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College to get $209K grant for nursing program

By Billie Owens

Genesee Community College will receive a $209,000 grant for its Nursing Workforce Diversity program. The board of trustees learned the good news Monday night when they met at the Batavia campus for the annual election of officers.

The grant is from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and will help licensed practical nurses successfully transition to the college's nursing program and eventually become registered nurses. The funding provides mentoring, tutoring, stipends, scholarships and technology support. This is the second Nursing Workforce Diversity grant the college has received.

Trustees reelected Charles R. Ruffino as board chair for the 2011-2012 year; as well as Maureen T. Marshall, vice chair; and Diane D. Torcello, secretary.

Ruffino is a resident of Batavia and a retired New York State Department of Education administrator. Marshall, of Elba, is owner and operator of Elba-based Torrey Farms. Torcello, of Pavilion, is a Bank of Castile branch manager.

The board also approved a resolution authorizing President Stuart Steiner to execute documents for the sale of the lease of the Verizon cell tower located on the Batavia campus. The resolution updates board action from June, and gives the college the opportunity to receive proposals from more than one company.

Sale of the lease would provide at least $176,000 to the college, as well as 50 percent of any revenues generated from the tower. The sale is subject to an environmental review and approval by the Genesee County Legislature, sponsor of the college.

Lastly, trustees approved a series of technical revisions to board policies, such as inclusion of gender-neutral language in policies.

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