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GCC online learning options increase

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce that more than three dozen of its programs have been given the Distance Education designation from the New York State Education Department. This designation is awarded when 50 percent or more of a program's coursework is available online. GCC now has 40 programs with at least 50 percent of their courses available through online learning.

"We're excited to grow our online offerings for students," said Craig Lamb, dean of Distributed Learning at GCC. "Many learners are leaning toward educational options that remove many of the time and place constraints found in higher education. This is especially true for individuals juggling important responsibilities in their lives."

The convenience of learning online, along with GCC's affordability, makes the College an attractive option for a variety of populations:

•    Working adults who have schedules that make returning to college a challenge;

•    Individuals with family and community commitments who need flexible study options;

•    Individuals looking to advance in their career or to transfer who are unable to engage in an on-site educational experience.

"GCC's online courses are of the same high quality as our on-site courses," Lamb said. "The majority of our online offerings are taught by our full-time GCC faculty. Additionally, our online courses cost a fraction of what for-profit online education providers charge."

GCC offers 15 degrees and certificates that can be earned fully online including Business Administration, Criminal Justice and Supply Chain Management.

"These are rigorous programs that lead to career advancement and transfer into bachelor's degree programs," Lamb said.

Additionally, there are 10 degree and certificate options with 75 percent of the coursework available online and 15 degrees and certificates with half the coursework available online.

Students interested in exploring online learning options can visit the Online Learning page of GCC's Web site at http://www.genesee.edu/online. There they can easily see all of the programs the College offers and how much of each one can be completed online.

For more information, contact GCC's Office of Online Learning at (585) 345-6969 or online@genesee.edu.

Cougars fall to Tribunes in regional title game

By Andrew Crofts

Monroe Community College, the no. 14 team in the country, will represent Region III in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II men's basketball district tournament next weekend after the top-seed in the regional tournament knocked off third seed (no. 19 nationally ranked) Genesee Community College in the Region III title game on Sunday, 79-74.

Genesee went back and forth with the host team to open the first half as Ervin Mitchell and Naquil Jones combined to score 18 of the first 22 points for the Cougars. With 7:40 to play in the half, Monroe took the first stretch-lead of the game at 28-22 and the Tribunes did not look back.

MCC held a lead as large as nine in the opening period and took an eight-point lead into halftime after the Tribunes converted on a last-second 3-point basket.

Monroe extended its lead in the second half to as much as 15 at the 8:40 mark when the Tribunes held a 63-47 advantage.

Genesee cut the deficit to single digits after Jones scored six in a row and got GCC to within 70-65 with 1:45 remaining.

A four-point play increased the Monroe lead back to nine with 1:22 left, but after a three-point play from Mitchell and two successful trips to the free-throw line (4-4) from Jones, the Cougars were down 76-72 with 11.6 seconds left.

Forced to foul, GCC put Monroe at the free-throw line and the Tribunes iced the game with late conversions.

Jones finished with a game high 33 points for Genesee and he also grabbed seven rebounds. Mitchell added 19 points and eight boards, Alastair Cole chipped in nine points and Da'Shawn Suber collected seven rebounds and dished out three assists.

Mitchell and Jones were both named to the All-Tournament Team.

The Cougars finish the season with a 23-8 overall record. Monroe will travel to Dean Community College next weekend for the district tournament and a trip to the NJCAA National Tournament on the line.

Cougars survive late scare; advance to regional finals

By Andrew Crofts

The Genesee Community College men's basketball team will play for the Division II Region III title on Sunday for the first time since the 2002-03 season. The third-seeded Cougars knocked off no. 2 Erie Community College on Saturday afternoon in the semifinals at Monroe Community College.

Genesee grabbed an early lead after Da'Shawn Suber scored four early points to put the Cougars in front 6-4 just three minutes in. GCC kept the lead the entire half with help from Ervin Mitchell, who scored 16 first half points.

Ahead 39-35 with 3:10 to play in the opening period, Naquil Jones extended the lead for Genesee by closing the half on a 7-2 run on his own, including the only 3-point basket of the first 20-minutes for GCC, to put the Cougars in front by nine at the break.

Genesee extended its lead to 11 early in the second half after Alastair Cole hit back-to-back threes to give GCC a 53-42 advantage.

Erie responded by going on an 8-0 run to cut the lead down to three before Suber ended the Genesee scoring drought with a layup to give the Cougars a 55-49 lead with 15:45 to play.

GCC kept its distance and with under four-minutes to go held an 83-75 lead after Jones delivered eight straight points for the Cougars. 

The Kats hung around and fought back, using a 10-2 run in a two-minute span to tie the game at 85 apiece with 1:27 left.

Both teams would exchanged empty possessions and after a second straight missed opportunity from GCC, the Kats had a chance for the last look with possession of the ball with 12-seconds left.

After an Erie timeout, the Kats were able to inbound on their offensive end but GCC's Redell Freeman came up with a steal for the Cougars and hit a streaking Suber, who went the length of the floor and laid in the eventual game-winning basket with 6.3-seconds to play. Erie had a last-second opportunity but the Kats came up empty and Genesee survived, 87-85.

Jones led five GCC scorers in double-figures with 25 points. Mitchell finished with 20 points and seven rebounds, Jason Perry-Murray delivered his second straight double-double with 13 points and 11 boards, Cole ended the game with 12 points and Suber added 11 points and seven assists.

In the two previous meetings against ECC this year, GCC was a combined -30 in rebounding. Both teams collected 38 total rebounds apiece on Saturday.

The Cougars will take on top-seed Monroe Community College on Sunday at MCC. The Tribunes escaped their semifinal game against Mercyhurst North East, 77-75. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m.

Late free-throws send Cougars past #10 Tribunes; GCC women fall in regular season finale

By Andrew Crofts

Alex Morris was the hero on Thursday night, converting two free-throws with 2.2 seconds left in the game to send the Genesee Community College men's basketball team past visiting #10 Monroe Community College, 87-86.

Up two at the start of the second half, GCC gave up an 18-4 Tribunes run and fell behind 56-43 five-minutes in.

The Cougars clawed back and got to within five after Morris converted a basket and a free-throw with 6:30 remaining.

Redell Freeman kept GCC close, answering an MCC three-point basket with an old school three-point play of his own to make it 77-72 Monroe with under five-minutes to play.

After a Morris layup, Ervin Mitchell tied the game at 81 apiece with a three-point play with 3:00 left. GCC then came up with a defensive stop and with under 2:30 to go, Morris hit one of two free-throws to give Genesee an 82-81 lead.

Monroe answered and went on a 5-1 run in a span of a minute to take back the lead.

Down 86-85 with less than 30-seconds to play, Genesee came up with the defensive rebound after a missed MCC free-throw and turned it over to Morris, who drove to the basket and was fouled with 2.2 seconds left. The sophomore hit both free-throws and a last second MCC attempt from mid-court was unsuccessful, giving Genesee its 21st win of the season.

Morris ended the night with a game high 24 points and he also collected nine rebounds. Mitchell added 21 points and four assists, Alastair Cole chipped in 17 points, Naquil Jones finished with 11 and Freeman added eight points and four rebounds.

With the win, Genesee (21-7, 6-4) locks up the number three seed for the Region III playoffs and will host Jamestown Community College next Tuesday night at a time to be announced.

 

 

Thursday night marked the final game of the regular season for the Genesee Community College women's basketball team and the Cougars ended the season on a losing note, falling to Monroe Community College, 82-28.

Genesee grabbed an early lead after Breana Gleaton converted a three-point play and Hillary Rivera scored two of her five points in the first half to put GCC in front, 5-2.

MCC would then use a 30-6 run to take the lead for good and went into the locker room at the half up 44-20.

Genesee managed just eight points, all coming from Dashawna Jenifer, and three field goals in the second half, and the Tribunes outscored the Cougars 38-8 in the final period.

Jenifer's eight points were a team high and she also collected 11 rebounds. Gleaton finished with seven points and eight boards, Shanell Glover chipped in six points, Rivera finished with five and Macey McCulley added two points.

Genesee ends the regular season 5-21. The Cougars will take the court in the Region III play-in round next Wednesday night at a time and place to be determined.

GCC to hold Creativity Conference in April, speakers wanted from business, education, nonprofits

By Billie Owens

Press release:

A conference on creativity and creative problem solving will take place from 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday April 15 at Genesee Community College.

In preparation for the conference, organizers are seeking examples of creativity in the areas of business (for profit or not) and K-16 education to share with people in our region.

The goal is to broaden the conversation around the application of creativity and innovation.

Our business track includes the use of creativity within all organizations, both for-profit and nonprofit. In the education track, we intend to share best practices, tools and techniques in teaching K-16 students how to think creatively within and across disciplines.

We hope you will join us in this critically important conversation either as a speaker or an attendee.

We invite proposals for 50-minute presentations/workshops that broadly or specifically support the conference theme of creativity/creative problem solving.

Please submit your proposal using the following link:

http://www.genesee.edu/events/creativity-conference/

For questions or additional information, contact: Lina LaMattina, Ph.D., at:

lmlamattina@genesee.edu

or 585-343-0055, ext. 6319

Cougars clip Generals in final seconds; Women fall

By Andrew Crofts

Ervin Mitchell put back the game-winning basket with three seconds remaining on Sunday afternoon, to help the Genesee Community College men's basketball team defeat Herkimer County Community College, 93-92.

Both squads played at a back-and-forth pace in the first half, with neither team holding a lead larger than seven points.

Naquil Jones converted on 4 of 6 three-point baskets for GCC in the opening period and led all scorers with 22 points at the break.

Jones hit his fifth three-pointer of the game to cut the Generals lead down to one early in the second half, and then Genesee used a 6-0 run in a span of just 20 seconds to take a 60-57 lead with 14 minutes to play.

Alastair Cole hit back-to-back threes to give the Cougars a 79-76 lead with six minutes remaining, and Redell Freeman scored five-straight points to keep GCC in front, 89-84 with under three-minutes to play.

Trailing 91-89, Herkimer converted on a 3pt basket with 20 seconds left to grab a 92-91 lead. After a GCC timeout, the Cougars looked to Jones for a game-winning three, but his shot was off the mark. Mitchell was able to elevate for the rebound and with three-seconds remaining, stuck back the game-winner to give Genesee its 18th victory of the season.

Jones finished with a game-high 29 points, Mitchell scored 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds, Cole ended with 14 points, Jason Perry-Murray added 13 points and nine rebounds and Dashawn Suber dished out 10 assists and added seven points.

Genesee (18-6, 3-3) will return to action at home on Tuesday night against Jamestown Community College-Olean at 6 p.m.

(Ervin Mitchell (#0 white) sticks back the game-winner)

 

 

In the final game of a four-game homestand, the Genesee Community College women's basketball team dropped a 63-49 decision to Herkimer County Community College on Sunday afternoon.

Genesee committed 16 first half turnovers and fell behind early.

Terra Clanton and Breana Gleaton delivered seven points each in the first half, but GCC trailed Herkimer by as much as 20 in the opening period.

Gleaton completed a three-point play to cut the Generals lead down to 30-19, but Herkimer ended the first half on a 19-4 run.

The Cougars got to within 14 in the second half, but could not draw closer as Herkimer extended its lead to as much as 21 in the final period.

GCC had four scorers in double figures, led by Dashawna Jenifer who finished with 13 points. She also grabbed 10 rebounds. Clanton and Gleaton each added 11 points and Shanell Glover recorded a double-double, collecting 12 rebounds and scoring 10 points.

Genesee (5-16, 0-6) will return to action on Tuesday night at Finger Lakes Community College. Tip-off time is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Google can't find GCC's main campus in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Anyone searching to find directions to Genesee Community College's main campus in Batavia are advised to avoid using the online Google Maps utility. Despite many attempts by the College to have Google correct the problem, Google Maps continues to direct visitors trying to reach GCC's main campus to the College's Albion Campus Center located 30 miles north of Batavia in Orleans County.

"We have contacted Google multiple times to rectify this problem and are continuously told that it takes weeks for their algorithm to correct misguided directions. In addition, Google claims its tech support cannot manually intervene to remedy the problem," said Donna Rae Sutherland, associate director of Marketing Communications.

"It's been incredibly frustrating and also rather dangerous. Buses of athletic teams, performing artists and potential students have all gone 60 miles out of their way traveling in haste back down Route 98, which is often very blustery with poor visibility during the winter months."

The problem has been an ongoing for approximately a year with short periods of time when Google Maps accurately listed the Batavia Campus, but currently the right side panel posts a map and information to the Albion Campus Center without even mentioning the main campus is in Batavia. Google's proprietary software uses unique algorithms to provide mapping information automatically. Unknowing visitors are logically following Google's posted directions without clicking through to find the right campus and its proper location.

Sutherland recommends Web searchers utilize MapQuest and the College's Maps and Directions Web page available at: http://www.genesee.edu/about/visit/maps/ This gives users door- to-door directions to any campus location and also explicit directions to the main campus in Batavia.

"Most other online utilities are able to find us perfectly, but with Google's ongoing problem we strongly advise people to steer clear of using Google Maps to find GCC."

GCC trustees review plan for implementing Start-Up New York program

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Monday night, Genesee Community College Board of Trustees reviewed the plan that the College will use to assess proposals from companies interested in applying for the Start-Up New York, also known as State University of New York (SUNY) Tax-free Areas to Revitalize and Transform Upstate NY program.

The statewide initiative was introduced by Governor Andrew Cuomo last year to encourage potential developments on or within one mile of each of SUNY's 64 campuses by offering tax-free status to both the company and new employees for up to 10 years. Each SUNY institution can designate up to 200,000 square feet of space for Start-Up New York projects to create new jobs associated with the academic curriculum offered by the connected campus.

For further information about Start-Up NY go to: http://startup-ny.com/

William Emm, GCC's executive vice president for Planning and Institutional Effectiveness, is GCC's point-person for the new, Albany-based initiative that aims to transform SUNY campuses into tax-free communities for new and expanding businesses. Emm shared GCC's multipage assessment plan that requires: each proposed company to identify the designated space, including square footage, with an AutoCAD site drawing; a description of the type of business being proposed; how the business aligns with GCC's academic mission and programs; and how the business generates community and economic benefits.

Additional assessment questions include:

• How will the company's product or service further GCC's mission?

• How many new net jobs will be created in the first two years of operation and overall?

• How many future employees will require additional training or education provided by GCC?

• How will the company establish itself as a good member of the community?

• Has the local municipality and/or economic development entity been informed of the tax-free space request?

With this information, GCC's designated Start-Up NY advisory committee, which will include representatives from the College's four-county service area, will carefully review each proposal and score the applications against a thoughtfully compiled rubric.

GCC President James Sunser will be informed of all incoming applications, remaining abreast of the committee's efforts and recommendations, while keeping the Board of Trustees apprised of each opportunity.

Any applications that meet all criteria will be reviewed by the GCC Board of Trustees and, with the Trustees' approval, an amended Campus Plan featuring the new business partnership will be available for review for a minimum of 30 days by GCC's Faculty Senate, local municipality, local economic development agency, applicable union representatives and the Student Government Association. With successful review and approval, the application is then submitted to SUNY for review and approval.

"We have developed protocols and strict criteria at different levels of the College to ensure companies are fully qualified to receive these tax-free benefits," President Sunser said. "All proposals and people will be considered under a consistent and thorough review to remain above any question of impropriety."

After a lengthy discussion, the Board approved the next phase of the process which allows College administrators to submit GCC's Start-Up New York evaluation and review plan to be submitted to SUNY for the next level of review and critique.

College board invites nominations for honorary associate degrees

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Board of Trustees is inviting faculty, staff, students and community residents to nominate individuals for honorary Genesee Community College associate degrees, Trustee Laurie J. Miller said at Monday evening's board meeting.

Nominees must be individuals who have an association with Genesee Community College, and who have made extraordinary contributions to the life and growth of the College; or who are notable leaders in academic disciplines taught by the College; or individuals who have earned business, professional, civic or scholarly accomplishments. Honorary degrees will be awarded during the May 2014 commencement ceremonies, Miller said.

Nomination forms are available on the College's Web site at:

http://marketing.genesee.edu/images/GCCHonoraryAssociateDegreeNomination2014.pdf

New York State law was amended six years ago to permit community colleges to award honorary degrees. Past honorary degree recipients at Genesee Community College include founding president Alfred C. O'Connell (2007); former Genesee County Board of Supervisors Chair William W. Stuart (posthumously in 2007); founding trustee and college advocate Neil T. Burns (2007); founding and longtime trustee Anthony T. Zambito (posthumously in 2008); Genesee's first staff member, Eva L. Bohn (2011).

In other business Monday evening, the Board of Trustees:

  • Heard Diane D. Torcello, Finance Committee chair, report that Lumsden and McCormick, LLC, the College's auditing firm, completed the fiscal audit for the 2012-2013 year, and issued a "clear, clean" audit without deficiencies. Torcello also said that first quarter operations were consistent with budget projections.
  • Heard President James Sunser report that 340 students are currently finishing their coursework in the fall semester and upon successful completion they will be candidates for graduation in January. Specifically, there are 145 A.S. degree (Associate in Science); 165 A.A.S. (Associate in Applied Science; 6 A.A. (Associate in Arts); and 24 Certificate graduation candidates from GCC in January 2014.
  • Heard Virginia M. Taylor, Ed.D, vice president for Student and Enrollment Services, report that the College's "Winterim" session has enrolled 114 students, up from the 35 students enrolled from Winterim last year. Winterim offers online credit courses between the fall and spring semesters.
  • Heard President Sunser report on the appointment of two new staff members. Doreen Bortle will serve as technical assistant in the Math/Science and Career Education office as a testing associate. She has taught GCC's First Year Experience course as an adjunct faculty member for the past three years. Bortle received her B.S. degree from SUNY Brockport and resides in Batavia. After numerous years serving as an advisor in GCC's Student Support Services area, Theresa Gorecki is now the technical specialist in the College's Career Services office. The position is funded through a Perkins Grant as a temporary appointment. Gorecki earned her M.S. in Elementary Education from Medaille College and her B.S. in English from SUNY Empire State College. She resides in Batavia. "Both of these employees have been working at Genesee for some time in a part-time capacity," President Sunser said. "After conducting a full open search, it was nice that the best candidates were right here already serving the College. I know they bring a lot of institutional understanding to their new roles."

Genesee Community College's Spring 2014 semester opens Jan. 13. To register for courses stop by any campus location or go to: www.genesee.edu/courses/schedule/.

Academic and financial aid advisors will be available Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Fridays 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; and Saturday, Jan. 11, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. In addition, the offices will be opening at 8 a.m. Jan. 6 - 9, 2014. These hours extend to all seven campus locations:

•    Albion, 456 West Avenue / 585-589-4936

•    Arcade, 25 Edward St. / 585-492-5265

•    Batavia, One College Road / 585-345-6800

•    Dansville, 31 Clara Barton St. / 585-335-7820

•    Lima, 7285 Gale Road / 585-582-1226

•    Medina, 11470 Maple Ridge Road / 585-798-1688

•    Warsaw, 115 Linwood Ave. / 585-786-3010

Nursing students graduate from two-year program at GCC

By Howard B. Owens

Photos and information submitted by John Summers.

Genesee Community College held a graduation ceremony Thursday night for its students who successfully completed a two-year registered nursing program.

Top photo, Kathy Palumbo, director of Nursing at GCC, addresses the graduates and audience.

Christy Summers receives her RN pin from Shana Flow and and Patricia Kendall-Cargill.

Graduates Meghan Domm, Angeline Coast, Brandon Richards, Christy Summers, and Jessa Woodley.

GCC men's basketball downs Niagara College; women fall

By Andrew Crofts

Naquil Jones scored seven early points to spark a 15-5 start for the Genesee Community College men's basketball team on Thursday night, and the Cougars earned their fifth win in a row, 83-76.

The visiting Knights from Niagara College (Canada) erased a six-point GCC halftime lead and took a 46-45 lead three-minutes into the second half.

Redell Freeman came off the bench and hit two straight three-point baskets and Alastair Cole also hit consecutive three-pointers, sending GCC on a 12-0 run and giving Genesee the lead back for good.

Ervin Mitchell played to another double-double, scoring 24 points and grabbing 17 rebounds. Gabriel Burroughs finished the night with 13 points, Cole added 12 points, Freeman dished out seven assists and scored 11 points and Jones grabbed six boards to go along with 11 points.

Genesee improves to 6-2 with the win and will travel to Lakeland Community College on Friday night for a 7 p.m. start.

 

 

A six-minute scoring drought to start Thursday night's game set the Genesee Community College women's basketball team back against Niagara College (Canada), and the Lady Cougars fell to the visitors, 65-55.

Genesee was 0-14 from three-point range in the opening half and committed 13 turnovers to fall behind at the midway mark of the contest.

Despite the early struggles, GCC started the second half on a 13-5 run and got back to within three midway through the second. Niagara responded and went on a 7-0 run to extend the lead back to double-digits and never looked back.

Genesee was just 2-29 from beyond the arc and shot below 25% on the night.

Dashawna Jenifer led the way for Genesee with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Macey McCulley added nine points and grabbed five boards, Renetta Fordam chipped in eight points, Shanell Glover collected 11 rebounds and scored six points and Hillary Rivera added five points.

Genesee falls to 1-6 with the loss and the Lady Cougars will travel to Lakeland Community College on Friday for a 5 p.m. start.

 

 

(Picture: Renetta Fordam (#40/white) fires a shot over an outstretched Niagara College defender)

GCC men's basketball cruises to win over Medaille

By Andrew Crofts

The Genesee Community College men's basketball team has won its last four games and has scored 100 or more points in three out of the last four after a 113-69 win over visiting Medaille College (JV) on Tuesday night.

Ervin Mitchell extended his scoring streak of 20 or more points to seven games in a row after scoring 21 points on Tuesday night in limited action.

Genesee shot close to 60% and the Cougars' bench saw plenty of action, producing 45 points in the win.

Gaberiel Burroughs led the way for GCC with 26 points and six rebounds. Naquil Jones added 19 points, Redell Freeman and Alex Morris each finished with 13 points and Freeman dished out nine assists. Da'Shawn Suber chipped in nine points and Alastair Cole added eight points and six boards.

The Cougars held Medaille to just 32% shooting from the field and forced 24 turnovers, resulting in 26 fast-break points.

Genesee improves to 5-2 and will host Niagara College (Canada) on Thursday night for an 8 p.m. start.


GCC announces death of college's second president, Cornelius Robbins

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Dr. Cornelius V. Robbins, the second president of Genesee Community College, died over the weekend, in Delmar, New York, where he lived with his wife, Janet. He was 82 years old.

Dr. Robbins served as president from 1970 to 1975, succeeding Dr. Alfred C. O'Connell, the College's founding president. Dr. O'Connell died in 2011. Under Dr. Robbins' leadership, the current Batavia Campus opened, replacing the temporary storefront campus on West Main Street Road.

Prior to his arrival at Genesee, Dr. Robbins served as dean of the Community College of Delaware County (Pennsylvania), dean of instruction at Ocean County College (New Jersey), member of the consulting staff of the Washington, D.C.-based McManis Associates, an educational consulting organization, and associate director of the School Study Councils at the University of Pennsylvania. He also served as a secondary school teacher early in his career. He earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Delaware and his doctorate in education from the University of Pennsylvania in 1964.

While serving at Genesee Community College, Dr. Robbins became actively involved in community life, serving as an office of the Chamber of Commerce, board member of the United Fund (currently Genesee Country United Way), United Fund campaign chair and as a volunteer and member of many other charitable and civic organizations.

Dr. Robbins left Genesee Community College in 1975 to serve as associate chancellor for Community Colleges in the SUNY Central Administration. He later served as president of SUNY Cobleskill and following that, served as a professor of Educational Administration and Policy Studies at the University at Albany.

Genesee's current president, Dr. James M. Sunser, called Dr. Robbins one of the College's pioneers: "Neal Robbins was another of the early pioneers who left an important mark on the history of Genesee Community College. It was under his leadership that the faculty, staff and student body moved from temporary quarters on the west side of Batavia to our beautiful Batavia Campus. He was known for his commitment to academic excellence, and those who knew Neal remember him as an engaging leader. Genesee Community College is a wonderful part of his legacy."

GCC men's basketball rolls Houghton JV

By Andrew Crofts

Ervin Mitchell kept his scoring streak alive on Thursday night by scoring 28 points in a 106-71 win over Houghton JV. The Genesee Community College freshman forward has scored twenty or more points in every game so far this season.

Mitchell extended his streak in the first half alone, scoring 21 of GCC's 64 points in the opening period.

The Cougars held a comfortable 31 point lead at the break, but the Highlanders made a 13-3 run to start the second half and eventually got back to within 19.

After the slow start, Naquil Jones sparked the Cougars, scoring 15 second half points and helped GCC extend its lead back to a wide margin.

Genesee had four players in double-figures, led by Mitchell. Jones finished with 24 points, Alastair Cole added 14 points and Gabriel Burroughs finished with 11. Jason Perry-Murray grabbed 10 rebounds for GCC, which was plus 24 in rebounding.

The Cougars improve to 3-2 this season and will travel to Davis College on Saturday for a 3 p.m. start.

College's five-year Facilities Master Plan 'hitting the mark perfectly' architect tells board

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Trustees of the Genesee Community College Board got an update Monday evening on the five-year Facilities Master Plan approved a year ago, and the architect says it's right on track.

Robert Joy, managing principal of JMZ Architects and Planners, PC, reported that as part of his service to the College, he has been reviewing the Plan in context with today's priorities to ensure its continued relevance.

Against an array of important concerns -- such as the rising cost of higher education, graduation and college degree completion rates, transferability of college credits, measuring outcomes and student success -- the Master Plan is "hitting the mark perfectly," Joy said.

Revisions to the plan would be done on a pro bono basis, but it sounds like few adjustments need to be made.

"It seems eve(n) more relevant today than it did one year ago," Joy said.

In fact, the two major initiatives, a new Events Center and Student Success Center are not only excellent avenues for local economic development, but they also reinforce New York State's priorities as investments offering long-term positive return.

The Board also heard about Start-Up New York (SUNY Tax-free Areas to Revitalize and Transform Upstate NY) from William Emm, GCC's executive vice president for Planning and Institutional Effectiveness. Emm is GCC's point-person for the new, Albany-based initiative that is aiming to transform SUNY campuses into tax-free communities for new and expanding businesses.

The statewide initiative introduced by Governor Cuomo encourages potential developments on or within one mile of each of SUNY's 64 campuses. Each institution can designate up to 200,000 square feet of space for Start-Up New York projects to create new jobs that are associated with the academic curricula offered by the connected campus.

The creation of new jobs, while not hurting existing businesses, is the central objective of Start-Up NY, according to Emm. For GCC, program opportunities that support the College's mission can exist not only at or near the Batavia Campus in Genesee County, but also at or near the College's campus centers in Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties. The Dansville Campus Center featuring larger facilities with plenty of expansion space offers significant potential, Emm explained.

All Start-Up NY proposals presented to Genesee Community College will be reviewed by the College administration and also the Board of Trustees. The criteria under development that would screen proposals includes furthering the mission and goals of the College; a net increase of new jobs; positive impact on the local economy; introduction or expansion of new technology; required space allocation; workforce development opportunities and the multiplier effect of new jobs and economies related to the Start-Up NY program.

For further information about Start-Up NY go to: http://startup-ny.com/

In other business Monday, the Board of Trustees:

•    Authorized President James Sunser to designate, at some point in the future, the College's safety director to act as a peace officer.

•    Heard Kathleen Schiefen, GCC provost and executive vice president of Academic Affairs report that Genesee Community College is currently reviewing all college curricula to ensure compliance with related and required accreditation standards and also with the new SUNY seamless transfer initiatives intended to encourage timely graduation rates. Sport Management, A.S. and Communication and Media Arts, A.S. are the first two programs to have been completed.

•    Heard William Emm report on the Board of Trustees Self-Assessment tool, a survey that will be individually completed by the board members early in 2014. After tabulation, a summary report will be used in July during the Board's annual planning meeting and retreat.

GCC seeking entries for revamping the graphics of its Cougar mascot - deadline is Dec. 2

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Looking for a cash infusion just before the holidays? Have a flair for drawing, cartooning, visual design? Genesee Community College invites designers of all persuasions to submit ideas for updating and expanding the graphic look of the GCC Cougar mascot. The deadline for entries is Dec. 2. First-place winner receives $200 cash, with $50 going to the runner-up.

The Cougar, affectionately and unofficially known as G-Dub (for G Double C), is in need of a "facelift." The College introduced a new logo in 2010 and is ready to update the Cougar's look. The competition is open to GCC art and design students, alumni, cartoon artists and all friends of GCC's Cougar.

Entrants must:

  • Develop original and carefully executed design concepts that expand GCC's Cougar image beyond what exists currently;
  • Provide one expanded head shot graphic;
  • Provide full-body, full-color mascot poses expressing two of the following themes:

Cougar in athletic stance with aggressive, winning facial expression
Cougar standing in a welcoming and cheerful manner
Cougar professionally dressed and ready for the job market
Cougar wearing graduation cap and holding a diploma

Your original, creative idea

  • Incorporate all of or parts of the GCC College logo and the College's Blue (Pantone 2945) and Gold (Pantone 117) color palette;
  • Include samples of previous work or a link to an online portfolio.

Hand-drawn paper designs will be accepted but electronic submissions are preferred and can be e-mailed to Christie (Hale) Shirk, Recruitment Publications and Communications specialist at clhale@genesee.edu. Entrants must include full name, address, telephone number and e-mail address. Submissions will not be returned. All entries become the property of GCC. Those who wish to mail in submissions can send them to:

Christie Shirk
GCC Office of Enrollment Management, Room B201
Genesee Community College
One College Road
Batavia, NY 14020

"We have a great digital arts program here at the College," Shirk said. "So we expect to receive outstanding entries from students. But we know the Cougar has a lot of fans in the community as well, so we wanted to welcome entries from everyone."

The College may hire the winning artist to develop complete Cougar Mascot schematics.

"So the contest has immediate financial reward with the potential for additional economic benefits," said Donna Rae Sutherland, Associate Director of Marketing Communications.

The contest is being sponsored by GCC's Marketing Communications and Admissions/Enrollment Management/Recruitment Departments.

Glover scores 31, GCC women's basketball earns first win; men lose late lead to Lakeland CC

By Andrew Crofts

Shanell Glover helped pace the Genesee Community College women's basketball team to its first win of the season on Tuesday night, compiling a performance of 31 points and 15 rebounds in a 72-65 win over visiting Lakeland Community College.

GCC (1-4) got off to a fast start thanks to 20 first half points from Glover.

Dashawna Jenifer recorded her third double-double of the season, finishing with 17 points and 14 rebounds.

Genesee grabbed a total of 57 rebounds on the night and took advantage with 28 second chance points.

The Lady Cougars took a four-point lead into halftime and used 11 points off the bench in the second half to hold off Lakeland.

Breana Gleaton added eight points and Markina Robinson chipped in six points.

Genesee will return to action on November 23rd when it travels to Davis College.

 

 

 

The Genesee Community College men's basketball team could not hold on to a late lead against #17 Lakeland Community College on Tuesday night, and dropped its home opener of the 2013-14 season, 90-84. 

Lakeland led the majority of the first half, shooting 60% from three-point range. The Cougars battled and stayed in the game by shooting 50% from the field in the opening period.

The Cougars took a 79-76 lead with four-minutes remaining in the game when Alastair Cole hit his fourth three-point basket of the night. Lakeland responded and with under a minute to play, broke an 82-82 tie with a layup and a chance at a three-point play. The Lakers could not capitalize with the free-throw.

Trailing by two with 40-seconds remaining, the Cougars forced a five-second violation on a Lakeland inbound attempt, but could not capitalize and were forced to put the Lakers at the line the remainder of the game.

Ervin Mitchell scored a game-high 26 points on 10 of 13 shooting. Cole finished with 23 points, Naquil Jones added 19 points and five rebounds and Gabriel Burroughs scored ten points.

Genesee (1-2) will return to action on Saturday against St. John Fisher (JV) at home at 12 p.m.

Japanese students at GCC share insights about their homeland at Nov. 14 event

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The community is invited to hear firsthand about Japanese holidays, culture and landmarks from Japanese students who are attending Genesee Community College. The Experience Japan lecture begins at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14, in Room T102 of the Conable Technology Building on the Batavia Campus.

It will also include a presentation by the college's Director of Video/Telecommunications Barry Chow.

The event is free and open to the public. It's sponsored by GCC's Global Education Committee and Student Government Association.

Five GCC students from Japan will share personal experiences from their country and culture.

They include:
Yuuki Sasao -- Strange Country, Japan
Ayaka Yamaguchi -- Famous Sightseeing Sites in Japan
Mizuki Maeda -- Coming of Age
Mai Wantanabe -- Famous Holidays Celebrated in Japan
Shiori Naya -- Let Me Introduce a Young Girl from Osaka

"Genesee Community College is blessed to have a number of international students who bring great diversity to our campus community," said Karin Kovach-Allen, Ph.D, dean of Human Communications and Behavior. "Learning about another country and culture through the experiences of a native enhances the experience immeasurably. We're grateful our Japanese students are willing to share their personal observations of their homeland."

JFK presidency and 50th anniversary of his assassination focus of college presentation

By Billie Owens

Press release:

November 22, 1963 was a fateful day in American history. President John F. Kennedy, on a fundraising, fence-mending trip to Dallas was shot dead by an assassin while riding in a motorcade through the city's downtown. A stunned nation could hardly believe that the vigorous Jack, the youngest person elected to the presidency at the age of 43, was gone.

Genesee Community College Professor of History Garth Swanson looks back at the legacy of the JFK presidency in a talk titled "Camelot at 50" at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, in Room T121 of the Conable Technology Building on the Batavia campus.

The program is free and open to the public.

The youthful and telegenic Kennedy brought a certain glamor to the White House with his stylish wife Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, who was just 31 when her husband became President. The couple captivated America and the world. Jack was a war hero, with distinguished service in the Navy during World War II.

The 1960 presidential campaign was dominated by Cold War concerns, with tensions rising between the U.S. and Russia. Kennedy declared that the U.S. would have the will and the strength to resist communism around the world. He beat Richard Nixon in one of the closest elections in U.S. history, becoming the youngest elected president, the only Catholic president and the first president born in the 20th Century.

After his death, Jackie wanted to put the proper historical perspective on her husband's time in office. In an interview with journalist Theodore White a week after the assassination she shared a line Jack often enjoyed from the musical "Camelot." She said it kept replaying in her head: "Don't let it be forgot, that once there was a spot, for one brief shining moment that was known as Camelot." Upon her insistence, White wrote a piece for Life magazine employing the Camelot theme and it stuck.

"So the epitaph on the Kennedy administration became Camelot-a magic moment in American history, when gallant men danced with beautiful women, when great deeds were done, when artists, writers and poets met at the White House, and the barbarians beyond the walls held back," White recalled in his book "In Search of History."

"Camelot at 50" looks back on that magical, mythical moment. Swanson will consider the issues that marked Kennedy's presidency: civil rights struggles, congressional opposition and Cold War brinksmanship. He'll highlight Kennedy's triumphs and disappointments.

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