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College board decides to seek proposals for new master plan, bathroom upgrades and more

By Billie Owens

This information comes from Genesee Community College.

On Monday evening, the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees conducted the following business:

  • Approved nine faculty and staff promotions.
  • Philip T. Pickering, associate professor of Mathematics, was named professor.
  • Promoted to associate professor from assistant professor were: Michelle D. Abdella (Mathematics), Marjorie N. Blondell (Nursing), Cheryl A. Corke (Accounting), Patricia J. Kendall-Cargill (Nursing), and Nichola J. Lerczak (Librarian).
  • Promoted to assistant professor from instructor were: Candice S. Faulring (Psychology), Pamela Swarts (Digital Art) and Anita Whitehead (Librarian).
  • Approved by acclamation a resolution of thanks and appreciation to President Stuart Steiner, who is retiring this summer after 44 years of service to Genesee, including 36 years as president. The Board also conferred the honorary title "President Emeritus" to Dr. Steiner upon his retirement.
  • Approved the granting of 598 degrees and certificates to Genesee students, subject to their satisfactory completion of Spring 2011 courses. Nine students are expected to receive the Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree; 274 students will receive the Associate in Science (A.S.) degree; 258 students will receive the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree; and 57 students will receive certificates.
  • Approved authorization to seek proposals from independent architectural and engineering firms for completion of a new Facilities Master Plan. The State University of New York requires campuses to periodically complete master plans, and proposals for state funding for additions or major upgrading to physical facilities must be based on these plans. Genesee last completed a master plan in 2002 and updated it in 2007. The Board anticipates that the new plan will be finished by early 2012.
  • Approved the appointment of 391 residents of the region as members of 27 program advisory committees. Advisory committees provide guidance to the college's career programs and campus centers on community needs, curriculum, internship and employment opportunities, and other issues.
  • Approved the acceptance of a donation of a baby grand piano for use in the college's arts and theater programs from former Vice President for Student Services George W. Walker and his wife, Barbara. The piano will be placed in the Arts Center music room, and used by students learning piano skills.
  • Approved the acceptance of a donation of a Nikon Super Cool Scan 4000 from Cheryl Boyer, for use in the college's photography classes. The equipment enables students to scan slides and negatives.
  • Heard Board Chair Charles R. Ruffino name Trustee Glenn R. Morton as chair of the 2011 Nominating Committee, and Melvin J. Wentland and Laura J. Bohm as Nominating Committee members. The Nominating Committee will recommend a slate of board officers for the 2011-2012 year.
  • Heard Ruffino request the Buildings and Grounds Committee to develop a plan to refurbish restrooms throughout the Batavia Campus. Ruffino said he hopes the college can install energy-efficient fixtures in the restrooms, which will ultimately save money. He also said that refurbishing restrooms gives the college the opportunity to adopt up-to-date health and sanitation practices, such as the use of automatic soap dispensers and spigots. Ruffino asked trustees Melvin J. Wentland and Donna M. Ferry to join the committee.
  • Heard Ruffino read a letter of resignation from Trustee Kenneth A. Dodd, who plans to leave the Board of Trustees on June 30 for health reasons. Ruffino said he will submit Rev. Dodd's letter to the Genesee County Legislature, which will appoint a new trustee.
  • Heard President Steiner report that Professor of Chemistry Rafael Alicea-Maldonado will serve as Dean of Math, Science and Career Education following the retirement of current Dean Michael S. Stoll this summer.

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