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Leadership Genesee honors class of 2024 at annual graduation celebration

By Press Release
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1st row: Jill Mapes, Jennifer Waldron, Adam Doktor, Heather Tabor, Lauren Casey, Bill Bogan, Missy Blum, Carla Aceto, Raylyn Kingdon 
2nd row: Adam Wheeler, Destin Danser, Peter Mittiga, Karen Vallese, Arvind Sridharan, Jamie Lindsley, Kelly Starchok, Katy Hobbs, Sheila Harding, Tim Hagen, Krista Galdun, Jessica Riley, Melanie Rhodes 
3rd row: Craig Wagner, Mark Williams, Branden Riggs, Dave Bell, Jodi Fisher
Photo by Laurie Pfaff, LG 2009

Press Release:

Leadership Genesee presented awards honoring the 27 members of the Class of 2024 at the Annual Graduation Celebration at Terry Hills on December 5.

Class members from the private sector include Alleghany Farm Services, CPL, DelPlato Casey Law Firm, Genesee Patrons Cooperative Insurance, Lawley, Liberty Pumps, and Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union Also included from the public sector were members from City of Batavia, Genesee Community College, Genesee County IT Department, Social Services, Health Department, Mental Health, Office for the Aging, Probation, GV BOCES Early College High School, Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Genesee County Economic Development Center, Oakfield Betterment Committee, Town of Alexander, Town of Batavia, Go Art!, LeRoy Ambulance Service, Inc, UConnectCare (GCASA) and WNY Rural Area Health Education Center.

Leadership Genesee Director Peggy Marone shared at graduation, “Every class who have spent a year learning about our community as well as themselves, have taught me something. A leader should never stop looking within themselves to assess how they’re doing as a leader and when something needs to be addressed, change direction and work to improve.”

Leadership Genesee is a year-long community education committed to exploring Genesee County and encouraging the leader within all of us. Our goal is to provide well-prepared servant leaders for Genesee County ready to accept responsibility for our community’s shared concerns.

One participant said they felt the experience strengthened their commitment to personal development and to serving others by making meaningful contributions to our community. 

Class speakers Jill Mapes and David Bell shared, “We are heartened knowing that those in this room will not hesitate to continue positive impacts outside of this room, to help a ripple of intention become a wave of compassionate change. More than anything else, we believe that this is what makes each and every one of us “leaders.”

The Class of 2025 will begin their journey in January, LG’s Silver Anniversary. 

Leadership Genesee is a program of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities. For more information about Leadership Genesee, please visit our website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/leadership-genesee.

Rachael Herold graduates from SUNY Delhi

By Press Release

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Over 800 students graduated from SUNY Delhi in the Spring of 2024. Commencement was held Saturday, May 18, with certificates, associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees conferred upon the classes of Fall 2023 and Spring 2024.

Rachael Herold of Pavilion graduated from SUNY Delhi with a bachelor's degree in Nursing.

 

Genesee County Sheriff Sheron announces new correction officer graduates

By Press Release
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Photo of (left to right): Jail Superintendent William A. Zipfel, Undersheriff Bradley D. Mazur, C.O. Trent D. Ryan, C.O. Tyler D. Brown, C.O. Kelsey R. Kasmarek, Deputy Jail Superintendent Jeffrey J. Searls.
Submitted photo.

Press Release:

Genesee County Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr. announces the graduation of Correction Officers Kelsey Kasmarek, Trent Ryan, and Tyler Brown from the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy’s 28th Basic Course for Correction Officers.

These Correction Officers recently graduated in a class of 10. At the top of the class was C.O. Kasmarek who received the Academic Excellence Award and C.O. Ryan received the Defensive Tactics Award.

The 247-hour course included training in effective communications, essential services, use of force, NYS Penal Law, Criminal Procedure Law, Inmate Transportation, Firearms, Pepper Spray, Taser and Defensive Tactics, and other topics pertaining to corrections.

“Congratulations to all three of these Correction Officers. We look forward to their future in Corrections at the Genesee County Jail,” stated Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr.

Urbanczyk graduates from PennWest Edinboro

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Charles Urbanczyk of East Bethany graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Speech & Hearing Sciences from Pennsylvania Western University on May 4.

Urbanczyk, who studied at PennWest's Edinboro campus, was among nearly 1,800 students who received undergraduate, masters and doctoral degrees.

PennWest University celebrated the successes of these graduates during spring commencement ceremonies on each campus.

VTSU congratulates David Greer on their class of 2024 graduation

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Vermont State University (VTSU) is pleased to announce that David Greer, of East Bethany is part of VTSU's inaugural graduating class for May 2024!

This diverse group of over 1000 students hailed from more than 200 Vermont towns, over 20 states, and various countries around the world. Congratulations to Vermont State University's Class of 2024!

Buffalo State College announces 3 local graduates

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Buffalo State is pleased to congratulate the students who completed the requirements to earn their degrees in Fall 2023 and Spring 2024. The following local students have graduated:

  • Ethan Biscaro of Batavia graduated with a BS in Individualized Studies.
  • Annmarie Georgia of Batavia graduated with a BFA in Ceramics.
  • Robert Stabler of Basom graduated with a BS in Dietetics.

Eighteen local students graduate from University at Buffalo

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The following local students graduated from the University at Buffalo. 

Margaret Andersen of Batavia graduated cum laude from the University at Buffalo with a bachelor's degree in mathematics from the College of Arts and Sciences and a bachelor's degree in physics from the College of Arts and Sciences. Andersen's conferral date was June 2024.

Jaiden Lefort of Darien Center graduated cum laude from the University at Buffalo with a bachelor's degree in psychology from the College of Arts and Sciences. Lefort's conferral date was February 2024.

Allie Beaumont of Le Roy graduated cum laude from the University at Buffalo with a bachelor's degree in health and human services from the College of Arts and Sciences. Beaumont's conferral date was June 2024.

Pierce Corbelli of Batavia graduated cum laude from the University at Buffalo with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Corbelli's conferral date was August 2023.

Kyle Freeman of Corfu graduated from the University at Buffalo with a bachelor's degree in criminology from the College of Arts and Sciences. Freeman's conferral date was February 2024.

Sara Cottone of Le Roy graduated from the University at Buffalo with a bachelor's degree in psychology from the College of Arts and Sciences. Cottone's conferral date was February 2024.

Kendra Cook of Batavia graduated from the University at Buffalo with a bachelor's degree in psychology from the College of Arts and Sciences. Cook's conferral date was June 2024.

Cianna Kusmierski of Alexander graduated from the University at Buffalo with a bachelor's degree in accounting from the School of Management. Kusmierski's conferral date was June 2024.

Connlan Hotnich of Batavia graduated from the University at Buffalo with a bachelor's degree in accounting from the School of Management. Hotnich's conferral date was June 2024.

Katie Stanley of Alexander graduated magna cum laude from the University at Buffalo with a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and a bachelor's degree in dance from the College of Arts and Sciences. Stanley's conferral date was June 2024.

Ricky Denson of Bergen graduated magna cum laude from the University at Buffalo with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Denson's conferral date was June 2024.

Emilio Perez Gangi of Elba graduated magna cum laude from the University at Buffalo with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Perez Gangi's conferral date was June 2024.

Erik Maier of Oakfield graduated magna cum laude from the University at Buffalo with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Maier's conferral date was June 2024.

Cole Heaney of Le Roy graduated magna cum laude from the University at Buffalo with a bachelor's degree in business administration from the School of Management. Heaney's conferral date was June 2024.

Morgan Reimer of Batavia graduated summa cum laude from the University at Buffalo with a bachelor's degree in biomedical science from the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and a bachelor's degree in psychology from the College of Arts and Sciences. Reimer's conferral date was February 2024.

MacKenzie Pedersen of Batavia graduated summa cum laude from the University at Buffalo with a bachelor's degree in dance from the College of Arts and Sciences. Pedersen's conferral date was June 2024.

Jake Pope of Alexander graduated summa cum laude from the University at Buffalo with a bachelor's degree in English from the College of Arts and Sciences. Pope's conferral date was June 2024.

Adeena Riedel of Batavia graduated summa cum laude from the University at Buffalo with a bachelor's degree in health and human services from the College of Arts and Sciences. Riedel's conferral date was June 2024.

UB is New York State's flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system.

UB celebrated over 9,400 students across 23 school-based or university-wide recognition and certificate ceremonies held April 26 through May 19.

The commencement ceremonies recognized students whose bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees were conferred by the university in August 2023, February 2024 or June 2024.

SUNY Canton celebrates 3 local graduated in the Class of 2024

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Nearly 800 graduates received the credits necessary to graduate from SUNY Canton.

"On behalf of the entire SUNY Canton community, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for your continued success," said SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran. "As you step into the next chapter of your life, remember that the skills and knowledge you've gained at SUNY Canton will serve you well in all your future endeavors. Embrace the challenges ahead with confidence and optimism. Always strive to make a positive impact in your communities and remember that SUNY Canton will always be there to assist you in your journey."

SUNY Canton Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of the Canton College Foundation Tracey L. Thompson said that graduates were joining the extensive network of nearly 40,000 SUNY Canton alumni excelling in various career paths. "The Class of 2024 can make an immediate impact by sharing their enthusiasm about this achievement," she said.

The college's 116th Commencement Ceremony was held Saturday, May 11, in the Roos House Convocation, Athletic and Recreation Center. Students who graduated at any time in the past year are invited to participate in the ceremony, including summer, fall, winter, and spring graduates. A complete list of graduates is available on www.canton.edu.

Area graduates include:

  • Dawn Hunter of Batavia, earned their Bachelor of Science degree in Legal Studies.
  • Jared Barnum of Byron, earned their Bachelor of Technology degree in Criminal Investigation.
  • Zechariah Gowanlock of East Bethany, earned their Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Management.

Nine local residents graduate from RIT

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Rochester Institute of Technology conferred nearly 4,500 degrees at all of its campuses in the 2023-2024 academic year.

RIT's academic convocation celebration was held in May and featured remarks by Patricia "Pattie" Moore, a distinguished designer and trailblazing alumna of the class of 1974.

The following local residents received degrees:

  • Alec Wagner of Batavia received a BS in electrical engineering technology.
  • Taylor Schofield of Pavilion received a BS in biomedical engineering and MS in science, technology, and public policy.
  • Isaac Ladley of Byron received a BS in supply chain management.
  • Lily Mercovich of Bergen received a BFA in film and animation.
  • Tanner Richardson of Batavia received a BS in electrical engineering.
  • James Wong of Batavia received an MBA in business administration-executive.
  • Jake Humes of Batavia received a BS in the individualized program.
  • Lexi Begin of Corfu received a BS in communication.
  • Derek Emrich of Bergen received a BS in biochemistry.

Mason Randall of Batavia receives degree from American International College during 139th commencement ceremony

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Mason Randall of Batavia has graduated from American International College (AIC) with a Bachelor of Science in the Criminal Justice program.

On Saturday, May 11, the College conferred degrees to more than 600 graduates receiving bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degrees from its School of Health Sciences, School of Education, and School of Business, Arts, and Sciences.

In her remarks, the College's Interim President Nicolle Cestero told the class of 2024 that their time at AIC was formative. "Each of you has overcome challenges, pursued passions and you have grown in ways you might not have imagined when you first stepped foot on campus," she told the graduates. "As you stand ready to begin your next journey, know that life is full of possibilities just waiting for you."

Keynote speaker Michael D. Smith - the CEO of AmeriCorps - regaled graduates, their families, and AIC faculty and staff with stories from his youth, growing up in the McKnight neighborhood of Springfield. Smith spoke of how being part of a community at the Boys and Girls Club of Springfield planted the seeds for his future in which he leads the country's largest public volunteer force.

Smith, who received an honorary doctorate from AIC during the ceremony, told the graduates they were not unlike him. "My story might be yours, too. People see you but they don't always see your struggles. But AIC wanted you because they knew what some saw as hurdles, you are going to use as springboards."

The ceremony saw 216 bachelor's degrees, 279 master's, 72 certificates of graduate study, and thirty-six doctorates awarded.

Nazareth University names 8 local students to its spring 2024 dean's list

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Nazareth University students named to the spring 2024 Dean's List:

  • Laura Lepkowski of Batavia
  • Matthew Smith of Batavia
  • Katherine Spiotta of Batavia
  • Maveric McKenzie of Pavilion
  • Benjamin Robinson of Le Roy
  • Abigail Hoerbelt of Batavia
  • Hannah Wies of Bergen
  • Chad Ohlson of Oakfield

A student's grade point average must be at least 3.5 or above, and they must complete 12 credit hours of graded work that semester in order to be included on the dean's list at Nazareth.

Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good.

Joshua Lang earns degree from Hollins University

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Joshua David Lang of Le Roy, received the M.F.A. in dance on October 1, and was recognized during Hollins University's 182nd commencement ceremony on May 19.

LeRoy resident graduates with honors from James Madison University

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Ellie Dambra of Le Roy graduated Cum Laude with a degree(s) in Public Administration - BS from James Madison University during commencement exercises in May 2024.

Dambra was among more than 4,482 students who received undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Congratulations to all graduates and their families!

Batavia resident graduates from James Madison University

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Lucas Grammatico of Batavia graduated with a degree(s) in Accounting - BBA from James Madison University during commencement exercises in May 2024.

Grammatico was among more than 4,482 students who received undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Congratulations to all graduates and their families!

Electro-Mechanical program at BOCES celebrates 100 graduates

By Press Release
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Students at the Electro-Mechanical Trades program at the Batavia Career & Technical Education Center were celebrated Friday as the program has already reached 100 graduates in just four years.
Submitted photo.

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As he entered his first class at the Electro-Mechanical Trades program at the Batavia Career & Technical Education Center, Tommy Condidorio did not anticipate the depth of the education he would receive.

“I was expecting to learn wiring, but instead we learned wiring, robotics, pneumatics, mechanical drives,” Condidorio said of the career-ready coursework instructor Rich Monroe teaches. “I’ve learned a lot more than I thought I was going to learn.”

As his final classes near, Condidorio’s experiences in the Genesee Valley BOCES program have shown him a path forward. He and classmate Joseph Costa have been offered positions as electro-mechanical assemblers at Gorbel in Monroe County, where they have completed extensive co-ops this spring.

“I never thought I’d come out of BOCES with a job,” Condidorio said. Students like Condidorio and Costa in a fast-growing high school mechatronics program were celebrated Friday by educational, business, and training partners to mark a milestone for a training pathway supporting the growth of skilled trades and manufacturing in Genesee County and surrounding communities. 

The Electro-Mechanical Trades program at the Genesee Valley BOCES Batavia Career & Technical Education Center, now in its 4th year, has connected over 100 students to college and career pathways that include direct employment and apprenticeships in the skilled trades and manufacturing.

Instructor Rich Monroe told his electro-mechanical trades students that his current students shared the honor. 

“They’re all a part of it, and they’ve all been part of the success of this program,” Monroe said. “I am, very proud of all of them that have stood the test and have done what they've needed to do to be successful in this program.”

Students are trained in a state-of-the-art mechatronics lab and participate in youth apprenticeships and paid internships completed during students’ junior and senior years at employers.

"The success of the mechatronics program at Genesee Valley BOCES shows why Genesee County and our region are attracting major expansions and new companies," said Chris Suozzi, Vice President of Business & Workforce Development at the GCEDC. "These students are well trained and ready to jump directly into a career in manufacturing or the skilled trades, an apprenticeship, or additional training, and our employers are gaining a next-generation workforce to grow their operations."

In her first year in the electro-mechanical trades program, Emma Spink, a junior from Attica, completed job shadows at Koike in Wyoming County and Nortera in Genesee County.

“I saw all the different jobs that electricians could have in one building, which is very neat. This trade can take you multiple routes,” said Spink, who can progress to a more extensive co-op with a local company in her senior year with the goal of joining an apprenticeship program with an employer while also getting college credits.

“I’m really excited about this co-op opportunity,” Spink said. “I get to go to a company and they’re really excited and willing to have you, and then they actually pay you for your time there and you get to learn all about it and do electrical work for them.”

Friday’s program closed out a week of events marking National Youth Apprenticeship Week. The job shadows and co-ops Monroe’s students participate in are part of the successful Rochester Technology & Manufacturing Association (RTMA) Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program (FLYAP). The program was created in 2018 and is the first youth apprenticeship program for students interested in manufacturing in New York State.

RTMA Director of Workforce Development Rich Turner praised the Genesee Valley BOCES program as the most active youth apprenticeship program in the region. 

“For a program to have 100 graduates in four years is a huge success,” Turner said. “It’s because of the culture that’s been built here by Mr. Monroe, Chris Suozzi and his team at the GCEDC, the partner businesses … and you, the students.”

For Costa, the FLYAP-sponsored co-op has been part of a busy calendar. He is competing in track and tennis, completing his coursework at LeRoy High School, and splitting his BOCES classes between Monroe’s classroom and Gorbel. He is excited to have a career lined up without college debt.

“It’s perfect, because I’m getting paid for it and I’m coming in with experience that I’ve already gained through BOCES,” Costa said. “It helps me a ton … they don’t have to explain every little thing to me, and the learning experience just goes so much faster.” 

Three locals graduating from SUNY Potsdam, May 18

By Press Release

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The State University of New York at Potsdam will recognize the Class of 2024 during the College's 204th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 18.

During Commencement, SUNY Potsdam honors students who have either earned their degree or are eligible to graduate during that calendar year. To learn more about Commencement at SUNY Potsdam, visit www.potsdam.edu/commencement.

Local graduates include:

  • Lydia Geiger of Batavia, who is set to graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education and Music Performance
  • Erin Parnapy of Byron, who is set to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre
  • Megan Privatera of Le Roy, who is set to graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education
     

Three students graduate from Clarkson University

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Students from Clarkson University were awarded bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees this spring on May 13.

Evan Dusky of Basom received a Bachelor of Science degree with distinction in Mechanical Engineering, Product Development, and Marketing Minor.

Matthew Grover of Batavia received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Colin Graham of Oakfield received a Bachelor of Science degree with great distinction in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Mathematics minor.

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