Milestones

Michael Robert Pratt, of Batavia, is a member of the Class of 2014 at Hudson Valley Community College.

Pratt graduated in the Criminal Justice academic program. A total of 2,240 students earned associate degrees and certificates from the Troy college.

Founded in 1953, Hudson Valley Community College offers more than 75 degree and certificate programs in four schools: Business; Engineering and Industrial Technologies; Health Science; and Liberal Arts and Sciences; and an Educational Opportunity Center for academic and career training.

Press release:

BROCKPORT, NY -- The College at Brockport, State University of New York, recently honored students who excelled academically by naming them to the dean's list for the Spring 2014 semester.

Students who earn a GPA of 3.70-3.99 are named to the dean's list with honors, while students who achieve a 3.40-3.69 are named to the dean's list.

Jennifer Alexander of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Eric Wood of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Kylie Britt of Byron, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Shonta Carpenter of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Jacob Jones of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Courtney Butzbach of Le Roy, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Lucas Phillips of Alexander, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Robert Adams of Le Roy, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Benjamin Cherry of Oakfield, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Steven Marchese of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Gianni Zambito of Elba, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Alyson Tardy of Bergen, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Alicca Vigneri of Elba, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Mathew Klein of Alexander, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Ashley Walter of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Dalton Rarick of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Ryan Gugel of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Travis Fenstermaker of Le Roy, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Anthony Macaluso of Le Roy, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Dylan Versage of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Lindsay Stumpf of Bergen, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Kayla Barclay of Byron, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Elizabeth Corrado of Le Roy, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Adam Hughes of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Kristin Aidala of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Patrick Carr of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Kelly Hoitink of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Victoria DiStefano of Elba, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Jennifer Gremer of Linwood, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Keenan Hughes of Elba, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Elias Seward of Basom, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Micah Brill of Le Roy, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Sydney Gallup of Elba, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Sean Hale of Byron, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Benjamin Heintz of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Meghan Bishop of Le Roy, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Erin Suttell of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Claire Vanderberg of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Cody Pierce of Bergen, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Yangyan Dong of Bergen, NY was named to the Dean's List.

James Mangefrida of Le Roy, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Olivia Talley of Oakfield, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Kristen Gaik of corfu, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Cady Hume of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Alexander Gunther of Bergen, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Jason Birch of Bergen, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Gena Korn of Le Roy, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Anthony Young of Alexander, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Jacob Sojda of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Casey Herman of Corfu, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Anne Culliton of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Ainsley Dungan of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Melanie Monroe of Bergen, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Jeana Pfalzer of Le Roy, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Alissa Phillips of Bergen, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Lauren Hughes of Elba, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Haley Huey of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Brittni Loewke of Bergen, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Eric Kowalik of Elba, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Meg Stucko of Elba, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Lisa Halat of Oakfield, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Bridget Chartraw of Oakfield, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Darren Kwiatkowski of Byron, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Cara Ferraro of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Jenna Kent of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Jennifer Alexander of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Eric Wood of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Kylie Britt of Byron, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Shonta Carpenter of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Jacob Jones of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Courtney Butzbach of Le Roy, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Lucas Phillips of Alexander, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Robert Adams of Le Roy, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Benjamin Cherry of Oakfield, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Steven Marchese of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Gianni Zambito of Elba, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Alyson Tardy of Bergen, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Alicca Vigneri of Elba, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Mathew Klein of Alexander, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Ashley Walter of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Dalton Rarick of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Ryan Gugel of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Travis Fenstermaker of Le Roy, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Anthony Macaluso of Le Roy, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Dylan Versage of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Lindsay Stumpf of Bergen, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Kayla Barclay of Byron, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Elizabeth Corrado of Le Roy, NY was named to the Dean's List with Honors.

Adam Hughes of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Kristin Aidala of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Patrick Carr of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Kelly Hoitink of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Victoria DiStefano of Elba, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Jennifer Gremer of Linwood, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Keenan Hughes of Elba, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Elias Seward of Basom, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Micah Brill of Le Roy, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Sydney Gallup of Elba, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Sean Hale of Byron, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Benjamin Heintz of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Meghan Bishop of Le Roy, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Erin Suttell of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Claire Vanderberg of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Cody Pierce of Bergen, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Yangyan Dong of Bergen, NY was named to the Dean's List.

James Mangefrida of Le Roy, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Olivia Talley of Oakfield, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Kristen Gaik of corfu, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Cady Hume of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Alexander Gunther of Bergen, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Jason Birch of Bergen, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Gena Korn of Le Roy, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Anthony Young of Alexander, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Jacob Sojda of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Casey Herman of Corfu, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Anne Culliton of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Ainsley Dungan of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Melanie Monroe of Bergen, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Jeana Pfalzer of Le Roy, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Alissa Phillips of Bergen, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Lauren Hughes of Elba, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Haley Huey of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Brittni Loewke of Bergen, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Eric Kowalik of Elba, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Meg Stucko of Elba, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Lisa Halat of Oakfield, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Bridget Chartraw of Oakfield, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Darren Kwiatkowski of Byron, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Cara Ferraro of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List.

Jenna Kent of Batavia, NY was named to the Dean's List.

The College at Brockport is a comprehensive four-year public college, located in Brockport, NY. The College offers 50 undergraduate majors, more than 50 graduate programs as well as 24 teacher certification programs. The College has been rated among a "Best Regional University" by US News & World Report and a "Best Value" by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
 

Matthew T. Ramsey, a Criminal Justice major from Elba, made the Spring 2014 dean's list at Utica College with a grade-point average of 3.4 or higher.

Genesee Community College student-athlete Ashley Makowski (Kendall, NY) was recently recognized by the Western New York Athletic Conference (WNYAC) as the Freshman Female Athlete of the Year for 2013-2014.

Makowski is a two-sport athlete at GCC as a member of the women's soccer and women's lacrosse programs. She was an All-Region first team selection in both sports this year.

Makowski played in all 18 games last fall for the women's soccer team and scored 12 goals, including four game-winners. Her 12 goals were second most on the team and she also added 12 assists, tallying 28 total points. She led the women's lacrosse team in assists with 12 and was second on the team in goals (20) and total points (32). She played in and started all 10 games this Spring, collecting 27 ground balls and causing 14 turnovers. She was also selected to the women's lacrosse WNYAC All-Conference first team.

Genesee Community College athletics program endeavors to provide a quality and competitive intercollegiate athletics program consistent with the National Junior Collegiate Athletics Association (NJCAA) philosophy and the overall educational mission of Genesee Community College. Participation in collegiate athletics should be an extension of the total educational experience for the student athlete. The inherent philosophy emphasizes the athletic setting as a classroom used to teach character, commitment, work ethic, respect for differences, and the importance of sacrifice, teamwork, and cooperation.

For further information and pictures go to Genesee's Athletic Web page, which is updated regularly with game results, team rosters, photographs and information about Genesee's overall athletic program. http://www.geneseeathletics.com

Genesee Community College, including all seven campus locations in Batavia, Albion, Arcade, Dansville, Lima, Medina and Warsaw, proudly announces that the following students are among 484 students who were named to the President's List for the Spring 2014 semester. Students honored on the President's List have maintained full-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.

This year's Genesee Community College Spring 2014 President's List honorees, with their hometowns, are listed below:

Kathleen Kwasniewski of Alexander, NY (14005)

Karly Natalizia of Alexander, NY (14005)

Kyle Natalizia of Alexander, NY (14005)

Brittany Taylor of Alexander, NY (14005)

John Winiecki of Alexander, NY (14005)

Jenna Wozniak of Alexander, NY (14005)

Zachary Chiro of Basom, NY (14013)

Amanda Kent of Basom, NY (14013)

Kerry Mills of Basom, NY (14013)

Jessica Pfalzer of Basom, NY (14013)

Robert Barnard of Batavia, NY (14020)

John Bezon of Batavia, NY (14020)

Rachael Bish of Batavia, NY (14020)

Natalie Brown of Batavia, NY (14020)

Erika Bucci of Batavia, NY (14020)

Danielle Cannella of Batavia, NY (14020)

Lynette Celedonia of Batavia, NY (14020)

Ariel Corcoran of Batavia, NY (14020)

Richard DelPlato of Batavia, NY (14020)

Taylor Doty of Batavia, NY (14020)

Danielle Eddy of Batavia, NY (14020)

Cortney Edwards-Fenton of Batavia, NY (14020)

Sara Elliott of Batavia, NY (14020)

Ashley Elmore of Batavia, NY (14020)

Alec Engel of Batavia, NY (14020)

Daniel Fili of Batavia, NY (14020)

Maria Frieday of Batavia, NY (14020)

Chelsea Gerace of Batavia, NY (14020)

Bernadette Goodenbery of Batavia, NY (14020)

Kelly Goodheart of Batavia, NY (14020)

Joseph Hall of Batavia, NY (14020)

Virginia Henning of Batavia, NY (14020)

Sarah Hulburt-Emerson of Batavia, NY (14020)

Megan Jacques of Batavia, NY (14020)

Cathy Jacques of Batavia, NY (14020)

Lee Johnson of Batavia, NY (14020)

Michelle Kantz of Batavia, NY (14020)

Kimberly Kingsley of Batavia, NY (14020)

Nicole Kline of Batavia, NY (14020)

Sharon Knaudt of Batavia, NY (14020)

Michael Korczak of Batavia, NY (14020)

Janelle Marble of Batavia, NY (14020)

Tony Martyn of Batavia, NY (14020)

Koree McAllister of Batavia, NY (14020)

Macey McCulley of Batavia, NY (14020)

Rebecca Meloon of Batavia, NY (14020)

Jennifer Merle of Batavia, NY (14020)

Sydney Moag of Batavia, NY (14020)

Alexandra Mruczek of Batavia, NY (14020)

Brittney Okoniewski of Batavia, NY (14020)

Maryssa Peirick of Batavia, NY (14020)

Daniel Plath of Batavia, NY (14020)

Robynn Prichett of Batavia, NY (14020)

Andrea Pursel of Batavia, NY (14020)

Crystal Rindell of Batavia, NY (14020)

Kimberly Samuelson of Batavia, NY (14020)

Sarah Sanchez-Anderson of Batavia, NY (14020)

John Sherman of Batavia, NY (14020)

Brenda Smelski of Batavia, NY (14020)

Meghan Tiede of Batavia, NY (14020)

Michelle Williams of Batavia, NY (14020)

Rebecca Woodruff of Batavia, NY (14020)

Courtney Amesbury of Bergen, NY (14416)

Diana Bonilla of Bergen, NY (14416)

Gina Constable of Bergen, NY (14416)

Brandy Hare of Bergen, NY (14416)

Ellen Kirkpatrick of Bergen, NY (14416)

David Mackey of Bergen, NY (14416)

Brendan Murray of Bergen, NY (14416)

Kayla Curry of Byron, NY (14422)

Dawn Fooks of Byron, NY (14422)

Emily George of Byron, NY (14422)

Brandy Harmon of Byron, NY (14422)

Dakota Longhini of Byron, NY (14422)

Heather Balcerzak of Corfu, NY (14036)

Bryan Cox of Corfu, NY (14036)

Alexander Farley of Corfu, NY (14036)

Joelle Fugle of Corfu, NY (14036)

Ryan Graham of Corfu, NY (14036)

Jennie Lipinski of Corfu, NY (14036)

Sandra Buxton of Darien Center, NY (14040)

Christina Haniszewski of Darien Center, NY (14040)

Austin Heberlein of Darien Center, NY (14040)

Jillian Hutzler of Darien Center, NY (14040)

Jennifer McNutt of Darien Center, NY (14040)

Rachel Walker of Darien Center, NY (14040)

Nicole Draves of East Bethany, NY (14054)

Bianca Nolt of East Bethany, NY (14054)

Emily Pelton of East Bethany, NY (14054)

Travis Schmieder of East Bethany, NY (14054)

Alexander Uptegrove of East Bethany, NY (14054)

Jacqueline Joyce of East Pembroke, NY (14056)

Madison Dentino of Elba, NY (14058)

Melissa Engle of Elba, NY (14058)

Christopher Green of Elba, NY (14058)

Tabitha Moreland of Elba, NY (14058)

Ryan Vlack of Elba, NY (14058)

Jaime Arena of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Betsy Griffith of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Peter Hollands of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Kelsey LaVare of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Rebekah Miller of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Jessica Mortimer of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Shelbi O'Geen of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Erica Parker of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Samantha Platek of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Nicole Polisoto of LeRoy, NY (14482)

William Simmons of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Jordan Tillotson of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Hailey White of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Sarah Worley of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Jonathon Cassiano of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Jessica Cherry of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Trevor Dayka of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Stacy Martino of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Carrie Ohlson of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Cara Sceusa of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Kristie Scroger of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Alyse Shamp of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Katie Spence of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Arielle Thompson of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Mellisa Wells of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Richard Apley of Pavilion, NY (14525)

James Babcock of Pavilion, NY (14525)

Trevor Berkemeier of Pavilion, NY (14525)

Brian DeFisher of Pavilion, NY (14525)

Kaitlin Draper of Pavilion, NY (14525)

Charles Janes of Pavilion, NY (14525)

Marissa Kingsley of Pavilion, NY (14525)

Sean Love of Pavilion, NY (14525)

Cody NiCastro of Pavilion, NY (14525)

Johnathan Peritore of Pavilion, NY (14525)

Peter Sherman of Pavilion, NY (14525)

Jennifer Cone of Stafford, NY (14143)

Nicole Moody of Stafford, NY (14143)

Genesee Community College offers more than 60 academic programs and certificates including the new Associate in Applied Science degree in Food Processing Technology which helps meet the demands of the thriving food manufacturing industry in Western New York.

Genesee is accessible through seven campus locations throughout Western New York, as well as through its online learning program. College housing is available at College Village, just a three-minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes, yet state-of-the-art technology both inside and out of the classroom, Genesee Community College is known for being "high-tech" and "high-touch."

Hayley Lown, of Basom, graduated from Hartwick College on May 24, 2014. She is the daughter of David Lown and Jill Klotzbach.

At Hartwick, Lown participated in Honors Program, Circle K International, and Hooks and Needles. She majored in Anthropology and English.

Hartwick College is a private liberal arts and sciences college of 1,500 students, located in Oneonta, in the northern foothills of the Catskill Mountains. Hartwick's expansive curriculum emphasizes an experiential approach to the liberal arts.

Through personalized teaching, collaborative research, a distinctive January Term, a wide range of internships, and vast study-abroad opportunities, Hartwick ensures that students are prepared for not just their first jobs, but for the world ahead. A Three-Year Bachelor's Degree Program and strong financial aid and scholarship offerings keep a Hartwick education affordable.

Keuka Park, NY - Erica Culver, daughter of David and Tammy Culver of Oakfield NY, has been named to the Dean's List at Keuka College in Keuka Park NY.

Culver, a junior, is studying Psychology.

At Keuka College students must earn at least a 3.50 grade-point-average for a minimum of 12 semester credit hours to be eligible for the Dean's List.

The national leader in experiental, hands-on learning, Keuka is a private, co-educational college offering 31 majors.  Located in the Finger Lakes region near Penn Yan, Keuka was founded in 1890 and today  has an enrollment of 1,873.

Genesee Community College Board of Trustees recognized 23 years of service and the unending support of Melvin J. Wentland, Ph.D, a long-term member of the College's governing body. Through the Resolution of Appreciation, official document #13/14-7, the Board reflected on Dr. Wentland's personal integrity, dedication and loyalty to the College.

Through the years since his appointment in 1991, he has served as vice chairman and chairman of the Board, and he served on numerous committees and was the board representative to the GCC Foundation Board of Directors. As an enthusiastic GCC supporter, he contributed to the College's growth and prosperity, never wavering in his concern for students and employees. He participated in numerous College events such as commencement and award ceremonies, athletic and community events.

He is the recipient of two New York Community College Trustee awards, the Marvin A. Rapp Award for Distinguished Service (2001) and in 2006 the prestigious Anne M. Bushnell Memorial Award for Special Achievement.

After reading the Resolution of Appreciation, Board of Trustee Chairman Maureen Torrey Marshall was the first out of her seat to lead a standing ovation on behalf of Wentland.

Wentland is a retired professor of Biology from St. John Fisher College in Rochester. He is active in the community, having served on the Pavilion Central School Board and the Genesee County Citizen's Solid Waste Advisory Committee. He is currently chairman of the Genesee County Planning Board. Wentland holds B.S. and M.S. degrees from Marquette University and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin. He and his wife Dorothy live in Le Roy, and have four children.

Ashlee Yasses and Cassie Warren from Batavia High School were honored as Business Education Employability Portfolio (BEEP) Scholarship recipients at the Niagara Frontier Industry Education Council/Buffalo Alliance for Education (NFIEC/BAE) Scholarship Breakfast on June 4.

Students from high schools throughout Western New York compete for more than $5,000 of awards by completing an extensive portfolio and rigorous interview process with area industry professionals. The mission of NFIEC/BAE is to bridge industry and education in an effort to grow a vibrant workforce in Western New York.

Ethan Richardson, of Pavilion, graduated from Morrisville State College in May with a degree in Agricultural Engineering.

Morrisville State's curricula are enriched with applied learning and pave the way for opportunity at both the Morrisville and Norwich campuses. An action-oriented, interactive learning lab, the college is a national leader in technology. Lauded for its exemplary, innovative and effective community service programs, the college was named to the 2012 President's Higher Community Education Service Honor Roll. The college was recognized, by U.S. News & World Report, in its top tier Best Regional Colleges list and ranked second among regional colleges nationwide for outperforming its anticipated graduation rate. Visit www.morrisville.edu

Press release:

The Byron Rescue Squad gathered at the Depot Restaurant in Le Roy on Monday, Feb. 3, 2014, to acknowledge a very special EMT. Mary Hutchison, of Byron, has served a combined 40 years in the emergency medical service. She was honored with a scarf with her name and EMT number embroidered on it. Over the course of the dinner meeting that night, Mary’s peers asked her about her long career, and although she does not like to bring attention to herself, she agreed to share her story.

Mary began her career as a registered nurse.

“The emergency department nurse ‘bug’ bit me,” she said.

Mary loved being a nurse. It was during this time in 1973 that the doctor in charge of the emergency room thought that nurses who worked there could benefit from taking this new course called, Medical Emergency Technician class. So Mary became what would later be called, an EMT.

In 1976 new regulations about pre-hospital care went into effect. This resulted in the funeral directors no longer being able to provide transportation to the hospital with their hearses. It required paid ambulances to have EMTs on call. Volunteer services were then formed. Some ambulances became part of local fire departments and some were independent. Mary joined the North Seneca Ambulance, a volunteer corps independent of the local fire department which covered six townships in Seneca County. North Seneca Ambulance was certified on April 1, 1976, making it the first in New York State.

Mary was also a member of the 817th Evacuation Hospital, US Army Reserves, based in Webster, NY from 1974 - 1998. Her duties included teaching the Army’s Field Medic Course. Due to the similarities in the courses, she became part of a team who combined the Field Medic Course with the EMT course so that graduates could qualify for their Army job and at the same time, also have the skills to get a civilian job. It is interesting to note that the Army now graduates all Field Medics with National Certification as an EMT.

In 1982 Mary married Bob Michels and moved to the Wyoming County Town of Gainesville. She wanted to continue as an EMT, but was told that since the ambulance was part of the Fire Department, she would have to become a firefighter first. At that time no woman had ever joined the fire department. Mary knew that it was illegal to discriminate against her because she was a woman, so Mary asked one of the members to sponsor her.

Bob Zuidema was able to convince the department that Mary was not ‘"rying to take over the department’." So it was with much reluctance that the men finally accepted her as the first female member of the Gainesville Fire Department. Many firefighters' wives later told Mary that they were glad she had broken the barrier and other females joined the department.

Mary belonged to Gainesville Fire Department for more than 25 years.

“I loved it,” said Mary, who continued to teach EMT classes in Wyoming County, including the only daytime class. Mary lived and breathed pre-hospital EMS in rural New York.

Two years after her husband’s death in 2009, Mary met and married Jim Hutchison from Byron. One of the first things she did was join the Byron Rescue Squad. Here Mary continued to share her valuable skills and also mentor new EMTs. On average, an EMT might recertify once, giving a total of six years of service. Mary has served for 40 years, ending when she decided not to recertify in July 2013.

She brought her dedication and skills to many people over her unusually long career. In her words, “when an EMT has to be helped in and down from the ambulance, it’s time to quit.”

When Mary was asked what was the best part of being an EMT, she replied, “When I walk into a scene and have someone say to me, 'I’m glad you’re here, that makes it all worthwhile.' ”

Mary has three children, six stepchildren, 21 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She and her husband belong to the North Bergen Presbyterian Church where she is the organist.

The State University of New York at Geneseo has announced its President's List for the Spring semester 2014. To be on the list, a student must have achieved an A in all coursework (4.0 grade-point average) while taking at least 12 credit hours. On the list from this area are:

Michael Ramsey, of Elba

Michael Kovatch, of Le Roy

SUNY Geneseo is a public liberal arts college recognized nationally for excellence in undergraduate education and for its professional and master's level programs.

Talisa Marie Marchese, Pharm.D., of Corfu, earned a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Pharmacy on Sunday, June 1, 2014 at the Erie Insurance Arena in Erie, Pa.

Dr. Marchese was one of the recipients of the School of Pharmacy Award for Exceptional Community Service, given to the members of the graduating class who have demonstrated dedication to providing exceptional service to the local and/or college community through educational or volunteer experiences.

The Doctor of Pharmacy degree prepares pharmacists committed to providing high-quality, ethical, and compassionate patient-centered care. The LECOM School of Pharmacy in Erie offers a year-round curriculum that enables students to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in just three years.

The nation’s growing dependence on pharmaceutical care is creating rewarding career opportunities in pharmacy. LECOM pharmacy graduates will get jobs working in community pharmacies, hospital/clinical pharmacies, or in long-term care facilities. Others will move on to specialized residency programs.

Press release:

Genesee Community College salutes its director of Development and External Affairs Richard Ensman Jr. who has been recognized by Batavia Rotary Club as a Paul Harris Fellow. Ensman was among five local citizens who received the honor this past week. He was joined by Gregg McAllister, of Tompkins Investment Services, Carol Grasso, a community volunteer, New York State Assemblyman Stephen M. Hawley, and Susan Schuler, of First Niagara Bank.

"Batavia Rotary wanted to recognize Rick's outstanding commitment to the Club and to the community," said Rosalie Maguire, who presented his award.

The awards ceremony was Tuesday, June 3, 2014 at the Rotary Paddlewheel Awards Event held at Terry Hills. Ensman was caught off guard when he was called to the podium. Recipients are not notified in advance. He was chosen for his overall Club participation and his leadership on the Paddlewheel Committee.

Mike Hodgins, chair of the Batavia Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellowship Committee, shared the history of this prestigious award beginning with the founding of the Rotary by Paul Harris in Chicago in 1905. Named after the founder, the Paul Harris Fellowship was established in 1957. Rotarians and members of the community who are not Rotarians can receive the honor. Those recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow are presented with a certificate signed by the president of Rotary International and the chairman of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation, as well as a lapel pin and medallion. The local Club also makes a $1,000 contribution to the Rotary Foundation in the awardees' names.

There are more than one million Paul Harris Fellows worldwide, which is the highest distinction Rotarians receive for their service to the club and/or the community.

Kayla Casper, a Genesee County Youth Court member and a senior at Elba Central School, was one of the 50 Youth Court members who applied for the Association of New York State Youth Courts Scholarship. The ANYSYC awarded three scholarships and Kayla was awarded one of them.

To qualify for the ANYSYC scholarship, the Youth Court member must be a graduating senior and a member of a Youth Court Program that paid membership dues to ANYSYC in 2013. The applicant must enroll in a two- or four-year program at an accredited college/university. The individual must be of good moral character, have demonstrated civic responsibility through volunteerism, and have a good strong desire to make a contribution to his/her community.

The process included an application, an essay including educational goals, career goals, why they are deserving of this scholarship, and what being a member of a Youth Court has done for them, along with two letters of recommendation. On behalf of ANYSYC, Kayla was awarded $500 to put toward her college education where she will be attending Cazenovia College.

Christina E. Baker, of Byron, received a bachelor of science degree in Civil Engineering from Clarkson University on May 10, 2014.

Clarkson is a nationally recognized research university for undergraduates with select graduate programs in signature areas of academic excellence directed toward the world's pressing issues. Through 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, sciences and health sciences, the entire learning-living community spans boundaries across disciplines, nations and cultures to build powers of observation, challenge the status quo, and connect discovery and engineering innovation with enterprise.

Andrea Stefani, of Batavia, was among the recipients of 48 doctor of physical therapy degrees and 668 master's degrees conferred by The University of Scranton at its post-baccalaureate commencement on May 31 in the Byron Recreation Complex.

Stefani earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree with a major in Physical Therapy from The University of Scranton.

Programs with the most graduates at Scranton were MBA, curriculum and instruction, educational administration, occupational therapy and human resources.

Sister Maryalice Jacquinot, IHM, president and CEO of St. Joseph's Center in Scranton, was the principal speaker at the Jesuit university's graduate school commencement.

"Many times, we find that the most vulnerable, those we seek to assist, bring tremendous meaning and understanding into our lives. They demonstrate courage, trust, fidelity and acceptance in such a positive way that they become the ones providing the greater good and life lessons. They are our inspiration and able to change all of us for the better," Sr. Maryalice said in her address, noting that it is "especially significant to be honored by The University of Scranton in its 125th anniversary year."

University of Scranton President Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., also addressed the graduates and their guests. Degrees were conferred by Father Quinn to candidates presented by W. Jeffrey Welsh, Ph.D., dean of the College of Graduate and Continuing Education.

Dominican College of Blauvelt is pleased to announce that Kelli Rees McClurg, a resident of Batavia, was granted a degree, ME, from the College during commencement on May 18.

The aim of Dominican College is to promote educational excellence, leadership, and service in an environment characterized by respect for the individual and concern for the community. The College is an independent institution of higher learning, Catholic in origin and heritage. In the tradition of its Dominican founders, the College fosters the active, shared pursuit of truth and embodies an ideal of education rooted in the values of reflective understanding and compassionate involvement. Learn more about Dominican College at www.dc.edu.
 

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has named 304 students to its spring dean's list.

Mackenzie Lynn Heale, a senior Criminal Justice major from Bergen, is one of them.

Dean's list status is awarded to full-time students who have earned a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher.

Local photographer/artist Susan Meier (whose work was featured recently at the Blue Pearl Yoga studio) was selected to exhibit at the Todmorden Papermill Gallery in Toronto, Canada, as part of the CAPIC show. (Canadian Assoc. of Professional Image Creators).

Meier also received four awards from the Batavia Photography Club at its annual awards ceremony this year.