Submitted photo courtesy of Genesee Community College.
Press Release:
EDsmart, a prominent education research organization, recently unveiled its annual assessment of New York State's top community colleges for 2024, spotlighting institutions that excel across various criteria including economic value, affordability, student satisfaction, and academic achievement.
This ranking, informed by a composite score derived from essential metrics such as post-attendance salary, net price, retention, and four-year graduation rates, offers a comprehensive overview of each college's performance.
Among these institutions, Genesee Community College secured an impressive fourth position in the rankings. With a composite score of 96.6 out of 100 reflecting excellence across economic, affordability, satisfaction, and academic domains, Genesee Community College stands as a leader in educational quality and student success.
This noteworthy recognition underscores the dedication of Genesee Community College's faculty and staff to delivering outstanding learning experiences. By prioritizing academic excellence and cultivating a supportive educational environment, the college has rightfully earned its place among New York State's top community colleges.
GLOW Out! Executive Director Sara Vacin in her office at First Presbyterian Church in Batavia. Photo by Joanne Beck
Sara Vacin is pretty stoked about this year’s GLOW Out! event, which will not only draw upon her prior theater background but has garnered the attention of the New York State Legislature, which awarded the nonprofit a mental health grant as one of about only five local recipients, she says.
The funding comes from a little box about funding mental health efforts that folks can voluntarily check when filing their tax returns. Initiated in 2016, this campaign has raised more than $100,000, which is doled out to programs based on an application that must be submitted for review and approval.
“So it's a real honor; it gets a lot of attention through the legislature because they're kind of a part of the funding and the whole process. But it is managed through the New York State Office of Mental Health. And I've been working with a person on their anti-stigma team for about a year now, preparing everything, which includes research, which is exciting,” Vacin said at her Batavia office as GLOW Out! executive director. “And a big part of the stigma program is measuring an impact. So everyone who comes through the theater eventually will have a pre and post-survey, and everyone going through the conference will also kind of get a pre-conference screening on stigma, you know, their beliefs, mental health stigma, would you get help? Wouldn't you get help? If you see people as being disabled, unworthy of opportunities, or you just get that it's another aspect of health, another part of us that we need to attend to.”
The grant will be used for GLOW OUT’s Rainbow Resilience Youth Conference. Free for attendees, it will be from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday at Genesee Community College, 1 College Road, Batavia.
“The conference is geared towards suicide prevention. It is for middle and high school students. And we explicitly intentionally reached out to the gender and sexuality alliances, the clubs in the various middle and high schools. We might see some schools or some people from out of the GLOW region, but we have I think seven schools at this point coming, and we have some individuals coming as well,” she said. “So if anyone wants to, they're welcome to come as individuals, come with their parents, come with some friends. Because we have kids who come to our drop-in center here, their middle school isn't going but we're all really well connected. So I reached out to their parents, and they're very excited to take them there.”
There are several workshops lined up, including:
Responding to suicide risk factors and warning signs
Understanding and overcoming mental health stigmas
Dealing with difficult family members
Knowing your rights and advocating for change
Beloved Arise: faith-based youth organization
Life on the stage with Roger Rosen
Self-care sessions also include topics of art, yoga, exploring spirituality, connecting with nature, journaling, healthy eating and mindfulness in motion.
Keynote speaker Ashton Daley, who serves as the youth/young adult recovery program director for Youth Voices Matter, is a “firm believer in serving his community, and in doing so has volunteered extensively through multiple recovery programs and currently as a youth mentor for trans-identifying young people in the Capital Region,” his bio states.
"And I think that's a part of the appeal because he gets our students. He'll be talking about his experiences; he's transgender, and he's from a rural area," she said. "He's now a social worker, and he serves on some pretty important committees for New York State. And he overcame some suicidal ideations and some substance use issues as well. So he can be quite the inspiration on many points to our youth.
The day is to also include a panel discussion featuring “LGBTQ inspirations” with:
Genesee County Mental Health Director Lynda Battaglia (she/her)
GLOW Out! Communications Director Lauren Berger (she/they)
Medina Village Trustee Jess Marciano (she/her)
Roger Rosen, actor and educator (he/him)
Ashton Daley (he/him)
And this is the starting point of the theater project, she said, and where her bachelors in theater will come in handy.
“After the keynote, I will be working with all of them at one point in the day or another, to do a workshop specific on anti-stigma, mental health stigma, that needed to get help, and also using theater. What's really neat is we learned so much through COVID about stigma and distance and how personal distance is a good way to measure how comfortable people are around each other. So theater games, where people get up on their feet, and move around, and I kind of lead them in a way that they get out of their heads. And then they kind of get led in a process to maybe feel some of this, rather than try to get it intellectually, they can get that part later," she said. "So it's a kind of deeper way to learn about stigma. And from there, we're taking Ashton's inspiration and asking them to help us with different scenarios that they see or they've experienced, as far as leading mental health support or issues with suicide. And after the conference, we're going to work together with this troupe and with all of my LGBTQ youth in the GLOW region, to take those scenarios and create them into scenes. And so the conference is the starting point, Ashton is the inspiration, but then the workshops lead to the creation of the scenes.
“We’ll be auditioning in all four counties for the troupe. It's an LGBTQ youth troupe. We're looking at individuals 14 to 18 years old. There's a four-night acting intensive in August, all paid for. It’s like a camp and acting intensive that we’re taking them to.”
Auditions will be in May, and the cast will be announced during PRIDE events in June, she said. The theater project then culminates in September and October with performances for the public, including Ashton Daley so that he can see what resulted in this beginning phase, Vacin said.
“And we're hoping that there's some deeper education that comes from it. So the cool part about the creation cycle and this LGBTQ theater troupe is that once it's done, we will be self-sustaining. You know, grant money ends but we'll have this troupe. And we'll have this really neat mechanism to help train people. And to help understand what it feels like being young and LGBTQ," she said. "One of my challenges has always been supporting parents. We have PFLAG, which is a group specifically to help parents and families. And most people reach out soon after their kids come out. And we just can't get the parents here. But you get your kid on stage, and you'll be in the front row. So we're hoping that this will work to educate the whole community in a really creative way."
Photo of GCC's 2023 Fashion Show, courtesy of Genesee Community College.
Press Release:
Lights, Camera, Fashion! Get ready to experience glamour, style, and cinematic magic as GCC's fashion program presents its 43rd annual fashion show "A Night at the Cinema," an immersive journey through the silver screen's most iconic moments and timeless fashion inspirations.
Set to take place on Saturday, May 4 at 6 p.m. at the Richard C. Call Arena on GCC's Batavia Campus, this exclusive event promises to be a testament to the creativity and talent of GCC's fashion students.
Each of the scene coordinators presents a line inspired by a genre of film. Whether you are enamored by rom-coms, intrigued by paranormal films, inspired by historical films, energized by sci-fi, captivated by the red carpet premiere, or mystified by fairytales and fantasy, you will find looks you love on the runway. From luxurious evening gowns to sleek, sophisticated suits, each garment has been meticulously designed to evoke the spirit of Hollywood. Merchandising students are also collaborating with local boutiques including Savers, Goodwill of Batavia, and Catwalk Consignments of Clarence to showcase a diverse range of styles and demonstrate the versatility of fashion through sustainable and thrift finds.
In addition to the breathtaking fashion showcase, "A Night at the Cinema" will feature immersive set designs and special surprises that promise to transport attendees to the golden age of cinema. With every detail curated to evoke the magic of the silver screen, guests will be immersed in a world where fashion and film converge in a display of artistry and elegance.
The GCC fashion program extends its gratitude to show sponsors Sage Rutty and Company, Inc., Cleaner Than Before and More Cleaning Services, and Whole Life Fitness for their unwavering commitment to fostering creativity and innovation in the fashion program. Their dedication to the students and community is deeply appreciated, and the College is honored to have them as partners in this spectacular event.
"I am incredibly excited for our students to showcase their talents and creativity through this year's fashion show," said GCC's Assistant Professor of Fashion Business Merchandising, Laura Taylor. "A Night at the Cinema" is a truly immersive production, featuring pre-show interviews, photo-ops with coordinators, and a post-show party and vendor market. Our students have put in a tremendous amount of work and effort to make this year's show, a truly unforgettable experience. We are immensely grateful to our generous sponsors whose support has made this event possible."
As it has in the past, the Fashion Show will include a vendor fair giving local businesses a chance to showcase their products and services. There are still a few tables available for additional vendors. Interested businesses should email FashionShow@genesee.edu. Tables are only $25.
This year's fashion show offers exclusive sponsorship opportunities for businesses, organizations, and individuals interested in supporting the GCC fashion program. For more information, please contact Laura Taylor at ljtaylor@genesee.edu. Don't miss out on this exciting event, celebrating the timelessness of fashion and the talent of GCC's fashion students.
The event will begin at 6 p.m. with a red carpet paparazzi photo shoot, vendor fair, and complimentary concession stand. Following the show, attendees can enjoy a meet and greet with the designers and stylists.
Tickets are on sale now at www.gccfashionshow.com. General admission tickets are available for $10 and include access to the vendor fair, meet and greet, and a selfie photo spot. VIP tickets are available for $25 and include the same perks of general admission along with seating in the VIP area and a gift bag.
General admission tickets will be available until May 4 at 6 a.m., and a limited number of walk-in general admission tickets will be available at the door for cash only. VIP tickets will be available through May 1. VIP tickets will not be available at the door.
For more information contact Vice President, Development, Admissions, and External Affairs Justin M. Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.
Photo of Jasmine Wessel as Rapunzel, courtesy of Genesee Community College.
Press Release:
Join GCC's Forum Players as they present "Into the Woods" April 25 - 27 at 7 p.m. and April 28 at 2 p.m. at the Stuart Steiner Theatre. Featuring students from various majors at Genesee Community College, this production marks the return of musical theater to GCC after a multi-year hiatus.
Tackling the complexities of Sondheim's classic tale, the cast embarks on the challenging journey of bringing his emotionally rich compositions and clever lyrics to life on stage, recognizing the difficulty and ultimate reward in mastering Sondheim's iconic music.
Into the Woods follows classic fairytale characters on an adventure to fulfill their deepest wishes. The Baker and his Wife want more than anything to have a child, Cinderella desires to attend the King's Festival, and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk.
When the Baker and his Wife realize their wish cannot come true because of a Witch's curse, they set out on a grand quest to break the spell. As their stories intertwine, they will all learn to be careful what they wish for. Even wishes don't come without consequences.
Lapine and Sondheim focused on the characters's individual quests in Act 1. The second act sees the characters dealing with the consequences of their actions and coming together as a community. One of Sondheim's most popular works, Into the Woods features exquisite music, whimsical settings, dark humor, and themes that will stay with the audience long after the curtain closes.
The cast includes Maya Webb as The Giant/The Narrator, Paul Daniszewski as The Baker, Ashlyn Puccio as The Baker's Wife, Isabella Wheeler as Cinderella, Qasim Huzair as Jack, Grace Wheeler as Little Red Riding Hood, Jeriko Suzette Nemeth as The Witch, Marc Sapareto as Cinderella's Prince / Wolf, Jasmine Wessel as Rapunzel, Chris Brown as Rapunzel's Prince, Chris Bush as Jack's Mother, Seth Coburn as the Mysterious Man, Cassidy Crawford as Cinderella's Stepmother, Rosie Carioti-Darling and Sienna Korytkowski as Cinderella's Stepsisters, Shakeem Walcott as Cinderella's Father, Lauren Ruch as Cinderella's Mother / Little Red's Granny, and Aden Chua as The Steward.
Tickets are $10 general admission, $5 for GCC students and seniors. If you are a GCC Student or Employee, tickets are free. Tickets can be purchased at https://bit.ly/GCC_IntoTheWoods. Contact boxoffice@genesee.edu with any questions.
Questions for the director? Contact Brodie McPherson at bqmcpherson@genesee.edu
Questions for the vocal director? Contact Lauren Picarro-Hoerbelt at lnpicarrohoerbelt@genesee.edu
General questions can be answered by Jessica Skehan, Arts Center assistant, via email at jeskehan@genesee.edu or call (585) 343-0055 x6490
Photo of Dr. James Sunser, courtesy of Genesee Community College.
Genesee Community College (GCC) proudly announces Dr. James Sunser, esteemed President of GCC, as the distinguished commencement speaker for the institution's 56th commencement ceremony. The ceremony is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 18 at 1 p.m. at GCC's Richard C. Call Arena.
Dr. Sunser's selection as commencement speaker marks a fitting tribute to his remarkable tenure of leadership and service to Genesee Community College. After more than 13 years at the helm, Dr. Sunser announced his intention to retire at the conclusion of the 2023-24 academic year. His retirement comes after a career characterized by unwavering commitment to student success and transformative initiatives.
"I am deeply honored and humbled to have been selected as Genesee Community College's commencement speaker. It is a privilege to address such a vibrant community of learners as they embark on their next journey. I am thankful for the opportunity to inspire and celebrate the achievements of the class of 2024," said Dr. Sunser.
Under Dr. Sunser's stewardship, GCC witnessed significant milestones, including the development of the Richard C. Call Arena and the Student Success Center. These capital projects represented the largest fundraising efforts ever undertaken by the College, reinforcing Dr. Sunser's commitment to advancing educational opportunities for all students.
Moreover, Dr. Sunser provided exemplary leadership during the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continuity of services while prioritizing the health and well-being of the campus community.
Prior to his tenure at GCC, Dr. Sunser held several senior-level positions at SUNY Onondaga Community College over a span of 22 years. His illustrious career also includes five years as an administrator at Syracuse University. Dr. Sunser's contributions extend beyond GCC; he currently serves as the Immediate Past Chair of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education's Executive Committee, having previously served two terms as Chair in 2020 and 2021.
Genesee Community College extends a warm invitation to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the broader community to join in honoring Dr. Sunser at the 56th commencement ceremony. His address promises to inspire and resonate with graduates as they embark on their own paths of academic and personal fulfillment.
For more information contact Vice President, Admissions, Development, and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.
Former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf, right, and former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Ham at a Legends & Stars event in February 2023 at Batavia Downs Gaming. Now a motivational speaker, Leaf is scheduled to speak at Genesee Community College on May 8. Photo by Mike Pettinella.
Press release:
“Twelve years ago today I woke up on the floor of a jail cell...with no hope or possible idea what could be! There was no possibility of this life, no love of my life, no career, no future, no family, no recovery," Leaf wrote on X. "You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending! There is Hope!” – Ryan Leaf, April 1, 2024.
In 1998, the San Diego Chargers selected Ryan Leaf, standout quarterback from Washington State University, as the No. 2 overall pick in the National Football League Draft behind Peyton Manning. A finalist for the Heisman Trophy following his junior year, the future looked bright for the Great Falls, Mont., native.
However, dreams of a storied NFL career turned into a nightmare for the strong-armed 6-foot5-inch, 235-pound signal caller as issues involving bad behavior, injuries, work ethic and focus -- beyond poor play – limited his time as a pro to four nonproductive years.
Leaf went into a downward spiral, eventually ending up in prison for burglary and drug-related offenses – a period of time he referred to in his statement above.
Although he wasn’t able to survive in the world of professional football, Leaf has turned his life around – carving out a respected space throughout the United States as a motivational speaker and ambassador for sobriety.
He said he has been in recovery from substance use disorder for the past 11 years, and has devoted his life to helping others overcome the stigma of mental health and addiction as a program ambassador for Transcend Recovery Community and CEO/President of RAM Consultant, Inc.
Leaf, 47, is coming to Batavia in May to share his experiences, both triumph and challenges, and offer invaluable lessons in resilience and the power of determination.
“Asking for help is the strongest thing you’ll ever do,” Leaf says, referring to those struggling with substance use.
Leaf also works as a college football analyst for the ESPN network.
UConnectCare (formerly Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse) invites the public to attend his presentation, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. May 8 at Genesee Community College, Room T102.
Photo of Kristen Schuth, courtesy of Genesee Community College.
Genesee Community College is thrilled to announce that Kristen Schuth has been named National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Athletics Director of the Year (ADOY). The award spans seven divisions (NCAA FBS, FCS, Division I-AAA, II, III, NAIA/Other Four-Year Institutions, and Junior College/Community Colleges).
Kristen, who serves as the Administrator in Charge of Student and Enrollment Services and Director of Athletics at GCC, has been recognized for her commitment and positive contributions to student-athletes, GCC, and the surrounding communities. Winners will be recognized in conjunction with the 59th Annual NACDA & Affiliates Convention at Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada on Tuesday, June 11.
Kristen was appointed as GCC's Director of Athletics in 2013. Under her leadership, the college has achieved incredible success, capturing many regional & conference titles and two national championships. The athletic department has produced numerous All-Americans, Academic All-Americans, and placed in the Daktronics Cup for the first time ever in school history, a testament to Schuth's dedication to both athletics and academics.
Beyond her contributions to GCC, Kristen is involved at the regional and national levels, serving as the NJCAA Region 3 Women's Director, Region 3 Board of Regents Representative, and Board of Regents Secretary.
She is the NATYCAA secretary and executive committee member, and chairs several NJCAA Division III committees, including the D3 Oversight Committee, putting her at the forefront of decision-making processes that influence the direction of D3 athletics.
She also played a crucial role in hosting several regional and national championship events at GCC. Schuth is a two-time recipient of the Region 3 Athletic Director of the Year award and was previously named the NACDA Athletics Director of the Year in 2021.
In 2023, Kristen was the recipient of the prestigious NJCAA George Killian Award of Excellence for her outstanding commitment to voluntarism, service, leadership, and excellence.
"Receiving the NACDA Athletics Director of the Year award is a tremendous honor, not just for me personally, but for the entire Genesee Community College family. This recognition underscores our collective commitment to excellence in both athletics and academics, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the success of our student-athletes and our institution. I am truly humbled and excited to continue supporting our athletes as we strive for even greater achievements in the future," said Schuth.
The ADOY Award program is in its 26th year and has recognized a total of 584 deserving athletic directors to date.
All NACDA-member directors of athletics in the United States, Canada, and Mexico who met the criteria were eligible for the award. Among the criteria were service as an AD for a minimum of five academic years; demonstration of commitment to higher education and student-athletes; continuous teamwork, loyalty, and excellence; and the ability to inspire individuals or groups to high levels of accomplishments. Additionally, each AD's institution must have passed a compliance check through its appropriate governing body (i.e., NCAA, NAIA, etc.), in which the institution could not have been on probation or cited for a lack of institutional control during the tenure of the current athletics director.
Nominators were NACDA-member directors of athletics, institutional presidents, and conference commissioners, as well as other respected intercollegiate athletics administrators. Special Divisional Selection Committees composed of current and former directors of athletics, current and former commissioners, and other key athletics administrators voted on nominees for the award. Additional history surrounding the ADOY award, including a list of past winners, can be found here.
For more information contact Vice President, Development and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.
Skimmer Cars drew a big crowd at the 15th Annual G.L.O.W. Region Tech Wars Competition at Genesee Community College. Photo by Steve Ognibene
Skimmer cars, robotics, SUMO bots, battle soccer bots, and a dozen other events designed to stretch area school students' STEM skills were among the activities during the 15th annual Tech Wars on Thursday at Genesee Community College.
Local companies sponsored the event, hosted by GCC, including Liberty Pumps, Graham, Barilla, and Amanda, along with GCEDC.
When it was time to score the events, Batavia came out on top at both the high school and middle school levels.
Photo of the 2023 Business Pitch Competition, courtesy of Genesee Community College.
Press Release:
Every solid business venture starts with one thing - a pitch! Whether making a sale or convincing an investor, your business idea pitch has to be organized, well-thought-out, powerful, and convincing! GCC is here to help get you prepared!
"A solid business idea pitch is essential for every startup. This competition offers participants a valuable opportunity to acquire the skills needed to structure, refine, and present a compelling and persuasive pitch.," said Dr. Lina LaMattina, director of business programs at GCC.
If you have a passion you would like to turn into a business, but you aren't sure if anyone else will think it's a good idea, consider participating in GCC's Annual Business Idea Pitch Competition on Thursday, May 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in room T102 of the Conable Technology Building at Genesee Community College's Batavia Campus.
To participate in this event, you MUST register for our Business Idea Pitch Competition by emailing Dr. Lina LaMattina at lmlamattina@genesee.edu no later than Friday, April 26.
The competition is free and open to the public and prizes of $100 for first place and $75 for second place will be awarded to the most outstanding competitors in the "most likely to succeed" and "most creative" categories. Pitches will be judged by local business leaders.
Among the leading causes for startup failure is a lack of basic business experience. In lieu of losing thousands of investment dollars, today's entrepreneurs have found another way to gain that experience before launching their startup - education. Genesee Community College offers a degree, certificate and micro-credential programs in Entrepreneurship to prepare emerging business owners for success.
For more information contact Vice President, Development and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.
Area technology middle and high school students and teachers, along with the GCC Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) department and college community are working hard to prepare for the 15th GLOW Region Tech Wars!
The event will be held Thursday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Genesee Community College's Batavia Campus. The annual Tech Wars brings middle and high school students from all 24 of the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming (GLOW) region's school districts together in teams to demonstrate their technical expertise through innovative, mind-expanding competitions.
This year's competitors (students) have chosen from close to 30 available competitions to showcase - and put to the test - some basic and some extremely intricate and innovative technology.
Regardless of the event, all the students enjoy the opportunity to see their hard work come to fruition. Tech Wars event details, rules, and competition descriptions are available at techwarsgccny.org.
Tech Wars 2024 brings back some favorite events for high schoolers such as Battlebot Soccer; the Regatta; Bridge; CO2 Cars; Logo Design; Sculpture; Onsite CAD Drawing and Reverse Engineering CAD; Skimmer Cars; Sumo Bots; Tractor Pull; Trebuchet and Lumber Labyrinth. A Drone Agility event will be new for high school students this year.
The 2024 event brings back the Mini-Bot competition as well as Skimmer Cars and Technical Drawing for the middle schoolers and other legacy events such as Catapult; Rube Goldberg; and Sculpture. Back by popular demand for all participants is the Mystery Event which allows students to use their creativity and skills in an on-demand, timed situation.
Annually, Tech Wars also features STEAM Jam @ Tech Wars, an event held simultaneously for 3rd to 5th grade students from GLOW region schools. Over 100 students will participate in various team building and mind-stimulating activities that foster skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM). As an educational precursor to a future in technology, STEAM Jam participants will have the opportunity to observe the fun and exciting Tech Wars 2024 competitions.
Educational support for Tech Wars and STEAM Jam comes from the dedication, state-of-the-art facilities, and quality instruction in the GLOW region schools. Teachers share ideas and explore new technology and developments through both a Regional STEAM Teachers' cohort and a Regional Tech Teachers' Cohort.
Tech Wars has been continually supported by many local manufacturers and organizations. The 2024 event is yet again, presented with a record number of sponsors. Gold Sponsors: Amada Tool America, Inc.; Barilla America, NY, Inc.; GCEDC; Graham Manufacturing; I.B.E.W. Local Union 86; Liberty Pumps, and Northeast Industrial Tech Inc. Silver and Bronze Sponsors: Morton Salt, Inc; Power and Construction Group; Takeform and the Varysburg Lions Club. The generosity of the Tech Wars sponsors enables the committee to offer 2 scholarships per year to encourage graduating seniors to enter the technology and trade fields and potentially stay or return to the GLOW region with their skills.
"The support of local businesses and organizations in this region is second to none," Ann Valento, director of ACE programs said. "Without these organizations and other generous local donors, Tech Wars would not be possible. Our local sponsors also serve as volunteers, judges, and spend their valuable time talking with students and inspiring entrepreneurial spirit. In addition, the businesses that participate in these events get an exclusive opportunity to meet and network with the future workforce in our community. We are beginning to see second-generation participants which indicates our efforts are being actualized."
Tech Wars is also proudly sponsored and hosted by Genesee Community College and its ACE programs. The ACE team and the entire GCC community work diligently to provide a safe and appropriately equipped environment to showcase the students' technological skills and creativity.
Tech Wars is among several dynamic programs giving students the opportunity to learn hands-on, often in business settings and with industry professionals. The ACE Program's Career Pathways is committed to helping students explore career options and make a smooth transition from high school to further education and/or a career. To view the 2023 Tech Wars photo album, Click Here.
216 students from Genesee Community College were named to the Provost's List. Students honored on the Provost's List have maintained part-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.
Photo of Dr. James Sunser with GCC Trustee Ms. Jacalyn Whiting, courtesy of Genesee Community College.
Press Release:
On Wednesday, Feb. 7, the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees took the opportunity during halftime of their Men's final home basketball game of the season to celebrate the career of someone who has been a true legend both on and off the court.
Dr. James Sunser is concluding his final academic year as President of Genesee Community College, and this was the first of a few events planned to honor his service.
Throughout Dr. Sunser's career, he was known to step onto the basketball court with students. His willingness to engage in friendly matches, share his love for the game, and connect with students beyond the traditional walls of academia has set him apart as a leader.
Dr. Sunser's approachability and enthusiasm, whether in a Board Meeting Room or on the Basketball Court, created an atmosphere where students feel not only supported but genuinely connected.
That evening, those present not only honored his role on the court, but his role in shaping the course of this institution. In his 13-year career at the college, Dr. Sunser has been a leader who has tirelessly worked toward the betterment of the college and the success of its students.
During Dr. Sunser's tenure, his efforts spearheaded major capital campaigns for the Student Success Center and the Richard C. Call Arena. Innovative academic and student spaces were also developed such as a state-of-the-art criminal justice lab, vet tech lab, solar electric lab, and student eSports space.
In addition, his leadership within the GCC Foundation led to extensive renovations of College Village to provide students with enhanced living space, social space, and technological improvements.
Dr. Sunser accepted a basketball signed by each Trustee as a token of their appreciation to symbolize their heartfelt gratitude for his outstanding contributions and commitment to students.
Genesee County Interagency Council Inc. is pleased to announce that we will be offering a $1,000 scholarship for the Fall 2024 semester.
Those eligible to apply:
High School Seniors living in and attending a high school in Genesee County (including those home-schooled)
Who are enrolling in a Junior College or University and majoring in Human Services, Social Work, Alcohol and Substance Abuse Studies, Sociology, or Psychology.
Genesee Community College Student living in Genesee County and currently majoring in Human Services, Social Work, Alcohol and Substance Abuse Studies, Sociology, or Psychology.
Who are remaining at G.C.C or transferring to a 4-year university
Because the goal of this scholarship is to support those students who have a strong drive to contribute to the field of Human Services, special consideration will be given to those students in good academic standing, who have already demonstrated a commitment to the field through their employment, volunteer, academic, and/or extracurricular pursuits.
Completed applications must be received by Friday, May 3. The awardee will be notified by phone by June 3. The award will be presented at our June picnic meeting at Dewitt Park Recreation Area (detailed information will be provided during phone notification).
We look forward to having the opportunity to support a Genesee County student in their pursuit of a degree in the field of Human Services.
Please call Kari Heidemann (Scholarship Chair) for an application and more information at 716-550-0934.
Natsumi Sasabe plays the role of Agave in GCC's 2019 production of "Bakkhai."
Students in Tokyo are accustomed to studying first and asking questions later, so it was a breath of fresh air when Natsumi Sasabe learned the ways of education when studying as an international student at Genesee Community College, she says.
“Back in Japan, my responsibility was to take notes and really knowing something," she said during an interview with The Batavian. "At GCC, so many times students raised their hands and asked questions, and there was an agreeing and disagreeing type of energy.But I think the biggest take out that I got from GCC was that it's ok to ask questions, it's ok to be curious about something it’s, ok to talk, if that makes sense, in the classroom setting where everybody's learning the same thing. But everybody reads the same thing from a slightly different point of view. And that's what makes learning really interesting.
“I became so much more outgoing … open-minded. I think it’s a very cultural thing. I also liked this sense of community, you see everybody everyday, you belong to this group.”
The road from Tokyo After Sasabe finished high school in 2017, she wondered what was next, and since she had always been interested in theater arts and had an eye toward the United States, she searched potential colleges. GCC stood out, she said, for its two-year theater arts program and being “very affordable.”
That’s not to say there weren’t some bumps in the road. Sasabe, now 25, barely knew English when she landed at Buffalo Niagara International Airport. There definitely was a language barrier, and she worked to get up to speed, she said. She laughed when asked if there were any missteps. There’s a Japanese saying that means you are well known that translates to “you have a big face.” She said it once and learned her lesson — her new American friend was quite puzzled as to why she said that.
“She said, ‘What do you mean by that? That’s when I learned I cannot translate from one language to another,” Sasabe said.
She enjoyed gleaning lessons from theater arts professors Norm Gayford and Maryanne Arena, and she still keeps in touch. They can be proud of this 2019 GCC graduate: she went on to Walt Disney World and worked as a performer and dancer at the park until it shut down in March 2020 due to COVID and the pandemic.
Sasabe then returned to Japan and continued pursuing her career in theater and performing arts.But she didn't stay out of the U.S. for too long. She moved to New York City in August 2022 to pursue her bachelor's degree in theater arts at Columbia University, graduating in May 2023. During all of this time, she has been performing in plays and short films.
Loving the culture of hustle “I love being on stage; I love performing. I feel the heartbeat, my hands get sweaty, but I don’t get nervous. I enjoy being stressed,” she said about the constant pressure of finding her next gig. “It has definitely been a hustle. I’m job-hunting all the time. Sustaining a living in New York is definitely hard enough, and finding work is, I enjoy this culture of hustle, I keep saying it’s hard, but I enjoy it being hard.
“It’s definitely not the most stable job. I have to be aiming for, to monitor my life, my world right now, it’s a lot of preparation. I’m thinking about the audition, and needing to rest, it’s a lot of juggling and making sure so many elements are working out fine. I’m constantly in motion; sometimes I wish I could stop and breathe.”
A typical day begins early with a workout, followed by scouting for auditions, then submitting her photos and videos, sneaking in a meal, followed by setting up a camera to record herself doing monologues and dances, often from what casting directors have requested as part of the auditions.
An old actor’s mantra has been that if you’re asked if you can ride a horse, you say yes and then learn how to ride a horse. Sasabe had her own version of this when she showed up for an audition and was expected to dance. But it wasn’t ballroom, which is her strong suit. It was for tap dancing.
“I auditioned for one of the Broadway productions, and I don't know how I missed that information. But they were looking for someone who can tap well, and I have never tapped in my life, but I had a pair of shoes. So I put them in my backpack, and then went to the audition and just faked the shape of it. I did my best, and I'm still proud of it,” she said. “I did not even get a callback. I got caught immediately. And that’s where I learned, I spread myself too thin.”
She has, however, gotten many diverse roles, including for 10 months at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, as a dancer in a music video for Japanese singer Ioni, as Ting’an, one of the leads in the film “Black Daisies/White Daisies,” as Kacy in “For Her,” and as a computer graphics designer in a Pretia AR apps commercial.
The Pretia commercial featured her as Sigourney in a mini-plot with fellow app designers and background music reminiscent of a spy movie. With no spoken words, her animated face helped tell the story with a sense of humor. She especially related to the Black Daisies project, a play about the dichotomy of Asian identities and consciousness in one body being separated into two characters –– represented by an Asian name and an English name, she said.
“We're basically playing the same persona but embodied by two different bodies. And that project particularly resonated with me because I'm. Also, I'm a first-generation immigrant in the U.S.,” she said. “So as I learned English or culture in the United States, I felt that I have two different persona whenever I'm speaking English versus whenever I'm speaking Japanese, which is my first language.”
The ongoing role of questions She looks forward to what’s ahead for her while also occasionally taking a look back at what where she’s been and what she may have discovered along the way. She returned to Batavia two years ago to catch up with old friends.
“I wanted to see everybody who helped me go through the journey,” she said. “I definitely want to keep doing what I love, which is performing and working on short film projects in the city. I definitely want to get better; I want to do an on-camera project and act in feature films as a medium. I want to embody the story I find interesting.
“It allows me to question. You have to keep asking questions. You try to understand someone who’s not entirely myself. You have to extend a certain amount of patience; it’s being human, in the sense of being very intimate," she said. "You figure out this person and want to keep doing that on a higher and higher level.”
Natsumi Sasabe in the play, "Black Daisies, White Daisies." Submitted Photo
Pretia AR app commercial with Natsumi Sasabe, left. Submitted Photo
Tsuki music video featuring Natsumi Sasabe. Submitted Photo
Genesee Community College was honored by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs for its distinction as one of the leading institutions with a significant representation of faculty and administrators chosen for the prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program.
Institutions like Genesee Community College, recognized as Fulbright Top Producing Institutions, actively promote global engagement and facilitate their campus community members in seizing international opportunities.
Heather Jones, GCC professor of fine arts was selected for a Fulbright award for the 2023-2024 academic year. While collaborating with Professor Jose Luis Gonzalez-Cabrero and the Industrial Design Department at the University of San Luis Potosi, Professor Jones will be implementing an international cultural color study project with students from both Mexico and New York, which will culminate with a student art exhibit titled "Color Connection."
She will be teaching a series of seminars on color theory in Mexico, that will be available online for her students taking classes at GCC. Students in Mexico and GCC will photograph one color in their daily lives and facilitate conversation online by sharing these images on the dedicated Color Connection social media pages.
The goal of the project is to take a deeper look at the expressive meaning of color in design, utilize the subject of color as a social bridge to break down cultural stigmas and reinforce empathy and respect for cultural diversity. Photographs will be juried by the students and 100 plus photographs will be exhibited simultaneously at UASLP and in GCC's Roz Steiner Gallery during March 2024. The exhibit will then be available to travel to other SUNY campus galleries.
The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government's flagship international academic exchange program. Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided over 400,000 talented and accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists, and professionals of all backgrounds with the opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research abroad. Fulbrighters exchange ideas, build people-to-people connections, and work to address complex global challenges.
Dr. James Sunser, president of Genesee Community College, expressed his gratitude stating, "This recognition underscores our unwavering dedication to fostering international opportunities for our faculty and administrators. At Genesee Community College, we believe in the transformative power of global connections, and we are proud to support our campus community members in their pursuit of scholarly endeavors worldwide."
"Fulbright's Top Producing Institutions represent the diversity of America's higher education community. Dedicated administrators support students and scholars at these institutions to fulfill their potential and rise to address tomorrow's global challenges. We congratulate them, and all the Fulbrighters who are making an impact the world over," said Lee Satterfield, assistant secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Fulbright is a program of the U.S. Department of State, with funding provided by the U.S. Government. Participating governments and host institutions, corporations, and foundations around the world also provide direct and indirect support to the Program.
Fulbright alumni work to make a positive impact on their communities, sectors, and the world. They have included 41 heads of state or government, 62 Nobel Laureates, 89 Pulitzer Prize winners, 80 MacArthur Fellows, and countless leaders and changemakers who build mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.
For more information contact Vice President, of Development and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu. Details about the Fulbright Program can be found at https://fulbrightprogram.org/.
While a student walks on a path from the Genesee Community College campus to College Village, a small plane flies overhead on Tuesday afternoon. Photo by Howard Owens.
Submitted photo of the Triton Mechanical team, courtesy of Genesee Community College.
Press Release:
The Business and Employee Skills Training (BEST) Center at Genesee Community College is offering courses in HVAC/R and CNC starting this month. The renovation of two classrooms into HVAC/R and CNC laboratories has included the purchase of new equipment from grant funding. The CNC equipment purchases were made possible by an award of $400,000 from the Heckscher Foundation for Children Grant and additional SUNY support.
Developing new programs would not be possible without support from industry partners. GCC's Advanced Manufacturing Committee has been instrumental in guiding the skills, equipment, and curriculum needed for training and industry-recognized credentials", said Jennifer Wakefield, executive director of workforce development of The BEST Center.
A major supporter of the HVAC/R Program is Triton Mechanical. Triton Mechanical is a premier commercial refrigeration and HVAC service provider.
"We respect our industry, our customers, our competitors, the environment, and above all, our employees. We are guided and governed by our core values of innovation, integrity, respect, and sustainability," said Jake Koch, president of Triton Mechanical.
Jake Koch's family has been involved in the heating and cooling business for decades.
"I've been in the industry ever since I was a kid. I'm the fifth generation in my family to be involved in the industry. My great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather ran an ice delivery business; they were salesmen. My dad and my uncle ran a refrigeration company, and my family has been involved in it for a while," Koch said."
Koch, a resident of Hilton, has owned Triton Mechanical in Monroe County with his father Jeff, and friend Kevin O'Connell for more than six years.
In 2023, Triton Mechanical purchased Turnbull Heating and Cooling in Batavia. The company originated organically, and the team - which also includes mom Wendy - has worked to make it a successful heating, ventilation, and air conditioning operation.
O'Connell has an extensive background in commercial refrigeration and HVAC. He began as a commercial service technician and has experience as a service manager, operations manager, and project manager. He is a certificated member of RSES (Refrigeration Service Engineers Society) and holds several NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certifications. Kevin oversees the technical training, compliance, and safety of the company.
"We are grateful for the generosity of Triton Mechanical for their commitment and investment in GCC's HVAC/R Program.," said Craig Lamb, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, "GCC's new vision and commitment to the applied technologies and skilled trades for the GLOW region will allow opportunity for a variety of students. Recent high school graduates, incumbent workers, and individuals who want a career change can find several opportunities at The BEST Center at Genesee Community College."
The first series of HVAC/R courses are scheduled from March 3 - March 20 on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Batavia Main Campus. CNC FANUC Certification courses have several classes scheduled in February and March. For more information, contact Christa Palmer, coordinator of technical programs at The BEST Center at bestcenter@genesee.edu or call (585) 345-6868 to register.
The BEST Center at GCC is the recognized regional leader in developing the skilled workforce that powers local economic growth. The Center serves individual employees as well as businesses large and small with seminars, workshops and trainings designed to improve the performance of people and processes.
230 students from Genesee Community College named to Dean's List. Students honored on the Dean's List have maintained full or part-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.50 to 3.74.
198 students from Genesee Community College were named to the President's List. Students honored on the President's List have maintained full-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.
