Genesee Community College is readying for the first-ever Homecoming celebration on October 1-2.
The committee of 10 Genesee alumni, including chairs Patti Michalak ('70) and Pam Whitcombe ('69), is putting the finishing touches on preparing for an exciting weekend.
All graduating classes as well as family members, friends and the community are welcome to the college's Batavia campus for a weekend filled with alumni activities, sporting events and at the culmination of the weekend, an All-Class Cougar Reunion/Mixer in the Forum.
Part of the Homecoming weekend activities include raising money for the American Cancer Society. A refurbished iron bathtub was recently placed in the Student Union to collect spare change from students, faculty and staff to be donated to the American Cancer Society of Buffalo.
The "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk" will take place on Sunday, Oct. 3 and all monies collected will be donated to the cause. The bathtub collection is a tradition passed down from GCC students back in the 1970s according to John Michalak ('73), a Homecoming Committee member.
"When the college was at the West Main Street Road address (now the Genesee County Building #2) and known to us as 'Valu Tech,' the SOMF (Society of Mature Friendships) fraternity had several fundraisers over the years," Michalak said.
"On one occasion, the group pushed a bathtub on a farm wagon from East Town Plaza to the West Main Street Road campus. We collected money along the way for a donation to the local American Cancer Society. This is our way of bringing some traditions back to campus."
Friday, Oct. 1 will feature men's and women's alumni soccer games played under the lights of the new all-weather turf field. Women players are still needed and are encouraged to sign up at <http://www.genesee.edu/gcc/alumnisoccer>.
Saturday, Oct. 2 will begin with various alumni-centered activities and celebrations across the campus including tours, reunions and a brunch. The men's and women's Cougar soccer teams will play at noon and 2 p.m. versus North Country Community College.
Following the Cougar soccer games, the first group of inductees will be welcomed into the new Athletic Hall of Fame with an induction ceremony and celebration at 5 p.m. in the Conable Technology Building.
Homecoming weekend will conclude with an All-Class Cougar Reunion/Mixer open to all alumni and community members. All graduating years are invited, with special recognition for the classes of 1969 and 1970 and a featured event theme of the "Hippie '60s." There will be music, prizes, food and a cash bar. The cost is $5 per person.
Further details on locations, times and additional alumni activities are available by going to <http://www.genesee.edu/Alumni/Homecoming >.
To volunteer for the Homecoming weekend, please contact Alumni Affairs Coordinator Jackie Christenson at 585-343-0055, ext. 6265 or <http://jkchristenson@genesee.edu>.
