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James I. Hughes, of Le Roy, a graduate of McQuaid Jesuit High School, will attend Clarkson University in Potsdam as a member of the Class of 2017. Hughes, who will be majoring in Environmental Engineering, will begin studying at Clarkson in the fall.

"We look forward to having James join us on campus in August," said Dean of Admissions Brian T. Grant.

High school students can schedule a personalized visit to Clarkson, which includes a campus tour tailored to their interests, the opportunity to sit in on a class, a visit with an admissions counselor, and a one-on-one meeting with a professor. Just contact the Admissions Office at 800-527-6577 or admission@clarkson.edu.

Clarkson University launches leaders into the global economy. Through 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, sciences and health sciences, the entire learning-living community spans boundaries across disciplines, nations and cultures to build powers of observation, challenge the status quo, and connect discovery and engineering innovation with enterprise.

A Summer Youth Lacrosse Camp is planned for children in grades one through seven at John Kennedy Elementary School on Wednesdays and Thursdays, June 26 through July 18.

The sessions will be 6 to 7:15 p.m. and be supervised by Joe Hussar, Varsity Lacrosse coach at Batavia High School.

Those interested can e-mail Hussar at jhussar@bataviacsd.org or call 343-2480, ext. 7429.

Michael Ramsey, of Elba, was named to the President's List at The State University of New York at Geneseo for Spring 2013. To be on the list, a student must have achieved an A in all coursework (4.0 grade point average) while taking at least 12 credit hours.

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.
 

"Genesee Community College History," a digital collection from the Western New York Library Rescources Council, is now available on New York Heritage:

http://www.nyheritage.org/collections/gcc-history

The collection features 49 items about Genesee Community College -- from its inception to the graduation of some of the first graduates.

It highlights the construction of the College Road campus in Batavia, as well as students unwinding and playing football in the snow, and shows the steady progress of the building and development of the College as a whole, amid the transitions in leadership of the College during its continual growth.

New York Heritage is a collaborative project among New York State’s nine Reference and Research Library Resources Councils (NY3Rs): Capital District Library Council; Central New York Library Resources Council; Long Island Library Resources Council; METRO-Metropolitan New York Library Council; Northern New York Library Network; Rochester Regional Library Council; South Central Regional Library Council; Southeastern New York Library Resources Council; and Western New York Library Resources Council.

The NY3Rs, funded by New York State, work with their member institutions (libraries, archives, museums and historical societies) to digitize original research materials and make those materials available for free on the Internet. The councils are continually adding new collections to nyheritage.org and actively seek collections to expand the site.

Courtney Smith, a student at Batavia High School, has been selected to represent Batavia as a National Youth Correspondent to the 2013 Washington Journalism and Media Conference at George Mason University. It will be held July 7-12.

Courtney joins a select group of students from all over the country for an intensive study of journalism and media. Smith was chosen based on academic accomplishments and a demonstrated interest and excellence in journalism and media studies.

With distinguished faculty, guest speakers, and direct access to elite D.C. practitioners, the Washington Journalism and Media Conference offers aspiring journalists and student leaders an unparalleled experience. The weeklong program will encourage and inspire young leaders from across the country who desire a unique experience focused on successful careers in this dynamic industry.

 

Press release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce three students have been named 2013 recipients of the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence. Samantha Callisher, Suzanne Smith, and Samantha Vogt were recognized at an awards ceremony in Albany. Each recipient received a framed certificate and a medallion, which is traditionally worn at commencement.

The Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence was created in 1997 to recognize students who have best demonstrated, and have been recognized for the integration of academic excellence with accomplishments in the areas of leadership, athletics, community service, creative and performing arts, campus involvement or career achievement.

Each year, campus presidents establish a selection committee, which reviews exemplary students. Nominees are then forwarded to the Chancellor's Office and are subject to a second round of review. Finalists are then recommended to the Chancellor to become recipients of the award.

Callisher, 20, is studying Fashion Merchandising Management with plans to further her education after GCC, eventually earning a master's degree in Business. The Batavia native chose GCC because of its fashion program. Her career goal is to become a fashion buyer for a successful retailer. At GCC, Samantha is involved in Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America). While compiling an impressive academic record, her community volunteerism also helped earn her the Chancellor's recognition. She gives of her time at Jackson Elementary School in Batavia, the Batavia Nursing Home and GCASA (Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse).

Smith, a native of Geneva, is pursuing her second degree at GCC, this time in Communications and Media Arts. She earned an associates degree in Hospitality and Tourism in May 2009 while raising a family and working full time. Shortly after graduating, she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare form of cancer. She credits her GCC family with helping her as she went through treatment. She has been in remission for two years. Her journey through cancer led Suzanne to self-publish a book about the experience, and she has become active in organizing cancer awareness and fundraising events at GCC and the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, where she's also served as a cancer "coach" helping others deal with the diagnosis. Suzanne is an active member of radio club at GCC and serves as Vice President of Marketing for the Multicultural Communications Club (Toastmasters International).

Vogt, 20, is studying Fashion Merchandising Management at GCC. The West Seneca native earned the Chancellor's Award because she has excelled in all aspects of her work at GCC. A 4.0 student, she is project manager of the Fashion Program's annual Spring Fashion Show and contributes posts to the Fashion Program Blog. She served as a Resident Assistant in College Village, and is the student representative to GCC's Board of Trustees. Samantha is also president of the Business Forum Club, and active in SHAG (Student Health Awareness Group), Toastmaster's, Campus Activities Board and DECA. In addition, she works at M.A. Carr Bridal in Orchard Park and has produced five bridal fashion shows and a prom fashion show. Upon graduation, Samantha plans to continue her studies at Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.

"The GCC Campus Community is so proud of these exemplary students," said Virginia Taylor, Vice President for Student and Enrollment Services said. "Not only are they preparing themselves for very bright and successful futures, but they're also setting a great example for other students. If you work hard, you really can achieve anything."

The three honorees were among 243 students from 63 SUNY campuses recognized for their remarkable achievements. Recipients of this year's award have an overall GPA of 3.8 and records of significant contributions to their campuses and communities.

Press release:

The Batavia Concert Band Board of Directors is pleased to announce that John Bailey will be the Principle Conductor for the 2013 Batavia Concert Band Summer Concert Series.

A Pembroke native and Akron resident, Bailey is currently a music teacher at the Lyndonville Central School District, where he teaches both general and instrumental music. A French horn player, Bailey is a graduate of SUNY Fredonia, and also serves as conductor for the Pembroke Community Band. 

He was selected after the Board of Directors conducted a search for a Principle Conductor this past winter and spring. 

“Our audience and band should be looking forward to the enthusiasm that John will bring to programming exciting concerts for the Batavia community in Centennial Park,” said Jill Franclemont, president of the Board of Directors. 

“I am looking forward to continuing the fine tradition of music in the park in Batavia on sunny July evenings," Bailey said. "I plan to program a wide variety of music that will appeal to the diverse audience that attends our concerts."

John Kresse will be serving as Guest Conductor for the July 4^th Concert in Centennial Park.  Currently, Kresse is a Graduate Assistant at the School of Music at SUNY Fredonia.

The Batavia Concert Band will present its first concert on Wednesday, June 26^th at Centennial Park in the City of Batavia.

Michael Norway, son of Peggy and Larry Norway, of Elba, has enrolled for Fall Semester 2013 admission at Rochester Institute of Technology. Michael is in the Physics bachelor of science program in RIT's College of Science and is a 2011 graduate of Oakfield-Alabama Central School. Michael has been awarded an RIT Trustee Scholarship.

Rochester Institute of Technology is internationally recognized for academic leadership in business, computing, engineering, imaging science, liberal arts, sustainability, and fine and applied arts.

Major General Patrick A. Murphy, the Adjutant General, announced the recent reenlistment of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their continuing commitment to serve community, state and nation as part of the Army National Guard.

Sergeant First Class Charles Jensen, from Byron, has reenlisted to continue service with the Company A, 2-108th Infantry.

"The New York Army National Guard has sustained our force at or above 100 percent strength for the better part of five years now," Murphy said. "Keeping those ready forces in our ranks mean that New York is ready to provide forces for state missions here at home, as we saw during Hurricane Sandy or for the federal missions supporting our nation around the country and around the world."

"Each of our 16,000 men and women serving in the Army and Air National Guard as an important role and I'm pleased that so many continue to reenlist and remain part of our New York National Guard family."

Amy Schmidt, of Batavia, was recently honored as a Class of 2015 Prize Winner from the Pi of New York Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa.

Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest and most prestigious honor society, and is dedicated to fostering and recognizing excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. Only 280 colleges and universities have been granted a charter for a Phi Beta Kappa chapter. Elmira College's chapter was established in 1940.

Elmira College inducted 15 new members to its Pi of New York Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa earlier this year. Megan Lowe, of Le Roy, was among them.

Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest and most prestigious honor society, and is dedicated to fostering and recognizing excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. Only 280 colleges and universities have been granted a charter for a Phi Beta Kappa chapter. Elmira College's chapter was established in 1940.

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi announced earlier this year that Benjamin Keipper, of Corfu, was recently initiated into the Phi Kappa Phi Chapter at Nazareth College. Keipper is among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year.

Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest, largest and most selective all-discipline honor society. The Society has chapters on nearly 300 campuses in the United States, Puerto Rico and the Philippines.

Membership in Phi Kappa Phi is by invitation and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors, having at least 72 semester hours, are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Baton Rouge, La., Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

Press release:

Genesee Community College's Board of Trustees recently promoted 10 members of the faculty in recognition of their teaching and scholarly accomplishments.

Promoted to the rank of Professor from Associate Professor:

•    Cindy Francis, of Batavia, Collection Development Librarian, Alfred C. O'Connell Library

After earning her General Studies degree from GCC, Cindy went on to receive a bachelor's degree in Business Marketing from Arizona State. She lived in many states before returning to Western New York and accepting a part-time position in the GCC Library in 1993. She earned her master's in Library Science at the University at Buffalo and joined the library staff full time in 2004. She received a SUNY Chancellor's Award for Librarianship in 2009.

•    Garth Swanson, of Stafford, History

Garth has been with GCC for 21 years, starting as an adjunct instructor in 1992. Swanson initiated the World History curriculum at GCC and has developed a number of new course offerings, including New York State History and History of Sport in America. He has received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2007 and serves as vice president of the Holland Purchase Historical Society Board of Directors.

Promoted to the rank of Associate Professor from Assistant Professor:

•    Julie Jackson-Coe, of Snyder, Reading

Julie came to GCC in 1989 as it began to help students with different learning needs. She was a learning specialist in the Center for Academic Progress (CAP) and held that position for 10 years. In 1999, she took a nine-month position at Niagara University's learning center, returning to GCC two years later to teach reading full time. She is a 2013 SUNY Chancellor's Award winner for Excellence in Teaching.

Promoted to the rank of Assistant Professor from Instructor:

•    Deborah Carrasquillo, of Warsaw, Nursing

Deborah joined GCC five years ago, bringing with her nearly 30 years of professional nursing experience in clinical, administrative, and academic settings. She received a master's degree in Executive Leadership in Nursing and a post-master's certificate in Nursing Education from Daemen College. Deborah teaches fourth semester nursing students at GCC. She is active in nursing organizations and also serves on the Village of Warsaw Planning Board.

•    Amy Conley, of Middleport, Business and Accounting

Amy is a certified public accountant who has been with GCC for four years. She holds a bachelor's degree in Accounting from St. John Fisher College and an MBA from Rochester Institute of Technology. Amy made the career shift into academics after 15 years of working in the public and private sector. At GCC, Amy is actively involved with students on campus as both the co-advisor of GCC's Collegiate Entrepreneurship Organization (CEO Club) and as a leader of the school's Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

•    Michelle Eichelberger, of Rochester, Library

Michelle came to GCC in August 2009. She previously was a librarian at Finger Lakes Community College and Penn State's Altoona Campus. A native of the Rochester area, she's pleased to be part of the GCC community.

•    Gary Glaser, of Wheatfield, Biology

Gary has been a full-time faculty member at GCC for four years. He teaches Anatomy and Physiology in traditional, hybrid, and online courses. Gary also works as a professional photographer and photographs GCC's annual Spring Fashion Show.

•    Jodi Harvey, of Geneseo, Teacher Education

Jodi has taught courses in the Teacher Education Transfer Program at GCC for the last four years. She also serves as an academic advisor for the program and co-advisor for the Teacher Education Club. Prior to GCC, she was a Fine Arts teacher. She also taught Special Education, in a self-contained classroom and as a consultant.

•    Eileen Mathis, of Williamsville, Psychology

Eileen joined the GCC faculty in 2008, first as an adjunct and a year later as a full-time instructor. Prior to GCC, she was a diversion counselor and addictions therapist in Rochester. She has bachelor's and master's degrees in Psychology and has worked as an elementary teacher and a prison psychologist.

•    Derek Maxfield, of Churchville, History

A native of Dundee, Derek just completed his fourth year at GCC. A graduate of SUNY Cortland, he received a master's degree in History from Villanova and has completed all but his dissertation toward a doctorate from the University at Buffalo. Derek has been the central coordinator of GCC's ongoing Civil War Initiatives, which has included numerous lectures, exhibits, and two separate weekend-long Civil War Encampments involving several thousand visitors. He is a 2013 SUNY Chancellor's Award winner for Scholarship and Creative Activities.

Three local students were named to Clarkson University dean's list for the Spring 2013 semester:

Patrick Flynn, of Batavia, a sophomore majoring in Aeronautical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.

Jacob Muench, of Darien, a sophomore majoring in Aeronautical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.

Casey Engle, of Byron, a senior majoring in Electrical Engineering.

Dean's list students must achieve a minimum 3.25 grade-point average and also carry at least 14 credit hours. Clarkson University is located in Potsdam.
 

Two local students were named Presidential Scholars for the Spring 2013 semester at Clarkson University:

Andrew Lichtenthal, of Batavia, a sophomore majoring in Aeronautical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.

Kaley Johnson, of Bergen, a senior majoring in Engineering and Management.

Presidential Scholars must achieve a minimum 3.80 grade-point average and carry at least 14 credit hours.

Clarkson University, in Potsdam, offers 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, sciences and health sciences, the entire learning-living community spans boundaries across disciplines, nations and cultures to build powers of observation, challenge the status quo, and connect discovery and engineering innovation with enterprise.