Photo by Howard Owens.
This weekend’s Class of 2023 graduates were reminded by Genesee Community College’s president just how crucial their mission is from here on forward, and that one’s pursuit of learning doesn’t stop with that diploma in hand.
“We are counting on you to live a life that’s full of promise and potential, not just for yourself, but to make the world a better place,” Dr. James Sunser, GCC president, said during his closing remarks. “You know, we live in a world that is constantly changing, and one that requires us to continually evolve, develop new skills, and stay current in order to be the successful members of society that we all aspire to be.
“At Genesee Community College, we like to say once a Genesean or a cougar, always a Genesean and a cougar. It's in the spirit and recognizing the value and importance of lifelong learning that I share with you a new and, frankly, unprecedented benefit that you are receiving as a GCC grad," he said. "As a member of the Class of 2023, you are now eligible to take future courses at SUNY GCC, free of charge for the rest of your life.”
This Class of 2023 will be the inaugural group of learners for when this new program was announced. They will be able to return time and time again to refresh, recharge, update and expand their minds with other GCC graduates by attending those free classes.
Genesee for Life was launched as “an innovative program allowing all GCC graduates to return to take credit-bearing courses tuition-free, for life,” program material states. Returning students will have the opportunity to prepare for new careers, transfer education opportunities, or to gain new skills for personal pursuits.
“We call this unique part of the program Genessee for Life, and it's our way of supporting you, not just now but throughout your life's journey. It's our way of saying that we do believe in the importance and value of lifelong learning,” Sunser said. “And we're committed to making that a reality for you as a part of our GCC family of graduates, and as members of the Genesee Community College’s Class of 2023, our 55th commencement class.
“I thank you for all that you're doing. I thank you for joining us today, and I wish you all good things,” he said.
To learn more about this program, go HERE.
Previously:
- Advice to 2023 grads: Put down the social media and get involved to make a difference
- 2023 Nursing graduate's 30-year journey ends with 'amazing' feeling
To view more than 60 photos from GCC's commencement ceremony on Saturday, click here.
