Milestones

Kevin Manne, new media specialist at Genesee Community College has successfully completed the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations, entitling him to use the APR professional designation. He was recently award the designation after completing the challenging accreditation process and exam.

The accreditation program aims to improve the practice of public relations by assessing competence in 60 areas of knowledge, skills and abilities associated with the profession. The examination is designed for public relations professionals with five to seven years of job experience and/or a bachelor's degree in a communication field.

Candidates who successfully complete the rigorous process -- including presenting their portfolio to a Readiness Review panel of three peers and sitting for a computer-based examination -- are granted the APR.

"When I was a student at Buffalo State, one of my professors brought an APR into class to discuss the benefits of accreditation," Manne said. "Since then, earning the APR is something I've strived for to demonstrate my commitment to the profession and to its ethical practice."

At GCC, Manne leads communication efforts across social media, blogging, web and other emerging mediums. He previously served as communications and public relations specialist at Catholic Charities of Buffalo.

Manne earned his associate degree from Genesee Community College and graduated magna cum laude from Buffalo State College with a bachelor's degree in public communication.

He serves as secretary on the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Buffalo Niagara Chapter Board of Directors and on the Buffalo State College Alumni Association Communication Committee. He has received multiple awards from PRSA Buffalo Niagara and the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations for his work in social media and public relations.

United Memorial Medical Center is pleased to announce that Marilyn Almeter, RN BSN, was named director of Nursing and she assumed this new role on Oct. 4.

Marilyn has served as the director of Professional Practice since May 2006. Her duties focused on Joint Commission preparation and compliance, clinical practice management and facilitation of the
nursing governance model.

As the director of Nursing, Marilyn’s scope of responsibility will expand to include operational oversight of inpatient acute care units and nursing supervision. She will report to the vice president of Nursing. This structure will improve staff access to nursing administration and provide additional support to nursing unit based leadership.

A native of Attica, she graduated from Genesee Community College School of Nursing and Keuka College.

Laura Beth Yuhnke's dreams of becoming an elementary school teacher have come one step closer to a reality thanks to the President's Scholarship from Genesee Community College. Laura Beth, a 2011 graduate of Pavilion High School was awarded the President's Scholarship covering the full cost of tuition for two years at GCC.

Laura Beth is the daughter of Dave and Betty Yuhnke of Wyoming, NY. She is 18 years old and a freshman student at GCC, studying education. She chose GCC because she wasn't sure of what school she wanted to attend to earn a bachelor's degree.

"This was a good decision because I'm not totally sure what four-year college I want to go to," Laura Beth said. "Plus it's more economical to start at GCC and transfer to another school, which is good because my family is quite large."

Laura Beth is one of six children and is the third Yuhnke to attend GCC. Her oldest brother Mark (23) and older sister Rachael (22) also attended GCC. Rachael Yuhnke was also a President's Scholarship recipient who studied Nursing while at GCC. She graduated in 2009 and is now a registered nurse (RN) in the Pediatric ICU of Women's and Children's Hospital in Buffalo, NY.

Laura Beth hopes to one day become an elementary school teacher with a concentration in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). Her dream job would be teaching ESL to children in another country such as Brazil or any European country.

A highly decorated student, Laura Beth has been the recipient of several academic and community honors throughout her high school career. She is the recipient of the Community Foundation Award, Marsha Brooks Memorial Scholarship, Pavilion Alumni Association Award, Pavilion Faculty Association Scholarship, President's Education Award and the Warsaw Support Staff Association Scholarship. She was a member of the National Honor Society, a scholar athlete, SADD secretary, a member of the marching band and was ranked third in her graduating class. She most recently was awarded the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 193 Dana Fry Scholarship in 2011.

"GCC has always been committed to recognizing and encouraging academic excellence, attracting outstanding local students who exhibit exceptional talent and leadership potential in their home towns and high schools," Richard Ensman, executive director of the GCC foundation said. "Laura Beth is a prime example of local academic and community excellence."

The President's Scholarship provides full tuition at GCC to high school students from Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, and Orleans counties. President's Scholarships are given to students who have maintained high academic standards while in high school, and whose co-curricular efforts have formed the beginning of a lifelong pursuit of extraordinary achievement. Award-winners enjoy two years of tuition-free education at GCC, provided they meet and maintain eligibility requirements.

President's Scholarships are funded by generous contributions made to the GCC Foundation by individuals and businesses committed to excellence in education. It is the hope of the Foundation that scholarship recipients will remain committed to their quest for excellence during their college years and beyond, striving for the betterment of businesses and communities within the GLOW region.

Brittany Schmidt ('15), of Corfu, earned the Founder Scholarship from Elmira College. She is the daughter of Tracey and Earl Schmidt.

Members of Elmira College's Glorious Class of 2015 were recognized during the college's Fall Academic Convocation for receiving Valedictorian, Salutatorian, Presidential, Trustee or Founder scholarships.

Presidential, Trustee, and Founder scholarships are awarded based on rank in secondary school class, overall academic achievement, and test scores.

The Founder Scholarship is valued at $48,000 over four years.

Elmira College awards in excess of $11,000,000 in Honors Scholarships each year.

On the web: http://readabout.me/achievements/Brittany-Schmidt-15-Recognized-at-Elmira-College/3030705.

Jessica Pcionek ('15), of Oakfield, earned the Salutatorian Scholarship from Elmira College. She is the daughter of James and Joyce Pcionek.

Members of Elmira College's Glorious Class of 2015 were recognized during the college's Fall Academic Convocation for receiving Valedictorian, Salutatorian, Presidential, Trustee or Founder scholarships.

Students earn a Valedictorian or Salutatorian Scholarship for graduating first or second in their secondary school class. Valedictorian Scholarships are valued at full tuition for four years. Salutatorian Scholarships are 75 percent of the tuition for four years.

Elmira College awards in excess of $11,000,000 in Honors Scholarships each year.

On the web: http://readabout.me/achievements/Jessica-Pcionek-15-Recognized-at-Elmira-College/3029041.

Kelsey Scott, of Elba, who is a freshman this fall at the State University of New York at Geneseo, has been named an Edgar Fellow at the college, one of 30 new recipients of the honor.

The college's Honors Program is named after the its founder, William Edgar, distinguished teaching professor emeritus of philosophy.

Students must exhibit a high level of motivation and academic accomplishment to be admitted to the program, which entails honors courses, research opportunities and close work with honors advisers.

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

On the web: http://readabout.me/achievements/Kelsey-Scott-Among-new-Edgar-Fellows-this-fall-at-SUNY-Geneseo/3026026.

This information comes from a press release from the publishing company.

PublishAmerica is proud to present "Calling All Angels" -- written by Corfu resident Miranda Fix.

“Calling All Angels, simply put, is a novel about miracles,” Fix said. “It’s about my story and my experiences as a nurse surviving in a profession that is full of illusions, disenchantments and despair. But deep inside that sadness is a rainbow of color and these shades of blues, yellows greens and reds are the true colors of our angels.

"They are there for us; they guide us, empower us, pray for us and keep us safe. They are there when you call upon them…you just need to ask them for help. 'Calling All Angels' is a novel about true life and the amazing strength in the patients I have met along the way. Stories that will make you laugh and cry, but they are full of hope and wonder. I wish you love and happiness as in the ways of the angels…and remember to believe.”

Linda Miranda Fix (her full name) has been a registered nurse for more than 30 years. She began her nursing career in neonatal intensive care for several years before moving on to pediatric nursing, adolescent chemical dependency and community health just to mention a few.

Torn between her love of helping people and her love of literature and art, she always found her way back to her original dreams. 

She has two children and three grandchildren.

For ordering information, please visit www.publishamerica.com.

A portion of the proceeds from sales of this book will be donated to the Lupus Foundation of Genesee Valley.

PublishAmerica is the home of more than 50,000 talented authors.  PublishAmerica is a traditional publishing company whose primary goal is to encourage and promote the works of new, previously undiscovered writers.  Like more mainstream publishers, PublishAmerica pays its authors advances and royalties and makes its books available through all bookstores.  PublishAmerica offers a distinctly personal, supportive alternative to vanity presses and less accessible publishers.

Follow PublishAmerica on Twitter at @PubAmericaNews!

Visit us online at http://www.facebook.com/publishamerica.publisher and www.publishamerica.com.

Genesee Community College has announced that Maryanne Arena, director of Fine and Performing Arts, is a recipient of a GO-ART! Community Arts Award. She will be recognized for her contributions to art and culture in the Genesee-Orleans communities at the 11th annual Community Arts Awards Gala on Saturday, Oct. 1.

It is being held at Terry Hills Restaurant & Banquet Facility, located at 5122 Clinton St. Road in the Town of Batavia.

Arena is a professional union actor and has been directing and teaching theater for many years. She volunteers her time in the local community with annual Rotary productions and enjoys passing her professional skills down to the next generation. In 2009 she received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service for her dedication and outstanding commitment to GCC.

A native of Brooklyn, Arena earned her master's degree in fine Arts, Acting/Theater from Brooklyn College in 1994 and her bachelor of arts degree in Theater from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania in 1992. Before arriving at Genesee Community College in 2004, Arena spent five years successfully directing the Theater Arts program at Southwestern Michigan College, a two-year college located in Dowagiac, Mich.

Beyond her ambitious theater career, Arena has had successes in other very active and significant professions. She was a New York City police officer and received a Medal of Valor for distinguished service. She worked as a radio disc jockey, dance teacher, small business owner and has lectured on a wide variety of topics including the U.S. Constitution, domestic violence, careers for women, and musical theater. She also owns a horse farm, where she adopts horses, and has professional harness horses.

Arena treats her students like equals and teaches them to embrace life's challenges no matter what comes their way. She tries to inspire students to "venture outside the safe box" and to "defy gravity" and encourage them to try anything upon which they are willing to fully focus their attention and energy.

"Maryanne Arena has made a point of engaging the community in the events and programs happening at the Genesee Center for the Arts," said Norman Gayford, GCC professor of English. "To Maryanne, the community involvement is the backbone of the community college concept. Her support of the arts throughout the local region is unsurpassed and we are excited to see her receive this award."

Arena was nominated by Lucine Kauffman, Randy Kaplan, Margaret DeBellis, Norman Gayford, Jeanie Thompson, Patricia Simmons, Christopher Montpetit and Luis A. Rodriguez. She will be honored with other GO ART! award recipients at the banquet.

Jennifer Vereecken, of Bergen, participated in C-SPAN's "Washington Journal" this summer with former Democratic National Committee Chair Tim Kaine.

Jennifer is a senior this year Byron-Bergen High School and took part in the live taping of the broadcast program as a correspondent for the Washington Journalism and Media Conference (WJMC) from George Mason University's Arlington campus.

With distinguished faculty, guest speakers and direct access to elite D.C. practitioners, WJMC offers aspiring journalists and student leaders an unparalleled experience. The week-long program encourages and inspires young leaders from across the country who desire a unique experience focused on successful careers in this dynamic industry.

The National Youth Correspondents were members of the live broadcat "Washington Journal" having the opportunity to ask questions. The show featured Former Democratic National Committee Chair Tim Kaine and Tucker Carlson.

Kaine, the former governor of Virginia, took a series of questions from the correspondents that ranged in topics from how social media effects the political landscape to his take on the current economic crisis and debt ceiling debate.

WJMC is a highly competitive program. Just 150 high-school seniors were selected as correspondents representing their cities, states and high schools. Correspondents were selected or nominated based on demonstrated leadership and interest in journalism and the ever-changing landscape of media, in addition to their academic excellence.

George Mason University is located in Northern Virginia, minutes from the nation's capitol. In addition to environmental science and policy, Mason offers strong undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering and information technology, organizational psychology, health care, and visual and performing arts.

Four local residents recently received degrees from Ithaca College.

Megan Suttell, daughter of John and Kathleen Suttell, of Oakfield, received a degree from the Division of Interdisciplinary and International Studies.

Allyce Barron, daughter of Bruce and Marie Barron, of LeRoy, received a degree from the School of Music.

Chad Condidorio, son of Joseph and Christine Condidorio, of Le Roy, received a degree from the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance.

Cody Chittenden, son of Franklin and Susan Chittenden, of Corfu, received a degree from the School of Humanities and Sciences.

Coeducational and nonsectarian, Ithaca College is a nationally recognized independent college of some 6,300 undergraduates and 400 graduate students. The college offers more than 100 degree programs.

Stephen J. Havlovic, Ed.D, vice president for academic affairs at Alfred State College, has announced the Deans' List of students for the Spring 2011 semester.

The following local residents made the list.

Basom

Brandon Richardson

Corfu

Nicole Binns

Darien Center

Stephen Ward

Ethan Willard

Le Roy

Quentin Humphrey

Morgan Presher

Edward Cigno

Christopher Locke

Jonathon Locke

Oakfield

Josh Harloff

Kailynn Post

Stafford

Stephen Trond

Alfred State College offers associate degrees in 52 programs in the fields of agriculture, health, business, vocational, and engineering technology, as well as liberal arts and sciences. There are also 19 baccalaureate degree offerings.

Genesee Region Insurance Professionals (the local affiliate of Federation of New York Insurance Professionals) awarded their 2011 Harry K. Lown Memorial Scholarship to Megan Patterson, a 2011 graduate of Pembroke High School.

Megan is attending Niagara University this fall as an Accounting/Finance major.

Two local residents were named to the Deans' List at Ithaca College for the Spring 2011 semester.

Allyce Barron, daughter of Bruce and Marie Barron, of Le Roy, attends the School of Music.

Alana Amorese, daughter of Frank and Laurie Ann Amorese, of Linwood, attends the School of Humanities and Sciences.

Coeducational and nonsectarian, Ithaca College is a nationally recognized independent college of some 6,300 undergraduates and 400 graduate students. It offers more than 100 degree programs.

Two local students were named to the Deans' List at Paul Smith's College during the Spring 2011 semester. Each earned a semester average of 3.3 or higher to receive this distinction.

Craig Holland, of Bergen, who is enrolled in the School of Forestry and Natural Resources.

Mercedes Mosher, of Le Roy, who is enrolled in the School of Hospitality, Resort and Culinary Management.

At Paul Smith's College is on the shores of Lower St. Regis Lake and it's the only four-year institution of higher education in the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park of New York State. Its programs include hospitality, culinary arts, forestry, natural resources, entrepreneurship, the sciences, and more. The college draws on industries and resources available "in our own backyard" while preparing students for successful careers anywhere.

Two local residents recently graduated from Cornell University in Ithaca.

Ethan Richenberg, of Linwood, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering.

Michael Gould, of Pavilion, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Andrew White, of Elba, earned the University at Albany's Spring 2011 Deans' Commendation for outstanding academic achievement.

The University at Albany-SUNY is an internationally recognized research university with 56 undergraduate majors and 115 graduate degree programs. It is a leader among all New York State colleges and universities in such diverse fields as public policy, nanotechnology and criminal justice.

Brianna Olsen, of Le Roy, earned a perfect grade-point average of 4.0 during the Spring 2011 semester at SUNY Oneonta and has been named to the college's Provost's List.

Of the more than 5,800 undergraduates enrolled at the college, only 125 qualified for the Spring 2011 Provost's List by earning a perfect GPA while carrying a course load of at least 12 semester hours.

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 its scenic campus.

Daniel Crossen, son of Robert and Sharon Crossen, of Basom, was recently named a 2010-2011 Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar at Rochester Institute of Technology.

He is a mechanical engineering major and a graduate of Oakfield-Alabama High School.

Outstanding Undergraduate Scholarship Awards are presented to students who have achieved the distinction of maintaining a minimum university grade-point average of 3.85 out of a possible 4.0 and completed at least 125 quarter credit hours of study, nearly two-thirds of the credit hours required for a baccalaureate degree.

Selection is also based on other factors complementing academic achievement, such as creative work, service on student committees, civic activities, employment and independent research.

Each RIT scholar receives a bronze medallion representing the traditional symbols for wisdom and respect -- the Athenian owl and the olive branch.

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

RIT enrolls 17,000 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.

Press release:

Seven Genesee Community College faculty and staff members received SUNY Chancellor's Awards and medals last Thursday, which recognize outstanding contributions to their respective professional fields, campuses, communities and the public at large.

The honorees are: Michelle Abdella, associate professor of Mathematics; Rafael Alicea-Maldonado, professor of Chemistry/dean of Math/Science and Career Education; Maureen (Moi) Dugan, assistant professor of Fine Arts; Kathleen Kimber, professor of Spanish; Carla Guiste, reproduction/copy center services operator; Donna Rae Sutherland, associate director of Marketing Communications; and Anita Whitehead, reference librarian.

Abdella received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching. She came to GCC in the spring of 2003 as an adjunct instructor and her success as an adjunct brought her a full-time faculty position in the fall of 2005. She is attuned to the different learning styles of her students and employs various teaching methods and techniques to engage them in the classroom. She has taught 11 different math courses and has served as the primary instructor of the Math for Elementary Teachers course. She lives in Batavia.

Alicea-Maldonado received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Faculty Service. Rafael joined the GCC faculty in 2000 and quickly became a valued member of the science department. During the last 10 years, he has stepped to the forefront outside of the classroom with the many other responsibilities he has assumed and the activities he participates in. He has been a member of the GUSTO Team for nine years. Particularly noteworthy is his assumption of the lead advisor role for the Genesee chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. He also received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2005. He resides in Buffalo.

Dugan received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching. She came to Genesee in 2006 and is a dedicated, enthusiastic teacher. She communicates effectively in the classroom and both challenges and encourages her students to reach their full potential. She brings her professional expertise as an artist to the classroom to share with all. She has developed a variety of teaching techniques to address the varying and diverse backgrounds of her students. She lives in Penfield.

Guiste received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Classified Service. She has held her position for more than five years and has utilized her extraordinary organizational skills to reorganize the operation of the Copy Center, resulting in improved workflow and increased efficiency. She was instrumental in setting up a system for the electronic submission of jobs to the Copy Center, which has been a tremendous time- and cost-saving initiative, particularly for GCC's campus centers and the adjunct faculty members in the four-county service area. She is known across the college for providing exemplary customer service. She lives in Oakfield.

Kimber received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities. She has contributed greatly to the college campus and community since she first joined the GCC faculty in 1997. She has integrated technology into the foreign language program by developing online modules and has been instrumental in the development of hybrid courses. Her activities go beyond the classroom in her service as chair of the Academic Standards Committee, a member of the Global Education Committee, and she participated in the year-long Genesee Leadership Academy. She also received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2004. She lives in Rochester.

Sutherland received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service. She began in November 2003 and has successfully managed a department that has grown in terms of staff, budget, responsibilities, project load and innovative programs. She has played a key role in the development of marketing and promotional materials for the college that have earned national awards. One of the successful and highly visible projects she and her creative staff achieved has been the development of college-wide "photo boards" that capture the history and culture of the college. She has also been the driving force behind the College's ECO-Fest, the environmentally friendly event that brings hundreds of visitors to the college each spring in honor of Earth Day. She lives in Batavia.

Whitehead received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Librarianship. She started on a part-time basis in 2004 and became a permanent, full-time reference services librarian in 2007. She has been instrumental in developing many new library services such as LibGuides and has started a faculty outreach activity to keep faculty abreast of journal information in their respective areas. Several years ago, she started the "Roving Librarian" to take the library cart to different locations on campus to be available for student questions. She lives in Geneseo.