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Genesee falls at #8 Erie

By Andrew Crofts

The Genesee Community College men's basketball team led #8 Erie Community College by as many as 15 points in the first half on Saturday, before the Kats turned it around on their home floor to beat the visiting Cougars, 99-89.

GCC defeated Erie 101-94 back on January 26th when Erie was ranked #7 in the NJCAA Division II National poll. The Cougars got off to a fast start and led by 15 halfway through the first half before the Kats responded. Erie took a 54-49 lead into halftime.

Erie extended their lead in the second half to as many as 19 points behind balanced scoring. The Kats had a total of five players in double-figures. The Cougars never regained momentum in the second twenty minutes and lose for the third time in the Western New York Athletic Conference this season (7-3).

Deylon Bovell (Brooklyn, NY) led the way for Genesee with 28 points. He was six of eight from three-point range. Tyshawn Ferguson (Chicago, IL) had a strong afternoon scoring 25 points and grabbing 13 rebounds and Kenton Chan-Man (Brooklyn, NY) finished with 24 points.

The Cougars fall to 15-10 on the season and will travel to Monroe Community College on Tuesday night for an 8pm start.

Bovell scores 30 in Cougar Victory

By Andrew Crofts

Deylon Bovell (Brooklyn, NY) scored a season high 30 points on Thursday night as the Genesee Community College men’s basketball team defeated Mercyhurst North East for the second time this season.

The Cougars built a 15 point, 19-4 lead about seven minutes in with Michael Glenn (Fairport, NY) scoring seven points, including an old fashion three-point play, in the early going. GCC kept their 15 point cushion and had a 33-18 lead with eight minutes to go before the Saints made a push and drew within nine to close the half. Genesee led 48-39 at the break.

The Saints kept pace during the start of the second half and were within seven before the Cougars took control, going on a 7-0 run at one point and scoring 19 of the next 26 points. GCC never had a lead drop below 14 and cruised to the 21-point, 102-81 victory.

(Deylon Bovell slams home two of his game high 30 points)

Bovell scored 16 of his 30 points in the second half and was five of six from the field during the second twenty minutes. Kenton Chan-Man (Brooklyn, NY) scored 22 points, Glenn finished with 20 points, Tyshawn Ferguson (Chicago, IL) added 11 points and nine rebounds and Terryl Coombs (Brooklyn, NY) grabbed 11 rebounds.

The Cougars previously defeated the Saints 96-68 back on January 11th.

Genesee improves to 15-9 on the season and are 7-2 in conference play. They will travel to Erie Community College on Saturday afternoon for a 3pm tip.

Shooting drought dooms Lady Cougars

By Andrew Crofts

A cold stretch to start the second half doomed the Genesee Community College women’s basketball team on Thursday night, as they went nearly eleven minutes without a basket against visiting Mercyhurst North East.

The Lady Cougars trailed by just four at the half, getting nine points from Jasmine Armstead (Rochester, NY) and six points from Carrie Blunt (Syracuse, NY) in the opening twenty minutes and out-rebounded the Lady Saints 29-21.

Mercyhurst North East was able to increase their lead in the second half as Genesee started 0-23 from the field before Rachel Kohlhagen’s (Attica, NY) basket with nine and a half minutes remaining ended the drought. Despite being down as many as 15, the Lady Cougars made a push and got to within six with about three minutes to play. The Lady Saints were too strong, however, hitting four out of four free throws down the stretch and held off GCC to win 55-48.

(Jalessa Rogers' (white jersey) defense is not enough for struggling Lady Cougars)

Armstead finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds, Blunt tallied 13 boards and 11 points and Kayla Golden (Lackawanna, NY) chipped in with seven points and 14 rebounds.

The loss drops Genesee to 6-19 on the season and 1-5 in conference play. They will travel to Erie Community College on Saturday afternoon for a 1pm start.

Leisure Learning expands at GCC with new courses for adults 50 and older

By Billie Owens

Adults age 50 and over now have more opportunities to pursue leisure-time learning with new courses in history, languages, hobbies, travel, and other subjects at Genesee Community College. Thanks to an initiative of The BEST Center, 15 courses have been added to the Leisure Learning roster.

Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Eunice M. Bellinger reported this to the Board of Trustees on Monday evening.

The courses are designed to help senior adults explore personal interests and build new skills, Bellinger said. They do not carry academic credit, and will be offered during the evenings and weekends, and the summer months.

Over the next four months, Leisure Learning courses will cover such topics as "Quick and Easy Italian," "Geocaching 101," "Quilting," "Watercolor," and a variety of courses in scrapbooking, Civil War history, and family law. A tentative schedule of upcoming Leisure Learning courses is available at http://www.genesee.edu/best/development/leisure-learning/.

The cost for each course varies, and ranges from $10 to $99.

The college is planning educational tours for interested residents. Housing at College Village will be available for out-of-area seniors who want to participate in Leisure Learning courses during the summer.

Faculty and staff are eager to share their skills and knowledge with the community in informal settings.

"We believe our new Leisure Learning program will bring the college's expertise to many residents over the age of 50 who are eager to learn, and eager to explore new interests," Bellinger said.

Area residents are also invited to complete a survey of their educational interests. It is available at http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22EGQ7R6K59/.

Country music's Ramblin' Lou Family Band and Canada's 'Polka King' to play at GCC

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee Center for the Arts is delighted to be welcoming the First Family of Western New York's country music scene, the Ramblin' Lou Family Band. Special guest will be Canadian "Polka King" -- Walter Ostanek.

They will perform at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19 in the Stuart Steiner Theatre at Genesee Community College in Batavia. Those who love country-Western music should get their tickets soon since this one-show-only event will likely sell out!

Ramblin' Lou Family Band has delivered a lifetime of good country music, family fun and entertainment across Western New York and the nation to audiences of all ages. They have, in fact, become a mainstay at Erie County Fair playing for more the 45 consecutive years! They also draw loyal audiences to many other local events including Canal Fest, West Seneca Town Park, Cheektowaga Seniors, and countless festivals.

Self-taught Ramblin' Lou sings and plays guitar; his wife, Joanie, a trained and accomplished musician, sings and plays lead guitar, their son, Lou Jr., plays the drums, while daughter, Linda Lou, sings and plays the bass. Lynn Carol plays keyboards.

Together, their cheerful disposition and down-home friendliness can't be beat. Through their many years of performing, audiences have consistently remarked how joy and happiness radiate from this fun-lovin' family and their talented friends.

Ramblin' Lou (whose seldom-heard last name is Schriver), grew up in Tonawanda and fell in love with the beat and melody of country music when he was a boy. He and his granddad would travel around Pennsylvania on Saturday nights entertaining the locals at fire halls with square dances. At the age of 9, he got his first guitar. As a teenager he approached a local radio station about a live music show and his original 15-minute program eventually grew to three hours.

He now owns and operates WXRL-AM (1300) radio and tours national country music events. He is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville and the Broadcasters Hall of Fame. In addition, he and his wife are members of the "Walkway of Stars" in the Country Music Hall of Fame. Lou is also in Nashville's D.J. Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 seniors (55+), $5 for GCC staff and high school students and $3 for GCC students. Don't wait long, tickets are going fast!

For ticket information or reservations, contact the Genesee Center for the Arts Box Office at 345-6814, or by email at boxoffice@genesee.edu. The Genesee Center for the Arts Box Office accepts cash, checks and credit cards. For door-to-door directions, sent via email, visit www.genesee.edu.

Cougars earn eleven first place Finishes

By Andrew Crofts

The Genesee Community College swimming and diving team hosted the “Last Chance Invitational” on Saturday afternoon, welcoming Jamestown Community College and Herkimer County Community College to the Genesee Aquatic Center.

While team scores and combined scores were not kept, the Cougars earned first place finishes in eleven events on the day.

The men’s 200 yard medley relay team of Yusuke Inami (Chikusei, Japan), Max Brady (Akron, NY), Robert Harder and Ben Tyx (Alexander, NY) kicked off the afternoon with a first place finish and a time of 1:49.42. Smith followed with victories in the 100 yard and 200 yard freestyle, beating out fellow teammate Brandon Schwab (Gainesville, NY) in the latter, who swam the second best time in the seven swimmer race.

(Robert Harder does his part in the 200 yard medley relay)

Inami continued his impressive season by breaking his own school record in the 200 yard IM, his sixth record of the year, with a finishing time of 1:58.23. He also earned the top time in the 100 yard breaststroke and was part of the winning 400 yard freestyle relay team.

Schwab beat the field in the 500 yard freestyle and Jake Rudnik (Pembroke, NY) was the winner of the 200 yard breaststroke.

Kylie Bank (Alexander, NY) topped the women’s 100 yard breaststroke and beat the field by more than five seconds, while Emily Mott (Oakfield, NY) earned a second place finish in the 100 yard butterfly and a third place finish in the 200 yard IM.

The meet concludes the regular season for the squad who will begin the post-season on February 17th at a time and location to be determined.

Grant will help fund job training for food-processing work

By Howard B. Owens

The county is scheduled to receive a $7,200 grant to help fund training for potential food-processing workers, as part of the Finger Lakes Food Processing Cluster Initiative.

The grant will likely assist Genesee Community College in developing food-training classes, said Scott Gage, director of the Job Development Center, and comes at a good time, with companies like Alpina opening factories in Batavia, along with existing businesses such as Yancey's Fancy in Corfu.

"Workers need to learn manufacturing techniques, process control, and health and safety issues," Gage said. "We’re seeing this as a tool to help us with these new businesses moving into the town."

Steve Hyde, CEO of the Genesee County Economic Development Center, said there is an effort going forward from government agencies, schools and food-processing companies themselves to create a better trained work force for these types of businesses.

He said developing such tech-based job-training programs (and food processing is now a tech-based job) is hugely important for the region.

"We are better aligning education with industry needs," Hyde said. "If you really start being able to deliver (a better trained work force), boy, you are at a key strategic advantage (for attracting new businesses to the area)."

Monroe takes down the Cougars

By Andrew Crofts

After their first loss in conference play to Jamestown Community College on Tuesday night, the Genesee Community College men’s basketball team looked to rebound on Thursday night when the played host to Monroe Community College.

The Tribunes grabbed the first lead after a back-and-forth start when they went up 18-13 with 12 minutes remaining. Deylon Bovell (Brooklyn, NY) finished a three point play, capping off a 10-2 run in a span of two minutes for the Cougars, to give the home team a 23-20 advantage. Monroe would bounce back, however, and ended the first half on a 16-3 run, taking a 13-point 49-36 lead into the half.

(#2 Kevin Nascimento tries to hold off a Monroe defender during the Cougars loss to the Tribunes on Thursday night)

MCC started the second half much like they ended the first and grabbed a 20-point, 58-38 lead just four minutes in. The Cougars struggled to gain any ground throughout the remainder of the second half and were out-rebounded 53-30 on the night. Monroe never saw their lead drop below 20 and the Tribunes downed GCC, 93-70.

Bovell lead all scorers with 18 points, Kenton Chan-Man (Brooklyn, NY) finished with 15 points, Mike Glenn (Fairport, NY) added 11 points and Dijon Wright (Philadelphia, PA) added 10 points.

The Cougars drop to 13-9 on the season and 5-2 in conference play. They will travel to Alfred State on Tuesday for a 7:30 tip.

Lady Tribunes too much for Genesee

By Andrew Crofts

The Genesee Community College women’s basketball team could not handle Division I Monroe Community College on Thursday night, as the visiting Lady Tribunes (ranked #14 in the country) downed the Lady Cougars 84-30.

Genesee struggled from the floor all night, shooting only 18.8% and were out-rebounded 66-36.

Jasmine Armstead (Rochester, NY) was the only GCC scorer to reach double figures, finishing the night with 13 points. Kayla Golden (Lackawanna, NY) chipped in with six points and collected eight rebounds and Chyna Lennox (Moseley, VA) added four points.

(Genesee head coach Christie McGee-Ross talks to her team during a timeout on Thursday night)

Genesee falls to 6-17 on the season and will travel to Alfred State on Tuesday for their next contest at 5:30pm.

Special Civil War exhibit at GCC's Batavia campus library through Feb. 17

By Billie Owens

There is a special Civil War exhibit inside the Alfred O'Connell Library at the Batavia campus of Genesee Community College. It's part of a series of activities commemorating the 150th anniversary of America's most divisive conflict.

It features more than a dozen miniature models depicting wartime scenes and situations of the Civil War. There are authentic weapons and war accoutrements, uniforms, a tent, and a selection of framed newspapers dating back to the 1850s.

The exhibit continues through February 17 and is open during normal library hours. Spring hours are:

  • Monday through Thursday -- 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
  • Friday -- 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Saturday -- 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Sunday -- 12 to 6 p.m.

The college is located at 1 College Drive. For more information, call the library at 343-0055, ext. 6419, or visit online at <www.genesee.edu/library>.

College invites GLOW high-schoolers to enter Civil War essay contest

By Billie Owens

As part of a series of activities commemorating the 150th anniversary of the nation's most devisive conflict, the Civil War, Genesee Community College invites high-school students in the GLOW region (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties) to enter an essay contest.

The topic is "War Takes a Nasty Turn: The Changing Nature of the War of 1862."

The first-place essay winner will receive a color Nook electronic reader.

The essay should be a minimum of three pages, formatted in 12-point Times New Roman font, and double-spaced. All citations must be written in Chicago Style (www.chicagomanualofstyle.org). All essays must be received electronically by Friday, April 13 at ddmaxfield@genesee.edu.

Winners will be announced at the Civil War lecture that is scheduled at the Batavia campus at 7 p.m. on May 1.

For further information please contact GCC's Lima Campus Center at 582-1226 or go to: http://civilwaratgcc.wordpress.com.

Cougars ecape at Jamestown-Olean

By Andrew Crofts

The Genesee Community College men's basketball team picked up a road conference win at Jamestown Community College-Olean on Saturday afternoon, escaping the Jaguars 83-75.

The Cougars, who defeated Jamestown by 29 just four days ago, started strong and built a twelve-point 43-31 lead at the half. Kenton Chan-Man (Brooklyn, NY) scored 24 of those first half points.

The Jaguars made a run in the second half but Genesee was able to hold on and escape with the win. Chan-Man finished with a game high and season high 38 points and also added five rebounds. Tyshawn Ferguson (Chicago, IL) added 21 points, Deylon Bovell (Brooklyn, NY) netted 10 points and grabbed five rebounds and Terryl Coombs (Brooklyn, NY) collected nine rebounds.

Genesee stays perfect in conference play (5-0) and improves to 13-7 overall. They will travel to Jamestown Community College on Tuesday for a 7:30pm start.

Genesee upsets #7 Erie

By Andrew Crofts

With a victory over a top ten team already under their belts this season, a victory over then ranked #7 Lakeland Community College on December 17th, the Genesee Community College men’s basketball team welcomed #7 Erie Community College to the Anthony T. Zambito Gymnasium on Thursday night and upset the visiting Kats 101-94.

Genesee fell behind early before Deylon Bovell (Brooklyn, NY) scored two straight baskets that sparked a 13-2 run to give the home team a ten point lead at 17-7. Erie came back behind 7 of 16 shooting from three-point range and held a six point lead late in the first half. Mike Glenn (Fairport, NY) drew the Cougars to within two with a layup and a dunk in succession, before Erie converted on three free-throws to end the half and took a 53-48 lead into intermission.

The second half was the Kenton Chan-Man (Brooklyn, NY) show as the sophomore scored three straight three-pointers during a 13-3 Cougar run early in the half to give GCC a 64-58 lead. Erie would not go away, however, as the Kats kept pace and were within one before Donte Meredith (Bronx, NY) hit a three to give GCC a 74-70 lead with nine minutes to play. Chan-Man extended the four point advantage with his fourth three pointer of the second half to give Genesee an 87-80 lead with five minutes remaining. Kevin Nascimento’s (New York, NY) layup with less than two minutes to play gave GCC their first double-digit lead of the night at 95-85, and the Cougars finished off the #7 Kats.

Bovell finished with 21 points on seven of nine shooting before fouling out late in the game. Chan-Man also ended the night 21 points, all of which came in the second half. Glenn added 16 points, Dijon Wright (Philadelphia, PA) grabbed 15 rebounds and chipped in with 10 points and Tyshawn Ferguson (Chicago, IL) also tallied a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

The Cougars remain perfect in conference play (4-0) and improve to 12-7 overall on the season. They will travel to Jamestown Community College-Olean on Saturday for a 1pm tip.

Lady Cougars fall to Erie

By Andrew Crofts

Coming off of their first conference win of the season last Thursday, the Genesee Community College women’s basketball team hosted WNYAC opponent Erie Community College on Thursday night and dropped a 77-65 contest to the Lady Kats.

The Lady Cougars opened on a 6-0 run and held a 23-18 lead after a Rachel Kolhagen (Attica, NY) steal and basketball with about eight minutes to play in the first half. Erie would go on to score 18 of the last 26 points to end the opening twenty minutes, and took a 36-31 lead into the break.

Genesee made a run early in the second half when Kayla Golden (Lackawanna, NY) scored two straight baskets to draw the Lady Cougars to within two at 43-41. Erie then went on a 17-8 run and held an 11 point lead before Genesee made one last push, capped off by a Golden three point play to cut the lead to six at 60-54. Strong three-point shooting kept the Erie lead safe, however, and the Lady Kats finished off the 12 point victory.

Golden lead all scorers with 20 points and also collected 17 rebounds. Chyna Lennox (Moseley, VA) had another strong night for GCC finishing with 16 points and 10 boards and Kohlhagen chipped in with 10 points.

The Lady Cougars fall to 6-15 on the season and will travel to Jamestown Community College on Tuesday night for a 5:30pm start.

GCC Swimming and Diving Earns Split

By Andrew Crofts
The Genesee Community College swimming and diving team played host to Monroe Community College and Mercyhurst North East on Wednesday evening, with both the men and women finishing with one win and one loss on the night.
 
The GCC men’s team defeated Mercyhurst North East 73-11 and fell to Monroe Community College 50-40. The women’s team beat Mercyhurst North East 28-1 and lost to Monroe Community College 77-9.
 
Top swimmers on the men’s side included Yusuke Inami (Chikusei, Japan) who finished first in the 200 yard IM and edged out MCC’s Taylor Stewart by 0.83 seconds to claim the top spot in the 100 yard butterfly. Inami teamed up with Brady Smith (Brisbane, Australia), Max Brady (Akron, NY) and Ben Tyx (Alexander, NY) to win the 200 yard medley relay with a finishing time of 1:50.66. Smith also added a second place finish on the night in the 100 yard backstroke, and Tyx, Genesee’s only diver, earned a finals score of 115.25.
(GCC's Yusuke Inami (yellow cap) battles with MCC's Taylor Stewart (dark cap) for first place in the 100 yard butterfly on Wednesday night)
 
Emily Mott (Oakfield, NY) swam to a second place finish in the 500 yard freestyle and a third place finish in the 100 yard butterfly. Kylie Bank (Alexander, NY) earned a second place finish in the 100 yard breaststroke with a finishing time of 1:24.06 and finished third in the 50 yard freestyle. Lauren Hughes (Elba, NY) finished in third place in the 100 yard freestyle.
 
Genesee will travel to Jamestown Community College on Saturday afternoon and will host the “Genesee Last Chance Invitational” on Saturday, February 4th at 1pm.

Genesee Handles Jamestown-Olean

By Andrew Crofts

The Genesee Community College men’s basketball team moved to 3-0 in Western New York Athletic Conference play on Tuesday night, knocking off visiting Jamestown Community College-Olean in front of a home crowd, 89-60.

Kevin Nascimento (New York, NY) opened the game with a three pointer that sparked a 14-1 start for the home team. The Genesee defense stymied Jamestown to a zero for nine shooting start from the field, and held the Jaguars to just one field goal in the first ten minutes of the game. Genesee took a 37-17 lead into half.

(Genesee Head Coach Terry George talks to #23 David Andrews in blowout win over Jamestown-Olean)

Michael Glenn (Fairport, NY) started the second half by converting on back-to-back three point baskets, giving GCC a 43-17 lead. The Cougars forced nine second half turnovers, nineteen total for the game, and never saw their lead drop below 20. Deylon Bovell (Brooklyn, NY) had a strong night for Genesee finishing with 17 points and five rebounds. Kenton Chan-Man (Brooklyn, NY) once again led GCC in scoring with a game high 27 points. Glenn chipped in with 17 points and David Andrews (Bronx, NY) grabbed seven rebounds to go along with six points.

The Cougars improve their overall record to 11-7 and will host Erie Community College on Thursday night at 8pm.

GCC Basketball Sweeps Niagara

By Andrew Crofts

The Genesee Community College women's basketball team cruised to their first conference victory of the season, defeating Niagara County Community College 90-45 on Thursday night.

The Lady Cougars pounced early and did not let up. A 16 point first half from Chyna Lennox (Moseley, VA) helped pace a 50 point opening twenty minutes for Genesee, who out-rebounded Niagara 35-15 and took a 50-15 lead into the break.

(#14 Nanase Akagami connects on a three-pointer in GCC's win over Niagara CCC)

The Genesee lead never dropped below 25 in the second half, and the Lady Cougars had four scorers reach double figures. Lennox finished with a team high 23 points, Kayla Golden (Lackawanna, NY) added 11 points and 9 rebounds, and Chelsey Cole (Brockport, NY) and Jasmine Armstead (Rochester, NY) each finished with 10 points. Nanase Akagami (Japan) also came off the bench late and added a season high 9 points.

Genesee improves to 6-14 overall on the season and 1-1 in conference play. They will take the floor again next Thursday when they host Erie Community College at 6pm.

 

 

The Genesee Community College men's basketball team went to the wire with Niagara County Community College on Thursday night, but outlasted the visiting Thunderwolves to earn their second straight conference victory of the season, 82-80.

The Cougars played a back and forth start with a Niagara team who shot better than 53 percent from the floor in the first half. Kenton Chan-Man (Brooklyn, NY) was the only scorer to reach double figures in the opening twenty minutes, finishing with 11 points and going three of six from three point range. Genesee lead 41-40 at the break.

The Cougars opened up a 56-48 lead early on in the second half, but saw the lead vanish when Niagara converted on back-to-back three point possessions with about 15 minutes to play. Trailing 76-73 with five minutes remaining, Genesee came out of a timeout and got a Chan-Man layup to draw within one. A Michael Glenn (Fairport, NY) three pointer put GCC in the lead for good, as the Cougars came up with a game-winning defensive stop as time expired to move to 2-0 in conference play.

(#21 Michael Glenn finishes with a two-hand dunk in win over Niagara CCC)

Chan-Man finished with a game high 27 points. Glenn added 19 points and three assists and Deylon Bovell (Brooklyn, NY) ended with 10 points and a team high seven rebounds.

Genesee improves to 10-7 overall and will play again on Tuesday night when they host Jamestown Community College at 7pm.

GCC students pledge to complete their degrees

By Billie Owens

Press release:

A new student-faculty initiative that encourages Genesee Community College students to complete their studies and earn their associates degrees is under way, the board of trustees learned Monday evening.

The "commit to complete your degree pledge," also known as "C-4" or the Community College Completion Corps is part of wider community college movement hosted by Phi Theta Kappa Alpha Iota Upsilon. That's the local chapter of the national honor society for community colleges, according to Elise Banfield, GCC assistant professor of Psychology and advisor to PTK.

Professor Banfield was joined by two students in sharing the benefits of the program and the Spring 2012 promotional plans. Both PTK President Devin Kleinbach, of Batavia, and Vice President Michael Anauo, of Elba, reflected on last semester's enthusiastic display of support for the C-4 program. Students not only signed their names to the pledge but were also signing the posters with additional comments, such as "I'm committed!" More than 45 students pledged to complete their degrees at the special event in November.

Statistics show the surest way for anyone to land a job in their chosen field is to finish college and earn a degree or certificate. And that's exactly what GCC students are promising to do by signing a collective pledge to complete their degrees and certifications before leaving to transfer their credits elsewhere or to enter the job market.

This Spring, students in Genesee's PTK chapter will be speaking in classrooms throughout the college on the importance of completing their degrees and visiting campus center. They will also have a table or booth set up at the Transfer Fair.

In other business Monday evening, the board of trustees:

•    Approved a technical amendment to the board's staff appointment policy, requiring board approval for the employment of two additional members of the college's managerial staff.

•    Approved four-year continuing appointments for 26 members of faculty and staff. Reappointed were: Meredith L. Altman, professor of Mathematics; Maryanne C. Arena, director of Fine and Performing Arts; Vicky L. Aubert, technical assistant, GCC at Warsaw; Joanna E. Barefoot, technical specialist, Student Activities; Marjorie N. Blondell, assistant professor of Nursing; Charles A. Boyd, professor of English; William S. Brewer, professor of Economics; Jeannie L. Burdick, counselor/associate professor; Jean M. Chenu, associate professor of Office Technology; Kristine Dassinger, assistant professor of English; M. Richard Dudkowski, professor of Fashion Business; Cindy A. Francis, associate professor/collection development librarian; Patti S. Furness, technical assistant, GCC at Albion; Barry J. Garigen, professor of Criminal Justice; Michael L. Garrett, technical specialist, Marketing Communications; Norman R. Gayford, professor of English; James R. Habermas, professor of Computer Information Systems; Timothy Hinz, associate professor of Computer Information Systems; Mary C. Knappen, professor of Mathematics; Lina M. LaMattina, director, Business Skills Training; Maureen A. Leupold, professor of Biology; Susan Ryan, technical specialist, Admissions; Barbara A. Shine, associate professor of Business; Dennis G. Shine, associate professor of Drafting; Amy L. Slusser, assistant professor of Tourism and Hospitality Management; and Nina T. Warren, director of Library Services.

•    Approved first-time four-year continuing appointments for 18 members of faculty and staff: Shawn P. Adamson, instructor of English; Valerie C. Bello, instructor of Communications and Media Arts; Christopher D. Caputi, instructor/coordinator of Clinical Education, Physical Therapist Assistant Program; Amy L. Cleveland, technical assistant/international student academic advisor; Kathleen T. Gurak, instructor of Health and Physical Education; Edward R. Hallborg, technical specialist/theater technician/technical director; Jessica L. Hibbard, technical assistant, GCC at Warsaw; Heather S. Jones, instructor of Fine Arts; Josephine B. Kearney, instructor of Sociology and Human Services; Amy A. Masters, technical specialist, Student Financial Services; Christie McGee Ross, technical assistant/head Women's Basketball coach; Eleanor B. Nixon, instructor of Nursing; Samson A. Olaode, director of Grant Services; Kathy L. Palumbo, director of Nursing; Amy J. Schnettler-Zak, instructor of Nursing; Charles L. Scruggs, instructor of History and Political Science; Catherine C. Wall, instructor of Nursing; and Karen K. Wicka, instructor of Criminal Justice.

•    Heard President James M. Sunser report that spring semester classes will begin next Tuesday, Jan. 17. He predicted strong enrollment.

•    Heard that Josh J. Escudero will join the staff as director of Respiratory Care, and Lezli D. Giancarlo will join the staff as instructor and clinical education coordinator. Escudero has served as a staff member of Inspired Medical Solutions and Tri-Anim Health Services, and as supervisor of the Respiratory Care Department at the University of Rochester Medical Center. He holds a B.A. degree from Hamilton College, a B.S. degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University, and a M.B.A. degree from the University of Rochester. He is a resident of Victor. Giancarlo has served as the supervisor of respiratory care at Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital, and as a staff member of the Visiting Nurse Association, Children's Hospital of Buffalo, Erie County Medical Center, and Mercy Medical Homecare. She holds A.S. degrees from California College for Health Sciences and Community College of the Air Force, and a B.S. degree from Southwest Texas State University. She is a resident of East Aurora.

•    Heard that Robert M. Swinarski Jr. will join the faculty as instructor of Computer Systems and Network Technologies. He holds an A.S. degree from Genesee Community College and a B.S. degree from SUNY Brockport. He is a resident of Batavia.

'Convivium' opens at Roz Steiner Gallery at GCC

By Howard B. Owens

It would be tempting to look at Kala Stein's "Convivium" as just a table with a bunch of cups on it, but approach the sculpture and take a moment with it, and you discover it encourages a contemplative review of its subtle beauty.

Convivium is on display at the Roz Steiner Gallery on the Genesee Community College campus from Jan. 17 through 27.

The sculpture was installed over the past two days.

Stein has written this about it:

Convivium describes a coming together, a celebratory congregation, a banquet of minds. This type of gathering is a venue for exchange, a place to spark new relationships, and to cultivate what presently exists. It is about the constructive potentials of the collective.

The cup is a vernacular object; I use the goblet as a tool to symbolize human interaction within the convivium and the idea of convivium itself. Repetition and expansion, physical derivatives of time and space, distort the vessel beyond iconic function and shifts its singularity into a dizzying display of geometric patterns. The goblet is no longer a goblet; it is a unit within the whole. The area beyond the strict limits of the objects accommodates surprise and discovery. Function becomes irrational and form becomes pattern.

Ceramic, wood and glass are used for their aesthetic qualities and structural abilities. The materials are processed out of necessity – beyond raw but short of finished. An unpolished state is absolute structure and illustrates a depth of purity and the truth of the material.

Stein has a master's degree in fine arts from Alfred University, where she currently teaches and works as a studio artist.

GCC president delivers first 'state of the college' address

By Howard B. Owens

Emphasizing all GCC has accomplished but noting there is work to be done in order to maintain a focus on excellence, President Jim Sunser delivered his first "state of the college" speech in the Stuart Steiner Auditorium on Thursday morning.

"You've heard me say I believe that all of us together are smarter than any one of us alone, and we have to talk with each other and work together if we are going to continue to be a great college," Sunser  said. "I encourage you all to bring your thoughts and ideas to those you are with with every day and help us make GCC an even greater place in 2012 and beyond."

Sunser said the college will continue working on a strategic plan, using data gathered from a strategic assessment to help inform planning and "support solid decision making" about the future.

He said the new executive VP of planning and institutional effectiveness will work with senior leadership to review practices and procedures to ensure they support access to learning.

The college will continuing to develop online opportunities.

A new student code of conduct is also being developed.

"This standardized code will serve students by providing clearer understanding of the expectations we have for them as members of this academic community," Sunser said.

A committee is also working on a complete facilities master plan that will set the course for the next five years and beyond for capital fund raising, facilities upgrades and environmental sustainability projects.

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