GCC

Volunteers at Genesee Community College will provide free income-tax preparation services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the 2010 tax season.

The Genesee County Department of Social Services is coordinating with volunteers at the college to provide appointment-based services (at DSS) as well as two walk-in service days at the Batavia Campus (T205). Walk-in service days will be from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6 and from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18.

The VITA Program offers free tax help to low- to moderate-income (generally, $49,000 and below) people who cannot prepare their own basic tax returns. Certified volunteers sponsored by various organizations receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. VITA sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls and other convenient locations. Most locations also offer free electronic filing.

Genesee Community College is the newest local community group to provide these tax services. Genesee's volunteers consist of faculty, staff and current students. They have been certified and trained by the IRS to prepare the tax returns. The taxes are prepared by the certified volunteers with the IRS approved "Taxwise" program, an online program that the preparers use. Mark Castiglione from Genesee County DSS is the VITA site coordinator for Genesee County. Both Federal and State returns are filed. The client leaves with a copy of the returns that have been prepared.

Under the leadership of Certified Public Accountant Cheryl Corke, assistant professor of Accounting at Genesee, the student and faculty volunteers have undergone rigorous online training to be able to use the IRS computer software. Three faculty members have been certified to prepare the taxes, Cheryl Corke (accounting), Amy Conley (accounting) and Donna LaMura (chemistry). In addition to the certified faculty members, there are a number of accounting students and college staff who have been active and will assist in the program.

"We have a strong, dedicated group of volunteers who are excited to help our community members prepare their taxes," Corke said. "We've been working hand-in-hand with DSS and the IRS to make the walk-in sessions go as smooth as possible."

The VITA program is a free service for clients with basic returns (no schedule Cs, Ds and no businesses) and with a combined income of $49,000 or less. There will be a welcome table with a checklist of all the materials people need to have prior to preparation services (Social Security cards for all individuals including dependents, all W-2s and 1099s, etc. and proof of identity such as driver's license).

For more information please contact Cheryl Corke at 585-343-0055 x6323 or at cacorke@genesee.edu <http://cacorke@genesee.edu. >.

On Thursday evening, the GCC Christian Students United group teamed up with Care-A-Van Ministries to welcome the students back for the second semester.

Pictured above is Janet Richardson on right, sharing an invitation to Lataya Vialva to come and join in on the fun with Christian Students United on Tuesday afternoons from 12:30 to 1:30. The group meets and has pizza and fellowship. Currently, the group has about 30 students attending.  Elder Ron of Care-A-Van was on hand to offer prayer to those students that requested it.

Every month, Care-A-Van Ministries knocks on all 95 dorm rooms to give out a treat and let the students know that if they ever need anything, the ministry is only a phone call away. We offer prayer to the students as well as  a listing of local churches Rides to church are offered as well.  Last night, we had alot of students asking for prayer to get over the flu bug and for wisdom in their studies this semester.

Dana Thomas, the Residents Assistant was on hand to guide the students and Care-Van team through the dorms.

Genesee Community College will host a Bio-Tech Science Fair from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday in the Forum at the Batavia Campus.

The Science Fair will involve four schools from throughout the GLOW region, including 225 elementary and 85 high school students.

The third- and fourth-graders will collectively come from Robert Morris Elementary (Batavia), Medina, Perry and York schools.

The participating teens will be from Batavia High School. They will mentor and lead the elementary students through a series of lab experiments and hands-on science activities that will expose them to interesting, challenging and current science topics with an emphasis on biotechnology.

The student teachers will have the opportunity to explore the area of teaching sciences and the rapidly growing field of biotechnology. They will also be encouraged to explore the many opportunities available to them in the world of science as well teaching and education, including the Biotechnology, AS degree offered at Genesee Community College.

All participants will have the opportunity to learn how to use scientific equipment, new technologies and computer software.

"I hope that the Bio-tech Science Fair exposes both our high school students and our elementary students to the exciting world of biotechnology," said Deborah Dunlevy, College Tech Prep coordinator at Genesee. "There is a great need for talented professionals in math, science, and technology. This is a unique opportunity for the students to become familiar with a cutting edge and exciting career field."

The fair is funded in part by the College's Tech Prep program and the President's Innovation Award grant.

For further information please contact Dunlevy, at 343-0055 x 6316 or dkdunlevy@genesee.edu . <http://dkdunlevy@genesee.edu .>

Genesee Community College Foundation's Annual Campaign is underway. This year's theme is "Extraordinary."

"Everyone has a vested interest in making this campaign a success," said Le Roy resident Robert Boyce, foundation board director and general chair of the campaign. "A stronger Genesee Community College helps make our Western New York region a better place to live and work for all of us. Campaign division chairs share the responsibility to attract and retain students and to promote the value of the college to the community."

He added that there are several divisions in the Extraordinary Campaign. Each division chair is responsible for a portion of the overall $459,000 goal. Division chairs include:

Associates Division: Jane Scott, of Stafford, branch manager, Five Star Bank

Batavia Faculty and Staff Division: Marirose Ethington, of Pavilion, professor of biology

Genesee Division: Michael Grammatico, of Batavia, vice president, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Advisors

Heritage Division: Patrick Forsyth of Batavia, CPA, John J. Forsyth, CPA, PC and foundation board director

Leadership Division: Roger Christiano, of Batavia, president, Christiano Cellular and foundation board director

"Independent auditors estimate a $501 million dollar impact of the college on our region," Boyce said. "The figure includes college spending, faculty, staff and student spending and the increased earning power of graduates who remain in the region.

"This extraordinary impact alone is justification for encouraging students to attend Genesee as high school students obtaining college credit, as potential transfer students to a four-year college, or as students seeking degrees or certificates to prepare for specific careers. As community members, we encourage enrollment at the college through our involvement and our financial support of the foundation's programs."

Leadership Chair and foundation Board Member Christiano said the new campaign theme, Extraordinary, reflects the many positive and special aspects of the college.

"Our financial gifts support excellence in the classroom through scholarship incentives to students with the potential for high academic achievement, and we make higher education available to all area residents who are capable, regardless of their ability to pay," Christiano said. "The economic vitality that the college brings to our region is tremendous as tomorrow's leaders are trained and our local workforce is strengthened through career and certificate programs such as nursing, respiratory care, physical therapy assistant, human services, business, criminal justice, marketing and retail."

The college's enrollment is at a record level this year with over 7,200 full- and part-time students. The Extraordinary campaign's overall goal of $459,000 includes $80,000 for an endowment challenge grant from the federal Department of Education.

"Only a small number of community colleges across the nation receive the endowment challenge grant each year," said Professor Ethington, Chair of the Faculty and Staff Division. "Fortunately, Genesee Community College was awarded one this fall and for five successive years the endowment challenge grant will match, dollar for dollar, every dollar we raise on behalf of students in need, up to $80,000 a year.

"Each year, as we achieve our goal, we will build our endowment by $160,000. This means that after five years the endowment will have $800,000 to support awards to deserving students. Our 2009-2010 campaign is committed to meeting the endowment challenge grant. We are paying ahead for future students and to do this, college employee, corporate and community support is vital."

The Genesee Community College Foundation was formed in the mid-'80s as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing service to and support of the college. Its 30-member board of directors is comprised of business and civic leaders, and last year, the foundation's philanthropic support provided 536 scholarships to Genesee students totaling $284,184.

Contributions for support for the college programs and students may be sent to the Genesee Community College Foundation, One College Road, Batavia, NY 14020. For more information contact the foundation (585) 345-6809 or foundation@genesee.edu.  <http://foundation@genesee.edu>

A change of venue for the Section V High School Cross Country Championships puts Batavia and Genesee Community College at center stage this Saturday.  The college grounds will be filled with runners and their families and friends from 92 Section V schools vying for individual and team championship titles.  Here is a list of the race times:

10:30am  Boys Class C

11:00am Boys Class D/DD

11:30am  Girls Class C

12:00 noon  Girls Class D/DD

12:30pm  Awards Ceremony 1 -- Class C/D/DD Boys and Girls

1:00pm  Boys Class AA

1:30pm  Boys Class A

2:00pm  Boys Class B

2:30pm  Girls Class AA

3:00pm  Girls Class A

3:30pm  Girls Class B

4:00pm  Awards Ceremony 2 -- Class AA/A/B  Boys and Girls

Genesee Community College's Men's Soccer Team alumni are preparing for an exciting, first-ever alumni soccer match scheduled at 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24.

They will play on the new all-weather soccer field at the Batavia Campus.

Organized by Men's Soccer assistant coach Jim Cody, players will be arranged into two teams according to graduating years. Odd-graduating years will play even-graduating years.

During the game, cider and doughnut refreshments will be provided by Genesee's Alumni Office. Tee shirts will also be provided to those participating in the match. Prior to the alumni game, the current Men's Soccer team will play Cayuga Community College at 1 o'clock.

"We hope to make this an annual event," Cody said. "We already have alumni signed up that graduated over 25 years ago! We really want to get young and old players back to campus to celebrate the new field and hopefully in the future expand this event to include the women's teams."

Following the alumni game, players as well as friends, families and spectators are welcomed to a gathering at O'Lacy's Irish Pub in Batavia to celebrate, meet old friends and reminisce.

This event is free, and the general public is invited to participate as spectators. For more information, please contact Jim Cody at 585-343-0055 ext. 6670.

Local artist Victor Corey brings his talents to Genesee Community College's Lobby Art Gallery with "Watercolor Landscapes." The exhibit will run Oct. 15 through Dec. 1 and feature large-scale watercolor paintings that capture nature and the outdoors in beautiful detail. 

An artist's reception is scheduled from 1 to 2 p.m. when the exhibit opens next Thursday.

Corey is a Batavia native and has worked in the arts his entire life. He previously worked as a technical illustrator and has taken up painting as a hobby over the last few years. His exhibit in the Lobby Art Gallery is his first public showing and will consist of approximately 16 pieces.

His works depict landscapes, various sportsmen-themed panoramas, including fishing and hunting, as well as travel-themed pieces from his travels throughout Germany.

"We're pleased to have Victor's inaugural showing at the Lobby Art Gallery," said Heather Jones, instructor of Fine Arts. "Genesee Community College is a wonderful outlet for our community members to showcase their creative talents. Whether it's a first-time exhibitor, or a seasoned artist, Genesee welcomes an assortment of exhibitors to the gallery."

The Watercolor Landscapes Exhibit is free and open to the public. The Lobby Art Gallery is housed inside the Stuart Steiner Theatre at the Batavia Campus and is open during normal academic hours.

For further information, please contact instructor Jones at 585-343-0055 x6448, or at hsjones@genesee.edu.

This Saturday, September 12th, Care-A-Van will be heading to GCC for their Annual Fall Cookout.

The cookout will be held at the Dorms Parking lot beginning at 4:00 PM until ?.

The cookout will inlcude hot dogs, hamburgs, salads, baked beans, pickles, chips, pop and ice cream cones. The Care-A-Van band will provide music while the students enjoy their food.

All Students are invited to bring their friends  and have a good time.

On Sunday, September 13th we will return at 4:30 for a church service beginning at 4:30 PM. Pastor Dale Gooch from the Emmanuel Baptist Church will bring the message.

During the school year, Care-A-Van visits the dorms on a monthly basis. We knock on 95 dorm rooms and bring them a treat, along with words of encouragement and prayer if needed.  Over the years, we have had the opportunity to build relationships with these students. They look forward to our monthly visits and the little suprise package that we bring them.

If there is any organization or church that would like to partner with us and join in on our monthly visits to the dorms, please contact us at 343-0328.  This is a great outreach opportunity for the community.

May God Bless all the students for the new school year!

Genesee Community College will hold the 2009 Wolcott J. Humphrey III Symposium on Leadership and Community Life on Monday, Sept. 21.

Fred Grandy, television star, radio personality, former CEO and Congressman will deliver the keynote address on the "Art of Change." It will focus on bringing positive change to local organizations and the community.

"We couldn't have asked for a more appropriate topic for this year's symposium," said 2009 Symposium Chair Lori Stupp. "As the economic and political climates have changed recently, our local businesses and community groups must adapt and change as well."

The symposium will be from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Batavia Campus. Tickets are $25 and reservations must be made by Sept.14. For further information, please call the Genesee Community College Office of External Affairs at 585-343-0055 x6234.

A reception with hearty hors d'oeuvres will follow the keynote address.

Although Grandy may be best known for his acting role as the loveable "Gopher" on The Love Boat comedy series, he has an assortment of career experiences that allow him to present poignant messages on importance of giving back and community involvement.

Upon leaving Hollywood, Grandy successfully campaigned for Congress in his home state of Iowa and served eight years in House of Representatives. Afterward, he became president and CEO of Goodwill Industries and spent the next few years rebuilding the nonprofit chain of retail stores and rehab centers.

A magna cum laude graduate of Harvard with a Master's degree in Shakespearean studies from The George Washington University, he has been a visiting professor at the University of Maryland's School of Public Affairs, as well as a consultant to a number of nonprofit organizations.

He now makes his living in talk radio as the host of the popular Grandy & Andy Morning Show on 630 WMAL in Washington, DC, and is the co-host of Retired Living TV's Daily Café, which focuses on news and current affairs and includes viewer participation.

The family and friends of Wolcott J. (Jay) Humphrey III, who died suddenly in September 2001, established the symposium in his memory. Humphrey, who served as president of Pavilion State Bank (now part of Five Star Bank) and was chairman of the Board of Trustees for Genesee Community College at the time of his death, was one of the region's foremost civic leaders and a strong proponent of leadership development.

The symposium brings speakers with a national or regional reputation to the college to discuss some facet of leadership. Past speakers have included Syracuse University Basketball Coach Jim Boeheim, Paychex CEO Thomas Golisano, William Hudnut III, a former Congressman, and Paul S. Speranza, chairman of the board of directors of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The office of Alumni Affairs at Genesee Community College has named Jacqueline Kay Christenson as the new alumni coordinator. "Jackie" began her new position earlier this month after the retirement of Patti Pacino.

Previously, Christenson  was director of alumni programs at Roberts Wesleyan College, where she also served as the assistant director of alumni relations. She was responsible for organizing the Homecoming events, as well as many other alumni initiatives and communication efforts. In addition, she served in other capacities, including office manager and tutor coordinator.

She received her bachelor's degree in organizational management and a master's degree in business from Roberts Wesleyan College. She attended college as a nontraditional-aged student and started her professional career later in life. As an adult student, she had to balance the responsibilities of home and family with her college studies. She enjoyed being around students of all ages. She's eager to hear about the success of nontraditional Genesee students who have graduated and started their own careers.

"I'm really looking forward to connecting Genesee's alumni," Christenson said. "It will be interesting to meet the many different graduates and hear their stories. I hope to bring as many alumni back to campus as possible, so they can see how much the college continues to grow and how their support and involvement with their alma mater adds an incredible dynamic to the life and times at Genesee."

One new opportunity she plans to develop in her first year is an Alumni Mentoring program. Funded by a grant, she hopes to match successful alumni with current students to foster relationships and help to guide students with career advice and possible job shadowing.

Christenson is a resident of North Chili and has two sons, Jeff (34) and Steve (29). She enjoys spending time with her family, especially her two granddaughters, Claire and Maggie. She also enjoys camping, Cajun Zydeco music and swing dancing.

For further information, or to contact the Office of Alumni Affairs, please call 585-343-0055 x6265 or email at alumni@genesee.edu.