Milestones

Press release:

The best and brightest sixth-grade math and science minds in the GLOW region were honored during an awards breakfast at Genesee Community College today.

In February, school districts across the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming county region nominated 70 students for the inaugural cohort of the Math Science Preparatory Program at GCC. Embedded within the competitive application process was an opportunity for two students to earn a full scholarship to Math Science Preparatory Program at GCC for their first year in the program.

Two students were selected from among 21 Scholar of the Year finalists to win the first-ever award, and all the finalists were recognized today (May 29, 2012). The scholarship winners and 2012 Inaugural Math Science Scholars of the Year are Triton Adamski of Pembroke Central School, and Kiera Gross of Pavilion Central School.

Triton earned the highest score in the competition by performing exceptionally well on the competitive placement examination (placing into college-level mathematics). Combined with his excellent classroom grades in math and science, a thoughtful essay on the role of LEGOS ® in the better understanding of math and science, and an educational Powerpoint presentation, Triton clearly earned top honors. Triton also received awards for reading and character, and has been asked to tutor younger students in reading and math. He is an active member in team sports, his school's band, and the SADD club at Pembroke. Triton's mother, Denise Adamski, told the ACE program that he is looking forward to a wonderful and challenging experience at Genesee Community College.

Kiera demonstrated an exceptional understanding of the scientific method with her essay about the use of crash-test dummies in safety experiments. An active sixth grader at Pavilion Central School, Kiera is a member of PageTurners, as well as Sixth-Grade Band and Chorus. Kiera is also a black stripe belt at Cain's Taekwondo Academy, where she is a member of SMAC Competition Team and GOLD (Guidance on Leadership Development) Team. She also helps run craft activities for kids in grades one through four in Kids Count Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at Akron Free Methodist Church. She is a Cadette Girl Scout and a member of 4-H. She enjoys caring for animals, camping, and making her own science experiments.

ACE program specialist Karlyn M. Finucane says she and other members of the GCC ACE team are looking forward to working with all of the students who were nominated for the Math Science Preparatory Award throughout the next several years.

"While the inaugural cohort was limited to 48 students, the overall quality of the applicants and overwhelming interest expressed by the community for this type of program has prompted the research and development of several additional math and science enrichment opportunities to meet the educational needs of our region's top performing students," says Finucane.

In alphabetical order, students nominated by their school districts in Genesee County for the Math Science Preparatory Program include:

•    Triton Adamski, Pembroke Central School *◦§

•    Landon Bish, Oakfield-Alabama Middle School *

•    Logan Cadieux, Oakfield-Alabama Middle School *◦§

•    Kim Davis, Pavilion Central School ◦

•    Cassandra DeLelys, Elba Central School ◦

•    Trevor Fitzgibbon, Alexander Central School *◦§

•    Samantha Gibbs, Alexander Central School

•    Cassidy Graham, Alexander Central School ◦

•    Kiera Gross, Pavilion Central School *◦§

•    Cameron Hausfelder, Alexander Central School *

•    Gabrielle Havens, Batavia Middle School *

•    Kelsey Hilburger, Elba Central School ◦ *

•    Madison Hoerbelt, Batavia Middle School

•    Lauren Hume, Alexander Central School ◦

•    Ethan Hutchins, Batavia Middle School *◦§

•    Tara Jagodzinski, Pavilion Central School *◦§

•    Logan Kellogg, Oakfield-Alabama Middle School

•    Jora Kusmierski, Alexander Central School

•    Jay Lewis, Batavia Middle School *

•    Nathan Loria, Batavia Middle School ◦ *

•    Michal Lullo, Batavia Middle School *

•    Joseph Marchese, Batavia Middle School

•    Aaron Michalak, Batavia Middle School *◦§

•    Christa Moscicki, Batavia Middle School

•    Madison Murray, Batavia Middle School ◦

•    Jason Normandin, Pavilion Central School ◦ *

•    Callee Norton, Elba Central School ◦

•    Anand Patel, Batavia Middle School *

•    Benjamin Pflaumer, Elba Central School ◦

•    Justina Pruski, Oakfield-Alabama Middle School ◦ *

•    Lauren Reding, Oakfield-Alabama Middle School ◦ *

•    Erik Scharlau, Alexander Central School

•    Kylie Schlagenhauf, Oakfield-Alabama Middle School ◦

•    Jordyn Schmidt, Batavia Middle School

•    Trevor Schoonover, Pavilion Central School ◦

•    Chloe Schrier, Pavilion Central School ◦

•    Edward Skalny, Batavia Middle School *◦§

•    Benjamin Slenker, Alexander Central School *◦§

•    Job Smith, Alexander Central School ◦

•    Ethan Stone, Pembroke Central School *◦§

•    Nicholas Ventola, St. Joseph's School *◦§

•    Grace Vogler, Pembroke Central School *◦§

•    Moira Werner, St. Joseph's School ◦

•    Emma Whalen, Pavilion Central School ◦

•    Claire Zickl, Batavia Middle School *◦§

•    Bethany Zwolinski, Pembroke Central School ◦

Key:

* Accepted for Math Science Preparatory Program

◦ Nominated for Math Science Scholar of the Year Award

◦§ Award Finalist

On Sunday, the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership New York West Seminar concluded its three-day program, naming Adam Weaver, a sophomore from Batavia High School, an Outstanding Future Leader. As part of this recognition, Weaver received a $1,000 scholarship to be used at the college of his choice. Weaver was one of only two students awarded with this honor.

From June 1-3, 120 high school sophomores from across the western region of New York state attended New York’s premier youth leadership program – Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership New York West Seminar or HOBY (pronounced ho-bee) – at the University of Rochester.

Now in its 29th year, the primary focus of this year’s seminar was to shed light on bullying in light of the tragic regional and national events that unfolded over the past year, garnering significant attention at the local, state and federal levels. Over the course of the three-day seminar, students learned critical life skills and underwent intensive panels, workshops, speakers and community service activities.

On Friday, students had the opportunity to listen to the Rodemeyer family (from Williamsville) share their story in memory of their son Jamey who took his life in 2011 due to bullying. Weaver was chosen to receive this honor based on personal essays, surveys and interviews in addition to her participation over the weekend.

“As alumni of the program, we understand and believe in the lasting difference that this program makes in both the life of a young person – like Adam – and in their community,” said Jeremy Gerevics, HOBY New York West co-chair. “This interactive and encouraging environment allows participants to develop leadership skills and to begin thinking critically about the issues that will impact their futures. By giving them the tools they need to be empowered to go back to their schools and communities with skills and the confidence to make a difference, they do take on new initiatives to be leaders in their communities. Congratulations to Adam and all of our ambassadors – the HOBY New York West Class of 2012. We welcome them to our HOBY family.”

Andrew Lipnicky, of Basom, was named to the Deans' List at Florida Institute of Technology for the spring semester, which ended in May. He is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics.

To be included on the Deans' List, a student must complete 12 or more graded credits in a semester with a semester grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.4.

Florida Institute of Technology was founded at the dawn of the Space Race in 1958. It is the only independent, technological university in the Southeast.

Michael Slack, son of Jane Slack, of Bergen, has enrolled for Fall 2012 admission at Rochester Institute of Technology. He will study Film and Animation in RIT's College of Imaging Arts and Sciences and is a 2010 graduate of Byron-Bergen High School.

Slack has been awarded an RIT Trustee Scholarship and an RIT Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship.

Rochester Institute of Technology is internationally recognized for academic leadership in computing, engineering, imaging science, sustainability, and fine and applied arts, in addition to unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

Batavia Business and Professional Women’s Club (BBPW), 2011-2012 Scholarship Committee, has awarded scholarships to eight local students.

High School Award winners are: Anna Dombrowski (Alexander), Emily Doherty (Pavilion), Jenna Bauer and Melanie Case (Batavia), and Sarah Hill (Pembroke). Each is receiving a $700 check to support their educational and career goals.

These scholarships are open annually to Genesee County high schools seniors (male or female). Each student maintained an 85-percent average, completed a one-page BPW application with a letter of recommendation from a school staff member. Each student submitted a personal essay discussing their achievements and future goals as well as an essay from a parent. The finalists were interviewed by the BPW Scholarship Committee in late April and were notified by one of the scholarship committee members.

The Genesee Community College $500 Scholarship Award is being presented to Rachel Berardini, (Batavia), who is an adult student, majoring in Business. The selection process for the GCC award is completed by the Genesee Community College Foundation.

Our Genesee Valley BOCES $250 Scholarship Award winners are Gina Caccamise (Le Roy), from the Health Careers Academy program and Charles Eggebrecht (Batavia), from the Legal Careers Academy program. Both were selected through the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership, Student Services Committee.

All of the award winners are invited to the BPW June Banquet, which is being held, Thursday, June 7 at Bohn’s Restaurant.

Additionally, BBPW club members voted at their May meeting on the service awards to be distributed and this year five $300 checks were awarded to: The Salvation Army; Genesee Cancer Assistance; Genesee Veterans Support Network; Crossroads House; and Justice for Children GLOW Foundation, Inc.

To be considered for the service award a letter with appropriate letterhead was sent to the BPW requesting consideration. To find out more about BPW scholarships and service awards visit our Web page: http://bataviabpw.wordpress.com/scholarship/

The Batavia Business and Professional Women’s Club have two annual events to raise money for our scholarships and service awards, a Fall Live Basket Auction and December Cookie Auction.

Please support the next fundraising event by joining us for our Oct. 6 Live Basket Auction and Brunch being held at Batavia Downs and Gaming starting at 10 a.m. for browsing, brunch at 11:30 a.m. and live auction at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now for $20, contact Brenda Miller at 356-3720 or email your ticket requests to bataviabpw@gmail.com. All proceeds benefit Genesee County scholarships and service organizations!

More information on the Batavia Business and Professional Women’s Club Live Basket Auction and Brunch can be found at: http://bataviabpw.wordpress.com/auction/

The following local residents graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology in winter 2011–2012 quarter:

•     Jamie Braswell, of Le Roy, earned a bachelor of science degree in biology from RIT's College of Science.

•     Andrew Darling, of Stafford, earned a master of science degree in Bioinformatics from RIT's College of Science.

•     Kathryn Shaver, of Corfu, earned a bachelor of science degree in ASL-English Interpretation from RIT's National Technical Institute for the Deaf.

•     Christine Snell, of Le Roy, earned an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Project Management from RIT's Center for Multidisciplinary Studies.

•     Kyle Stacy, of Elba, earned a bachelor of science degree in Computer Engineering Technology from RIT's College of Applied Science and Technology.

•     Benjamin Stauber, of Le Roy, earned a bachelor of science degree in Biotechnology from RIT's College of Science.

Rochester Institute of Technology is internationally recognized for academic leadership in computing, engineering, imaging science, sustainability, and fine and applied arts, in addition to unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

Press release:

The Genesee Community College Board of Trustees recognized the extraordinary service and contributions of the late Lynn E. Browne by dedicating the college's Library Instruction Classroom in his honor.

Browne served as a member of the Genesee Community College Foundation Board of Directors from 1997 to 2010, including nine years of service as treasurer. He was deeply involved in the fund raising initiatives that led to the expansion of the college's scholarship programs, and the construction of the Conable Technology Building and the Humphrey Student Union. He was a member of the committee that facilitated the foundation's acquisition of the former College Meadows, renamed College Village.

A native of Batavia, Brown was a graduate of the Wharton School of Business. After serving as an Army officer during World War II, he married Phyllis Shiekman, of Philadelphia, and relocated there. For many years, he owned and operated one of the nation's leading button distribution businesses. After the death of his wife in the 1980s, Browne returned to his hometown and immersed himself in community activities.

He was the first recipient of the Alpha Medal of Honor (2006), bestowed on area citizens during commencement ceremonies in recognition of outstanding philanthropic and volunteer support of Genesee Community College. His family returned his Alpha Medal to the college after his death, and it will be displayed in or near the Library classroom.

Browne contributed funds to assist in the renovation of the college's Alfred C. O'Connell Library during 1999-2000, and asked that the plaque recognizing his contribution be displayed outside the Library Instruction Classroom. The classroom is often used by students learning how to use library resources and conduct research, and it had a special meaning to Browne, according to Foundation Executive Director Richard Ensman.

Board Chair Charles R. Ruffino called Browne an extraordinary citizen who "poured his heart and soul into Genesee Community College."

The college foundation will host a public dedication event honoring Mr. Browne and the naming of the Library Classroom in the near future.

Wells College recently awarded the Academic and Student Life awards at the annual Honors Awards Dinner ceremony. Prizes are given out each year to students that show exceptional work, commitment, or leadership in a specific area, or those that demonstrate skill or specialization within their field. These prizes are announced by faculty, staff, and student leaders at a special dinner for the campus community.

Chelsea Czechowski, class of 2012, a biological and chemical sciences: biochemistry and molecular biology major from Darien Center, earned the Nancy Ann Reed Chemistry Prize, awarded to a member of the graduating class for excellence in chemistry.

Wells College is a nationally recognized private coeducational liberal arts college located in Aurora, New York, on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake. Established in 1868, Wells has remained committed to providing a quality education to students through small, interactive classes in multiple disciplines and engaging coursework relevant to life in a changing world.

The State University of New York at Geneseo has announced its Deans' List for the spring semester. To be on the list, a student must have achieved a 3.5 grade-point average while taking at least 12 credit hours.

Students on the list from this area are:

Clarisse Birkby, from Corfu

Rebecca Barber from Darien Center

Alyssa Cole from Oakfield

Briana Pangrazio from Le Roy

Kasey Cole from Pavilion

Jennifer Davis from Pavilion

SUNY Geneseo is a public liberal arts college recognized nationally for excellence in undergraduate education and for its professional and master's level programs. The college combines a rigorous curriculum and a rich co-curricular life to create a learning-centered environment.

Rory O’Connor, of Stafford, was recently awarded the Elsie Spissman Mills Scholarship the 2012 Conservatory Honors Celebration.

This scholarship has been established by Frederick S. Mills to honor the memory of his mother, Elsie Spissman Mills. Mrs. Mills studied the organ while attending Baldwin-Wallace College and it is the donor’s wish that this scholarship be used to provide financial assistance to organ students in the Conservatory of Music.

O’Connor is a senior at Baldwin-Wallace College majoring in music history. A 2008 graduate of LeRoy Junior/Senior High School, O’Connor is the child of Chris and Colleen O’Connor.

The Conservatory of Music at Baldwin-Wallace is an artistic community within a liberal arts college, in which the lives of students of all ages are transformed in pursuit of personal and professional excellence through the humanizing discipline of music study, creation, performance and pedagogy.

Baldwin-Wallace College, founded in 1845, was one of the first colleges to admit students without regard to race or gender. An independent, coeducational college of 4,500 students, B-W offers coursework in the liberal arts tradition in more than 50 academic areas. Located in Berea, 12 miles from downtown Cleveland, B-W offers students the cultural, educational and business advantages of a major metropolitan area. For more information, visit www.bw.edu

Nicole Shufelt, of Elba, received a master of science degree in Geology within the Graduate College during May commencement ceremonies at the University of Vermont.

Chartered in 1791, UVM was the first college or university in the United States that did not give preference to a religious sect in its charter and the first to allow women to join Phi Beta Kappa. As a small, comprehensive university, it blends the academic heritage of a private university with services missions in the land-grant tradition.

RSVP of Genesee County held its 27th Annual Recognition Event earlier this month. The following winners attended:

Gold Award Winners (500+ Hours)

Edward Corcoran -- 1,932

Donna Rhodes -- 1,239

Emerson Campbell -- 956

Diane Baker -- 826

Maureen Adams -- 803

Beverly Corcoran -- 796

Judith Ridley -- 792

Ray Luzier -- 779

William Parker -- 701

Vernon Rupert -- 605

Rita Hartrick -- 576

Silver Award Winners (250-499 Hours)

Carolyn Dain -- 449

Betty Luperino -- 430

Caroline Weber -- 414

Merrill Weber -- 404

William Haubrick -- 374

Sharon Ziomek -- 373

Anita Rynkowski -- 369

Timothy Richter -- 336

Joanne Muller -- 331

MaryAnn Silvernail -- 314

Pamela Ware -- 284

Vicki Becker -- 284

Joan Wood -- 281

Jennie Starowitz -- 280

Lucille Haubrick -- 275

Robert Eick -- 272

Anne Rupert -- 266

Bronze Award Winners (100-249 Hours)

Sylvia Traxler -- 246

Wayne Judkins -- 243

Loren Adams -- 239

Joan Fluker -- 238

Anne Barone -- 235

MaryFran Pietrzykowski -- 233

Florence Ziarko -- 233

Wallace Kornow -- 205

Kathleen Martin -- 201

Kathryn Wickson -- 190

Edna Wenhold -- 186

Jeanette DiSanto -- 185

Anita Dziekan -- 166

Allan Grehlinger -- 163

Regina Abdella -- 156

Genevieve Mahoney -- 148

Jeanne Graber -- 148

Helen Heale -- 138

Catherine Judkins -- 132

Marjorie Morse -- 129

Opal Phelps -- 128

Tina Kornow -- 128

Jane Grehlinger -- 122

Rita Sidari -- 117

Richard Neth -- 117

Agnes Redinger -- 115

Richard vonBergen -- 113

Janet Luzier -- 110

Terry Weber -- 103

Melanie H. Mosher, of Batavia, was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa Society, the national academic honor society at a ceremony May 18 at Valparaiso University at Valparaiso, Ind.
        
Mosher was graduated summa cum laude from Valparaiso University in December 2011 with a bachelor of arts degree in History and German. She also excelled in the academically challenging curriculum of Christ College, Valparaiso University’s honors college, graduating with its top honors distinction.

Mosher is a 2007 graduate of Alexander High School where she was salutatorian of her class. She studied for two years at Hamburg and Reutlingen, Germany. Mosher is the daughter of Roger and Sherry Mosher, of Batavia.

According to the society, "Only about 1 percent of the arts and sciences graduates in the United States are elected to Phi Beta Kappa membership.” The society added, “The ideal Phi Beta Kappa has demonstrated intellectual integrity, tolerance for other views, and a broad range of academic interests.”

Since inception, 17 U.S. Presidents, 37 U.S. Supreme Court Justices, 1 NFL MVP, 1 Heisman Trophy winner, and 136 Nobel Laureates have been inducted members.

Its mission is to "celebrate and advocate excellence in the liberal arts and sciences" and induct "the most outstanding students of arts and sciences at America’s leading colleges and universities." Founded at The College of William and Mary on Dec. 5, 1776, as the first collegiate Greek-letter fraternity, it is also the oldest honor society for the liberal arts and sciences and among the oldest undergraduate societies in the United States.

Two local residents completed their baccalaureate studies this year at SUNY Oswego.

They participated in ceremonies May 12 for the college's 151st Commencement:

Christopher M. Dougherty, of Clinton Street Road in Bergen (Graphic Design)

Heather L. Currier, of Walkers Corner Road in Byron (Studio Art)

Admission to SUNY Oswego is competitive. U.S. News named it among the "Top Public Regional Universities in the North" for 2012, the Princeton Review and USA Today named SUNY Oswego to their 2012 list of 150 "best value" colleges and universities in the nation, and the Princeton Review included Oswego in its 2012 college guidebook "The Best Northeastern Colleges."

A 151-year-old comprehensive college in the State University of New York system, Oswego enrolls more than 8,000 students in its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; School of Business; School of Communication, Media and the Arts; and School of Education.

Two local students graduated from Clarkson University on May 12:

Cameron P. Sitarek, of Darien Center, earned a bachelor of science in Civil Engineering

Joshua M. Risewick, of Le Roy, earned a bachelor of science in Chemical Engineering

Clarkson University launches leaders into the global economy. One in five alumni already leads as a CEO, VP or equivalent senior executive of a company. Located just outside the Adirondack Park in Potsdam. Clarkson graduates have the 17th highest starting salaries.

Press release:

The following students received degrees during Alfred University Commencemen on May 12:

Brittany Best, of Corfu, received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Inamori School of Engineering. Best, is the daughter of John and Genia Best and a graduate of Pembroke Central School.

Alicia Schuler, of Elba, received a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood/Childhood Educationation from the College Liberal Arts/Sciences. Schuler, is the daughter of Kelly and Susan Schuler and a graduate of Elba Central School.

Vincent Gravanda III, of Stafford, received a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry and Biology from the College Liberal Arts/Sciences. Gravanda, is the son of Vincent Gravanda and Judi Anderson-Tooze and a graduate of Le Roy J.r-Sr. High School.

James Bonacquisti Jr., of Le Roy, received a Bachelor of Arts Cum Laude in Biology from the College Liberal Arts/Sciences. Bonacquisti is the son of James and Michele Bonacquisti and a graduate of Le Roy Jr.-Sr. High School.

The graduates were among 13 doctoral, 104 masters, and 423 bachelor's degree recipients who heard David J. Miller, AU Class of '66, tell them that Alfred University prepares its graduates to take risks in pursuing their passions.

Miller, a member of the AU Board of Trustees, said he owes his success as a noted lawyer and jazz musician, "in no small part to the experiences I had at Alfred University. It's the same for you," he said, noting it was on campus he learned "the importance of listening, reflecting, and respecting others' points of view.

"You need to take risks to perform on the stage of life," Miller told the Class of 2012. Then "you too can reap a life of fulfillment."

Alfred University, founded in 1836, became the first coeducational institution in New York State and the second in the nation. The university encourages students to undertake community service projects as an important part of their education. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks AU among the top 20 regional universities in the North.

Press release:

Major General Patrick A. Murphy, The Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Timothy Laporte, of Stafford, who is serving with the Company C, 27th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, is promoted to the rank of Private.

Army National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability, and development potential.

These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified soldiers and attract and retain the highest caliber citizen soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com

Press release:

The Genesee Community College Board of Trustees promoted 16 members of the faculty on May 14 in recognition of their teaching and scholarly accomplishments.

Promoted to the rank of Professor from Associate Professor effective with the new academic year were Jeannie L. Burdick, of Corfu, counselor; and Rebecca L. Dziekan, of Pavilion, Health and Physical Education.

Promoted to the rank of associate professor from assistant professor were Elise C. Banfield, of Rochester, Psychology; Maureen E. Dugan, of Penfield, Fine Arts and Ceramics; Ruth A. Gliss, of Akron, Nursing; and Lauren K. Paisley of Middleport, Business.

Promoted to the rank of assistant professor from instructor were Shawn P. Adamson, of Batavia, English; Valerie C. Bello, of Lancaster, Communications and Media Arts; Christopher D. Caputi, of Tonawanda, Physical Therapist Assistant; Kathleen T. Gurak, of Groveland, Health and Physical Education; Heather S. Jones, of Conesus, Fine Arts; Josephine B. Kearney, of Lockport, Sociology and Human Services; Amy J. Schnettler-Zak, of Alden, Nursing; Charles L. Scruggs, of Geneseo, History; Catherine C. Wall, of Hilton, Nursing; and Karen K. Wicka, of Hamburg, Criminal Justice.

Matthew R. Riggi, of Stafford, is a candidate for the AAS in Travel and Tourism: Hospitality & Events Management (with honors) from Herkimer County Community College.

Riggi is one of 727 candidates eligible to participate in the college's 44th annual commencement ceremony on Friday, May 18.

Herkimer County Community College is a unit of the State University of New York, located in Herkimer, about 20 miles east of Utica. With an enrollment of approximately 3,600 students, Herkimer offers more than 40 associate degree and certificate programs, on-campus housing, an active co-curricular activities schedule and a national championship athletic program.

For more information visit www.herkimer.edu.