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GCC Board approves new Social Media concentration within Business Administration degree

By Billie Owens

Press release:

From friends to followers, tweets to YouTube, Snapchats to YikYaks -- future students at Genesee Community College will one day have the opportunity to study all the nuances of social media marketing. The College's Board of Trustees has approved a new Social Media concentration within the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Business Administration degree.

With the Board's approval, the program will now be submitted to the State University of New York for approval, and later to the New York State Education Department. The College expects the program to available in the Fall of 2016.

The new concentration will provide GCC students interested in business careers with a third option -- one which focuses on the cutting-edge business, marketing and communication methodologies that predominant in today's global marketplace.

The new 62-credit concentration builds from the existing Business Administration curriculum, which provides a strong foundation in business and marketing principles, professional sales, computer applications and a selection of nine elective credits.

New Communication Technologies (COM120) and Introduction to Creative Problem Solving (CPS101) are among the courses Social Media students will take along with: Principles of Marketing (BUS213), Advertising (BUS203), Entrepreneurship (BUS225), Intro to Computers or Microcomputer Applications (CIS102 or 116), Web Publishing (CIS113) and Web Design and Implementation (CIS204).

"We've seen a number of students opt into courses that provide them the most modernized business program giving them a strategic advantage for a cutting-edge business career," said Kathleen Schiefen, Ph.D., GCC's provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs.

"Built around the same basic business administration coursework, these students will focus on the marketing uses of social media-such as search engines, and become technically competent using the strategic advantage of cutting-edge business degree."

GCC's Business and Commerce division currently includes the following programs: Accounting; Business Administration; Business Administration: Supply Chain Management concentration; Economic Crime Investigation; Entrepreneurship; four Fashion Business programs in: E-Commerce, Event Planning, Fashion Design, and Fashion Merchandising Management; Sales and Customer Service; and Tourism and Hospitality Management. All of the programs are open to new students of all ages, and can begin this fall semester, which starts Aug. 24.

In other business, the Board of Trustees heard a positive report from Kevin Hamilton, vice president for Finance and Operations, on the status of summer construction work for the capital project. Currently, the project involving the complete renovation of the cafeteria at the Batavia Campus and some updates at the College Bookstore is on schedule with completion targeted before the start of the fall semester.

Fall schedule announced for GCC men's soccer

By Andrew Crofts

The 2015 fall schedule for the Genesee Community College men’s soccer team features five home contests including four in the month of September.

The 16-game regular season schedule begins on the road on Aug. 27 when the Cougars travel to North East, PA to take on Mercyhurst North East. Genesee will play in the Herkimer tournament on Aug. 29-30 and after a stop at Monroe Community College on Sep. 2, GCC will host Mohawk Valley CC in its home opener on the 5th. The Cougars will have a quick turnaround and take the pitch the following day at home against Fulton-Montgomery CC before they head out on a three game road trip with stops at Corning CC (Sep. 9), Tompkins Cortland CC (Sep. 12) and Niagara County CC (Sep. 19).

GCC will host back-to-back home games on Sep. 23 (Cayuga CC) and 26 (Erie CC) before beginning the month of October on the road at SUNY Adirondack on the 5th. The Cougars’ regular season home finale will take place on the 7th against Jamestown CC and three consecutive road games will end the regular season with the final date at Herkimer College on Oct. 17.  

The Region III playoffs will begin on Oct. 24 with a sub-regional matchup and the semifinals will follow on the 27th. Herkimer College will be the site of the regional finals, which will take place on Oct. 31. Herkimer will also host the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Tournament, which will run Nov. 12-15.

Genesee is coming off of an 11-6 season in 2014 which included a Western New York Athletic Conference (WNYAC) regular season title and a fourth consecutive trip to the regional finals. GCC will try for its first NJCAA tournament appearance since 2011, when the Cougars advanced to the national title game.

For further information including start times, matchups and game coverage, visit geneseeathletics.com.

Foundation provides nearly $220K grant for workforce training

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The ECMC Foundation provided grants totaling $219,424 to area organizations that help advance the quality of workforce and educational programs and services in Genesee County and the GLOW region (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties). ECMC Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles with a mission to provide investments aimed at facilitating improvements that affect educational outcomes, especially among underserved populations.

The recipients include Genesee Valley Educational Partnership, Western New York Tech Academy, Genesee Community College (GCC) and the Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation (GGLDC). The Foundation pledged dollars to assist these organizations to help underprivileged residents in the GLOW region in obtaining better access to workforce development training and college programming.

“These grants will not only improve the quality of our region’s many educational programs and services, but also provide both high school students and adults with the critical tools and training they need to be successful in the workforce,” said  Tom Felton, president and chairman of the GGLDC. “We look forward to working with the ECMC Foundation in disbursing the funding to these very worthy organizations.”

The Genesee Valley Educational Partnership, which received $100,000 of the grant, will use the funds to improve training programs for high school and adult students pursuing careers in-demand manufacturing fields, as well as purchase new machinery for its training facilities. The Genesee Valley Educational Partnership is one of 38 cooperative school districts in New York State that provides shared educational programs and services to its component school districts, including the Batavia City School District.

“The Genesee Valley Educational Partnership is honored to be included as a recipient of the ECMC Foundation grant,” said Kevin MacDonald, district superintendent of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership. “This grant aims to provide adult and high school students with new opportunities to gain employable skills.

"The scope of this grant is vast. This program will be open to high school students who attend any of the 22 component school districts served by the Partnership, as well as any student enrolled in the Partnership Adult Education Program. Our goal is to help highly skilled workers meet the emerging needs of industry within our region.”

Chuck DiPasquale, director of Programs, Genesee Valley Educational Partnership, said: “This grant will be utilized to make improvements to the machining and welding programs at both Genesee Valley Educational Partnership’s career and technical education centers. High school and adult students will have the opportunity to be trained on the latest and most up-to-date equipment and technology. Upon completion of the program, students will be highly qualified and ready to meet industry standards.

Western New York Tech Academy, an early college high school supporting grades 9-14, was awarded $61,710. The Academy will use the funds to enhance training programs for its at-risk students through the purchase of new workplace equipment and furniture for its classrooms.

“It’s our mission to create learning environments that support a cultural shift away from the traditional classroom and toward today’s workplace,” said Tom Schulte, principal, Western New York Tech Academy. “This can only happen if the physical space supports it, and it’s through the generosity of the ECMC Foundation that will allow us make this shift a reality.”

Genesee Community College (GCC), the recipient of a $44,390 grant, will purchase new equipment to support lab and "hands-on" learning activities in its food-processing educational programs.

"GCC's newest degree, Food Processing Technology AAS, gives residents in our rural community an opportunity to secure well-paying jobs -- such as production and quality control supervisors and safety and storage technicians," said Rafael Alicea-Maldonado, Ph.D., GCC's dean of Math, Science and Career Education.

"These are excellent careers in the burgeoning food-tech industry which are also 100-percent made in America. Funds from the ECMC Foundation will help us purchase the state-of-the-art equipment necessary for this new program including refractometers, salt, moisture and lacticheck analyzers and ebulliometers."

Lastly, the GGLDC will receive $13,324 to facilitate the coordination of the various activities of the grant recipients, including overseeing reporting requirements as stipulated in the agreement with the ECMC Foundation to monitor and track progress of each initiative.

Photos: Batavia Concert Band's opening night moved to GCC

By Howard B. Owens

The 90th season of the Batavia Concert Band got off to a soggy start Wednesday evening, forcing musicians and audience members to seek the warmth and comfort of the Stuart Steiner Theatre at GCC.

Here's the schedule for the remainder of the season:

  • July 4th at noon, Guest Conductor David Keller. Picnic in the Park sponsored by GoArt!
  • July 8 at 7 p.m., Conducted by John Bailey
  • July 15 at 7 p.m., Conducted by John Bailey
  • July 22 at 7 p.m., Conducted by John Bailey
  • July 29 at 7 p.m., Conducted by John Bailey, Annual Chicken Barbecue

All concerts are at Centennial Park, unless weather forces a relocation to GCC.

GCC celebrates Math Science Scholars of the Year

By Billie Owens

Science projects took center stage for a select group of GLOW region middle school students who were honored by Genesee Community College's Accelerated Enrollment (ACE) Programs during an awards ceremony on June 4, 2015. This winter, ACE Partner school districts across the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming County region recommended more than 100 students for the fourth annual cohort of the Math Science Preparatory Program at GCC.

Embedded within the competitive application process was an opportunity for two students to earn a full scholarship to participate in their first year of the Math Science Preparatory (MSP) program. Two students were selected from among ten Scholar of the Year finalists to win the annual award, and all the finalists were recognized at the science fair competition and awards event on June 4 at GCC. The scholarship winners and 2015 Math Science Scholars of the Year are Ariana deSa-Frias, of St. Joseph's School, and Kellen Bell, of Perry Central School (See photo).

Ariana Frias earned the highest mark in the competition by performing exceptionally well on the competitive placement examination - scoring well above the entrance criteria for the program. Her score was combined with her exceptional science fair project demonstrating the use of electronics and software to measure and resolve a common problem in dance – precise timing! Outside of the classroom Ariana is a competitive dancer and avid musician, and sings with the Eastman Children's choir.

Kellen Bell's experiment in atmosphere creation astonished the judges. His creative application of biochemistry to generate CO2 inside of a biodome may likely be applied in the future as he pursues his plans to explore the universe. With a strong desire to become an agent of change, Kellen dreams of contributing to a world where knowledge is free to everyone, and he sees science as a means to achieve ambitious goals.

ACE program specialist Karlyn M. Finucane says she and other members of the GCC ACE team are looking forward to working with all of the students who were nominated for the Math Science Preparatory award throughout the next several years. "The application process this year required students to demonstrate their individual interest in learning math and performing science. The results were impressive and the entire Math Science Preparatory Team is looking forward to working with these exceptionally bright and ambitious students," reports Ms. Finucane.

In alphabetical order, students accepted to participate in the 2015 cohort of the MSP Program include:

Isabella Asmus    ~ Akron Central School

Amelia    Beckman ~ Batavia City Schools

Sophie    Beckman    ~ Batavia City Schools

Kellen    Bell *    §    ~ Perry Central School

Jason    Berry    ~ Batavia City Schools

Julianna Bizub    ~ Alden Central Schools

Caleb Carr    ~ Perry Central Schools

Alwyn Cayea ~    Medina Central Schools

Emily Chaback    ~ Byron-Bergen Central Schools

Anthony Cometto *    ~ Alden Central Schools

Ricky    Denson    ~ Byron-Bergen Central Schools

Zachary Dimick    ~ Attica Central Schools

Eden Dodge    ~ Alexander Central Schools

Ava Flores    ~ Oakfield Central Schools

Tate Fonda    ~ Batavia City Schools

Ariana    deSa - Frias *    §    St. Joseph's Schools Batavia

Katy Geiger *    ~ Akron Central Schools

Sara Goodman *    ~    Byron-Bergen Central Schools

Jared Graham    ~ Oakfield – Alabama Central Schools

Carter    Green    ~ Medina Central Schools

Zachary Hall    ~ Oakfield - Alabama Central Schools

Ashley    Harmon    ~ Attica Central Schools

Autumn Harris    ~ Letchworth Central Schools

Mikayla Hickey    ~    Alexander Central Schools

Paige Jegierski    ~ Alden Central Schools

Natalie    Karmazyn    ~ Akron Central Schools

Ian Kemp    ~ LeRoy Central Schools

Colby Leggo    ~ Byron-Bergen Central Schools

Pierce    McPherson    ~    Letchworth Central Schools

Connor Mooney*    ~ Caledonia Mumford Central Schools

Rowan Nothnagle    ~ Caledonia Mumford Central Schools

Danica    Porter *    ~ Oakfield – Alabama Central Schools

Derek    Pruski    ~ Oakfield – Alabama Central Schools

Abigail    Richter    ~ Caledonia Mumford Central Schools

Andrew Ricupito    ~ St. Joseph's School Batavia

Ethan    Riggs    ~ LeRoy Central Schools

Victoria Russell    ~ Warsaw Central Schools

Shawn    Searls *    ~ St. Joseph's School Batavia

Bernard Skalny    ~ Batavia City Schools

Ethan Tillotson    ~ Pavilion Central Schools

Elissa Uveino    ~ Perry Central Schools

FaithAnn Vanderwalker *    ~ Medina Central Schools

Zachary Wagner    ~ Batavia City Schools

Lucas    Wicks *    ~    Akron Central Schools

Key:

* Scholar of the Year Finalist

§ 2015 Math Science Scholar of the Year

ACE Programs offer area high school students a variety of opportunities to pursue college credit concurrently with their high school education. MSP is an enrichment opportunity leading to an accelerated degree completion opportunity through which participating students will be able to make significant progress toward an associate degree in Math and Science or Engineering, and a few very determined students can earn their high school diploma with an associate degree later the same year!

BEST Center at GCC offers three courses to 'Brush up Your Skills' in the '3 Rs'

By Billie Owens

The BEST Center at Genesee Community College is offering a series of "Brush up Your Skills" courses for students who plan to begin their college studies this fall. These non-academic credit classes in Math, Writing and Reading cost no more than $15 and are designed to help students increase their placement test scores and enable registration into higher-level courses. This not only potentially saves students tuition dollars, but also improves the likelihood of timely graduation.

The courses are geared toward incoming freshmen who may not have performed as well as expected on the COMPASS Placement Test, and also for high school graduates of all ages who may be beginning college after being out of school for some time. Current GCC students continuing their studies are also eligible. After completing the Brush Up courses, students retake the placement tests to potentially improve their scores and also eliminate the need to take developmental courses in these subject areas.

The three courses being offered include:

Math Pre-Algebra Placement Test Review, $15, July 21 – Aug. 12, Wednesdays, 6 – 9 p.m.
Brush up on the seven pre-algebra topics assessed by the COMPASS placement test so you can place directly into basic algebra or a credit-bearing college math course. Students may retake the COMPASS exam at the end of the course.

Writing Placement Test Review, $10, Monday – Thursday, Aug.10-13, 9 a.m. – noon
Review basic writing skills so you're prepared for college-level academic writing. The course will cover basic concepts including essay structure, sentence mechanics and test-taking strategies. Students may retake the COMPASS exam at the end of the course.

Reading Placement Test Review, $10, Monday – Thursday, Aug. 10-13, 1 – 4 p.m.
This course is designed to help those students who are close to meeting the college level reading requirement enhance the effective and efficient reading skills they need for academic work on the college level. These students have tested into the developmental class Gaining Power in College Reading (REA 101), but will be able to retest at the end of the course.

"We understand that placement testing is often the hardest and most intimidating part of starting a college program," said Reid Smalley, the executive director of GCC's BEST Center. "In a collaborative effort with our BEST Center, we specifically designed the Brush Up Your Skills Series to help students over this hurdle. For anyone who wants to start college in September, or those who hope to graduate through an associate degree program within two years, this is an excellent investment of their time."

Students interested in these classes may register in the GCC Records office, at The BEST Center in the Conable Technology Building on the Batavia campus, or online at www.bestcenter.org. For more information, contact The BEST Center at (585) 345-6868.

Got a bike you don't need? Donations to GCC students are most welcome

By Billie Owens

Press release:

When Florence Colton saw a group of Genesee Community College students walking past her Bank Street home with a broken bicycle, she decided to give them a hand...or rather some wheels. Colton, who will be 70 on June 29, had two of her late son David's bicycles in her barn. The students helped her retrieve them and were delighted that Colton offered the bikes to them. GCC welcomes donations of working bicycles to help students get back and forth from campus to destinations in town for groceries, haircuts, clothing or recreation.

A recent forum between GCC students and Batavia area merchants revealed that one big hurdle preventing students from patronizing businesses in town is transportation. Downtown Batavia is about three miles from College Village, the residential community at GCC. Merchants on Veterans Memorial Drive are five miles away. Bus service is limited and walking is time-consuming.

"We have a collection of bikes that students can use and we even provide bike helmets purchased from Adam Miller's," said College Village Director John Sisson. "But because the bikes are generally reused from previous College Village student residents, some are not in the greatest condition. We'd welcome the donation of new bicycles or reused bikes in good working order. Our students definitely put them to use."

GCC houses more than 400 students at College Village. A number of them come from other countries, including Japan, France and Timor Leste. Students from these countries encountered Colton on a spring day.

"These kids were so nice and so polite," Colton recalled. "They commented on how nice my yard is."

Their predicament with the broken bike prompted Colton to offer the bikes that belonged to her son, David, who had passed away in December 2014.

"They were good solid bikes. I really didn't have any use for them and I knew David would like for somebody to have the bikes," Colton said. "And they [the students] were so happy and it just touched my heart that those were my son's bikes and these kids really appreciated these bikes."

The students posted photographs with Colton in social media under the hashtags #GreatDay and #CoolPeople.

"We were so happy to receive these bicycles," said Arsenio Ferreira, a student from Timor Leste. "We have been using them a lot."

The students continue a relationship with Colton, often stopping to say hi when they pass her home. Some have even offered to help her with the yardwork.

"I'm so independent," she said. "But I may take them up on it in the fall when it's time to rake leaves."

For Colton, the best part has been seeing her son's life touch others.

"It made me feel so good that David, through his mom, helped out these college kids," she said. "I just felt so blessed that they were such good kids and they could really use those bikes."

If anyone has bikes they'd like to donate to College Village, please contact John Sisson at (585) 343-0163 or JTSisson@genesee.edu.

College Village will accept bikes in good, working condition, but any bikes or bike parts received that are not in working condition will be donated to Trailside Bicycles located at 16271 Canal Road, Hulberton, NY in Orleans County, www.trailsidebicycles.com. Owner, Chris VanDusen hopes to one day help develop a program similar to R Community Bikes, Inc., a nonprofit organization in Rochester that collects and repairs used bicycles for distribution to needy families in the Rochester area. (Go to http://rcommunitybikes.net/ for further information).

Three GCC women receive community and college honors

By Billie Owens

Genesee Community College celebrates its "women of the arts," three of whom recently have been recognized for their exemplary work. The College named Fine and Performing Arts secretary Jeanie Thompson was Employee of the Month for April; Fine Arts Associate Professor Heather Jones has been selected to receive a SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities; and Director of the Fine and Performing Arts program Maryanne Arena has been selected to receive the YWCA Women of Distinction Racial Justice Award. Arena will be recognized at the Awards Gala on Saturday, June 13, at GCC.

Thompson, of Attica, is a GCC alumna who earned her Administrative Assistant AAS in 2007. She also has a bachelor's degree in English from SUNY Geneseo and previously worked as a newspaper reporter and copy editor before pursuing a career in the secretarial arts. "My primary job is keeping everyone in my department organized!" she said. Jeanie handles everything from supply orders to payroll authorizations, facility usage to budget maintenance. Her colleagues compliment her excellent record-keeping and editing skills and her skill as a liaison to the college community for the Fine Arts Department, where she has worked for five years.

Jones began teaching as an adjunct instructor at GCC's Dansville Campus Center in 2002. A Livingston County resident, she has also taught at Livonia High School and Dansville Primary School as well as RIT, Empire State College and SUNY Geneseo. She joined GCC full time in 2008 and was named Associate Professor in 2014. Heather is active with numerous college committees including the Sustainability, Arts Event Planning and Gallery Management Committees.

In addition to her teaching work, Heather owns GlassFeather Studio in Conesus where she creates her own artwork, teaches community workshops, takes on commissioned projects and volunteers as a juror for local art shows. She is also a co-founder of Good Nature Press, which develops original writing and illustration for educational and professional publishing companies. Heather has travelled extensively to study art and leads a study abroad program to The Netherlands through SUNY Brockport.

Arena came to GCC in 2004. A native of Brooklyn, Maryanne at one time worked as a New York City police officer. Her theatre career has taken her to colleges in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. In every role Maryanne has taken on, she has brought a dedication and commitment to community and a willingness and desire to work with all people.

In nominating her for the YWCA's 2015 Women of Distinction Racial Justice Award, GCC Audience Services Manager Cathy DeBellis noted that Maryanne is a champion of equal rights for all students. She is also not afraid to pursue less popular and socially uncomfortable topics instead of more light-hearted entertainment. Among the topics addressed in her shows: racial inequality, domestic violence, schizophrenia and suicide. "Maryanne believes that it is her social responsibility to encourage her students to grow, not just as students and performers, but as responsible individuals in our society," DeBellis said.

Arena will be honored June 13th along with the other Women of Distinction award winners who include Eve Hens for Economic Empowerment, Kathy Panepento for Peace, Heather Cummings for Military/Veteran, Theresa Asmus-Roth for Advocacy/Civic Engagement and Lawley Genesee for Corporate/Social Responsibility. The Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Stuart Steiner Theatre, followed by a reception in the William W. Stuart Forum.

GCC launches new campus emergency number

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Those in need of emergency assistance at Genesee Community College now have a simpler way to call for help. Dial (585) 345-6500 and you'll be directly connected to Campus Safety who can then respond immediately. The new number eliminates the need to dial the main GCC switchboard and be transferred to the 6500 extension.

"We wanted to make it easier for people to find us," said Stephen Wise, director of Campus Safety. "We also wanted to make the 6500 number synonymous with campus safety."

Internal users calling from a GCC phone can still dial the 6500 extension to reach Campus Safety in an emergency. The extension 6240 is also still available for non-emergencies. Those outside the College wishing to reach Campus Safety in a non-emergency may call (585) 343-0055, ext. 6240.

Campus Safety recently acquired a new vehicle making it an opportune time for the change. The new emergency number (345-6500) is featured on reflective decals on each vehicle.

"We want to be readily visible so people know where they can go for help," Wise said.

The decals feature the updated Campus Safety logo as well as the new 345-6500 phone number. Previously, the campus security vehicles bore an image of Genesee Community College's old logo and current College seal that features the landmark Holland Land Office Museum.

Sponsored Post: Charting a Course to Prosperity!

By Lisa Ace

Charting a Course to Prosperity! GCC’s The BEST Center and City of Batavia Offering Small Business Ownership Series.
 
Calling all aspiring entrepreneurs. Here’s your chance to find out if you have what it takes to achieve small business success. The BEST Center at Genesee Community College is partnering with the City of Batavia and the Batavia Development Corporation (BDC) to offer a three-part “Owning Your Own Business” program designed to inspire creativity, fine­ tune skills, and chart a true course to prosperity. Those interested will be able to explore, experience, and connect with resources that can help turn a dream into a reality. 
 
The program, “Get Underway: Small Business Ownership Series,” begins with a series of one hour workshops where participants will explore business opportunities, assessing their personal readiness to own and operate a new business. Each session will run from noon ­1 p.m. in the second floor community room at Batavia City Hall. The following four sessions are planned and participants are encouraged to attend each one: 
  • April 22 -- Do I have what it takes to own a small business?

  • April 29 -- Can I earn a living through my passion? Maybe I should buy a business?
  • 
May 6 -- Why didn’t I think of THAT business?
  • 
May 13 -- The Sniff Test, assessing your business idea!
The sessions are $5 each for those who pre­-register online at http://www.genesee.edu/best/, or $10 each at the door.
 
The second part of the program goes beyond the basics to help participants fully develop a business concept and transition into becoming a business manager. These five weekly Wednesday evening sessions are mandatory if participants want to access grant resources available through the City of Batavia Microenterprise Grant Program. The sessions run from 6 to 9 p.m. in Room T121 of the Conable Technology Building on GCC’s Batavia campus. They include: 
  • May 27 -
- Trials, tribulations & skills of a successful business leader
  • June 3 -
-  Marketing strategies to increase sales

  • June 10 -
- Using financial information to guide my business
  • June 17 --  Learning to “manage” a business
  • June 24 -- Business plan presentation and networking 
The five­-week course costs $125 and students will receive a certificate upon successful completion. Registration for this course is also available online at http://www.genesee.edu/best/. 
 
The Small Business Ownership series is funded in part by the New York State Office of Community Renewal Community Development Block Grant. 
 
For more information, contact Julie Pacatte, Batavia Development Corporation at 585-345-6380 or via email: jpacatte@bataviadevelopmentcorp.org​

Photos: Graduation day at GCC

By Howard B. Owens

Genesee Community College held is 47th commencement ceremony Sunday in the Anthony Zambito Gymnasium.

Kristin Skarie, a Fairport resident and author of “A Year of Nothing New—Tools for Living Lean and Green,” was the keynote speaker.

Le Roy's Bob Bennett was honored for his years of dedicated service to the college.

Genesee loses regional finals series to Hudson Valley

By Andrew Crofts

 

The Genesee Community College softball team lost the third and final game of the Region III Division III Group B Finals series to Hudson Valley Community College on Saturday afternoon by a final score of 16-5.

The Cougars forced a game three after a comeback win on Friday night but fell behind after the Vikings scored two in the top of the first on Saturday.

Genesee responded in the home-half of the inning after Karissa Schuster led off with a single and came around to score on a Shannon Baker hit. The Cougars added two more runs in the inning and took a 3-2 lead into the second.

Baker retired HVCC in order in the second but surrendered five runs on two hits and two walks in the third, which put the Vikings in the lead for good.

Hudson Valley added two more in the fourth before GCC scored twice in the bottom of the inning to cut the lead to 9-5, but the Cougars send just two batters over the minimun to the plate the rest of the way and did not cross the plate again.

Schuster finished the game 3-4 with two runs scored. Dani Wilshire and Chelsey Ruzewski each collected two hits and Georgie Miller went 1-4 with a run scored and a run batted in.

Shuster and Baker were both named to the Region III Group B All-Tournament team for Genesee, which finishes the season 25-11

Sponsored Post: Charting a Course to Prosperity!

By Lisa Ace

Charting a Course to Prosperity! GCC’s The BEST Center and City of Batavia Offering Small Business Ownership Series.
 
Calling all aspiring entrepreneurs. Here’s your chance to find out if you have what it takes to achieve small business success. The BEST Center at Genesee Community College is partnering with the City of Batavia and the Batavia Development Corporation (BDC) to offer a three-part “Owning Your Own Business” program designed to inspire creativity, fine­ tune skills, and chart a true course to prosperity. Those interested will be able to explore, experience, and connect with resources that can help turn a dream into a reality. 
 
The program, “Get Underway: Small Business Ownership Series,” begins with a series of one hour workshops where participants will explore business opportunities, assessing their personal readiness to own and operate a new business. Each session will run from noon ­1 p.m. in the second floor community room at Batavia City Hall. The following four sessions are planned and participants are encouraged to attend each one: 
  • April 22 -- Do I have what it takes to own a small business?

  • April 29 -- Can I earn a living through my passion? Maybe I should buy a business?
  • 
May 6 -- Why didn’t I think of THAT business?
  • 
May 13 -- The Sniff Test, assessing your business idea!
The sessions are $5 each for those who pre­-register online at http://www.genesee.edu/best/, or $10 each at the door.
 
The second part of the program goes beyond the basics to help participants fully develop a business concept and transition into becoming a business manager. These five weekly Wednesday evening sessions are mandatory if participants want to access grant resources available through the City of Batavia Microenterprise Grant Program. The sessions run from 6 to 9 p.m. in Room T121 of the Conable Technology Building on GCC’s Batavia campus. They include: 
  • May 27 -
- Trials, tribulations & skills of a successful business leader
  • June 3 -
-  Marketing strategies to increase sales

  • June 10 -
- Using financial information to guide my business
  • June 17 --  Learning to “manage” a business
  • June 24 -- Business plan presentation and networking 
The five­-week course costs $125 and students will receive a certificate upon successful completion. Registration for this course is also available online at http://www.genesee.edu/best/. 
 
The Small Business Ownership series is funded in part by the New York State Office of Community Renewal Community Development Block Grant. 
 
For more information, contact Marketing Communications Associate Director Donna Rae Sutherland at (585) 343­-0055, ext. 6616, or via e-mail: dsutherland@genesee.edu

Genesee reaches final four after win over Suffolk

By Andrew Crofts

The No. 4 nationally-ranked GCC men's lacrosse team is headed to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Final Four after an 11-9 win over visiting Suffolk County Community College in the opening round of the tournament on Saturday.

Suffolk took the early lead in the first ever national tournament game hosted by GCC. The Sharks scored at the 8:05 mark to take a 1-0 advantage.

Genesee got the equalizer from Brody Jorgenson with 3:50 left in the first quarter and Cyrus Spruce followed 40-seconds later to give GCC a 2-1 lead.

With the game tied at two early in the second, Drew Horton scored to make it 3-2 Genesee, but Suffolk answered quickly to tie it up at three.

Alex Henry went 50 yards on his own to score unassisted at the 5:42 mark of the second and John Jimmerson extended the Cougars' lead to 5-3 with a goal 41-seconds later. GCC took the two-goal lead into the half.

Suffolk cut the lead to one with a man-up goal early in the second half before GCC scored three straight to take an 8-4 lead. Jimmy Smith scored twice and Colton Reformat added one. The Sharks added another man-up goal late in the third to cut the lead to 8-5 at the end of three.

Suffolk scored back-to-back to start the fourth and GCC's lead was down to one at 8-7. Spruce ended the SCCC scoring stretch with his second goal of the game at the 11:55 mark and Jorgenson followed with his second goal of the game just nine seconds after to make it 10-7 Genesee.

After Suffolk again cut the GCC lead down to one with back-to-back goals, Nick Lavoy added an insurance goal with 49-seconds remaining, and the Cougars held on for the two-goal victory.

Mike Caternolo was eight for 10 on face-offs and also had six ground balls.

Jorgenson was four of six on face-offs and collected four ground balls and Henry led the Cougars with three takeaways.

Corey Luty made 10 saves in net to earn the victory, which was the first national tournament win for GCC in school history.

Genesee (12-4) will advance to its fourth NJCAA Final Four in school history and take on No. 1 Onondaga CC (15-0) on Sat., May 9 in Baltimore, MD at 1 p.m.

Genesee falls to Onondaga in men's lacrosse Region 3 finals

By Andrew Crofts

The No. 4 nationally-ranked Cougars could not stop No. 1 Onondaga Community College from winning its 11th consecutive Region III Championship, falling to the Lazers 24-4 on Sunday afternoon at OCC.

Genesee kept pace early on and after OCC took a 1-0 lead 3:35 into the first quarter, the Cougars answered when Cyrus Spruce found the back of the net on the man-up at the 7:30 mark  for his 41st goal of the season.

Onondaga went on to score four straight goals to end the first period and held a 9-1 lead before GCC scored again. John Jimerson made it 9-2 with a goal with just under five minutes to play in the half and after OCC scored on the man-up, Jimmy Smith returned the favor with a man-up goal for Genesee with 3:16 to play in the second quarter to make it 10-3. The Lazers went on a 3-0 run to end the half and led 13-3 at the break.

Kyle Fabian gave GCC the first goal of the second half, scoring unassisted less than a minute in. That would be the last time Genesee would find the back of the net, however, as OCC scored the final 11 goals of the game en-route to its 103rd consecutive victory.

Jimerson led Genesee with four ground balls and also had one takeaway. Alex Henry recorded three ground balls and three takeaways and Oliver Stoudt had two ground balls and one caused turnover.

Colton Reformat went 7-14 on face-offs, Mike Caternolo was 4-13 and Ray Tague was 1-4.

Corey Luty and Brian Thielman combined to make 13 saves in net.  

Smith and Spruce were both named to the all-tournament team for GCC.                           

Genesee (11-4), which qualified for the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Tournament with a win on Saturday against Dean College in the regional semifinals, will await its seed and pairing for the tournament, which will begin on May 2.

Genesee drops two to Herkimer

By Andrew Crofts

The Genesee Community College softball team dropped both games of a doubleheader to Herkimer College on Saturday afternoon, falling in game one 8-2 and 11-0 in game two (F/5).

The Generals scored a run in the first to take an early lead, but the Cougars tied it in the bottom of the inning after Karisa Schuster led off with a single and scored on an RBI single from Andrea Torres. Bailee Welker sacrificed the run into scoring position.

Dani Wilshire gave GCC the lead in the bottom of the second with a solo home run to make it 2-1.

Genesee combined for just three hits the rest of the way, however, and Herkimer scored twice in the fourth, three times in the fifth and added two in the sixth to win game one.

Shannon Baker gave up eight runs on 15 hits struck out three in the complete-game effort.

Georgie Miller went 2-3 at the plate, Schuster was 1-3 with a run scored and Torres went 1-3 with an RBI.

After GCC went down in order in the first inning of game two, the Generals sent nine players to the plate and scored five times in the bottom of the first to take the early lead.

Herkimer added six runs in the second and shut the Genesee offense down to win game two in five innings.

The Cougars managed just two hits in game two, a double by Wilshire and a single by Torres.

Genesee (14-9) will travel to Cayuga Community College on Sunday to resume a suspended game from Apr. 13, and play a doubleheader against the Spartans beginning at 1 p.m.

Genesee women's lacrosse falls to Onondaga in season finale

By Andrew Crofts

(GCC goalkeeper Katya Oakes (#30 white) challenges an OCC attack on Saturday afternoon)

 

The Genesee Community College women's lacrosse team dropped its season finale to Onondaga Community College on Saturday afternoon, 24-5.

The Lazers tallied the first 10 goals of the game before Kaleigh Murray scored her first of two on the afternoon at the 14:36 mark of the first half.

Mackenzie Wood also scored twice on the afternoon, netting one late in the first half and one at the 4:40 mark of the second. Kaci Asper added a goal as well, scoring with 14:25 to play in the second.

Taylor Miller led GCC with seven ground balls, Wood won 10 draw controls and collected six ground balls and Maddie McDonagh caused two turnovers.

Katya Oakes played all 60-minutes in net and made 14 saves.

Genesee finishes the season 2-6.

GCC's 34th Annual Fashion Show set for performances tomorrow

By Howard B. Owens

GCC students have been working hard all week to put the finishing touches on the 34th annual fashion show. When we stopped by the campus yesterday, we found three of the models rehearsing their runway presentation. Pictured are Kiatta Whipset, Halee Santiago and Brittney Malone. 

Here's a GCC press release about the fashion show:

Whether they're "Walking Among the Wildflowers," preparing for a "Battlefield," or turning desert beasts into beauties in a scene called "Transcendence," GCC fashion students are getting ready to wow crowds again this year at the 34th Annual Fashion Show, "Fata Morgana."

Advance tickets are highly recommended for the event on Saturday, April 25. Two complete shows are planned, at 3 and 7 p.m., in the William W. Stuart Forum on the GCC Batavia campus.

"Fata Morgana" is produced by GCC Fashion Merchandising and Design students under the guidance of GCC Business Professors Rick Dudkowski and Donna Ehrhart. This year's theme is inspired by the beauty of the desert and the show, like a fata morgana mirage, will feature rapidly changing views as desert colors bloom onstage.

Students have been busy rehearsing with the more than 140 models who will appear in the 12 scenes. A number of the scenes will feature original creations by Fashion Design students.

"Since we introduced the Fashion Design concentration, more and more of our students are creating their own designs for the fashion show," Ehrhart said. "Audiences love seeing these original pieces and there will be many of them in this year's show."

Fashion Merchandising students are also collaborating with both local and national vendors including Batavia's own Charles Men's Shop and denim jeans maker Buffalo David Bitton. The scenes planned for "Fata Morgana" include:

1. "Battlefield" -- Designed and Coordinated by Amber Coan;

2. "Among the Wildflowers" -- Coordinated by Taylor Bunch and Katie Strong with apparel by Lord & Taylor and Gymboree;

3. "Transcendence" -- Coordinated by Angelique Porey & Sara Elliott with apparel by Porey;

4. "Inevitable" -- Coordinated by DJ Simmons with apparel by LovelyWholesale;

5. "Bare" Coordinated -- by Jocelyn Eade & Eunice Goeun Park with apparel by Eade;

6. "Bri-Jhn" -- Coordinated by Brittany Breedlove with apparel by B.B.;

7. "Minuit Désert" -- By T. LaShaé; Coordinated by Tiffany Hill & Chiho Nakayama with apparel by T. LaShaé and jewelry by Na'kaylas Jewelry Box;

8. "Festival Haze" -- Coordinated by Ami Cornell and Kylie Dunn with apparel by Buffalo David Bitton and Lord & Taylor;

9. "Oasis" -- Coordinated and Designed by Abby Lee Wilcox with jewelry by Kana Tatsumi;

10. "Opulence" -- Coordinated and Designed by Catherine Morales;

11. "Veni Vidi Vici" -- Coordinated by Ariana Sneed with apparel by Candace Cooper;

12. "Sandar" -- Coordinated by Lekha Anderson with apparel by Charles Men's Shop and M.A. Carr Bridal;

Along with enjoying the fashions presented during the show, which is a capstone project for many GCC students, guests will have a chance to win a variety of door prizes from restaurant gift certificates to gift cards and baskets. They will also have an opportunity to meet the scene coordinators at the postshow after-party in the cafeteria.

Tourism and Hospitality Management students develop the exquisite after-party and assist with the decorating, Criminal Justice students provide security at the event, and GCC's Communications and Media arts students promote the event on WGCC.

"The way our students from various departments come together to make this annual Fashion Show a huge success always impresses me," Dudkowski said. "We're excited for people to see the students' hard work come to fruition at showtime."

Tickets for the shows are available for $5 in advance or $7 at the door and can be purchased by calling 585-345-6830 or e-mail cmyoung@genesee.edu. Advance tickets are strongly recommended and must be purchased by April 23.

You can read more about the creation of the scenes, the students and happenings in the fashion program at the GCC fashion blog http://gcccampusblog.wordpress.com/category/fashion/

GCC photography show with sustainability theme to open at Interpretive Nature Center, Bethany

By Howard B. Owens

Combining environmental awareness with a photography assignment, Genesee Community College instructor Joe Ziolkowski asked his students to create sustainable still life photographs. From plastic cups to light bulbs, images about carpooling and recycling shoes, students responded in interesting and thought-provoking ways.

The community is invited to view the works as the exhibit, Sustainable Still Life, moves to the Genesee County Park and Forest. An opening reception is planned May 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Park's Interpretive Nature Center, 11095 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany.

Since he came to GCC, Ziolkowski has developed an excellent relationship with the staff at the Genesee County Park and Forest. This is the third exhibit of GCC student work that will be shown at the Park's Interpretive Nature Center. Previous displays have included "Around the Bend: The Shared Landscape" and "Environmental Portraits of Western New York."

"The exhibits have been very well received by the community and are an excellent opportunity for our students to show their work beyond the campus," Ziolkowski said. "This particular show is especially fitting for the Park setting as we think about preserving the Earth and reducing our carbon footprint."

The works have been on view in the Lobby Art Gallery of GCC's Stuart Steiner Theatre and were a part of the College's annual ECO-Fest celebrating Earth Day. The pieces represent work by students in Ziolkowski's COM 118 (Introduction to Digital Photography) and COM 103 (Introduction to Black & White Photography) classes.

They will be on view in the Gallery at GCC through April 29. Ziolkowski will install them at the Interpretive Nature Center on Saturday, May 2. They will remain there through the summer. The exhibit will close on Friday, Sept. 11.

"We're excited to once again show student work at the Nature Center," Parks Supervisor Paul Osborn said. "We hope many people will join us for the Opening Reception on May 8th. It's a great way to celebrate a long-awaited Spring!"

Megan Ange / "Saving Water"
On a day-to-day basis, we use water for many things. We use water to wash our hands after using the bathroom, to wash dishes, brush our teeth and take a shower. We all forget to turn the water off from time to time when we are not using it, myself included. There could be a faucet leaking, and if that is the case then maybe you should check to see if you turned the knob of the faucet all the way so it is turned off instead of wasting the water. Everyone takes water for granted, but if you do the little things to save it, then you will be less likely to have a high water bill and not have to worry about problems that might happen if you leave it on. "Water is the driving force of all nature." - Leonardo da Vinci

Ellen Fridman / "Pin It"
REDUCE. Line-drying is back! Dryers are not going to go away any time soon but it seems like more people are returning to the use of the sun and wind to dry their clothing and linens. There are several benefits to clothesline drying. Hanging laundry out to dry instead of turning on the dryer lowers carbon emissions, reduces gas or electric bills, helps clothing and linens last longer, and establishes an excuse to get outside. Experts say that if all Americans line-dried for half a year, 3.3 percent of the country's total residential output of carbon dioxide would be saved. For those in colder climates, try using drying racks inside. Go Green!

Miguel Ortiz-Teed / "The Legend of Books"
As time progresses -- technology advances. This progression has lead from hand-held books where you can flip a page with your hands to tablets where you swipe to turn the page and have a massive library in the palm of your hands. This causes bookbinders to lose their jobs and technology takes their place. Eventually books will revert into a legend where only the wealthy will be able to afford them. This also produces a risk for all the knowledge that is stored within technology to be lost if an Electrical Magnetic Pulse were to hit either by a solar flare or warfare.

Paul Thater / "Light at the End of the Tunnel"
The photo was based off of the joke: "The government had to turn off the light at the end of the tunnel due to budget cuts." The light bulb has a black background to symbolize darkness in a tunnel with the light bulb off. This photo shows saving money by not using and saving electricity, which makes your bill smaller and gives you more money to spend on necessities.

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