GCC

Press Release:

BATAVIA, NY -- Genesee Community College is pleased to announce student Leah Reino was a finalist in the Community College Week NISOD Student Essay Contest. The National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) and Community College Week magazine together sponsored an essay writing contest for community college students based on their most rewarding learning experience with faculty, staff or administrator at their college. There were over 1,300 entries, and Leah's essay, Professor Weston and the Last Crusade, was one of nine finalists who were recognized.

Leah has been a full time student since fall of 2007, when she was 15 years old. She was home-schooled through middle school and then completed her high school requirements through Genesee in the spring of 2008. She is now working on her associate's degree with plans to graduate in the fall of 2010. She is currently studying Biotechnology and plans to someday earn a doctorate degree in science.

Leah first learned of the essay contest through a posting at the Arcade campus center where she takes most of her classes. Professor Michael Weston also mentioned the contest to Leah and she found it fitting to write about his impact on her as a student. Michael Weston is a history instructor at the Arcade Campus Center and has had a huge impact on how Leah has developed and how she sees the world.

"His classes helped me adapt to college life and becoming an adult, and also formed my opinions about current events and the global situation," Leah said. "In my opinion, these things are essential for any scientist. In order to conduct relevant research or contribute to the scientific community in any way, you have to understand the world around you. Not just in the scientific sense, but also in the political, economic, and social sense."

Mr. Weston's classes have established this groundwork for Leah in a way that is invaluable. Because of him, she is now fascinated by history, politics, and the economy, subjects she previously found dull and irrelevant to her scientific studies. Leah has taken four classes with Mr. Weston in the five semesters she has been enrolled at Genesee. Weston's classes are engaged with thought-provoking debates about current events and he shows his classes how complex the world is. Always questioning the issues presented, he offers alternative viewpoints to his students in order to show them an unbiased view of the current topic at hand.

Leah's essay, Professor Weston and the Last Crusade starts out as a movie trailer-like description of the events happening in Weston's class. He is often compared to Indiana Jones and his classes like an entertaining movie, where students are his audience. She goes on to tell of the effects he has had on her academically and personally and describes him as "a crusader against the forces of ignorance and complacency in the world."

 

In the future, Leah plans on transferring to a university where she can focus on her love of science, possibly studying medical research, biomedical/genetic engineering, forensics or astrophysics. As an alternative, Leah is also interested in global studies and political science, with thanks to Mr. Weston. She also would like to publish a book sometime in her life.

"Because my fields of interest are so grounded in reality, my favorite genre of writing is science fiction and fantasy," Leah noted. "They provide an escape for me from the toils of everyday life. I would love to become a science fiction or fantasy author sometime in the future."

Leah also has plans to someday 'retire' to teach in an academic setting at a college, due in large part to Professor Weston. "He has inspired me; I would want to inspire my own students."

Leah resides on a family farm in Farmersville, NY and lives with her mother and father, David and Gail Reino, and with her brother David Benjamin, who has also started his education at Genesee at 15 years of age. Leah's father, David, is an emergency room doctor in Jamestown, NY, and has been her mentor and inspired her interest in science at a very young age. Leah is an avid horseback rider and competes at fairs and shows throughout Wyoming, Cattaraugus, and Allegheny counties. She also enjoys reading extensively in many genres, from fantasy to historical fiction to science magazines. She is an active member in Genesee's chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, Alpha Iota Upsilon chapter as the chapter Webmaster.

Press Release:

Thursday, March 19, 2009; 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM

BATAVIA, NY (03/17/2009; 1023)(readMedia)-- Second Annual Tech Wars Competition

WHO:

More than 250 students from 10 area middle and high school in the GLOW area.

WHAT:

Second Annual Tech Wars Competition

WHEN: Thursday March 19, 2009 at 09:30AM Eastern Time (US  Canada)

WHERE:Genesee Community CollegeOne College RoadBatavia, New York 14020

NOTES:

Students will have a chance to take what they learn in the technology classroom and compete in an exciting hands-on event at the second annual Tech Wars competition. From catapults to robots, manual drafting to web page design, the imagination and creativity of some of the brightest students in the GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties) region will be showcased during this day-long event.

The highly visual and adrenaline pumping competition is open to middle and high school students who will participate in multiple project-based events of skill, chance, and ability. Students will compete in bridge building, drafting, sumo robots, T-shirt design, and carbon dioxide dragster racing, among other events.

College Tech Prep helps students explore various career options and make a smooth transition from high school to college, and ultimately to professional careers. The Tech Wars is among several dynamic programs giving students the opportunity to work in hands-on learning encounters, often within business settings and with various professionals. College Tech Prep offers several distinctive career academies to high school students including: Heath, Legal, Information Technology, and the newest Theatre Arts Academy starting in September 2009. In addition, there is also a Virtual Enterprise Business program available to high school students.

For more information, contact Debbie Dunlevy, Program Director for College Tech Prep, at   585-343-0055 x6316. Or, visit www.techwars.org.

Press Release:

BATAVIA, NY -- After finishing regular season play with a record of 16-7, the Genesee Community College Lady Cougars basketball team had high hopes of winning a regional championship. The Lady Cougars went into regional play at Genesee seeded number one and came out successful as they beat Erie Community College in the first round in a powerhouse win.

The Lady Cougars then went on to beat Jamestown Community College 72-40 in the championship game. The Lady Cougars also had many players make the All Region Team.  Brittany McCray, Bianca Jones, Jamia Martin, De'Yara Burrell and Cynnetha Bellinger were honored. Jamia Martin, a freshman at Genesee, was named Most Valuable Player of the Regional Tournament.

"This has been a great season and our team is ready to take on the Nationals this coming week," coach Christie McGee-Ross said. "Every player has been contributing her best, and together they are passing, scoring and working as a cohesive squad."

The Lady Cougars basketball team is lead by coach Christie McGee-Ross and assistant coach Matt Phifer and is made up of Cynnetha Bellinger of Binghamton, NY, De'yara Burrell, Shayla Fulton and Ciara Twillie all of Rochester, NY, Bianca Jones of Long Island City, NY, Jayvonna Kincannon of Buffalo, NY, Jamia Martin and Akebulynn Stephens of Syracuse, NY, Brittany McCray of Lyons, NY, Tierra Saunders of Bronx, NY, and Katelyn Thurber of Medina, NY.

The Lady Cougars now travel to East Peoria, Illinois for the National Tournament March 16 - 18.  The Lady Cougars are excited and ready to compete and bring home a National Championship.

Press Release:

BATAVIA, NY -- Genesee Community College is pleased to announce that it will be hosting three more Open Houses this spring to help potential students and their families understand the application process, the financial aid opportunities, explore a wide range of different academic and career options, and tour the college campuses and/or College Village. Interested visitors are encouraged to pre-register by going to www.genesee.edu/OpenHouse.

Open Houses will take place at the following dates and times at the Batavia campus:

Thursday, March 26, at 5:00 - 8:00 PM - held in conjunction with Experience Genesee at the Batavia Campus only. 

Saturday, April 25, at 12:00 PM - held in conjunction with Recherché, the 28th Annual Fashion Show, which will take place at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM at the Batavia Campus only.

Wednesday, May 6, at 6:00 PM at all Campus Centers in Albion, Arcade, Batavia, Dansville, Medina, Lakeville, and Warsaw.

College Visit days held at the Batavia Campus on a series of Fridays through the spring are less formal but more up-tempo alternatives to Open Houses. Potential students will get an introduction to admissions, as well as find out about the application process and financial aid. In addition, students will have the opportunity to sit in on an actual college class during any of these College Visit days at the Batavia campus:

March 27, 9:00 AM
April 3, 9:00 AM
April 17, 9:00 AM
May 1, 9:00 AM

For more information, contact Admissions at 585-345-6800, by email at Admissions@genesee.edu, or register easily online  for any Open House at: www.genesee.edu/OpenHouse.

Press Release:

BATAVIA, NY -- The American Bar Association House of Delegates has re-approved Genesee Community College's Paralegal program for a seven-year period, Associate Vice President/Dean of Math, Science and Career Education Michael S. Stoll reported to the Board of Trustees Monday evening.

Approval came after an intensive review of the program's curricula, internship program, and student success. The approval process began in 2006 with faculty members developing a comprehensive "self-study" of the program. An ABA examiner then reviewed the self-study, and an approval team visited Genesee and conducted rigorous interviews with Genesee faculty, staff, and students.

This is the third approval of the program since it began 15 years ago.

ABA approval signifies to students and the general public that the Paralegal program meets high academic standards, and that students are well-prepared for paralegal positions, Dean Stoll told trustees.

Genesee's Paralegal program prepares students to work as legal assistants in a variety of fields. Paralegals provide research, case preparation, and management assistance to attorneys. They also work in the banking, real estate, and insurance fields.

Genesee's Paralegal program can be completed with two years of full time studies. In addition to a variety of general studies courses, students complete courses in such fields as tort law, civil litigation, legal research and writing, real estate law, trusts and estates, and family law.

Press Release:

BATAVIA, NY -- Community members of all ages should save the date for Genesee Community College's 28th Annual Fashion Show. This year's much anticipated show is entitled "Recherche" (pronounced ra-share-shay) and is French for rare, exquisite or lavishly refined.

Due to the overwhelming popularity of the program, the event continues to offer two shows scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2009 at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM, in the William W. Stuart Forum of the 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.

"Each year it is so exciting to watch the Fashion Merchandising students spend the year blending their ideas, talents and enthusiasm together toward the common goal of producing Western New York's largest professionally produced Fashion Show," said Rick Dudkowski, Genesee Community College's business professor who oversees the entire two-semester capstone project. "This year we've got some fantastic talents coordinating and participating in this project. This event will not disappoint!"

The event combines the interests and academic pursuits of several other College departments as well. The College's Hospitality Management students work under Genesee instructor Amy Bowles to coordinate extensive 'front of house' operations such as refreshments, décor, door prizes, music and light refreshments, and the overall festive ambience. In addition, Genesee's Criminal Justice students will be behind the scenes ensuring safety and security from the moment visitors arrive in the parking lot to the very end of the night, when the show has long been over. Graphic Art students at Genesee, under the direction of Pamela Swarts, have also contributed art work for the posters and programs.

Sponsors for the production are still being accepted. Business donations of $10.00 or personal donations of $5.00 are available. To extend appreciation, the business or personal name will be included in the souvenir program and the fashion show's website. If writing a check please make checks payable to GCCA. To schedule a time for pick up or to make special arrangements for your donation, please contact Alexandrea Biermann at abierman@genesee.edu.

Further information will be forthcoming, but save the date April 25 for Genesee's Annual Fashion Show. Contact Fashion Show student representative Katie Norton at 585-746-8170 for additional information.

Press Release:

BATAVIA, NY -- Genesee Community College students in Rick Dudkowski's Business Problems and Management Class and the Business Forum Club have set their ducks afloat with one goal in mind; raising money for United Way. The students' assignment was to create fundraisers and events to increase College contributions to the 2009 United Way campaign titled, "Live United". Students came up with a Duck Derby Fundraiser on Thursday, March 12 at 1:00 PM. Students will be selling duck tickets until the day of the race.

All of the ticket purchasers will be assigned to a numbered rubber duck. The ducks will then be set free in the Olympic size pool at Genesee Community College in Batavia. With the help of a 'current' created by the College's Swim Team, the first duck to make it to the end of the swimming pool wins. The prize will depend on what each person paid for his or her ticket. Students are selling the tickets in one-dollar increments from $1 to $5. Participants win a percent of all money raised based on how much they buy the ticket for. For example, if a $1 duck wins, the winner will receive 10 percent of the funds raised. If a $2 duck wins, the winner gets 20 percent, and so on, up to 50 percent for a $5 duck.

The students have set a goal of raising over $500, to beat or at least match the amount students raised last year for The United Way. Genesee's United Way Duck Derby is modeled after a similar race that was held a few years ago in the Tonawanda Creek as a fundraiser for youth activities at the old Royal Rink (now Falletti Ice Arena).

"We really hope to reach our goal this year," Tim Walton, Genesee student and a member of the Rubber Duck Promotion Team said. "This event promises to be a lot of fun and most importantly, raise money for a good cause." The duck race is the second of two fundraisers that Genesee students have planned, the other being a carnation sale where over $150 was raised, which was put on during the fall semester.

Ducks will be available for purchase at the Batavia campus in the Forum, up until the start of the race. For further information or to purchase a duck, please contact Rick Dudkowski, Business Faculty member, at 585-343-0055 x6390 or at mrdudkowski@genesee.edu.

Press Release:

BATAVIA, NY - The talents of many Genesee student artists take center stage with the Genesee Community College Fine Arts Student Exhibition. This exhibit will be on display in the lobby art gallery of the Stuart Steiner Theatre at the Batavia campus from February 24 until March 24, 2009. This massive exhibit features over 100 pieces of sculpture, ceramics, paintings, drawings, photography and design projects, highlighting student works (both art and non-art majors) at Genesee.

There is a wide arrangement of works of art from 10 different art classes taught by four different faculty members. Included in the exhibit are works from: Drawing I and II, Painting I and II, and Digital Photography all taught by Heather Jones; 2D Design taught by Melissa Newcomb; Ceramics I and II and 3D Design taught by Moi Dugan; and Photography taught by Robert Cooper.

Art work submitted from Drawing I and II display various pencil drawings, portraits, and negative and positive space projects. The 2D Design classes offer pieces detailing elements such as texture, balance, color, line and emphasis. Plaster, paper and cardboard sculptures adorn the gallery from the 3D design class. The glass display cases are filled with unique and intricate ceramic pieces from the Ceramics I and II classes. Rounding out the immense student exhibit is an assortment of photographs from the photography classes depicting people, places and artistic interpretations.

"We really have some talented students at Genesee," Heather Jones, instructor of Fine Arts at Genesee said. "The students have really shown the depths of their creativity and ability. This year's student exhibit is also one of largest showings we've had. Both art and non-art majors have brought their best works to be displayed."

Students involved in the Fine Arts Exhibit are: Abrianna Adler, Susan Alessi, Alyssa Almete, Janet Arney, Peter Badami, Stacie Ball, Adaline Ballord, Christina Barnes, Rebecca Batt, Corey Bennett, Philip Berggren, Sierra Biegasiewioz, Krystal Skye Brisson, Karen Bryant, Jennifer Byrgett, Justin Calmes, Emille Carducci, Hoemi Chin, Grant Claypool, Briana Coogan-Bassett, Carrie Crawford, Joan Dalba, McKenzie D'Angelo, Megan Dembinski, Alicia Derefinko, Marcus Dixon, Chris Douglas, Mary Dukes, Holly Gardner, Jessica Gates, Andy Gibbs, Heather Gleason, Erin R. Guest, Markus Hall, Brittney Helsdon, Heather Hildebrant, Nate Hillabush, Dawn Holbrook, Danielle Hoskins, Jillian Hunt, Haruka Inove, Jamila Jordan, Annalis Kaminski, Casandra Kelsey, Brittany Kessler, Gary King, Ashley Kingsley, Susan Kinney, Heather Klimeck, Weiling Lazik, Heather Magrid, Jeanette Menzie, Carl Militello, Phil Mordenga, Lori Mould, Michael Moultrup, Mariko Nomura, Julie O'Connor, Gustavo Otera, Calvin Patrick, Nicole Pierce, Megan Reckahn, Libby Rennard, Amanda Ripton, Carrie Riter, William Rupp, Ellen Saile, Lynette Schunacher, Greg Scoins, Samantha Seewaldt, Maria Seewaldt, Kaely Shepard, Gwendolen Shepard, Julie Shuaffer, Timothy Sisson, Howen Smart, Haven Smart, Aquantis Smith, Leslie Statt, Lori Stellrecht, Kelly Stone, Carolyn Stroka, Michelle Taylor, Cory Thomas, Kelsey Trybushyn, Anne Vandenbosch, Rachel Wall, Kevin Wallace, Natalie Welch, Mary Jo Whitman, Elizabeth Woodruff, Martha Zuber, and Lydia Zwierzynski.

The Fine Arts Student Exhibit is free and open to the public. For further information, please contact Heather Jones at 585-343-0055 x6448 or at hsjones@genesee.edu.

Press release:

BATAVIA, NY -- Genesee Community College is proud to announce that 19 classes have integrated A Tale for Three Counties reading initiative program into their classrooms. The 2009 program features the novel, Separate from the World: An Ohio Amish Mystery by P.L. Gaus and has been read by over 300 Genesee students. A 'Meet the Author' presentation and book signing is scheduled for Thursday, March 12 at 1:00 PM in Room T102 at Genesee's Batavia campus.

A Tale for Three Counties community reading initiative was organized in 2003 by librarians in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties, as well as with other interested partners, including Genesee Valley BOCES School Library System and the Daily News. The goal of A Tale for Three Counties is to encourage reading among area adults and teenagers and to develop interest and discussion groups for works of fiction that focus on rural family themes, local history, or other related topics and issues.

A wide range of subjects have incorporated the book into their lesson plans at the College. Six subject areas are represented, including: Reading, English, Sociology, Human Relations, Biology and The First Year Experience (FYE). Students at the Batavia Campus, many Campus Centers, and high school students in Genesee's ACE program are taking part in this collaborative reading initiative. Students participating in the reading program were given the book free of charge with funding from a grant through Genesee's Foundation and Student Activities.

Separate from the World is a story of a rift between two Amish factions, one that favors the use of medicine and that participates in a college study of genetic traits particular to the Amish community, and the other that rejects any outside influence. P. L. Gaus takes the reader inside a separate culture and, in a manner both gentle and grim, highlights the complex relationship of the Amish and the "English" as they live inside or outside each other's orbits.

Students, faculty and community members are invited to participate in various book discussions preceding the 'Meet the Author' presentation, on Monday, March 9 at 7:00 PM in the Library at Genesee and Tuesday, March 10 at 12:30 PM in room S103 in the Student Union. The book discussions and author presentation are part of 18 different discussions held at 15 community libraries through A Tale for Three Counties area-wide reading program. Amish inspired refreshments will be available at discussions, and at the author's presentation and book signing.

"This really is a record- setting year for this reading initiative at Genesee," Sue Chiddy, co-chair of the Genesee committee said. "This novel is an excellent piece for discussion in an academic setting because it touches on so many compelling topics. From bio-genetic issues to sociological dialogue on communal living, the students here are engaging in interesting and thought-provoking discussion."

For more information on A Tale for Three Counties community reading program, visit www.taleforthreecounties.org or contact committee chair person Leslie Delooze at 585-343-9550 Ext.8.

The 'Meet the Author' presentation, book sale and signing event at Genesee are free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Genesee Community College's A Tale for Three Counties co-chairpersons Michele Asmus or Sue Chiddy at 585-343-0055 Ext. 6256.

Press release:

BATAVIA, NY -- Alumni of Genesee Community College should mark their calendars for Cougar Week, March 23-28, 2009. Whether they graduated in 1977 or 2007, alumni will be celebrated at Genesee's Batavia campus with a variety of exciting activities.

Kicking off Cougar Week on Monday, March 23 is an art exhibit in the Lobby Art Gallery of the Stuart Steiner theatre of works of art by Genesee's Fine Arts students. On Tuesday March 24, the Lobby Art Gallery will feature Firmament: An Exhibit by Virginia Taylor. This exhibit will run all through Cougar Week and ends its run on April 24.

Wednesday, March 25 will feature the Alumni Hall of Fame 2009 Induction and Reception. The induction and reception will take place in the Conable Technology Building at 4:30 PM. This year's inductees are: Wanda Frank '97, Ellen Ryan '76, George Schaefer '76, and Paula (Miller) Schaefer '79. Thursday, March 26 starts off with the Genesee's men's lacrosse team facing Broome County Community College at 4:00 PM on the lacrosse field. The focal point of the evening is the second annual Experience Genesee, an all-ages open house filled with mini workshops and entertainment throughout the night. Events will run 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM all over the Batavia Campus. Alumni are encouraged to visit their alma mater and see the growth and opportunities available at Genesee. This event is FREE and open to the general public.

On Friday, March 27 a theatre performance entitled, The Incredible Jungle Journey of Fenda Maria will begin at 7:30 PM in the Stuart Steiner Theatre. This performance is a modern children's fable with audience participation. Advance tickets are encouraged, and can be purchased at the Box Office at (585) 343-0055 x6814 or by email boxoffice@genesee.edu.

Rounding out Cougar Week is The Cougar Convention, an alumni all-class reunion on Saturday, March 28 from 6:00-8:00 PM in the William W. Stuart Forum. Alumni from any graduating year are welcomed to celebrate with a cash bar, refreshments, music and memories. Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling (585) 343-0055 x6265, or by email papacino@genesee.edu. After the Cougar Convention, alumni are encouraged to attend the Stone Row concert in the Stuart Steiner Theatre at 8:00 PM. Weaving a rich tapestry of Celtic and World music, Stone Row presents a unique style of old classics and captivating originals, by blending traditional and contemporary genres. Advance tickets are encouraged and can be reserved by calling the Box Office at (585) 343-0055 x6814 or by email at boxoffice@genesee.edu.

For further information on any alumni activities during Cougar Week, please contact Patti Pacino, Alumni Coordinator at (585) 343-0055 x6265, or at papacino@genesee.edu.

Editor's Note: Photo caption: Pictured from left: (seated) Patti Waite Nicosia and Natalie Blackshear Russo. (standing) Elizabeth Wimbush, GDub the Cougar, Michael Moore, Peggy Waite Weissend, Laura Ranalli, LeeAnn Dimick Brewster, Mary Innes, Rhiannon Mason Eurin, Richard Tiede, Annette DeFedercis Blanchard, and Erik Anderson.

Press Release:

BATAVIA, NY -- Genesee Community College is pleased to announce I.C. Shah, founder and CEO of ICS Telecom, Inc., a provider of voice and data network services in Western New York, will be speaking on Wednesday, March 25 in room T-102 at the Batavia Campus at 6:00 PM. Mr. Shah's speech is entitled, A Passage to America. The event is co-sponsored by the Global Education Committee and Genesee's Student Government Association.

Mr. Shah was born in Mumbai (Bombay), India, and earned an undergraduate degree at the University of Mumbai. He came to the United States when he was 21 to attend graduate school at Michigan State. However, there were some trials and tribulations that arose in Mr. Shah's life that led his parents to shut off his Masters Degree financial support. From there, Mr. Shah faced many mountains in his life, but he learned how to overcome obstacles and found his "voice" to convey his messages effectively to arrive at positive situations via communication.

Mr. Shah's generous commitment of his time to Genesee Community College was procured through a lesson project within an Interpersonal Communication's class taught by Genesee instructor, Jackie DiBella. Mrs. DiBella invited him to speak to her class about cultural values shaping acceptance of and preference for a specific communication style.

Todd Plouffe, adjunct instructor of Food and Beverage Management at Genesee, and General Manager of the Delmonte Lodge, in Pittsford, nominated Mr. Shah in 2005 for the Distinguished Alumni Award that was awarded to Mr. Shah from the Alumni Association. Plouffe and Karin Kovach-Allen, Dean of Human Communications and Behavior, have positive strong sentiments about global education and suggested to DiBella to invite faculty and the Genesee student body to hear Mr. Shah's educational and commanding speech.

Mr. Shah is a graduate of Michigan State University and currently serves on the Board of Rochester Broadway Theatre League, and is Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Rochester. He recently founded DIAL (Development of Indo-American Leaders) in cooperation with the United Way of Rochester to identify, train and place Asian American Indians in leadership positions in community organizations.

He is eager about setting an exemplary model to inspire young adults to persevere despite obstacles. In addition to his professional work, Shah is very involved in various non-profit organizations throughout the Rochester area. Mr. Shah is passionate about his community and the causes involving children, young adults and the disadvantaged. He has used his creativity, entrepreneurship and philanthropy to help many organizations.

Faculty, students and the general public are invited to this event on Wednesday, March 25 at 6:00 PM in the Conable Technology Building room T-102 to learn about the life, accomplishments, knowledge, beliefs, values, and customs of I.C. Shah.

For further information, please contact Nina Mortellaro in the Human Communications and Behavior department at Genesee at 585-343-0055 x6228, or at nimortellaro@genesee.edu.

From Genesee Community College:

Students will have a chance to take what they learn in the technology classroom and compete in an exciting hands-on event at the second annual Tech Wars competition, scheduled for March 19, 2009 at Genesee Community College in Batavia, NY. Registration for the College Tech Prep event begins at 9:00 AM and the competition starts at 9:30 AM. From catapults to robots, manual drafting to web page design, the imagination and creativity of some of the brightest students in the GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties) region will be showcased during this day-long event.

The competition is open to middle and high school students, who will participate in multiple project-based events of skill, chance, and ability. Students will compete in bridge building, drafting, sumo robots, T-shirt design, and carbon dioxide dragster racing, among other events. The highlight of this year's event will be the Sumo Robot Sled Pull.

"Hopefully, the interest in this competition will help to boost enrollments of technology classes because what is learned there can be transferred to initiatives at home, work and a wide range of careers on almost a daily basis," said Debbie Dunlevy, College Tech Prep Program Director and Coordinator Co-Chair of the Tech Wars competition. "We are very excited to host such a fun and educational event."

The Tech Wars competition, which may become open to school districts outside the GLOW region in the future, was inspired from a similar competition currently held through Niagara County Community College. That event is now in its twelfth year and attracts as many as 600 students from Western New York to compete.

"Ultimately, the interest of some students may go beyond the classroom where they develop such a deep interest in technology that they make a career of it. Someday those students may come back as a teacher or mentor of the technology students of the future," Dunlevy said.

College Tech Prep helps students explore various career options and make a smooth transition from high school to college and ultimately to professional careers. The Tech Wars is among several dynamic programs giving students the opportunity to work in hands-on learning encounters, often within business settings and with various professionals. College Tech Prep offers several distinctive career academies to high school students including: Heath, Legal, Information Technology, and the newest Theatre Arts Academy starting in September 2009. In addition, there is also a Virtual Enterprise Business program available to high school students.

For more information, please contact Debbie Dunlevy, College Tech Prep Program Director at Genesee Community College, at 585-343-0055 x6316 or dkdunlevy@genesee.edu. More information can also be found at the Tech Wars website, http://www.techwars.org.

From Genesee Community College:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce that second year student Moses Nhial has become a United States citizen. A celebration for this significant occasion took place on February 19 with students, faculty, friends and local legislators in attendance to congratulate Moses on his remarkable achievement.

The celebration took place in the library at the Batavia campus and many library staff members, as well as friends and College Village roommates of Moses, were present. Local legislators on hand were Genesee County legislature chair, Mary Pat Hancock, Genesee Community College's Board of Trustees chair, Laurie Miller, and Genesee County legislator, Jerome (Jay) Grasso on behalf of New York State Senator Michael Ranzenhofer.

Moses was presented with a Certificate of Recognition from Senator Ranzenhofer, as well as gifts from Genesee's library staff. Moses took a few moments to express his gratitude and speak on his past and future plans. "When I came to the United States, they called us the Lost Boys," Moses said. "But now I feel as if I have been found."

Moses Nhial, a refugee from Sudan and a full-time student at Genesee Community College, has experienced trials and suffering that most Americans can hardly imagine, much less endure. Moses overcame incredible adversity to become an ambitious young man, flourishing in an environment very unlike what he experienced growing up. Born in 1987 in Sudan, Moses' childhood was filled with attacks on his village and constant fleeing to new refugee camps and other countries to avoid violence and brutality. With help from the United Nations and Catholic Charities, Moses came to the United States in 2001 and ever since has been thriving as an extraordinary young adult. For more information on Moses' past and future plans, please visit http://web.genesee.edu/news/dspArticle/2554/.

Photo caption: Standing left to right are at Moses Nhial's U.S. Citizenship celebration: Mary Pat Hancock, chair of Genesee County Legislature; Jerome J. Grasso, Genesee County Legislator standing in for Michael Ranzenhofer of the New York State Senate; Moses Nhial, Genesee Community College student and recent US citizen; Laurie J. Miller, chair of Genesee's Board of Trustees; and Genesee's President, Stuart Steiner.

From Genesee Community College:

Genesee Community College is proud to announce the addition of the Theatre Arts Academy beginning in the Fall 2009 semester. As the fifth Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) Academy Program, the Theatre Arts Academy is a six-college credit program of study that gives high school students the opportunity to hone their theatre arts skills while earning transferrable college credit, and also help ease the transition into the college atmosphere.

With trained seasoned professionals, the Theatre Arts Academy combines classroom theory with extensive hands-on experiences to refine individual talents and develop creativity both on stage and behind stage. High school students will attend integrated classes with current Genesee students and earn high school elective credits, as well as college credits. Students in the ACE programs are offered a discount from the regular Genesee Community College tuition rate.

"We are very excited about giving high school students interested in Theatre Arts the opportunity to enrich their knowledge base of theater, as well as their comfort zone in acting or performing in front of others," said Maryanne Arena, director of Genesee's Fine and Performing Arts program. "Even someone who doesn't plan to make a lifetime career on stage will find this program valuable."

The ACE Program is a partnership between Genesee Community College and Western New York high schools to provide college courses to secondary students during the school day. These programs offer high school students the opportunity to enroll in college level courses and to earn college credits from Genesee Community College while still in high school. The goal is to enhance the high school learning experience and prepare students for the transition to college and career. ACE includes Advanced Studies, College Today, and the other Academy Programs including Health Careers Academy, Legal Careers Academy, Business Career Focus and Information Technology Career Focus.

Course work for the Theatre Arts Academy includes Fundamentals of Acting (THE103) and Stagecraft (THE106). Fundamentals of Acting will teach basic acting techniques and will help students become more comfortable with monologues and auditioning. Stagecraft will teach basic theories and techniques of design, construction and painting of theatre sets, as well as appreciation of the organization and operation of production crews.

Students will have the opportunity to learn and perform in the Genesee Center for the Arts, a state-of-the-art performing arts space located on Genesee's Batavia campus. At the culmination of the Academy program, students will produce a live performance in the spectacular Stuart Steiner Theatre, the heart of the Arts Center. The 328-seat facility is accessible for special needs audiences and hosts a wide array of performances throughout the year. Among the many amenities are contemporary lighting and sound systems, state-of-the-art acoustics, complete scene and costume shops and an art gallery in the lobby of the Stuart Steiner Theatre.

Acceptance into the Theatre Arts Academy is limited and requires a recommendation by the student's high school guidance counselor. Students must also possess a desire to explore career opportunities in the performing and theatre arts.

For more information on the ACE Theatre Arts Academy, visit www.genesee.edu/ace or call the ACE Programs department at 585-345-6801.

From Genesee Community College:

Genesee Community College and the American Red Cross have partnered together to provide Family Care Giving Classes at the Lakeville campus center located at 5999 Big Tree Road. The classes will provide instruction to families caring for loved ones of any age. Four classes will be offered on various Saturday mornings, starting Saturday March 14, from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. The cost for all four classes is $25.

The first class, scheduled for March 14, will focus on Home Safety and Healthy Eating. The second class, on March 28, will focus on General Care. The April 4 class will concentrate on Personal Care, and the last class in the series will take place on April 25 and will discuss Caring for the Caregiver, Legal and Financial Issues and Alzheimer's.

"These classes are an excellent way to serve our community members who may be caring for a loved one and have many questions," Serena Cooke, Campus Associate at the Lakeville campus center said. "With the growing number of elderly parents being cared for by their children, due to personal choice or economic reasons, training and support needs to be available for these families."

The Lakeville campus center is located at 5999 Big Tree Road (Route 20A) in Lakeville. Class sizes are limited, and registration is required. Please call the Lakeville Campus Center for further information or to register at 585-346-5070.

From Genesee Community College:

Genesee Community College and the Xerox Foundation have successfully combined their efforts to fund and support the President's Innovation Award (PIA) program. The President's Innovation Award provides funding for innovative activities and projects that promote community involvement in the life of the College, stimulate student and community pride in the College, and help establish pilot programs or initiatives with the potential for positive, long-term impact on the College. The Xerox Foundation was supportive of the PIA concept and gave $5,000 in support of the award program this year.

One of the recipients of the award was the Collegiate Entrepreneurial Organization (CEO Club) in the development of their SCHOLARS brand project. The project began two years ago to produce and market a gourmet food product that would provide practical, hands-on business and entrepreneurial learning opportunities for the students. The club developed and now markets SCHOLARS brand Apple Cider Syrup; an apple pie flavored syrup used over pancakes, waffles, French toast, pork recipes and even ice cream. Profits from the syrup sales will be put back into the program, as well as used to fund student scholarships. SCHOLARS Apple Cider Syrup is available in Genesee Community College's book store or contact the CEO Club at scholars@genesee.edu.

Other PIA projects in progress this year are: Student Story Corps Project, Shushing 21st Century Style, Genesee Community College's Formal Exploration of the Educational Uses of Second Life, and Cougar Pride Day.

For information on PIA projects, or for financial support of Genesee Community College Foundation programs, please contact foundation@genesee.edu.