Milestones

Bobbie Jo Norton, a resident of Corfu, graduated from Morrisville State College in December.

Morrisville State sets the world in motion for students. 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.

Visit www.morrisville.edu to experience, Morrisville in motion.

Mackenzie Heale, a criminal justice major from Bergen, was one of 60 University of Pittsburgh at Bradford juniors and seniors named to the 2013-2014 edition of "Who's Who among Students in American Universities and Colleges."

Students were selected for this honor based upon a combination of the following criteria: leadership and participation in co-curricular activities; service to the college community; and academic achievement.
 

Congratulations to the Genesee County 4-H youth who competed in the 2014 Finger Lakes Dairy Bowl Competition and the Region II 4-H Horse Extravaganza at Mid Lakes High School in Phelps, NY, on Saturday, March 1, 2014!

Representing the Genesee County 4-H Dairy Club in the Finger Lakes Dairy Bowl competition were Connor N., Mary S., and Rebecca S.

Special congratulations to Connor N. who earned a spot to compete on the Finger Lakes team at the New York State Dairy Bowl Competition on Saturday, April 26 at Cornell University. Also to Mary S. who earned a spot as an alternate on the Finger Lakes team for the NYS Dairy Bowl Competition.
 
Representing the Genesee County 4-H Horse program in the Region II Horse Extravaganza Horse Bowl competition were Emily B., MacKenzie J., Caroline P., Elizabeth R., Gabriella R., Eva R., and Alexandria T.  Participating in the Hippology competition were Emily B., MacKenzie J., and Alexandria T. 
 
For more information regarding local opportunities in 4-H Youth Development call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County at 585-343-3040, ext. 101, or email genesee4h@cornell.edu

You're not a kid anymore and you're full of experience. 50 is a great time to let everybody know it. (His birthday is Sunday, March 9.)

Happy Birthday Ron Bilby!

Love, your family

SUNY Geneseo student Michael Ramsey from Elba was recently inducted into the Golden Key International Honour Society during an induction ceremony on campus. Juniors or seniors with a grade-point average that places them in the top 15 percent of their class are eligible for membership.

Golden Key International Honour Society provides academic recognition to top-performing college and university students as well as scholarships and awards, career and internship opportunities, networking, service and leadership development opportunities. The society has more than 400 chapters at colleges and universities around the world.

Casey Engle, of Byron, received a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering, mathematics minor, from Clarkson University on Dec. 31.

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.
 

The following local residents made the dean's list for Fall 2013 semester at Rochester Institute of Technology:

Michael Anauo, Elba, is a fourth-year student in the molecular bioscience and biotechnology program in RIT's College of Science.
Joshua Barnard, of Bergen, is a fourth-year student in the industrial design program in RIT's College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.
Hannah Belliveau, of Oakfield, is a third-year student in the biology program in RIT's College of Science.
Benjamin Bliss, of Pavilion, is a second-year student in the illustration program in RIT's College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.
Dustin Bordonaro, of Batavia, is a fifth-year student in the mechanical engineering program in RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.
Kari Branton, of Le Roy, is a fourth-year student in the hospitality and service management program in RIT's College of Applied Science and Technology.
Maura Chmielowiec, of Batavia, is a fifth-year student in the mechanical engineering program in RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.
Jennifer Crossen, of Basom, is a second-year student in the chemical engineering program in RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.
Erin Crossen, of Basom, is a fourth-year student in the computational mathematics program in RIT's College of Science.
Sophia Del Plato, of Batavia, is a fourth-year student in the graphic design program in RIT's College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.
Anna Dorman, of Batavia, is a first-year student in the industrial engineering program in RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.
Benjamin Ezard, of Byron, is a second-year student in the chemical engineering program in RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.
Nicholas Flumerfeldt, of Corfu, is a fifth-year student in the mechanical engineering technology program in RIT's College of Applied Science and Technology.
Rachel Henrici, of Batavia, is a first-year student in the chemical engineering program in RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.
Erica Hickey, of Byron, is a first-year student in the journalism program in RIT's College of Liberal Arts.
Ryan Hochreiter, of Le Roy, is a third-year student in the mechanical engineering program in RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.
Joshua Horning, of Le Roy, is a fourth-year student in the computer science program in RIT's B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.
Rachel Kobel, of Bergen, is a first-year student in the environmental sustainability, health and safety program in RIT's College of Applied Science and Technology.
Peter Madau, of Le Roy, is a second-year student in the chemical engineering program in RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.
Samantha Mitchell, of Batavia, is a first-year student in the electrical engineering program in RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.
Evyn Morgan, of Pavilion, is a fourth-year student in the professional photographic illustration program in RIT's College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.
Robert Osborn, of Darien Center, is a fourth-year student in the mechanical engineering program in RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.
Karl Pajak, of Corfu, is a fourth-year student in the film and animation program in RIT's College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.
Clayton Pitcher, of Batavia, is a first-year student in the information technology program in RIT's B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.
Alycia Sabatino, of Batavia, is a first-year student in the diagnostic medical sonography program in RIT's College of Health Sciences and Technology.
Brittani Scharlau, of Alexander, is a fourth-year student in the diagnostic medical sonography program in RIT's College of Health Sciences and Technology.
Michael Slack, of Bergen, is a fourth-year student in the film and animation program in RIT's College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.
Christopher Snyder, of Darien Center, is a third-year student in the bioinformatics program in RIT's College of Science.
Joanna Stacy, of Bergen, is a third-year student in the graphic design program in RIT's College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.
Kristen Stacy, of Le Roy, is a fourth-year student in the professional photographic illustration program in RIT's College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.
Eric Stella, of Le Roy, is a fourth-year student in the packaging science program in RIT's College of Applied Science and Technology.
Travis Swede, of Pavilion, is a fourth-year student in the packaging science program in RIT's College of Applied Science and Technology.
Traci Turner, of Bergen, is a second-year student in the journalism program in RIT's College of Liberal Arts.
Ryan Warner, of Batavia, is a first-year student in the physics program in RIT's College of Science.

Degree-seeking undergraduate students are eligible for dean's list if their quarterly GPA is greater than or equal to 3.400; they do not have any grades of "Incomplete", "D" or "F"; and they have registered for, and completed, at least 12 credit hours.

Rochester Institute of Technology is internationally recognized for academic leadership in business, computing, engineering, imaging science, liberal arts, sustainability, and fine and applied arts. In addition, the university offers unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. RIT enrolls 18,000 full- and part-time students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, and its cooperative education program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation.
 

Sarah M. DiBacco, of Batavia, has been selected for inclusion on the dean's list for academic achievement during the Fall 2013 semester at St. Lawrence University. DiBacco, a member of the Class of 2016, is majoring in chemistry. She graduated from Batavia High School.

To be eligible for the dean's list, a student must have completed at least four semester units and have an academic average of 3.6 based on a 4.0 scale for the semester.

About St. Lawrence University:

Founded in 1856, St. Lawrence University is a private, independent liberal arts institution of about 2,400 students located in Canton. Visit www.stlawu.edu.

Sarah Ehrmentraut, of Leroy, has earned High Honors for the fall semester of the 2013-2014 academic year at the University of New Hampshire.

Students named to the Dean's List at the University of New Hampshire have earned recognition through their superior scholastic performance. Highest Honors are awarded to students who earn a semester grade-point average of 3.85 or better out of a possible 4.0. Students with a 3.65 to 3.84 average are awarded high honors and students whose grade-point average is 3.5 through 3.64 are awarded honors.

The 2013 City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC)/Applebee's Women's Soccer All-Star team has been announced and Brooklyn College freshman forward Jordan Kerwin, of Le Roy, has been named the Rookie of the Year.

Laurie Pfaff (Class of ’09) is the 2013 Leadership Genesee Outstanding Alumnus.

She will be honored along with the 24 members in the Class of 2013 at Leadership Genesee’s annual Graduation Celebration on Dec. 5 at Terry Hills.

Pfaff is the Marketing support supervisor at Liberty Pumps in Bergen, where she has worked for six years. She was nominated for the award by Liberty Pumps President Charlie Cook, LG Class of 2003. Cook describes Laurie as well-organized, driven to succeed, and representative of the “spirit” of his organization. He cites her strong involvement with Leadership Genesee as a large factor in his nomination of her.

“Laurie lives and breathes LG and is an advocate for the program both here at work and in public,” Charlie notes. “As a supervisor, she has applied what she has learned through Leadership Genesee to strengthen the performance of her team and reinforce the culture of the company as a whole.”

As an alumna of Leadership Genesee, Pfaff has served on many Design Teams, including Outdoor Leadership Challenge, Criminal Justice, Alumni Day, Our Business, Our Economics and Encouraging the Leader Within. She has also served on multiple committees, including Steering Committee (since 2011), Marketing Committee (on which she has served as the chair) and was the 10-Year Anniversary Co-chair. She has also assisted on the Recruitment/Selection committee, attended Facilitation Skills training and serves as the Class of 2009 Radar, working to keep her class connected.

For the past several years, she has donated her skills as a photographer to provide professional headshots of each of our graduates. As Charlie notes in his nomination, “She seems to be at every event and program, camera in hand, to help, to learn, to donate or to just have fun and enjoy the people.”

When asked why she has been so active in the program, her first answer is simple: “I believe in Leadership Genesee.” She also says that “This year-long program made a very big difference in my life as an employee, a citizen, a coworker, a supervisor, a subordinate, a mom, a wife and a grandmother! I could go on! This program really does touch every part of your life. It teaches you from many different angles and it allows you to form relationships you may not have had an opportunity to establish in any other way.”

Laurie shared that the most important thing in her life is her family, including her husband, Brian, her children and her 1-year old granddaughter, Maddie. While her children are grown, they still make time to have family dinner at the Pfaff home once a week. Becoming a grandmother “changed her life significantly” she says, adding that she enjoys spending most weekends with Maddie.

She is also an avid freelance photographer and graphic designer. She says her granddaughter and her teacup Chihuahua, Cowboy, (that she adopted from a rescue in Texas last year) make perfect subjects! Laurie also enjoys running, kayaking, golfing and shopping.

Pfaff was asked what she might say to someone who is unsure about participating in Leadership Genesee: “Don’t hesitate! This program will make a difference in your life. It is different for everyone that goes through the program. In order for you to benefit from this program, you must keep an open mind, be willing to learn and also, be willing to share. The program gives to the classmates, but, it is just as important for the classmates to give to the program to make it complete.”

Leadership Genesee continues to accept applications for the Class of 2014 -- its 14th year of programming. It's a program of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Genesee County, which provides equal program and employment opportunities.

For more information about Leadership Genesee or participating in the Class of 2014, please contact Director Peggy Marone at (585) 343-3040, ext. 118.

Press release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to recognize the entrepreneurial spirit of its students through a new Entrepreneur of the Month program. This month, 19-year old Arielle Thompson is being recognized. Arielle graduated with an Advanced Regents diploma from Oakfield-Alabama Central School in 2012 and started her business Photography by Arielle in October 2012. She is a Liberal Arts major at GCC.

Arielle has always had an interest in photography, but wasn't able to purchase the camera she needed until after high school.

"I took a basic course with a local photographer on how to use my camera and all of the settings, but other than that I am self-taught," she says. "I like to consider myself a portrait photographer because that is what I enjoy most. I enjoy being with people and being able to create something that makes them smile."

Arielle's business was born out of necessity. Her mother, Tonya Thompson, needed Arielle to take her brother Justin's senior pictures. Though she had limited experience and knowledge about taking a portrait, Arielle did it and found that everyone loved how they turned out.

"That is when I decided to try and turn that into something, because of how excited everyone seemed to have been when they saw them," she said.

While business was slow in the beginning months, Arielle saw a significant increase in interest when the weather warmed and has been surprised at the inquiries she's received.

"I never thought I would be having so many people call and ask me to take photos of their special moments," she says. "I was even given the opportunity this past June to take photos of a wedding."

Business professor Lauren Paisley is full of praise for her student.

"Arielle is an outstanding example of a student willing to do whatever it takes to succeed," Paisley said. "GCC's Entrepreneurship program, offering the option of an associate in applied science degree or certificate, is the perfect pathway for students of all ages to pursue their dream of owning their business or launching a new product or service. Arielle is a very focused student and we are supporting her efforts in every way possible."

A President's List full-time student, Arielle also has two part-time jobs in addition to her photography business.

"Many people do not understand how I am doing all of this, but photography is my stress reliever from work and school. Many people want to sit, relax and watch TV during their down time, but I would rather be taking photos," she says.

"Her commitment to success in all her endeavors is inspiring," Paisley said.

Arielle finds inspiration from the support of family and friends and the response she's received to her photographs.

"I have never received so much support for anything I have ever done like I do with my business," she says. "It is my driving force."

Arielle currently shoots on location only, but is looking for a space to set up a small indoor/outdoor studio. People interested in contacting her can find her on Facebook at Photography by Arielle.

Elizabeth R. Valento, of Pavilion, received academic honors from the Decker School of Nursing at Binghamton University by making the University's Dean's List for the Spring 2013 semester.

Binghamton University is one of the four university centers of the State University of New York. Known for the excellence of its students, faculty, staff and programs, Binghamton enrolls close to 15,000 students in programs leading to bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. Its curriculum, founded in the liberal arts, has expanded to include selected professional and graduate programs.

Press release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce that Athletic Trainer Eric Sandler has been named September 2013 Employee of the Month. Eric and his wife Jessica live in Gates and are the parents of a 3-year old daughter, Jenna.

Eric has been with GCC since September 2007. As head athletic trainer he provides all aspects of sports medicine to the college's sports teams, including injury evaluation, rehabilitation, and taping and wrapping. He also serves as the strength and conditioning coach.

"I am responsible for designing and implementing year-round training programs for injury prevention and increased sports performance," he said.

Eric also oversees the hiring of about 40 students per year to work in Athletics.

In addition, Eric serves as an adjunct instructor in Health and Physical Education, teaching the coursework for the Personal Trainer concentration in the Fitness and Recreation Management program.

"These courses culminate in students being eligible and qualified to take a certification exam in Personal Training," he said.

Eric is described as a "passionate and dedicated teacher." In naming him employee of the month, the college noted "Eric's expertise in the Personal Trainer concentration is of tremendous assistance to our students in guiding them to earn their certification." He has made noteworthy contributions to improve curriculum in the Fitness and Recreation Management program and always displays the highest level of professionalism and dedication to the institution and the students.

Prior to his work at GCC, Eric was an athletic trainer/sports performance coach at Agape Physical Therapy in Rochester. He also served as a graduate assistant athletic trainer at the University at Buffalo where he earned his Master's Degree in Exercise Science. He received a bachelor's degree in Physical Education from the College at Brockport.

Eric is a member of the 2010 GCC Leadership Academy. Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his family and playing softball and fantasy baseball/football. Of his work at the college Eric says his favorite part is "knowing that my daily actions have a direct impact on the students I teach/serve."

The following local high school students were awarded the 2013 Saint Michael's College Book Award for Academic Achievement with a Social Conscience:

Alex Kolberg, of Batavia, a student at Notre Dame High School.

Grace Mortellaro, of Elba, a student at Notre Dame High School.

The award recognizes students who demonstrate a commitment to leadership in volunteer service and academic achievement. Saint Michael's, located in Burlington, Vt., one of America's top 10 college towns, was founded on the belief that serving others is part of its Catholic tradition, and through the award seeks to honor those who demonstrate the true spirit of volunteerism.

Award recipients, named at schools throughout the country, are high school juniors who are inductees of the National Honor Society or an equivalent school-sponsored honors organization. They must demonstrate a commitment to service activities in high school or community organizations, taking leadership roles in these activities.

Winners were presented the book "First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers" (HarperCollins 2000) by Loung Ung, a 1993 Saint Michael's College graduate who has become a widely acclaimed author. In "First They Killed My Father," Ung gives a powerful autobiographical account, from a child's perspective, of surviving captivity during the genocidal Pol Pot regime in Cambodia.

About Saint Michael's:

At Saint Michael's College www.smcvt.edu students are challenged to do their best, find their niche, take on opportunities to grow, and immerse themselves in academic pursuits. Intellectual rigor, compassion, teamwork, caring-these characterize a Saint Michael's experience. A residential Catholic college, Saint Michael's is steeped in the social justice spirit of its founding priests, the Edmundites. Saint Michael's is located three miles from Burlington, Vermont, one of America's top 10 college towns.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, located in Troy, named three local students to the Spring 2013 dean's list for academic achievement. They are:

Austin Kubiniec, of Batavia

Rosalie Mortellaro, of Elba

Tyler Murtha, of East Bethany

Rensselaer is America's oldest technological research university, offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in architecture, engineering, information technology and Web science, management, the sciences, and the humanities, arts, and social sciences.

Satoko Iwashita, of Batavia, is among the 998 students who graduated from SUNY Oneonta following the Spring 2013 semester.

Satoko earned a BS degree in Statistics.

Established as a state normal school in 1889 and incorporated as a founding member of the state university system in 1948, the college is well known for its outstanding faculty, strong academic programs, educational technology, community service and character-building activities, and scenic campus.

Kyle Woodruff, a resident of Alexander, graduated from Ithaca College's School of Health Sciences and Human Performance with a major in Sport Management. The degree was awarded in May.

From day one, Ithaca College prepares students for success through hands-on experience with internships, research and study abroad. Its integrative curriculum builds bridges across disciplines and uniquely blends liberal arts and professional study. Located in New York's Finger Lakes region, the College is home to 6,100 undergraduate and 400 graduate students.