students;
- A multipurpose college and community event center, which will help bring more events -- with greater economic impact -- to the community.
The new buildings will also help free up more of GCC's existing space for instructional use.
Co-founder of Ben & Jerry's to speak at GCC about building an ice cream empire
Press release:
Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc., will speak about "Building the Ice Cream Empire" on Wedesnday, Sept. 25 at Genesee Community College.
His keynote presentation is in conjunction with GCC's Wolcott J. Humphrey Symposium on Leadership and Community Life.
The event will be in the Stuart Steiner Theatre from 5 to 7 p.m., with an ice cream reception to follow. Tickets are $25 and may be reserved online at http://bit.ly/GCCHumphrey/.
Greenfield is also the president of Ben & Jerry's Foundation and co-author of "Ben & Jerry's Double Dip: Lead with Your Values and Make Money, Too." He's known for famously questioning, "If it's not fun, why do it?"
Along with his partner Ben Cohen, they parlayed that humorous attitude and a socially responsible business model into an ice cream empire.
Greenfield will give insights into how Ben & Jerry's went from a storefront venture in a converted Burlington, Vt., gas station in 1978 to an ice cream brand known around the globe for high quality and funky flavors like Cherry Garcia, Chunky Monkey, and Half Baked.
Ben & Jerry's became a desirable commodity purchased by Unilever in 2000 for $326 million. As a wholly-owned subsidiary, Ben & Jerry's retained autonomy in how it's run. It has become the first wholly-owned subsidiary to earn B Corp Certification. B Corps are committed to using the power of business to solve social and environmental problems.
Greenfield will share the promises and pitfalls of a "values-led" business.
His talk honors the late Wolcott J. (Jay) Humphrey III, one of the region's foremost civic leaders and a strong proponent of leadership development. When he died suddenly in 2001, Humphrey was president of Pavilion State Bank (now part of Five Star Bank). He also served on the GCC Board of Directors.
Each Symposium has brought speakers with a national or regional reputation to Genesee Community College to discuss various facets of leadership. Past speakers have included: Syracuse University Basketball Coach Jim Boeheim; Paychex CEO Thomas Golisano; Dr. Donna M. Fernandes, president of the Buffalo Zoological Society; William Hudnut III, former U.S. Representative; Paul S. Speranza, chairman of the Board of Directors of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and vice chairman, general counsel, and secretary of Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.; and Fred Grandy, television star, radio personality, former CEO and Congressman.
GCC announces local students who made the dean's list in the spring
Genesee Community College proudly announces the following students are among 570 full- and part-time students who were named to the dean's list for the Spring 2013 semester. These students earned a quality point index of 3.50-3.74.
Alexander
John Winiecki, a full-time student
Emily Raines, a full-time student
Dayne Burroughs, a full-time student
Troy Shelnut, a full-time student
Courtney Dart, a full-time student
Basom
Kassondra Conrad, a full-time student
Batavia
Karen Odell, a part-time student
Ashley Johnson, a part-time student
Hannah Feary, a part-time student
Marcel Afice, a part-time student
Tess Garland, a part-time student
Joy Hammond, a part-time student
Cory Warner, a part-time student
Jacob Burg, a part-time student
Angela Brodie, a part-time student
Pamela Goodrich, a part-time student
Joshua Stendts, a part-time student
Paolo Hoang, a part-time student
Chelsea Gerace, a part-time student
Margery Fitzsimmons, a part-time student
Rachel Berardini, a part-time student
Monet Smith, a part-time student
Eleni Green, a part-time student
Richard Biegasiewicz, a part-time student
Natalie Lewis, a part-time student
Melissa Plath, a part-time student
Vashti Love, a part-time student
Jennifer Wagner, a part-time student
Tina Hartgrove, a part-time student
Tony Martyn, a part-time student
Janelle Larsen, a part-time student
Deirdre Viscuso, a part-time student
Kimberly Sunderland, a part-time student
Sarah Richardson, a part-time student
Alexandra Mruczek, a part-time student
William Smith, a part-time student
Jennifer Nuwer, a part-time student
Racheal Cook, a full-time student
Kari Campbell, a full-time student
Amber Sharick, a full-time student
Jamie Whitmore, a full-time student
Neil Santillan, a full-time student
Andrea Pursel, a full-time student
Robert Macklem, a full-time student
Sarah Bosa, a full-time student
Rachael Blackshear, a full-time student
Janelle Marble, a full-time student
Raychel Sanfratello, a full-time student
Theresa Warner, a full-time student
Emma Peirick, a full-time student
Rebecca Gouger, a full-time student
Robert Barnard, a full-time student
Darlene Ogozaly, a full-time student
Lindsay Mckenzie, a full-time student
Ryan Palone, a full-time student.
Abebe Mekonnen, a full-time student.
Ashlee Brisley, a full-time student
Alex Brasky, a full-time student
Lauren Stansberry, a full-time student
Jennifer Williams, a full-time student
Brianna Hofert, a full-time student
Rebecca Kruger, a full-time student
Sureda Drue, a full-time student
Bergen
Luke Stacy, a full-time student
Briana Strassner, a full-time student
Brittany Schmitt, a full-time student
Kayla Gunther, a full-time student
Jillian Sczepanski, a part-time student
Tori Robinson, a part-time student
Daniel McCarthy, a part-time student
Stacy White, a part-time student
Lana Clark, a part-time student
Autumn Piletz, a part-time student
Elizabeth Jarnot, a part-time student
Byron
Serena Hiscutt, a full-time student
Sheena Dilcher, a full-time student
Cassidy Longhini, a full-time student
Valerie Bezon, a part-time student
Jonita Warren, a part-time student
Marissa Brennan, a part-time student
Kelly DiMatteo, a part-time student
Kelsey Boyd, a part-time student
Stacy Maskell, a part-time student
Corfu
Jessica Klug, a part-time student
Robert Bucci, a part-time student
Shannon Goodman, a part-time student
Laurie Pearse, a part-time student
Theresa Reynolds, a full-time student
Dustin Pratt, a full-time student
Laura Holovics, a full-time student
Alana Norman, a full-time student
Angel Alexander, a full-time student
Rachel Doktor,a full-time student
Darien Center
Rachel Walker, a full-time student
Ethan Reger, a full-time student
Cody Tybor, a full-time student
East Bethany
Autumn Atkinson, a part-time student
Morgan Sicheri, a part-time student
Michelle Miller, a part-time student
Elba
Samantha Reed, a full-time student
Kimberly O'Halloran, a full-time student
Le Roy
Rebecca Spezzano, a part-time student
Joeylyn Berl, a part-time student
Jeremy Tiede, a part-time student
Jacob Sullivan, a part-time student
Melissa Saunders, a part-time student
Mark McAvoy, a part-time student
Jennifer Beherns, a part-time student
Eric Hayes, a part-time student
Michele Rast, a full-time student
Debra McKnight, a full-time student
Ashley Russo, a full-time student
Brenda Sheflin, a full-time student
Kristi Miller, a full-time student
Alan Worthington, a full-time student
Shelbi O'Geen, a full-time student
Doane McCulley, a full-time student
Oakfield
Tammy Morgan, a part-time student
Della Balduf, a part-time student
Lindsay Chatt, a part-time student
Barry McCracken, a part-time student
Christian Parker, a full-time student
Jennifer Harris, a full-time student
Lisa Clark, a full-time student
Pavilion
Lydia Zwierzynski, a part-time student
Emilie Bouchard, a part-time student
Peter Sherman, a part-time student
Jason Everett, a part-time student
Crystal Baggatta, a part-time student
Jennifer Wright, a full-time student
Tim VonSanden, a full-time student
Taylor Lafferty, a full-time student
Anthony Misisco, a full-time student
Maxwell Sallade, a full-time student
Brian DeFisher, a full-time student
Stafford
Jennifer Cone, a full-time student
Katrina Kretschmer, a part-time student
Mark Williams, a part-time student
South Byron
Halle Davalos, a part-time student
Genesee Community College offers more than 60 academic programs and certificates, including a new Supply Chain Management concentration available exclusively through the College's eLearning programs this fall. GCC also offers the region's only Polysomnographic (Sleep) Technology Program, as well as highly regarded programs in Digital Arts and Office Technology and Support. College housing is available at College Village, just a three-minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes and state-of-the-art technology both inside and outside of the classroom, Genesee Community College is known for being 'high-tech' and 'high-touch.'
Fall classes begin Aug. 26. For further information go to: www.genesee.edu.
GCC announces new administrators and directors
Press release:
From as far away as Connecticut and as close as Monroe County, Genesee Community College welcomes a class of new administrators and directors to its main campus in Batavia. These leaders bring fresh ideas and extensive experience to help GCC continue to meet the needs of students and the community.
Kathleen (Kate) Schiefen, Ph.D., joined the College July 1 as provost/executive vice president for Academic Affairs. Schiefen will oversee all academic programs. She has more than 20 years experience in higher education and comes to GCC from Monroe Community College in Rochester where she served as dean of Academic Services at the Damon City Campus for the past four years. Previously, she was a department chair, tenured teaching faculty member and adjunct instructor at MCC and dean at Pima Community College in Tucson, Ariz. She earned an A.A.S. in Radiologic Technology from Trocaire College, a bachelor of science degree in Organizational Management from Roberts Wesleyan College, a master's in Adult Education from the University at Buffalo and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Capella University.
GCC is pleased to welcome back to campus Kristen Clark Schuth, who became director of Athletics May 1. Schuth was head softball coach at GCC from 2005-2010. She returns to Batavia after serving as assistant director of Athletics at Finger Lakes Community College. A native of Hilton, Schuth starred in basketball and softball at SUNY Brockport where she was named female athlete of the year and earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. She earned a master's in Sport Management from California University of Pennsylvania. She resides in Spencerport with husband, David, and sons, Gavynn and Austynn.
Michelle Slawiak joined the GCC family July 8 as the new director of the Campaign for the Genesee Community College Foundation. Slawiak, of Buffalo, comes to GCC from the Botanical Gardens of Buffalo and Erie County where she served as an event and wedding coordinator. She previously served as the annual giving director for the Buffalo Niagara YMCA and as a development associate for the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Canisius College.
Reid Smalley began his position as executive director of Workforce Development in The BEST (Business Employee Skills Training) Center April 15. Prior to GCC, he served as dean of Workforce Development, Continuing Education and Community Services at Middlesex Community College in Middletown, Conn. He has also worked at community colleges in Harrisburg, Pa. and Johnstown, NY. He holds a bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation Resources from Michigan State University and a M.Ed. in Training and Development from Penn State University.
A graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy, Stephen Wise took over as director of Public Safety at GCC May 1. Wise served as director of Safety and Security for the Churchville-Chili Central School District for the last three years. He retired in 2009 from the Greece police department. A resident of Rochester, Wise holds a bachelor's degree, from SUNY Brockport and a master's degree from Keuka College.
Finally, the new Dean of Distributed Learning, Craig Lamb joins the College Aug. 12 from SUNY Empire State College's Center for Distance Learning (CDL) in Saratoga Springs. Lamb has worked as an assessment specialist in CDL's Office of Academic Review and, for the past six years, as director of Academic Support Services. He will continue to build the dynamic online learning program at GCC, where online enrollment now accounts for 15 percent of total enrollment. Lamb is a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service. He holds a bachelor's degree from St. Lawrence University, master's from SUNY Plattsburgh and is completing a Ph.D. from SUNY Albany.
GCC board reelects three trustees
Press release:
On Monday evening, the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees reelected Maureen T. Marshall as board chair for the 2013-2014 year. The Board also reelected Diane D. Torcello as vice-chair and Laura J. Bohm as secretary.
Marshall, of Elba, is owner and operator of Torrey Farms, also based in Elba. Torcello, of Pavilion, is a Bank of Castile branch manager. Bohm, of Batavia, is a retired housing administrator.
Trustees met at the Batavia Campus for their annual meeting.
The 10-member volunteer Board of Trustees is the governing body of Genesee Community College.
First food processing tech class earns certificates
Press release:
Through financial support provided by National Fuel and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), the first class of 25 graduates received certificates as part of a workforce development program targeting the food processing industry.
Certificates were awarded to the graduates in Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt through RIT, basic dairy science and sanitation through Cornell University, as well as team building and OSHA training in a manufacturing environment through The BEST Center at Genesee Community College.
“This program is just another example of the high level of collaboration in our region between the public and private sectors and in this instance, our centers of higher education and food processing companies,” said Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the Genesee County Economic Development Center. “If we are going to create a world-class industry cluster in the food processing industry, then we need to make sure our workforce is highly trained and educated.”
Cornell University’s Department of Food Science and Cornell Cooperative Extension has been a long-term resource to the food growing and dairy processing industry in Western NY.
“Workforce development is now a key to the growing industry and we are continuously developing and improving our training programs and accessibility to meet industry needs and to support economic development," said Tristan Zuber, Dairy Foods Processing Extension associate with Cornell University.
The first graduating class of 25 individuals was from a pool of 78 applications. Sixteen graduates were from Genesee County; three from Livingston County; two from Orleans and Monroe counties; and, one from Wyoming and Cattaraugus counties.
One graduate has been hired while 18 graduates will visit and tour Yancey’s Fancy, an artisan cheese maker in Corfu, as part of a job application project at the company. Alpina and Muller Quaker Dairy are also interviewing and considering the graduates at their yogurt manufacturing facility in the Genesee Agri-Business Park.
“This is just the first step in a process to ensure that as the food processing industry grows there is an ample supply of labor to fill jobs,” said John Jakubowski a workforce consultant hired by GCEDC. “The certificate program provides a short-term solution to fill a gap, but we need to continue working on a longer term plan so that people who want a career in food processing have the skills and training to be successful.”
As part of this process, Genesee Community College has asked the New York State Education Department to approve a two year Food Processing Technology associates degree. The program has already been approved by the GCC Board of Trustees and is now under review by the State University of New York as well as SED.
“While anticipating the implementation of GCC’s full credit Food Processing Technology program, The BEST Center will be offering three more sessions of the two-week, intensive certificate program,” said Lina LaMattina, director of Business Skills Training at The BEST Center. “We are also reaching out to numerous companies within all segments of the food industry to expand employment opportunities for the program participants. After a very successful first class, we are looking forward to the next session which starts September 23, 2013.”
Those interested in applying to be part of next training cohort should contact the Genesee County Career Center (One Stop) in the Eastown Plaza, 587 E. Main St., Suite 100, Batavia, (585) 344-2042. Applicants take ability tests in math and reading. If needed, assistance with these skills is available.
May 2013 GCEDC Food Processing Training Program Graduates (all of New York):
Craig Barnes – Le Roy
Dawn Czaja – Oakfield
Victor DiGregorio – Byron
Mark Ebersole – Mt. Morris
Mary Fulkerson – Rochester
Jeffery German – Batavia
Laurie Gerstenslager – Delevan
Donna Heininger – Batavia
Elizabeth Horner – Darien Center
Jeanne Jansch – Dansville
Kevin Jones – Batavia
Sharon Joyce – Batavia
Jake Kent III – Henrietta
Steven Lindsley – Warsaw
Donald Lowe – Batavia
Catherine MacConnell – Bergen
Jacob MacConnell – Bergen
David Minervino – Medina
Thomas Misisco – Pavilion
John Mosher – Bergen
Rachel Neilans – Alexander
Elise Prevost – Leicester
Daniel Sobczak – Batavia
Paul Stack – Elba
Jamie Unger – Kent
Stage production of Charlotte's Web opens Friday at GCC
GCC's Forum Players Theater Company presents "Charlotte's Web" this week, opening at 7 p.m. Friday in the Stuart Steiner Theater.
Alumna Jaime Arena directs the production, which also shows at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.
From a press release:
The show is being produced with the support of The BEST Center at GCC by special arrangement with the Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Ill. Originally published in 1952, E.B. White’s “Charlotte’s Web” chronicles the life of Wilbur the pig (played by 2010 GCC alumnus Robert Reiss). Born the runt of the litter, Wilbur is saved first by 8-year old Fern Arable (Brianna Jones of Batavia) who stops her father (played by GCC English Professor Norm Gayford) from killing the pig and nurses him to good health. In the barn at the Zuckerman farm, Wilbur encounters a spider named Charlotte (Margaret Gayford, of Warsaw High School), who spins magic when Wilbur’s life is again in danger. A timeless tale of bravery, selfless love, and the true meaning of friendship, the play is adapted for stage by Joseph Robinette.
Other cast members include: Kayli Wilson (Canastota) and Jordan Griffiths (Milford) as narrators; Sania Hyatt (New York City) as Templeton; Courtney Amesbury (Bergen) as Mrs. Arable; William Rupp (Batavia) as Avery; Christian Hoffman (Hilton) as Homer Zuckerman; Alayna Zimbrich (Hilton) as Edith Zuckerman; Tony E. Heard (Fillmore) as Lurvy; Emily Jones (Waterloo) as Goose; and Norm Gayford as Old Sheep. William Rupp, Norm Gayford and Emily Jones will play fairgoers while Brianna Jones, Tony E. Heard and William Rupp will appear as spiders.
All tickets for the show are $5. An autograph session will be held after each performance. Tickets can be purchased by cash, check or credit card from the GCC box office at (585) 345-6814 or boxoffice@genesee.edu.
Photos from today's dress rehearsal by Howard Owens.
College board appoints 383 residents to its 27 community and advisory committees
Press release:
Genesee Community College's Board of Trustees appointed 383 community residents as members of the College's 27 community and program advisory committees on Monday evening. The Board met at the Batavia Campus for its regular monthly meeting.
Advisory committees provided guidance and assistance to College faculty members and deans on curriculum, student internship opportunities, emerging trends in business and industry, and business and community needs. Most career-oriented programs at the College have advisory committees, as well as the College's campus centers.
Advisory committees are important in maintaining a strong college-community connection, President James M. Sunser said. "These committees help our faculty and staff members understand the concerns of area employers, and the current and future needs of our communities. The committees help ensure that what happens in our classrooms directly prepares students for their futures."
Members are appointed to one-year terms, and meet periodically throughout the year at the Batavia Campus or one of the College's campus centers.
The Board of Trustees appointed advisory committees for the Albion and Medina campus centers; Arcade Campus Center; Dansville Campus Center; Lima Campus Center; Warsaw Campus Center; Advanced Studies and Tech Prep; Art Gallery; The BEST Center; Business Administration and Accounting programs; Communication/Media Arts; Computer Technology program; Criminal Justice program; Digital Art program; Fashion Merchandising Management program; Health and Physical Education; Hospitality and Tourism program; Human Services program; LIFE (Liberty Increases Future Experience) program; Nursing program; Office Technology program; Paralegal Studies program; Perkins III Grant program; Physical Therapist Assistant program; Polysomnographic (Study of Sleep Disorders) Technology program; Respiratory Care program; Theatre Technology program; and Veterinary Technology program.
The community advisory committees are another example of Genesee Community College's long tradition of community involvement, according to Dr. Sunser.
"This college was founded by community residents who had deep civic pride and a strong vision," he said. "That volunteer tradition continues to this day, and is certainly one of the reasons that our college maintains such strong ties to the communities we serve."
In other business Monday, the Board of Trustees:
• Approved a Resolution of Appreciation for Dean of Learning Technologies Robert G. Knipe, who is retiring from Genesee later this month after 23 years of service to the College. Board members complimented Dean Knipe on the dramatic expansion of distance education (eLearning) courses at Genesee, his innovative work as a member of the multi-college Online Western New York (OWL) initiative, and his deep commitment to the College.
• Heard Nominating Committee Member Donna M. Ferry report that the Nominating Committee has recommended the reelection of current board officers for the 2013-2014 year: Maureen T. Marshall, chair; Diane D. Torcello, vice-chair; and Laura J. Bohm, secretary.
• Heard President Sunser report that Craig Lamb will join the College's administration in August as dean of Distributed Learning. He is coming from SUNY Empire State College, where he serves as director of Academic Support for ESC's Center for Distance Learning. Lamb is a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service. He holds a bachelor's degree from St. Lawrence University; a master's degree from SUNY Plattsburgh; and he is currently completing a Ph.D. from SUNY Albany. He currently resides in the Albany area.
• Heard President Sunser report that Jennifer L. Sisbarro will join the faculty this fall as instructor of Music. Sisbarro currently teaches at Finger Lakes Community College and Empire State College. She holds a bachelor's degree from SUNY Geneseo and an M.M. degree from Ithaca College. She is a resident of Dundee.
• Heard President Sunser report that Shana M. Flow will join the faculty as instructor of Nursing. She has served as a staff nurse at Highland Hospital and Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, and currently serves as clinical educator at Unity Health Systems in Rochester. She holds an associates degree from Genesee Community College, a bachelor's degree from the University of Rochester, and a M.N. degree from Roberts Wesleyan College. She is a resident of Holley.
• Heard President Sunser report that Jaclyn Vetrano will join the staff as Web and Social Media specialist. She has served as an intern at SUNY Geneseo and Rootbuzz.com. She holds a bachelor's degree from SUNY Geneseo, and is a resident of Amherst.
• Heard Board Chair Maureen T. Marshall compliment the College's faculty and staff for the "outstanding efforts" they made in preparation for Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's recent visit to Genesee.
GCC extends deadline for financial aid application for Summer Session 2
If you're still thinking about taking a class this summer through the Genesee Community College Promise Plus program, you have a little more time to submit an application. The College has extended the deadline two weeks to June 28. Summer Session 2 begins July 8.
GCC's Board of Trustees founded Genesee Promise Plus in 2008 to help remove financial barriers to higher education for the citizens of Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties. Since then the program has expanded and now offers scholarships for summer classes to high school juniors (rising seniors), graduating seniors and for the first time -- adults who have never before taken a college course.
The three distinct Promise Plus scholarship opportunities include:
- High school juniors (rising seniors) are eligible for scholarship funding to take one course during Summer Session 2 (July 8-Aug. 10). They may also enroll in the 1-credit College Success class for a maximum of four credit hours.
- Graduating high school seniors are eligible for scholarship funding to take one or two courses in Summer Session 2 up to eight credit hours.
- Adults are eligible for scholarship funding to take one course in Summer Session 2 (July 8-Aug. 10), and also the 1-credit College Success class for a maximum of four credit hours.
"Each summer since 2008, we have been delighted to offer this Promise Plus to residents in our community," said Tanya Lane-Martin, director of Admissions at GCC. "We've had great response, but we wanted to give people a little extra time to submit applications and be sure everyone has ample opportunity to participate."
Interested parties should discuss their unique situation and interests with the GCC academic advisor as soon as possible. Those interested must submit a Genesee Promise Plus application by Friday, June 28. In addition, they must complete a general GCC admission application, which is always FREE. Adults must submit a copy of their high school transcripts.
For complete details about who is eligible and what is necessary to apply, please visit:http://www.genesee.edu/gcc/promise.
Governor's office releases legislation for proposed 'Tax Free New York' program
The language of the proposed law that would create "Tax Free New York" has been released. It articulates how tax free zones would be created on SUNY campuses, as suggested by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Genesee Community College would be among the state's colleges that could potentially host tax-free zones.
In order to foster entrepreneurial businesses, especially in tech fields, Cuomo hopes the proposal will lead to start-ups and business expansions on college campuses.
Highlights:
- Colleges would apply for use of vacant space on campus or on property owned by the college and within one mile of the campus with space allocated to business not to exceed 200,000 square feet.
- The state could also select up to 20 strategic locations of currently vacant or soon to be vacant state buildings for tax-free zones.
- The college must demonstrate how a business located within a zone would align with or further the academic mission of the college.
- In its application, the college must discuss whether the business in the tax-free zone would compete with a business in the community, but outside the tax-free zone.
- Businesses would be required to create new jobs and pay employees prevailing wage in accordance with the Labor Law.
- The tax exemption would last for 10 years and in order to maintain tax-free status, a business must retain the new jobs it created or face sanctions.
- Businesses that cannot participate: retail, real estate and professional services.
- The state will not reimburse local governments for any tax revenue loss.
The state Legislature has this week to either pass or reject the proposal.
Documents (PDF):
