The Historical Horizons Lecture Series is set to make a return in Spring 2024, presenting a captivating lineup of four Wednesday lectures at Genesee Community College, sponsored by the GCC History Club.
The lectures, scheduled to take place at GCC's Batavia Campus in the Conable Technology Building, Room T102 at 7 p.m., promise to offer a diverse range of topics that appeal to both history enthusiasts and the general public. All lectures are free of charge, underlining Genesee Community College's commitment to providing accessible educational opportunities to the community.
Photo of Cory A. Norling, courtesy of genesee.edu.
The series kicks off on Feb. 7 with a lecture titled "'Opera Was Not Written for New York Alone': Circuit Chautauqua, English-Language Opera, and the Making of an American Middle, ca. 1910-1930." Renowned scholar Cory A. Norling, PhD Musicology, will delve into the rich history of the Chautauqua Movement and its impact on the American Midwest, exploring the role of staged opera as a cultural bridge.
Photo of Jess Maxfield, courtesy of genesee.edu.
Following this, on March 6, historian Jess Maxfield will present "The Cautionary Tale of Encephalitis Lethargica: Epidemic Disease and Historical Memory." Maxfield will shed light on the encephalitis lethargica epidemic of the early 20th century, drawing parallels with the ongoing conversations surrounding global pandemics.
Photo of Derek Maxfield, courtesy of genesee.edu.
April 3 brings us to "The Worst of the Worst: The Story of the Confederate POW Camp at Belle Isle in Richmond During the Civil War" by Associate Professor of History, Derek Maxfield. The lecture promises a compelling exploration of the Belle Isle camp, challenging popular perceptions about Civil War prisoner-of-war camps.
Photo of Victor Vignola, courtesy of genesee.edu.
The series concludes on May 1 with a book talk by Civil War Historian Victor Vignola titled "Contrasts in Command: The Battle of Fair Oaks, May 31-June 1, 1862." Vignola's award-winning work on the Battle of Fair Oaks offers a fresh perspective on this pivotal moment in Civil War history.
Genesee Community College invites the public to join them for these enlightening lectures, providing a unique opportunity to engage with historical topics and esteemed scholars. Mark your calendars for an enriching experience at the Historical Horizons Lecture Series this spring.
For more information, please contact the Office of Student Engagement and Inclusion at sei@genesee.edu.
It seems that winter is finally coming around to settle in for a little visit in Genesee County. It was a grey, snowy afternoon on the campus of Genesee Community College (as seen from the parking lot of the Medtech Center). Photo by Howard Owens.
Genesee Community College proudly announces the swearing-in of Daniel Coffey as the new Director of Campus Safety. The official ceremony took place on Monday, Jan. 8, marking the commencement of Coffey's tenure in this crucial leadership role.
Dan brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished career in law enforcement and emergency services to Genesee Community College. Serving with the Batavia Police Department since 2003, Coffey has consistently demonstrated excellence and leadership in various capacities. Notably, he was promoted to Sergeant in 2012. His exceptional contributions have been recognized through prestigious awards, including the Kiwanis Criminal Justice Award in 2018 and the Meritorious Service Award in 2016, further highlighting his commitment to public safety and community service.
In addition to his commendable service with the Batavia Police Department, Coffey has been an active member of the Town of Batavia Fire Department, Inc. since 2001. His dedication to the community is evident through his five years of service as Fire Chief, where he also held roles as Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief Captain and Lieutenant. In 2004, Coffey received the Chief's Award, a testament to his outstanding contributions to the fire department.
Genesee Community College is confident that Coffey's extensive background in law enforcement, emergency services, and leadership roles will greatly enhance the safety and security measures on our campus. We look forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly bring to our college community.
Upon his swearing-in, Coffey shared his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, "I am honored and excited to join the Genesee Community College team as the Director of Campus Safety. My experience in law enforcement and emergency services has prepared me well for this position, and I am eager to contribute to the safety and well-being of the college community."
Please join us in welcoming Daniel Coffey to Genesee Community College. We are confident that his leadership will further strengthen our commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for our students, faculty and staff.
For more information contact Vice President, Development and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.
The 42nd annual Batavia Lions Club Pete Arras Memorial Basketball Tournament is scheduled for Wednesday and Friday, with varsity games at Genesee Community College and junior varsity games at Batavia High and Notre Dame High.
Batavia, Attica, Royalton-Hartland and Le Roy are in the Large School bracket and Notre Dame, Oakfield-Alabama, Alexander and Elba are in the Small School bracket.
The tournament schedule is as follows:
VARSITY AT GCC WEDNESDAY, DEC. 27 Roy-Hart vs. Attica, 3 p.m. Alexander vs. Oakfield-Alabama, 4:45 p.m. Elba vs. Notre Dame, 6:30 p.m. Le Roy vs. Batavia, 8:15 p.m.
FRIDAY, DEC. 29 Large School consolation game, 3 p.m. Small School consolation game, 4:45 p.m. Small School championship game, 6:30 p.m. Large School championship game, 8:15 p.m.
JUNIOR VARSITY WEDNESDAY, DEC. 27 Roy-Hart vs. Attica at Batavia High, noon Alexander vs. O-A at Notre Dame High, noon Elba vs. ND at Notre Dame High, 1:30 p.m. Le Roy vs. Batavia at Batavia High, 1:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, DEC. 29 Large School consolation game at Batavia High, noon Small School consolation game at Notre Dame High, noon Small School championship game at Notre Dame High, 1:30 p.m. Large School championship game at Batavia High, 1:30 p.m.
Dr. Virginia Taylor - President, Genesee Community College Foundation, Jeremy and Sandra Liles - Owners, Oliver’s Candies, Honorary Chairs of "Encore" Justin Johnston, Vice President for Development, External Affairs and Admissions at Genesee Community College and Executive Director of Genesee Community College Foundation. Photo Courtesy Genesee Community College
At a gala night celebrating the holiday season -- with the movie theme "White Christmas -- and helping raise funds to benefit students at Genesee Community College through scholarships, Jeremy and Sandra Liles were honored as co-chairs of the 31st Encore event in the Stuart Steiner Forum.
Jeremy Liles is owner of Oliver's Candies in Batavia and Sweet Life Country Store in Elba.
The brief program was followed by a performance of the Genesee Symphony Orchestra.
Tompkins Financial, Presenting Sponsor, "Encore" - Jessica Maguire-Tomidy, Vice President of Operations for Tompkins Insurance; Diane Torcello, President, Tompkins Community Bank Western New York Market Photo Courtesy Genesee Community College
Dr. Jim Sunser conducts the GSO performing "Sleigh Ride" Photo Courtesy Genesee Community College
Photo Courtesy Genesee Community College
Shade Zajac, Conductor of GSO, leads the audience in singing "White Christmas" Photo Courtesy Genesee Community College
Three visions of art and nature are on display in the Roz Steiner Art Gallery at Genesee Community College through the end of January, featuring WNY artists David Burke, Julie A. Lambert, and Steve Piper.
The exhibit, which is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed the day after Christmas), is called "Handicraft Habitat."
Burke, a Bergen resident, said his work for this show is a mixture of realism and abstraction, mostly in acrylic.
"They're all inspired by nature," he said.
A father who homeschooled his children, he earned an art degree from SUNY Brockport and, in 2015, decided that art was his true passion and the vocation he wanted to pursue for the rest of his life. He's involved in the Batavia Society of Artists and GO ART! and has won numerous awards locally for his work.
His work for the show is described as inspired not just by nature but "his connection to the life of the earth and the mystery of the world. (He) uses light, shadow, color, and composition to evoke memories and emotions."
Over the past few years, he's explored "intuitive painting," a process whereby the artist "goes with the flow," laying down lines and colors as his whim or emotions or imagination dictates.
"I've been experimenting a lot more with abstraction and intuitive painting, not knowing what I'm going to do, just starting off and painting," Burke said. "Whatever comes out of me comes out, which turns out pretty nice most of the time. I never know what's gonna happen. It's really interesting."
Burke made it into the show by applying for an exhibit several months ago.
"I just applied and then forgot about it," Burke said. "Then a few weeks ago, (the director) called me and said, 'You want to have a show?' The other two people in the show are friends of mine, which I had no idea about, so it turned out really nice. It's great because I went to school here originally back in 1975. It's kind of nice to have and show and be back at GCC."
The other artists on display are Lambert and Piper.
Lambert is a master papermaker. She has a bachelor's of fine arts from SUNY Oswego. According to the program, her work explores the natural and human-created impacts on landscape. To the surprise of the viewer, Lambert’s works are often first mistaken for paintings. As viewers are drawn in, they realize that the works of art are individual pieces of handmade paper -- dyed, textured, cut, torn, and layered by the artist to express how she sees the world.
Piper is originally from Kansas and moved to Rochester in 1978 to pursue a photography degree at RIT. His artistic vision, according to the program, is inspired by his rural life growing up in the mid-west. Through color, texture, and composition, he is able to take a recognizable image and create something representational.
An image of Julie Lambert's Genesee Country Museum, handmade paper courtesy of Genesee Community College.
Press Release:
The Roz Steiner Art Gallery at Genesee Community College is excited to announce its latest group exhibition, Handicraft Habitat. This invitational explores the world through the eyes of artists. It aims to showcase the beauty of both the natural environment and the manufactured realm.
This exhibition plays with the dichotomy between abstract art and realism, as well as being a multi-media experience. The gallery is excited to be working with three incredibly talented artists from Western New York to bring this stunning new show to life.
David Burke is a lifelong resident of the Rochester area where he raised and homeschooled is two children. He began his artistic journey by drawing, painting, and taking photographs sporadically while doing other work. In 1999, he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from SUNY Brockport, where he studied ceramic sculpture and painting.
In 2015, David realized making art was his passion and what he wanted to pursue for the rest of his life. His focus since then has been acrylic painting. His artwork is inspired by nature, and to a greater extent, his connection to the life of the earth and the mystery of the world. David uses light, shadow, color, and composition to evoke memories and emotions.
In the past few years, he has been getting away from purely figurative painting to explore different ways of applying paint and experimenting with abstraction. This enables him to express the subtle, intangible energies of life. A collection of David's abstract expressionism and his realism paintings will be part of this exhibition.
Julie A. Lambert is a master papermaker; creating, transforming, and exhibiting the unusual art of handmade paper. The artist has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from SUNY Oswego. While attending Oswego, a professor introduced the artist to papermaking; a medium she spent over 25 years enhancing her techniques and understanding both her perspective and relationship with her surroundings.
Nature has become her muse. Her work explores the natural and mankind's created impacts on the landscape. The pieces she creates are based on landscapes that convey a mood that speaks to the artist. To the surprise of the viewer, Julie A. Lambert's works are often first mistaken for paintings. But as the viewer is drawn in, they realize that the works of art are individual pieces of handmade paper, dyed, textured, cut, torn, and layered by the artist to express how she sees the world. The viewer steps back with a greater understanding of the complexity required to render her visions.
Originally a native of southeast Kansas, Steve Piper moved to the Finger Lakes region in 1978 to pursue his graduate studies in photography at RIT. He is a freelance photographer (Gelfand-Piper Photography), specializing in photographing people and events for publications and annual reports. Major clients have included Eastman Kodak, Xerox, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
Mr. Piper taught photography at St. John Fisher College and is currently an adjunct instructor of photographic arts at the Rochester Institute of Technology. His artistic vision is greatly inspired by his rural life growing up in the mid-west. Through color, texture, and composition, he is able to take a recognizable image and create something representational. The viewer finds meaning and emotional response through the sumptuous color and intriguing lines. Steve's colored abstract photographs of railway cars will be on exhibit in Handicraft Habitat.
The Handicraft Habitat exhibition will run from Dec. 7 to Feb. 1. Gallery hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and 3 - 5 p.m., as well as Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Don't miss the chance to attend the opening receptions on Dec. 7 from 12:30 - 2 p.m. and 5 - 7 p.m. Stay tuned to the gallery's social media pages for any updates or changes to the schedule.
For more information contact Jessica Skehan at the Roz Steiner Art Gallery by email at jeskehan@genesee.edu, gccgallery@genesee.edu or (585) 343-0055 ext. 6490
Photo of Kathleen Klaiber courtesy of genesee.edu.
It is with immense joy and pride that we announce GCC Professor of ESL and English Kathleen Klaiber as the recipient of this year's New York State TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) College ESOL Professor of the Year Award.
Kathleen Klaiber has been honored as the College ESOL Professor of the Year. She has had a distinguished career marked by excellence along the way. Professor Klaiber is a two-time recipient of the SUNY Chancellor Awards for Excellence in Teaching and Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities.
In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, Professor Klaiber exhibited exceptional resilience and innovation. Recognizing the diverse needs of students scattered across the globe in six different time zones, she devised the FLEXESOL Approach to Teaching in the High Flex Modality. This groundbreaking initiative showcased her dedication to ensuring a seamless educational experience for students worldwide.
Beyond her individual accomplishments, Professor Klaiber stands out as an active and motivating professional within the NYSTESOL and academic communities. Her unwavering support has significantly enhanced communication and interactions among NYSTESOL members and practitioners.
The New York State TESOL (NYSTESOL) organization proudly advocates, advances, and enriches TESOL education and professionalism throughout the state. Comprising professionals committed to the education of English language learners at all levels, NYSTESOL focuses on classroom practices, research, program and curriculum development, employment, funding, and legislation.
Kathleen Kleiber's recognition as the State TESOL College ESOL Professor of the Year reaffirms her commitment to excellence and innovation in TESOL education. Her impact extends beyond the classroom, shaping the future of language education in New York State and beyond.
For more information contact Vice President, Development and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.
Photo from GCC's 42nd fashion show in May 2023 by Nick Serrata.
Press Release:
Genesee Community College's Fashion Business Program is thrilled to announce the theme for its highly anticipated annual fashion show, scheduled for Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 6 p.m. The event will take place at the Richard C. Call Arena, promising an unforgettable evening that pays homage to the timeless connection between cinema and fashion.
In a world where streaming services have reshaped the way we consume entertainment, "A Night at the Cinema" aims to revive the enchantment of a bygone era when movie theaters were the epicenter of cinematic magic. The theme celebrates the profound influence that movies have had on the world of fashion and invites attendees to relive the nostalgia of a night out at the theaters.
"Movies have been a constant source of inspiration for the fashion industry, shaping trends and influencing style for decades. However, with the rise of streaming services, the communal experience of going to a movie theater has somewhat diminished," said Laura Taylor, Assistant Professor of Fashion Business and Merchandising. "With 'A Night at the Cinema,' we seek to recreate the joy of watching a film on the big screen and the shared experience of being in a movie theater with loved ones."
The fashion show aims to transport attendees to a world where the silver screen reigns supreme, evoking the magical ambiance of classic cinemas. Attendees can expect to witness a collection of stunning designs that capture the essence of iconic movie moments.
"Our goal is to create an atmosphere that not only showcases the fusion of fashion and film but also reignites the love for the cinematic experience. Movie theaters provide a unique space for shared adventures, and it's time for us to embrace that communal spirit once again," added student Peter Wybron.
Join us on May 4, 2024, at 6 p.m. at the Richard C. Call Arena for "A Night at the Cinema," where fashion and film collide for a night of elegance, nostalgia, and shared cinematic adventure. For ticket information, please email fashionshow@genesee.edu.
For more information contact Vice President, Development and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.
Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) hosted its third annual food processing bootcamp at Genesee Community College, training graduating high school students from 11 districts in Genesee, Livingston, and Wyoming Counties with experiences in high-wage in-demand careers.
The free, three-day “Cornell in High School” program teaches students about practices and opportunities in the food processing industry, Genesee County’s largest employment sector.
“Our subject matter experts from CALS provide local high school students with an introductory program that teaches the basics of the food processing industry, educates them on the many career opportunities within the industry, and bring in local employees and HR professionals from local organizations within the industry from the GLOW region,” said Dairy Foods Extension Program Director Kimberly Bukowski.
“The GLOW region offers hundreds of immediate job opportunities within the food processing sector; our job is to ensure local youth are aware of these opportunities while preparing them with the proper skills.”
At the conclusion of the program, participants received a “Cornell Food Processing Certificate” which will give them an advantage in securing careers in food processing. In addition to Cornell CALS, the program featured industry experts from Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Yancey’s Fancy, O-AT-KA Milk Products, Nortera and HP Hood.
“We have seen a significant increase in the skill set of next generation of workforce candidates and this paradigm shift in prospective employees can be attributed to the committed workforce development programs that have flourished in Genesee County for the past several years,” said Eric Brooks, Director of Specialty and Milk Balancing, Upstate Niagara Cooperative. “This is due largely to the great work of our HR and workforce development stakeholders across the region.”
Significant investment from the food and beverage, advanced manufacturing, and skilled trade sectors in Genesee County equates to the readiness of the local workforce for these industries.
Programs such as GLOW With Your Hands: Manufacturing, GV BOCES Mechatronics, Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program, Genesee Valley Pre-Apprenticeship and the Cornell Food Processing Bootcamp have contributed to the preparedness of the local workforce.
“Our approach to youth workforce development has set us apart from other regions and programs across the country. As sectors such as advanced manufacturing and food processing are key components of our regional economy, we are able to work with employers, students, and other stakeholders to tailor programs based on the constant-changing needs and skills of the workforce,” said Genesee County Economic Development Center Vice President of Business and Workforce Development Chris Suozzi.
In partnership with New York State, the Office of Strategic Workforce Development awarded Cornell CALS a $400,000 grant to provide dairy industry training through a “dairy processing boot camp” and an online dairy science and sanitation course throughout New York State.
“In the past two years Cornell has conducted three free food processing boot camps in Genesee County to support the growth and demand of the local food and beverage sector along with the good-paying debt free careers that local students have embraced for employers who are looking to fill these positions immediately,” said Suozzi.
Submitted photos from Cornell Food Processing Bootcamp.
On Friday, Dec. 15 at 5 p.m. Genesee Community College Foundation will welcome all guests to its annual Encore Celebration. This year's event theme, "White Christmas," inspired by the 1954 classic film, will capture the essence of the holiday season and features a special holiday concert program choreographed by the Genesee Symphony Orchestra.
Encore has a distinctive 30-year tradition and all proceeds from the event directly support student scholarships at Genesee Community College. The College is pleased to announce the return of our Presenting Sponsor, Tompkins Financial Corporation, to Encore 2023.
"Tompkins' banking, insurance, and wealth teams are proud to once again partner with GCC in support of the people and community we serve here in western New York," said David Boyce, President & CEO, of Tompkins Insurance Agencies.
There are several opportunities remaining to sponsor the Encore event. These sponsorships are critically important to the scholarships GCC provides its students and are available at several levels this year:
Table Sponsor: $1,500
Conductor's Circle: $1,000
Golden Baton Society: $600
Inner Circle: $300
Individual Platinum Patron Ticket: $100
Help make a difference and make your reservations today at www.gccfoundationinc.org/encore or contact the Foundation Office at (585) 345-6809.
For more information contact Justin Johnston, Vice President, Development and External Affairs at (585) 345-6809, or via email: foundation@genesee.edu.
Photo of GCC's Stuart Steiner Theatre courtesy of genesee.edu.
Press Release:
What: GCC's Forum Players Present: The Thanksgiving Play by Larissa FastHorse.
Where: Performances in the Stuart Steiner Theatre
When: Nov. 16, 17, 18 @ 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 19 @ 2 p.m. The play is approximately 90 minutes long.
In Larissa FastHorse's hilariously funny satirical play, positive intentions collide with absurd assumptions. As a terminally "woke" teacher, Logan, a high school drama teacher/ actor, enlists the help of some interesting characters: Caden, an elementary school history teacher (frustrated, inspiring Playwright and Actor). Jaxton, a yoga practitioner/actor (politically correct to a fault), and Alicia, a simplistic actress (who has a knack for being painfully honest), scrambles to create a school pageant for children that somehow celebrates Turkey Day and Native American Heritage Month, or do they? Find out when you join us on the journey that is The Thanksgiving Play.
Larissa FastHorse (Sicangu Lakota Nation) is a 2020 MacArthur Fellow, award-winning writer/choreographer, and co-founder of Indigenous Direction, the nation's leading consulting company for Indigenous arts and audiences. Her satirical comedy, The Thanksgiving Play (Playwrights Horizons/Geffen Playhouse), is one of America's top ten most produced plays. She is the first Native American playwright in American theater history on that list. The play recently had a short run on Broadway, being the "critics pick" in the New York Times.
The Thanksgiving Play is a relatively new piece, having first been performed in October 2018 off-Broadway at Playwrights Horizons in NYC. This past spring, The Thanksgiving Play played on Broadway from April 20 through June 11. We are excited to have such a new and critical play being produced at GCC.
Jaime Arena is directing The Thanksgiving Play for her second time; last year she directed the play at SUNY Geneseo. Brodie McPherson is the production designer. Current GCC student Jeriko Suzette is Assistant Director, and Cass Dzielski is the Stage Manager for the production. The show features GCC students Lauren Ruch, Tony Haitz, Qasim Huzair and Isabella Wheeler as the four instructors longing to create a politically correct Thanksgiving Pageant.
Director Jaime Arena wanted to approach this play with compassion for the Native American tribes and their history. She didn't want to lose the satirical aspect, while wanting to give voice to those at the center of the story. Jaime enlisted Karlie Jones, who is Cayuga, to help. "Director Jaime Arena and I have been longtime friends since 2005, and she asked for my input/direction on this piece. Not much is needed to give - Larissa FastHorse hits all the right notes, showcasing a "woke" society wanting to help minority groups in the best way possible and navigating their way to the best answer. Giving space for us to be heard and proving appreciation without appropriation is possible. The conversation of our cultural stereotypes must be heard; this play gives us a chance to voice the current climate of our Indigenous struggles." -Karlie Jones, Cayuga Nation
"I took the same script and reimagined it by adding and subtracting what I did at Geneseo with the same sole purpose, which is to have the audience leave the Stuart Steiner stage after the performance able to understand; it is not our job to speak for any other culture but to stand beside them and have their back as they speak their truth. To me, that is the true definition of an ally." -Jaime Arena, director
Please be advised that the play includes moments depicting historical violence.
Tickets can be purchased on the Genesee Community College website under the 'Center for the Arts' tab: https://www.genesee.edu/campus-life/center-for-the-arts/ General admission is $10. Qualifying discounted tickets (GCC staff and faculty, seniors 55+, children under 16, non-GCC students) are $5. Admission is free for GCC students who present their ID at the box office. Please contact the Box Office with any questions. boxoffice@genesee.edu or call (585) 343-0055 x6490.
Genesee Community College (GCC) is excited to announce the initiation of a nationwide search for the college's fifth president. The GCC Board of Trustees has enlisted the expertise of RH Perry, a distinguished national search firm specializing in higher education, to oversee and manage the presidential search process.
RH Perry will undertake a comprehensive pre-search study on campus from Oct. 17 - 18. This study is instrumental in shaping the presidential profile, which will outline the desired attributes, experiences, and credentials GCC seeks in its next president, while also addressing the potential opportunities and challenges on the horizon.
All members of the GCC community and stakeholders are cordially invited to participate in this crucial phase of the search.
To facilitate engagement and input from various stakeholders, GCC will host Community Open Sessions as follows:
Tuesday, Oct. 17, from 3:30 - 4:15 p.m. at Conable Technology Building, Room T119
Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 9 - 9:45 a.m. at Conable Technology Building, Room T119
In addition to the in-person open sessions, written feedback is welcomed through an online survey, accessible until Friday, October 20. This feedback will be invaluable in crafting the presidential profile.
"Genesee Community College's search for its next president is an exciting and pivotal moment for our institution. We believe that RH Perry's expertise, combined with the valuable input from our GCC community, will help us find the visionary leader who will guide us into a promising future," said Maureen Marshall, GCC Trustee and Search Committee Chair.
Recruitment of presidential candidates is scheduled to begin on Oct. 30, marking the next significant phase of the search process.
For more information about GCC's presidential search process and timeline, please visit https://www.genesee.edu/presidential-search/ or contact Vice President, Development and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.
Photo of Jeremy and Sandra Liles, the 2023 Encore co-chairs, courtesy of GCC.
The Genesee Community College Foundation will be celebrating its 31st season of Encore on Friday, December 15, with an elegant event of holiday music and fine dining. This annual gala fundraiser directly benefits the student scholarship program at Genesee Community College.
This year's co-chairs, Jeremy and Sandra Liles, are looking forward to presenting this year's Encore and celebrating the start of the holiday season. "We selected the theme "White Christmas" inspired by the 1954 classic film, which captures the essence of the holiday season and will feature a special holiday concert program choreographed by the Genesee Symphony Orchestra".
Jeremy Liles is a native of Genesee County, the owner of Oliver's Candies and Sweet Life Group, its parent organization, and has managed Oliver's Candies for over 20 years. Jeremy is actively involved in his local community and currently serves on the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and has served on the Batavia Town Planning Board. Sandra is a New Hampshire native who moved to Genesee County in 2005.
Sandra opened Sweet Life Country Store in Elba and has managed the operation for the past 5 years. She enjoys working with many different local product vendors and artisans to make their wares available to the public at this store, as well as partnering with other local businesses to benefit the community. Jeremy and Sandra reside in Batavia with Tahlia, the youngest of their three children.
"Both Sandra and I recognize the importance of education and supporting the Foundation Scholarship program at Genesee Community College. We are honored to be co-chairs of Encore 2023."
Proceeds from Encore support scholarships for students attending Genesee Community College. Sponsorship opportunities are critically important to the event. To become a 2023 Encore sponsor, purchase tickets, or for event information, please visit https://gccfoundationinc.org/encore/ or contact the Foundation Office directly at (585) 345-6809 or foundation@genesee.edu.
Genesee Community College is proud to announce the appointment of Gary A. Graber to a 7-year term on the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees effective August 16 through June 30, 2030. This appointment fills the vacancy left by Trustee Emeritus Laurie Miller.
Mr. Graber enlisted in the Naval Reserve (Seabees) shortly after graduating from Alexander Central School. During his seven years as a naval reservist, he began a forty-five-year career in the transportation industry as a driver and ended up as a terminal manager for a northeast freight carrier.
Mr. Graber was elected town justice for the Town of Darien, New York, taking office in January 1980. He is a past member of the Town and Village Court Education Curriculum Committee and has taught criminal and administrative courses for the New York State Judicial Institute and the New York State Office of Court Administration.
Justice Graber continues to be very active in the development and training of topics relating to commercial driver's licenses and commercial motor vehicles, including the development of sentencing charts which assist the New York courts in properly disposing cases that involve commercial motor vehicle equipment violations. As an alumnus and faculty member of the National Judicial College since 2008 he continually instructs judicial personnel both in their home states and virtually on all matters related to the commercial driver's license.
He is an honorary member and liaison of the New York State Magistrates Court Clerks Association. He is also a past president of the Genesee County Magistrates Association and has been a member of the New York State Magistrates Association for over 43 years, serving as a past president, vice president, and director in that association as well as continuing to serve on several committees. He retired from elected office in July 2023 after more than forty-two years of service. He now serves as a Judicial Ambassador, Alumnus, and Faculty Member for the National Judicial College, Reno Nevada; providing education to judicial stakeholders throughout the country.
Gary has received many awards, including the Leadership Award from the Genesee County Magistrates Association, the 2005 NYS Magistrate of the Year Award, the 2006 Criminal Justice Award from Genesee County Alcohol and Substance Abuse, and the 2013 Kevin E. Quinlan Award for Excellence in Traffic Safety in Washington DC.
Mr. Graber is also a proud graduate of Leadership Genesee Class of 2005 where he has since received the 2006 Outstanding Alumnus and Barry Miller Lifetime Achievement Awards.
For more information contact Vice President, Development and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.
Photo of the Fox Sisters courtesy of Genesee Community College.
Press Release:
Genesee Community College students guided by Derek Maxfield, Associate Professor of History at GCC, will design a series of stations that guests are invited to tour during the exhibit from 6 - 8 p.m. each evening. To cap off the event, Maxfield will deliver a lecture on Victorians and Spiritualism on Wednesday, October 25 at 7 p.m.
The exhibit and lecture are FREE and open to the public - though donations to the Morgan-Manning House are encouraged.
The Spiritualism movement in America began a decade before the American Civil War and seemed to seize the imagination of many into the twentieth century. The basic premise that it was possible for the living to communicate with the dead was popularized by two sisters from Hydesville, New York - the Fox Sisters.
Spiritualism has a deep and complex origin story that reaches back to the 18th century with the work of Emanuel Swedenborg, a Swedish scientist-theologian. Once begun, the Spiritualism movement manifested itself in many forms - including seances, spirit writing, Mesmerism, and spirit camps.
The diverse elements will be explored in a special exhibit at the Morgan-Manning House in Brockport October 23-25.
Ethan Walker of Aberdeen, Scotland, a student athlete at Genesee Community College, was in an automobile accident on Sept. 12 and is at Erie County Medical Center while his teammates rally for his recovery and help to raise funds to offset his medical expenses. Submitted photo
Ethan Walker, 17, was hardly a shrinking violet on or off the soccer field, standing six-foot-one, playing center back, and demonstrating talent and grit that made him a top recruit and fast friend from Scotland, Ben Bacon says.
“He was an absolute monster on the field. He was built like a rhino,” Bacon said to The Batavian of his teammate and fellow freshman at Genesee Community College. “His determination on the field was just outstanding. He’s just a beast. He’s one of those people who you will never ever, ever see him in a bad mood, and he’ll always have a smile on his face.”
It is perhaps Ethan who needs — and is getting — smiles, kind words and both moral and financial support in his great time of need after a major accident on Sept. 12.
He was walking back to his dorm from an off-campus residence that night and was hit by a Toyota RAV4. Two of his teammates called for police and medical assistance, and he was transported by ambulance and then flown by Mercy EMS to Erie Community Medical Center and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, “where they fought to keep him alive,” Bacon said in an online post.
“The medical staff said he was suffering from a shattered right scapula, dislocated right knee, tearing of all the ligaments in his right knee, multiple fractures in the right side of his face, skull fractures, as well as swelling and bleeding in the brain,” his post states. “Ethan’s mother was notified, and she was able to book a flight and get here from Scotland only a day later. You can only imagine what she was going through as her son was fighting for his life, and she was across the world from him.”
Bacon created that post as part of a GoFundMe fundraiser to assist his friend’s family with the medical expenses to come from Ethan’s care and treatment. Since he was here as an international student, he did what most students do and chose the cheapest insurance plan because no one expects something like this to happen, Bacon said.
When the accident first occurred in the wee hours of the morning, only a small portion of students knew about it, and then as more people learned about it, they went from being shocked and distraught to “everyone wanted to help,” he said. “It brought the entire school community together.”
“It felt like one big family,” he said, that included students, staff, administrators, and family members. That big lug “built like a tree trunk” who would lift everyone up and “always bring the positivity” level up anywhere he went has now been getting it twofold from friends and strangers alike.
The fundraiser has gotten donations from 820 folks so far, many of whom are including prayers, thoughts and well wishes for a speedy recovery and to stay strong. A goal of $50,000 has been more than half met so far, with a total of $27,342, and Bacon wants to see it keep rising to alleviate at least one worry for the Walker family.
Ethan’s girlfriend and dad also flew here shortly after the accident and have been staying nearby as he gradually begins to heal enough to return back home to Aberdeen, Scotland.
International students are commonplace to the GCC soccer program, Bacon said, which has been very successful — it’s #2 in the nation as a D-3 sport — and has more frequently been recruiting overseas for players. There are only four American students out of a roster of 28 players, he said. The soccer coach is from Ireland, and the team captain is from Scotland.
Ethan lived one floor above Bacon, and they’d meet in Bacon’s room, which was in the middle for everybody as a common room to hang out. “So he's in our room quite frequently, and he's one of the ones that I grew closer with,” Bacon said.
What’s not to like? Ethan was a super hard worker and “a pretty standout guy,” he said. He traveled alone from his homeland to pursue his dreams of obtaining a good education while playing professional soccer, or “futbol,” as he’d say.
“He was constantly in the gym and doing everything he could to improve and be better,” Bacon said. “He’s a very intimidating person, but one of the happiest and nicest, friendliest people I've ever met, one of those kids that kind of just lifts everyone up and, like, makes the total aura and vibe around him kind of happier and better to be in.
“He really just is always bringing positivity wherever he is, whether it's in the classroom, on the field, and just a conversation that he's having with a couple of the guys, wherever it is, it’s always boosting and making it a more respectable and positive environment,” he said.
He and his teammates have been visiting the patient as often as possible, and he was recently moved out of the ICU, a good sign of Ethan-like progress.
“He keeps improving every day,” Bacon said. “Everything seems positive.”
While there have, of course, been negatives given such a tragic accident, Bacon has also gleaned the positives from so many people rallying together to support their fellow student and his family, he said.
“We’re more than thankful and extraordinarily grateful for the school and community,” he said. “That would be lovely to reach (the goal), and we will keep raising it as much as we can. Once the donations are done, all will be transferred into his accounts to pay the bills.
“This tragedy was extremely unexpected, and on behalf of me and my family and Ethan’s close friends, teammates, coaches, and administrators, we wanted to set up this GoFundMe to help and assist Ethan and his family through this long, difficult, and painful process of recovery and healing, and getting Ethan back out on the pitch as soon as possible,” his online post states. “Ethan’s family and our college have been involved with me starting this fundraiser on his behalf from the beginning. Ethan is my friend and teammate here at Genesee Community College, and Ethan’s parents are here with us in the USA now while Ethan is in the ICU. Ethan will be the direct beneficiary of 100 percent of these funds, and his parents will personally ensure these funds will be deposited into Ethan’s account. We post this to remain in compliance with GoFundMe and to ensure there is trust between us and those of you who have been so generous!”
Thursday, September 28, in the Stuart Steiner Theatre from 6 - 7 p.m. Musician and Educator Haley Moore will present a lecture and play Appalachian music from the 1920s. The presentation and performance are based on Jeannette Walls novel "Hang the Moon."
Listen to music that was popular during the time and hear all about the story of an indomitable young woman in prohibition-era Virginia. The presentation will be both educational and entertaining and is free and open to the public.
Richmond Reads is a community one-book program designed for the Richmond Memorial Library community. Each year, a committee selects a book and builds programs around the selection, culminating with a visit from the author. The 2023 selection is "Hang the Moon," the latest publication from New York Times bestselling author Jeannette Walls. This year's events include historical programs, book discussions, a film screening, and more.
The library is excited to partner with Genesee Community College and Batavia High School as they incorporate "Hang the Moon" into their curriculum and participate in a student book review contest. Richmond Reads is generously sponsored by The Friends of Richmond Memorial Library.
Photo of Stephanie Ortel, courtesy of Genesee Community College
Genesee Community College is excited to announce the appointment of Stephanie Ortel, LVT as the new director of Veterinary Technology. With a proven track record of leadership and expertise in the field, Stephanie brings a wealth of experience that will contribute to the continued growth and success of the college's Veterinary Technology program.
Stephanie is a Western New York native. She graduated from Medaille College with an AS in Veterinary Technology in 1999 and a BS in Veterinary Technology in 2005. Throughout her career her area of veterinary medicine has focused on pain management and physical rehab therapy for dogs and cats.
Stephanie earned a MS in Adult Education from Buffalo State College in 2018. She started as an adjunct instructor at GCC in 2016 and then became a full-time instructor in 2021.
Stephanie expressed her excitement about joining Genesee Community College,stating, "As program director, I hope to continue the tradition passed from Dr. Carrie Caccamise of a highly regarded vet tech program. The Vet Tech department is committed to producing quality graduates ready to enter the workforce."
“The Fourth Annual Genesee County Sheriff’s Office Teen Academy was another great success. The academy was held July 17 – 21 at Genesee Community College. This academy was made possible with the support of Genesee County STOP DWI, the Genesee County Legislature, and Genesee Community College. The students were provided with the opportunity to experience the various roles of law enforcement in our community, and they eagerly embraced all aspects of the curriculum. I want to thank the students for their hard work and dedication and all those that provided instruction throughout this week-long program. A special thank you to the Academy Director, Deputy/SRO Joshua A. Brabon, and all the Deputies, School Resource Officers, and Investigators for their assistance and efforts in coordinating such a unique, one-of-a-kind experience for the students. We look forward to continuing this annual event for students throughout Genesee County for many more years to come,” stated Sheriff Sheron.
The following participants are graduates of the Fourth Annual Genesee County Sheriff’s Office Teen Academy:
Robert Villano - Squad Leader
Michael Ehrmentraut
Derryk Gacek
Kayden Crocker
Anna McLaughlin
Macie Parton
Submitted photos courtesy of Genesee County Sheriff Office.
