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Monroe takes down the Cougars

By Andrew Crofts

After their first loss in conference play to Jamestown Community College on Tuesday night, the Genesee Community College men’s basketball team looked to rebound on Thursday night when the played host to Monroe Community College.

The Tribunes grabbed the first lead after a back-and-forth start when they went up 18-13 with 12 minutes remaining. Deylon Bovell (Brooklyn, NY) finished a three point play, capping off a 10-2 run in a span of two minutes for the Cougars, to give the home team a 23-20 advantage. Monroe would bounce back, however, and ended the first half on a 16-3 run, taking a 13-point 49-36 lead into the half.

(#2 Kevin Nascimento tries to hold off a Monroe defender during the Cougars loss to the Tribunes on Thursday night)

MCC started the second half much like they ended the first and grabbed a 20-point, 58-38 lead just four minutes in. The Cougars struggled to gain any ground throughout the remainder of the second half and were out-rebounded 53-30 on the night. Monroe never saw their lead drop below 20 and the Tribunes downed GCC, 93-70.

Bovell lead all scorers with 18 points, Kenton Chan-Man (Brooklyn, NY) finished with 15 points, Mike Glenn (Fairport, NY) added 11 points and Dijon Wright (Philadelphia, PA) added 10 points.

The Cougars drop to 13-9 on the season and 5-2 in conference play. They will travel to Alfred State on Tuesday for a 7:30 tip.

Lady Tribunes too much for Genesee

By Andrew Crofts

The Genesee Community College women’s basketball team could not handle Division I Monroe Community College on Thursday night, as the visiting Lady Tribunes (ranked #14 in the country) downed the Lady Cougars 84-30.

Genesee struggled from the floor all night, shooting only 18.8% and were out-rebounded 66-36.

Jasmine Armstead (Rochester, NY) was the only GCC scorer to reach double figures, finishing the night with 13 points. Kayla Golden (Lackawanna, NY) chipped in with six points and collected eight rebounds and Chyna Lennox (Moseley, VA) added four points.

(Genesee head coach Christie McGee-Ross talks to her team during a timeout on Thursday night)

Genesee falls to 6-17 on the season and will travel to Alfred State on Tuesday for their next contest at 5:30pm.

Special Civil War exhibit at GCC's Batavia campus library through Feb. 17

By Billie Owens

There is a special Civil War exhibit inside the Alfred O'Connell Library at the Batavia campus of Genesee Community College. It's part of a series of activities commemorating the 150th anniversary of America's most divisive conflict.

It features more than a dozen miniature models depicting wartime scenes and situations of the Civil War. There are authentic weapons and war accoutrements, uniforms, a tent, and a selection of framed newspapers dating back to the 1850s.

The exhibit continues through February 17 and is open during normal library hours. Spring hours are:

  • Monday through Thursday -- 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
  • Friday -- 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Saturday -- 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Sunday -- 12 to 6 p.m.

The college is located at 1 College Drive. For more information, call the library at 343-0055, ext. 6419, or visit online at <www.genesee.edu/library>.

College invites GLOW high-schoolers to enter Civil War essay contest

By Billie Owens

As part of a series of activities commemorating the 150th anniversary of the nation's most devisive conflict, the Civil War, Genesee Community College invites high-school students in the GLOW region (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties) to enter an essay contest.

The topic is "War Takes a Nasty Turn: The Changing Nature of the War of 1862."

The first-place essay winner will receive a color Nook electronic reader.

The essay should be a minimum of three pages, formatted in 12-point Times New Roman font, and double-spaced. All citations must be written in Chicago Style (www.chicagomanualofstyle.org). All essays must be received electronically by Friday, April 13 at ddmaxfield@genesee.edu.

Winners will be announced at the Civil War lecture that is scheduled at the Batavia campus at 7 p.m. on May 1.

For further information please contact GCC's Lima Campus Center at 582-1226 or go to: http://civilwaratgcc.wordpress.com.

Cougars ecape at Jamestown-Olean

By Andrew Crofts

The Genesee Community College men's basketball team picked up a road conference win at Jamestown Community College-Olean on Saturday afternoon, escaping the Jaguars 83-75.

The Cougars, who defeated Jamestown by 29 just four days ago, started strong and built a twelve-point 43-31 lead at the half. Kenton Chan-Man (Brooklyn, NY) scored 24 of those first half points.

The Jaguars made a run in the second half but Genesee was able to hold on and escape with the win. Chan-Man finished with a game high and season high 38 points and also added five rebounds. Tyshawn Ferguson (Chicago, IL) added 21 points, Deylon Bovell (Brooklyn, NY) netted 10 points and grabbed five rebounds and Terryl Coombs (Brooklyn, NY) collected nine rebounds.

Genesee stays perfect in conference play (5-0) and improves to 13-7 overall. They will travel to Jamestown Community College on Tuesday for a 7:30pm start.

Genesee upsets #7 Erie

By Andrew Crofts

With a victory over a top ten team already under their belts this season, a victory over then ranked #7 Lakeland Community College on December 17th, the Genesee Community College men’s basketball team welcomed #7 Erie Community College to the Anthony T. Zambito Gymnasium on Thursday night and upset the visiting Kats 101-94.

Genesee fell behind early before Deylon Bovell (Brooklyn, NY) scored two straight baskets that sparked a 13-2 run to give the home team a ten point lead at 17-7. Erie came back behind 7 of 16 shooting from three-point range and held a six point lead late in the first half. Mike Glenn (Fairport, NY) drew the Cougars to within two with a layup and a dunk in succession, before Erie converted on three free-throws to end the half and took a 53-48 lead into intermission.

The second half was the Kenton Chan-Man (Brooklyn, NY) show as the sophomore scored three straight three-pointers during a 13-3 Cougar run early in the half to give GCC a 64-58 lead. Erie would not go away, however, as the Kats kept pace and were within one before Donte Meredith (Bronx, NY) hit a three to give GCC a 74-70 lead with nine minutes to play. Chan-Man extended the four point advantage with his fourth three pointer of the second half to give Genesee an 87-80 lead with five minutes remaining. Kevin Nascimento’s (New York, NY) layup with less than two minutes to play gave GCC their first double-digit lead of the night at 95-85, and the Cougars finished off the #7 Kats.

Bovell finished with 21 points on seven of nine shooting before fouling out late in the game. Chan-Man also ended the night 21 points, all of which came in the second half. Glenn added 16 points, Dijon Wright (Philadelphia, PA) grabbed 15 rebounds and chipped in with 10 points and Tyshawn Ferguson (Chicago, IL) also tallied a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

The Cougars remain perfect in conference play (4-0) and improve to 12-7 overall on the season. They will travel to Jamestown Community College-Olean on Saturday for a 1pm tip.

Lady Cougars fall to Erie

By Andrew Crofts

Coming off of their first conference win of the season last Thursday, the Genesee Community College women’s basketball team hosted WNYAC opponent Erie Community College on Thursday night and dropped a 77-65 contest to the Lady Kats.

The Lady Cougars opened on a 6-0 run and held a 23-18 lead after a Rachel Kolhagen (Attica, NY) steal and basketball with about eight minutes to play in the first half. Erie would go on to score 18 of the last 26 points to end the opening twenty minutes, and took a 36-31 lead into the break.

Genesee made a run early in the second half when Kayla Golden (Lackawanna, NY) scored two straight baskets to draw the Lady Cougars to within two at 43-41. Erie then went on a 17-8 run and held an 11 point lead before Genesee made one last push, capped off by a Golden three point play to cut the lead to six at 60-54. Strong three-point shooting kept the Erie lead safe, however, and the Lady Kats finished off the 12 point victory.

Golden lead all scorers with 20 points and also collected 17 rebounds. Chyna Lennox (Moseley, VA) had another strong night for GCC finishing with 16 points and 10 boards and Kohlhagen chipped in with 10 points.

The Lady Cougars fall to 6-15 on the season and will travel to Jamestown Community College on Tuesday night for a 5:30pm start.

GCC Swimming and Diving Earns Split

By Andrew Crofts
The Genesee Community College swimming and diving team played host to Monroe Community College and Mercyhurst North East on Wednesday evening, with both the men and women finishing with one win and one loss on the night.
 
The GCC men’s team defeated Mercyhurst North East 73-11 and fell to Monroe Community College 50-40. The women’s team beat Mercyhurst North East 28-1 and lost to Monroe Community College 77-9.
 
Top swimmers on the men’s side included Yusuke Inami (Chikusei, Japan) who finished first in the 200 yard IM and edged out MCC’s Taylor Stewart by 0.83 seconds to claim the top spot in the 100 yard butterfly. Inami teamed up with Brady Smith (Brisbane, Australia), Max Brady (Akron, NY) and Ben Tyx (Alexander, NY) to win the 200 yard medley relay with a finishing time of 1:50.66. Smith also added a second place finish on the night in the 100 yard backstroke, and Tyx, Genesee’s only diver, earned a finals score of 115.25.
(GCC's Yusuke Inami (yellow cap) battles with MCC's Taylor Stewart (dark cap) for first place in the 100 yard butterfly on Wednesday night)
 
Emily Mott (Oakfield, NY) swam to a second place finish in the 500 yard freestyle and a third place finish in the 100 yard butterfly. Kylie Bank (Alexander, NY) earned a second place finish in the 100 yard breaststroke with a finishing time of 1:24.06 and finished third in the 50 yard freestyle. Lauren Hughes (Elba, NY) finished in third place in the 100 yard freestyle.
 
Genesee will travel to Jamestown Community College on Saturday afternoon and will host the “Genesee Last Chance Invitational” on Saturday, February 4th at 1pm.

Genesee Handles Jamestown-Olean

By Andrew Crofts

The Genesee Community College men’s basketball team moved to 3-0 in Western New York Athletic Conference play on Tuesday night, knocking off visiting Jamestown Community College-Olean in front of a home crowd, 89-60.

Kevin Nascimento (New York, NY) opened the game with a three pointer that sparked a 14-1 start for the home team. The Genesee defense stymied Jamestown to a zero for nine shooting start from the field, and held the Jaguars to just one field goal in the first ten minutes of the game. Genesee took a 37-17 lead into half.

(Genesee Head Coach Terry George talks to #23 David Andrews in blowout win over Jamestown-Olean)

Michael Glenn (Fairport, NY) started the second half by converting on back-to-back three point baskets, giving GCC a 43-17 lead. The Cougars forced nine second half turnovers, nineteen total for the game, and never saw their lead drop below 20. Deylon Bovell (Brooklyn, NY) had a strong night for Genesee finishing with 17 points and five rebounds. Kenton Chan-Man (Brooklyn, NY) once again led GCC in scoring with a game high 27 points. Glenn chipped in with 17 points and David Andrews (Bronx, NY) grabbed seven rebounds to go along with six points.

The Cougars improve their overall record to 11-7 and will host Erie Community College on Thursday night at 8pm.

GCC Basketball Sweeps Niagara

By Andrew Crofts

The Genesee Community College women's basketball team cruised to their first conference victory of the season, defeating Niagara County Community College 90-45 on Thursday night.

The Lady Cougars pounced early and did not let up. A 16 point first half from Chyna Lennox (Moseley, VA) helped pace a 50 point opening twenty minutes for Genesee, who out-rebounded Niagara 35-15 and took a 50-15 lead into the break.

(#14 Nanase Akagami connects on a three-pointer in GCC's win over Niagara CCC)

The Genesee lead never dropped below 25 in the second half, and the Lady Cougars had four scorers reach double figures. Lennox finished with a team high 23 points, Kayla Golden (Lackawanna, NY) added 11 points and 9 rebounds, and Chelsey Cole (Brockport, NY) and Jasmine Armstead (Rochester, NY) each finished with 10 points. Nanase Akagami (Japan) also came off the bench late and added a season high 9 points.

Genesee improves to 6-14 overall on the season and 1-1 in conference play. They will take the floor again next Thursday when they host Erie Community College at 6pm.

 

 

The Genesee Community College men's basketball team went to the wire with Niagara County Community College on Thursday night, but outlasted the visiting Thunderwolves to earn their second straight conference victory of the season, 82-80.

The Cougars played a back and forth start with a Niagara team who shot better than 53 percent from the floor in the first half. Kenton Chan-Man (Brooklyn, NY) was the only scorer to reach double figures in the opening twenty minutes, finishing with 11 points and going three of six from three point range. Genesee lead 41-40 at the break.

The Cougars opened up a 56-48 lead early on in the second half, but saw the lead vanish when Niagara converted on back-to-back three point possessions with about 15 minutes to play. Trailing 76-73 with five minutes remaining, Genesee came out of a timeout and got a Chan-Man layup to draw within one. A Michael Glenn (Fairport, NY) three pointer put GCC in the lead for good, as the Cougars came up with a game-winning defensive stop as time expired to move to 2-0 in conference play.

(#21 Michael Glenn finishes with a two-hand dunk in win over Niagara CCC)

Chan-Man finished with a game high 27 points. Glenn added 19 points and three assists and Deylon Bovell (Brooklyn, NY) ended with 10 points and a team high seven rebounds.

Genesee improves to 10-7 overall and will play again on Tuesday night when they host Jamestown Community College at 7pm.

GCC students pledge to complete their degrees

By Billie Owens

Press release:

A new student-faculty initiative that encourages Genesee Community College students to complete their studies and earn their associates degrees is under way, the board of trustees learned Monday evening.

The "commit to complete your degree pledge," also known as "C-4" or the Community College Completion Corps is part of wider community college movement hosted by Phi Theta Kappa Alpha Iota Upsilon. That's the local chapter of the national honor society for community colleges, according to Elise Banfield, GCC assistant professor of Psychology and advisor to PTK.

Professor Banfield was joined by two students in sharing the benefits of the program and the Spring 2012 promotional plans. Both PTK President Devin Kleinbach, of Batavia, and Vice President Michael Anauo, of Elba, reflected on last semester's enthusiastic display of support for the C-4 program. Students not only signed their names to the pledge but were also signing the posters with additional comments, such as "I'm committed!" More than 45 students pledged to complete their degrees at the special event in November.

Statistics show the surest way for anyone to land a job in their chosen field is to finish college and earn a degree or certificate. And that's exactly what GCC students are promising to do by signing a collective pledge to complete their degrees and certifications before leaving to transfer their credits elsewhere or to enter the job market.

This Spring, students in Genesee's PTK chapter will be speaking in classrooms throughout the college on the importance of completing their degrees and visiting campus center. They will also have a table or booth set up at the Transfer Fair.

In other business Monday evening, the board of trustees:

•    Approved a technical amendment to the board's staff appointment policy, requiring board approval for the employment of two additional members of the college's managerial staff.

•    Approved four-year continuing appointments for 26 members of faculty and staff. Reappointed were: Meredith L. Altman, professor of Mathematics; Maryanne C. Arena, director of Fine and Performing Arts; Vicky L. Aubert, technical assistant, GCC at Warsaw; Joanna E. Barefoot, technical specialist, Student Activities; Marjorie N. Blondell, assistant professor of Nursing; Charles A. Boyd, professor of English; William S. Brewer, professor of Economics; Jeannie L. Burdick, counselor/associate professor; Jean M. Chenu, associate professor of Office Technology; Kristine Dassinger, assistant professor of English; M. Richard Dudkowski, professor of Fashion Business; Cindy A. Francis, associate professor/collection development librarian; Patti S. Furness, technical assistant, GCC at Albion; Barry J. Garigen, professor of Criminal Justice; Michael L. Garrett, technical specialist, Marketing Communications; Norman R. Gayford, professor of English; James R. Habermas, professor of Computer Information Systems; Timothy Hinz, associate professor of Computer Information Systems; Mary C. Knappen, professor of Mathematics; Lina M. LaMattina, director, Business Skills Training; Maureen A. Leupold, professor of Biology; Susan Ryan, technical specialist, Admissions; Barbara A. Shine, associate professor of Business; Dennis G. Shine, associate professor of Drafting; Amy L. Slusser, assistant professor of Tourism and Hospitality Management; and Nina T. Warren, director of Library Services.

•    Approved first-time four-year continuing appointments for 18 members of faculty and staff: Shawn P. Adamson, instructor of English; Valerie C. Bello, instructor of Communications and Media Arts; Christopher D. Caputi, instructor/coordinator of Clinical Education, Physical Therapist Assistant Program; Amy L. Cleveland, technical assistant/international student academic advisor; Kathleen T. Gurak, instructor of Health and Physical Education; Edward R. Hallborg, technical specialist/theater technician/technical director; Jessica L. Hibbard, technical assistant, GCC at Warsaw; Heather S. Jones, instructor of Fine Arts; Josephine B. Kearney, instructor of Sociology and Human Services; Amy A. Masters, technical specialist, Student Financial Services; Christie McGee Ross, technical assistant/head Women's Basketball coach; Eleanor B. Nixon, instructor of Nursing; Samson A. Olaode, director of Grant Services; Kathy L. Palumbo, director of Nursing; Amy J. Schnettler-Zak, instructor of Nursing; Charles L. Scruggs, instructor of History and Political Science; Catherine C. Wall, instructor of Nursing; and Karen K. Wicka, instructor of Criminal Justice.

•    Heard President James M. Sunser report that spring semester classes will begin next Tuesday, Jan. 17. He predicted strong enrollment.

•    Heard that Josh J. Escudero will join the staff as director of Respiratory Care, and Lezli D. Giancarlo will join the staff as instructor and clinical education coordinator. Escudero has served as a staff member of Inspired Medical Solutions and Tri-Anim Health Services, and as supervisor of the Respiratory Care Department at the University of Rochester Medical Center. He holds a B.A. degree from Hamilton College, a B.S. degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University, and a M.B.A. degree from the University of Rochester. He is a resident of Victor. Giancarlo has served as the supervisor of respiratory care at Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital, and as a staff member of the Visiting Nurse Association, Children's Hospital of Buffalo, Erie County Medical Center, and Mercy Medical Homecare. She holds A.S. degrees from California College for Health Sciences and Community College of the Air Force, and a B.S. degree from Southwest Texas State University. She is a resident of East Aurora.

•    Heard that Robert M. Swinarski Jr. will join the faculty as instructor of Computer Systems and Network Technologies. He holds an A.S. degree from Genesee Community College and a B.S. degree from SUNY Brockport. He is a resident of Batavia.

'Convivium' opens at Roz Steiner Gallery at GCC

By Howard B. Owens

It would be tempting to look at Kala Stein's "Convivium" as just a table with a bunch of cups on it, but approach the sculpture and take a moment with it, and you discover it encourages a contemplative review of its subtle beauty.

Convivium is on display at the Roz Steiner Gallery on the Genesee Community College campus from Jan. 17 through 27.

The sculpture was installed over the past two days.

Stein has written this about it:

Convivium describes a coming together, a celebratory congregation, a banquet of minds. This type of gathering is a venue for exchange, a place to spark new relationships, and to cultivate what presently exists. It is about the constructive potentials of the collective.

The cup is a vernacular object; I use the goblet as a tool to symbolize human interaction within the convivium and the idea of convivium itself. Repetition and expansion, physical derivatives of time and space, distort the vessel beyond iconic function and shifts its singularity into a dizzying display of geometric patterns. The goblet is no longer a goblet; it is a unit within the whole. The area beyond the strict limits of the objects accommodates surprise and discovery. Function becomes irrational and form becomes pattern.

Ceramic, wood and glass are used for their aesthetic qualities and structural abilities. The materials are processed out of necessity – beyond raw but short of finished. An unpolished state is absolute structure and illustrates a depth of purity and the truth of the material.

Stein has a master's degree in fine arts from Alfred University, where she currently teaches and works as a studio artist.

GCC president delivers first 'state of the college' address

By Howard B. Owens

Emphasizing all GCC has accomplished but noting there is work to be done in order to maintain a focus on excellence, President Jim Sunser delivered his first "state of the college" speech in the Stuart Steiner Auditorium on Thursday morning.

"You've heard me say I believe that all of us together are smarter than any one of us alone, and we have to talk with each other and work together if we are going to continue to be a great college," Sunser  said. "I encourage you all to bring your thoughts and ideas to those you are with with every day and help us make GCC an even greater place in 2012 and beyond."

Sunser said the college will continue working on a strategic plan, using data gathered from a strategic assessment to help inform planning and "support solid decision making" about the future.

He said the new executive VP of planning and institutional effectiveness will work with senior leadership to review practices and procedures to ensure they support access to learning.

The college will continuing to develop online opportunities.

A new student code of conduct is also being developed.

"This standardized code will serve students by providing clearer understanding of the expectations we have for them as members of this academic community," Sunser said.

A committee is also working on a complete facilities master plan that will set the course for the next five years and beyond for capital fund raising, facilities upgrades and environmental sustainability projects.

GCC's marketing department earns awards

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College's Marketing Communications department was the recipient of two National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) District 1 Medallion awards.

GCC won a Gold Medallion of Excellence in the Social Marketing category, and a Silver Medallion of Excellence in the Postcard category. All aspects of the publications development, including copy writing, photography, video, and graphic design were completed in-house through the College's Marketing Communications office.

Winning in the Social Marketing category was "GCC Gets Social" social media campaign that included efforts in Facebook, Twitter, numerous Youtube videos, use of QR codes and other networking sites. The submission covered the background research, objectives, execution, results and evaluation of the campaign. This was the first time the college had entered a submission in the Social Marketing category.

To view GCC's Facebook page visit www.facebook.com/GeneseeCommunityCollege. The college can also be followed on Twitter by visiting www.twitter.com/sunygcc.

Winning in the Postcard category was the Genesee Center for the Arts Calendar of Events. The postcards are distributed to more than 3,000 community members at the beginning of each season to promote a wide array of art events occurring at Genesee Center for the Arts.

The direct mail piece showcases performing art events as well as gallery exhibitions and receptions using an assortment of collage-like techniques. From creative font applications to pastel and watercolor brush strokes, dynamic backgrounds, and replications of real artwork – various elements of the art season are blended together masterfully on each postcard to promote the coming semester's art exhibits, performing artists or plays.

(The Center for the Arts Calendar of Events previously won a Gold Medallion of Excellence at the 2010 NCMPR District I Medallion awards.)

GCC has new credit transfer agreement with the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising College

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Fashion Business students can get a jump start on their bachelor's degree requirements thanks to administrators at Genesee Community College and LIM College (Laboratory Institute of Merchandising).

A new articulation agreement between the two institutions has been created so that GCC students have course and degree requirements defined early in their college careers, enabling them to enter as a junior in the program of their choice at LIM College.

Devoted exclusively to the business of fashion, LIM College offers a unique combination of strong academics and extensive hands-on experience to prepare students for a successful future in the fast-paced fashion industry. At the undergraduate level, LIM College offers majors in Fashion Merchandising, Management, Marketing and Visual Merchandising. Genesee's Fashion Business degree program aligns well with these Bachelor's of Business Administration degrees.

This agreement enables GCC students to take advantage of unique opportunities and benefits such as knowing the recommended course selections that secure acceptance into a four-year program at LIM. Upon successful completion of the outlined requirements in the agreement, students will be guaranteed admission to LIM in their desired major, provided they maintain a 2.5 or higher GPA.

"This is an exciting agreement for many of our Fashion Business students," said Patrick Walter, transfer coordinator at GCC. "With LIM's location in New York City, a major fashion hub, students will get extensive hands-on experience of the fashion industry, making them better prepared to enter the workforce."

Genesee Community College has transfer agreements with over 45 different institutions. For further information, please contact Patrick Walter at 343-0055, ext. 6430, or go to: http://www.genesee.edu/Transfer.

GCC offers new math and science prep program for middle-schoolers

By Billie Owens

Research suggests that gifted and talented students are more likely to reach their full potential if they are immersed in an enriched curriculum that matches their aptitude rather than their age. In order to assist the GLOW region in providing such opportunities, ACE Programs of Genesee Community College is pleased to announce a new program available to students demonstrating early signs of high potential in math and science.

The Math Science Preparatory program for students in seventh and eighth grade will be taught by full-time GCC math and science faculty and expand upon the NYS math and science standards with content designed to prepare students for the academic rigor of college level science and mathematics.

Students who successfully complete the two-year program will be eligible to participate in the Accelerated College Enrollment STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Enrichment Program at GCC, including an option to complete an associates (AS) degree in Engineering Sciences within months of high school graduation.

The goal of the preparatory program is to provide students with the opportunity to prepare for successful participation in this accelerated course of study.

Participating in any of the ACE Programs allows students to gain transferable college credit at a greatly reduced tuition rate (a third of the regular in-state tuition charged by GCC). ACE programs have always provided opportunities for exceptionally motivated students to achieve enough college credits to potentially earn an associate degree. But the STEM enrichment program will be the first opportunity for high school students to pursue a specific AS degree through GCC.

Although there are many gifted and talented students who would benefit from this type of preparatory instruction, ACE can only select 48 participants for the first semester of Math Science Prep to ensure the highest quality experience for each student.

All applicants must be nominated by a math or science teacher and approved by a school counselor or principal. Nominations must be submitted by March 15. Students will be invited to complete the application process after review of the nomination. The application deadline is March 30. Those accepted into the program will be notified by May 1 and activities will begin during the summer of 2012.

While the ACE Programs office has shared this information with all area middle schools and is seeking nominations, parents and students are encouraged to be proactive and submit the nomination by contacting the ACE Programs office or their school counselor. Additionally, GCC will award two students one-year scholarships to the program through the first annual GCC sixth grade Math/Science Scholar awards.

For more information contact: Karlyn M. Finucane, program specialist, ACE Programs, 343-0055, ext. 6320, or email kmfinucane@genesee.edu.

Got problems? Find creative ways to solve them with new GCC course

By Billie Owens

Press release:

In keeping with Genesee Community College's ongoing mission of prioritizing student success and giving them a competitive edge across all curriculum, a new course called Creative Problem Solving will be offered exclusively at the Batavia Campus.

It will focus on the interactive elements involved in deliberate creativity and innovation; specifically the creative person, the creative process, the creative product and the creative environment. It can enhance job security and long-term economic stability in the Innovation Era.

CPS190: Creative Problem Solving is a three-credit, 12-week elective and will be offered Feb. 13 through May 12. It's open to students in all curriculum and academic programs.

Students interested in this course are encouraged to register quickly since seats are limited. It will be taught by adjunct instructor Michaelene Dawson and offered on Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 1:25 to 3:15 p.m. To apply for classes visit www.genesee.edu/Apply.

Further emphasis on individual application for personal and professional growth will be developed throughout the course. The goal is to recognize, understand and nurture each student's creative potential.

Students will use the creative problem-solving (CPS) process through a prototype project. First, the CPS students identify and explore a difficult problem or challenge, and apply the CPS process toward a workable prototype solution.

At the culmination of the course, students present their identified problem and challenge, and explain how the CPS process lead to their prototype resolution. An oral presentation is shared with their fellow students and other interested parties.

"Whether students wind up working in manufacturing, health care, business or the service industry, creative problem solving is a skill that all employers are seeking," said Lina LaMattina, director of Business Skills Training of The BEST Center.

"Both Business Week and Fortune magazines have proclaimed innovation is key to achieving a strategic advantage in today's rapidly changing global marketplace. Through CPS190, GCC students will develop new leadership skills, helping them navigate and thrive under all economic conditions. In the end, creative problem-solving skills create better thinkers and citizens in the communities in which we live."

GCC and Medaille College approve academic credit transfers for international students

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Administrators at Genesee Community College and Medaille College in Buffalo have created an articulation agreement expanding the opportunity for international students to transfer associates degree credits earned at GCC toward a bachelor's degree from Medaille College.

With this updated agreement, courses and program requirements are defined so that international students can make a smooth transition to their desired baccalaureate program at Medaille.

Currently, more than 100 international students from 27 countries are pursuing their academic goals at GCC. The contributions made by these students, both socially and academically, have significantly enriched the diversity and culture of GCC.

This articulation agreement enables international students to take advantage of unique opportunities and benefits such as knowing the recommended course selections that secure acceptance into a four-year program at Medaille. Upon successful completion of the outlined requirements in the agreement, students will be guaranteed admission to Medaille in their desired major.

Genesee Community College offers several programs that align well with many of Medaille's degree programs. The ideal pathway from GCC to Medaille for internationals students is GCC's Liberal Arts and Science: General Studies (A.S.) program. In addition, Accounting, Business Administration, Communications, Criminal Justice and Sport Management are other program-specific options for international students.

"After graduation, many of our international students choose to continue their education here in the United States," said Patrick Walter, GCC transfer coordinator. "This agreement will aid so many of our students from around the globe in achieving their dreams of higher education."

Genesee Community College has transfer agreements with more than 45 different institutions. For further information, please contact Patrick Walter at 343-0055, ext. 6430, or go to: http://www.genesee.edu/Transfer.

Volunteer firefighters eligible for tuition reimbursement at GCC

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Local volunteer firefighters have the opportunity to continue their education at Genesee Community College thanks to the Fireman's Association of the State of New York's (FASNY) new Higher Education Learning Plan (HELP).

To address the vital need for volunteers, FASNY has developed HELP as an incentive for people to serve in New York's volunteer fire services. This program will provide tuition reimbursement to student-volunteers allowing them to attain up to 80 credit hours from their closest New York State chartered community college.

Volunteer firefighters interested in the FASNY Higher Education Learning Plan are urged to go online to www.fasny.com and click on information involving the Tuition Reimbursement Program. The deadline for the spring semester is February 1.

Under the FASNY HELP tuition reimbursement program, student-volunteers will be eligible to have up to 100 percent of their tuition reimbursed in exchange for maintaining defined grades and fulfilling defined service requirements as a member in good standing in one of New York's volunteer fire companies. There is no restriction on the type of academic course(s) the FASNY HELP student-volunteer can pursue.

"Volunteer firefighters do a great service to our communities," said Tanya Lane-Martin, GCC director of Admissions. "We're happy to help these dedicated men and women achieve their dreams of acquiring higher education."

In addition to the HELP program from FASNY, local volunteer firefighters are also eligible for the Benjamin Franklin Scholarship from the GCC Foundation. Any individual who has served as a volunteer firefighter or volunteer emergency responder in the GLOW region for at least a year is eligible to apply, as are spouses, children, and grandchildren of volunteer responders.

The scholarship program is named for Benjamin Franklin, one of the founders of the United States and the founder of America's first volunteer firefighting company. Further information and scholarship applications can be found at www.genesee.edu/financial/scholarships.

GCC offers two new history and poli sci classes

By Billie Owens

Press release:

In recognition of the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War, Genesee Community College is proud to announce two new history and political science courses for the spring semester. The American Civil War (HIS290) will be offered from 9:30 to 10:50 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the Batavia and Lima campuses via V-link. The American Presidency (POS210) will be offered from 11 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Batavia campus.

Taught by History faculty member Derek Maxfield, The American Civil War examines the coming of the Civil War, tracing the causes from the rise of slavery in America and the creation of the Constitution to westward expansion and diverging economic bases, as well as the military, political and cultural aspects of the war itself.

"It is a great time to be offering this, as we are now commemorating the 150th anniversary of that war," Maxfield said. "In addition to the normal political and military narrative, I will also ask students to consider how Victorian culture influenced both the coming of the war and the way it was fought.

"This course is very personal for me, as I have five great-grandfathers that served. One of those, William Reese, fought with the 149th PA Infantry 'Bucktails' at Gettysburg on the first day. He was wounded but survived the battle and the war."

The American Presidency examines the historical foundations, theoretical aspects and the powers of the presidency. Students will explore the various models of presidential power, the major issues scholars are investigating, and will complete a project based on observation, hypothesis development, collection of data, evaluation of evidence, and interpretive analysis.

"Although the course is a Political Science offering, I will be taking an interdisciplinary approach that explores the evolution of the presidency since its beginnings," Maxfield said. "It is exciting to be offering the course at the same time that the caucuses and primaries are in full swing. We will be able utilize current events as we go along.

"I can also share with students my own experiences working on a presidential campaign. I worked for Senator Paul Simon of Illinois when he ran for the Democratic nomination in 1988. It was an exciting time and I learned how much I did not know about the realities of national politics."

Both courses are three-credit courses and are offered to full- and part-time students. Senior citizens can also audit these courses for free, if space is available. For further information contact Derek Maxfield at 343-0055, ext. 6288, or DDMaxfield@genesee.edu.

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