Press release:
A new student-faculty initiative that encourages Genesee Community College students to complete their studies and earn their associates degrees is under way, the board of trustees learned Monday evening.
The "commit to complete your degree pledge," also known as "C-4" or the Community College Completion Corps is part of wider community college movement hosted by Phi Theta Kappa Alpha Iota Upsilon. That's the local chapter of the national honor society for community colleges, according to Elise Banfield, GCC assistant professor of Psychology and advisor to PTK.
Professor Banfield was joined by two students in sharing the benefits of the program and the Spring 2012 promotional plans. Both PTK President Devin Kleinbach, of Batavia, and Vice President Michael Anauo, of Elba, reflected on last semester's enthusiastic display of support for the C-4 program. Students not only signed their names to the pledge but were also signing the posters with additional comments, such as "I'm committed!" More than 45 students pledged to complete their degrees at the special event in November.
Statistics show the surest way for anyone to land a job in their chosen field is to finish college and earn a degree or certificate. And that's exactly what GCC students are promising to do by signing a collective pledge to complete their degrees and certifications before leaving to transfer their credits elsewhere or to enter the job market.
This Spring, students in Genesee's PTK chapter will be speaking in classrooms throughout the college on the importance of completing their degrees and visiting campus center. They will also have a table or booth set up at the Transfer Fair.
In other business Monday evening, the board of trustees:
• Approved a technical amendment to the board's staff appointment policy, requiring board approval for the employment of two additional members of the college's managerial staff.
• Approved four-year continuing appointments for 26 members of faculty and staff. Reappointed were: Meredith L. Altman, professor of Mathematics; Maryanne C. Arena, director of Fine and Performing Arts; Vicky L. Aubert, technical assistant, GCC at Warsaw; Joanna E. Barefoot, technical specialist, Student Activities; Marjorie N. Blondell, assistant professor of Nursing; Charles A. Boyd, professor of English; William S. Brewer, professor of Economics; Jeannie L. Burdick, counselor/associate professor; Jean M. Chenu, associate professor of Office Technology; Kristine Dassinger, assistant professor of English; M. Richard Dudkowski, professor of Fashion Business; Cindy A. Francis, associate professor/collection development librarian; Patti S. Furness, technical assistant, GCC at Albion; Barry J. Garigen, professor of Criminal Justice; Michael L. Garrett, technical specialist, Marketing Communications; Norman R. Gayford, professor of English; James R. Habermas, professor of Computer Information Systems; Timothy Hinz, associate professor of Computer Information Systems; Mary C. Knappen, professor of Mathematics; Lina M. LaMattina, director, Business Skills Training; Maureen A. Leupold, professor of Biology; Susan Ryan, technical specialist, Admissions; Barbara A. Shine, associate professor of Business; Dennis G. Shine, associate professor of Drafting; Amy L. Slusser, assistant professor of Tourism and Hospitality Management; and Nina T. Warren, director of Library Services.
• Approved first-time four-year continuing appointments for 18 members of faculty and staff: Shawn P. Adamson, instructor of English; Valerie C. Bello, instructor of Communications and Media Arts; Christopher D. Caputi, instructor/coordinator of Clinical Education, Physical Therapist Assistant Program; Amy L. Cleveland, technical assistant/international student academic advisor; Kathleen T. Gurak, instructor of Health and Physical Education; Edward R. Hallborg, technical specialist/theater technician/technical director; Jessica L. Hibbard, technical assistant, GCC at Warsaw; Heather S. Jones, instructor of Fine Arts; Josephine B. Kearney, instructor of Sociology and Human Services; Amy A. Masters, technical specialist, Student Financial Services; Christie McGee Ross, technical assistant/head Women's Basketball coach; Eleanor B. Nixon, instructor of Nursing; Samson A. Olaode, director of Grant Services; Kathy L. Palumbo, director of Nursing; Amy J. Schnettler-Zak, instructor of Nursing; Charles L. Scruggs, instructor of History and Political Science; Catherine C. Wall, instructor of Nursing; and Karen K. Wicka, instructor of Criminal Justice.
• Heard President James M. Sunser report that spring semester classes will begin next Tuesday, Jan. 17. He predicted strong enrollment.
• Heard that Josh J. Escudero will join the staff as director of Respiratory Care, and Lezli D. Giancarlo will join the staff as instructor and clinical education coordinator. Escudero has served as a staff member of Inspired Medical Solutions and Tri-Anim Health Services, and as supervisor of the Respiratory Care Department at the University of Rochester Medical Center. He holds a B.A. degree from Hamilton College, a B.S. degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University, and a M.B.A. degree from the University of Rochester. He is a resident of Victor. Giancarlo has served as the supervisor of respiratory care at Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital, and as a staff member of the Visiting Nurse Association, Children's Hospital of Buffalo, Erie County Medical Center, and Mercy Medical Homecare. She holds A.S. degrees from California College for Health Sciences and Community College of the Air Force, and a B.S. degree from Southwest Texas State University. She is a resident of East Aurora.
• Heard that Robert M. Swinarski Jr. will join the faculty as instructor of Computer Systems and Network Technologies. He holds an A.S. degree from Genesee Community College and a B.S. degree from SUNY Brockport. He is a resident of Batavia.
