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Milestones include engagement, wedding and birth announcements as well as job promotions, military service and similar personal accomplishments of you and your family that you wish to share with the community.

Darien Center's Matthew Genaway named to Honor Roll this Spring at Canisius College

By Billie Owens

Matthew Genaway, of Darien Center, was named to the Canisius College Accounting Honor Roll for the spring 2021 semester.

To qualify for the Accounting Honor Roll, accounting students must attain a grade-point average of 3.2 or higher in at least two accounting courses taken concurrently.

Genaway is from the Class of 2021 and one of nearly 40 Canisius students named to the Accounting Honor Roll for spring 2021.

Housed within the Richard J. Wehle School of Business, the Canisius College accounting program is among the top 7 percent in the nation, according to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings.

Students in the Canisius accounting program benefit from the support of a dedicated team of faculty and a large group of accounting and financial professionals (The Accountancy Council) that provide scholarships, mentoring and career placement assistance. Job placement for Canisius accounting majors is consistently at or near 100 percent.

One of 27 Jesuit universities in the nation, Canisius is the premier private university in Western New York.

Pair of Batavia and Stafford students earn bachelor's degrees from Nazareth College

By Billie Owens

Nazareth College undergraduate students earned their degrees at the 94th Annual Commencement ceremony that took place at the Golisano Training Center on the Nazareth College campus on May 15.

  • Kaitlin Ange, of Batavia, graduated from Nazareth College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health.
  • Nash Johns, of Stafford, graduated from Nazareth College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Musical Theater.

Nazareth College's academic strengths cross an unusually broad spectrum of 60 majors, including education, health and human services, management, the fine arts, music, theater, math and science, foreign languages, and the liberal arts. The coeducational, religiously independent, classic campus in a charming suburb of Rochester challenges and supports 2,000 undergrads and 800 graduate students. Nazareth is recognized nationally for its Fulbright global student scholars and commitment to civic engagement. Rigorous programs, an uncommon core, experiential learning, career skills, and a global focus prepare graduates for not just one job, but for their life's work.

Trio of GC students heading to Clarkson University in Potsdam this fall

By Billie Owens

Read about some of the new students who will attend Clarkson University as members of the Class of 2025.

  • Colby Leggo, of Bergen, will attend Clarkson University in Potsdam as a member of the Class of 2025. Leggo, who will be majoring in Electrical Engineering, will begin studying at Clarkson in the fall.
  • Cooper Mattice, of Batavia, will attend Clarkson University in Potsdam as a member of the Class of 2025. Mattice, who will be majoring in Environmental Engineering, will begin studying at Clarkson in the fall.
  • AJ Schmidt, of Le Roy, will attend Clarkson University in Potsdam as a member of the Class of 2025. Schmidt, who will be majoring in Aeronautical Engineering, will begin studying at Clarkson in the fall.

High school students can schedule a personalized visit to Clarkson, which includes things like a campus tour tailored to their interests and a visit with an admissions counselor. Students can always check out Clarkson's virtual viewbook & interactive campus map. Just contact the Admissions Office at admission@clarkson.edu.

As a private, national research university, Clarkson is a leader in technological education and sustainable economic development through teaching, scholarship, research and innovation. We ignite personal connections across academic fields and industries to create the entrepreneurial mindset, knowledge and intellectual curiosity needed to innovate world-relevant solutions and cultivate the leaders of tomorrow. With its main campus located in Potsdam and additional graduate program and research facilities in the New York Capital Region, Beacon and New York City, Clarkson educates 4,300 students across 95 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, the arts, education, sciences and health professions. Our alumni earn salaries that are among the top 2.5 percent in the nation and realize accelerated career growth. One in five already leads as a CEO, senior executive or owner of a company.

Batavia's Madison Moore graduates from Ithaca College with degree in Journalism

By Billie Owens

Madison Moore, of Batavia, graduated from Ithaca College with a BA in Journalism.

About Ithaca College

Founded in 1892, Ithaca College is a residential college dedicated to building knowledge and confidence through a continuous cycle of theory, practice and performance. Home to some 5,000 students, the college offers more than 100 degree programs in its schools of Business, Communications, Humanities and Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Performance, and Music.

Students, faculty and staff at Ithaca College create an active, inclusive community anchored in a keen desire to make a difference in the local community and the broader world. The college is consistently ranked as one of the nation's top producers of Fulbright scholars, one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly schools in the country, and one of the top 10 colleges in the Northeast.

Four students named 2021 recipients of Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarships

By Press Release

Submitted photos and press release:

Four top 10 seniors from Alexander, Elba, Pembroke and Notre Dame high schools are the recipients of the 2021 Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarships administered by the Arc of Genesee Orleans.

The $1,000 scholarship award winners, Annie Kochmanski, Taylor Augello, Lauren Filter and Isabelle Cooper are planning to pursue careers related to healthcare or working with those with a disability.  

Annie Kochmanski (top inset photo right) -- Alexander Central, will begin her studies in the teacher education transfer program at Genesee Community College, transferring to Keuka College to study Special Education and American Sign Language.

The Darien resident plans to become a teacher for individuals who are deaf/hearing impaired. In 2020, before school closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Annie was involved in Alexander’s Big Buddy program, paired with a student in the elementary school, and was also an intern/teacher assistant for the second and third grades.

This experience solidified Annie’s decision to become and educator.

“I know that helping special needs students is where my heart lies,” Annie said in her scholarship application.

Taylor Augello (inset photo at left) -- Elba Central, will attend Genesee Community College for nursing and plans to one day become a Nurse Practitioner.

A scholar/athlete at Elba, Taylor said she has chosen nursing as her career path, because she has seen how individuals, especially those with disabilities can struggle.

“Knowing that I can help people with disabilities will fulfill my childhood dreams of helping others,” Taylor said.  

Lauren Filter (inset photo below right)-- Pembroke Central, has been accepted to Daemen College and plans to study Nursing, setting her sights on one day becoming a Certified Registered Nurse anesthetist (CRNA). “In a hospital, I will be working with people of all abilities,” Lauren said, adding, “There needs to be compassion, empathy and understanding that individuals (with disabilities) have complex communication needs.” As a certified lifeguard, Lauren has taught swimming lessons to children with a variety of swimming skills, special needs and learning disorders.  

Isabelle Cooper (below left inset photo) -- Notre Dame High School, is from the Town of Pavilion.

In the fall, she will be attending Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pa., in the Physician Assistant program.

In her scholarship application, Isabelle said, “I hope to one day work in a neurology practice with children with developmental delays.”

Isabelle has more than five years’ experience in the YMCA’s Challenger Sports program, volunteering with children with special needs.

In 2019, she took on the leadership role of running the Challenger Tennis program.

About the Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship

Now in its 16th year, the Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship is presented to area high school seniors planning to further their studies in human services, special education or related fields.

It is in honor of Mary Anne Graney, a special education teacher, who died in 2004.

The scholarship is funded by the Friends & Family 5K, scheduled this year for Sept. 18 in Elba.

Batavia's James Zickl named to dean's list for Spring semester at Worcester Polytechnic University

By Billie Owens

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Massachusetts has announced that Batavia resident James Zickl, a member of the Class of '21 majoring in Mechanical Engineering, was named to the private university's dean's list for academic excellence for the Spring 2021 semester.

A total of 2,148 undergraduate students achieved the criteria required for WPI's Spring 2021 dean's list. The criteria for the WPI dean's list differs from that of most other universities as WPI does not compute a grade-point average (GPA). Instead, WPI defines the dean's list by the amount of work completed at the A level in courses and projects.

"WPI's academic programs are rigorous and require a level of independence beyond what is required in traditional courses. WPI students work on open-ended problems for communities around the world. The problems are important and the impact is real," said Dean of Undergraduate Studies Arthur C. Heinricher. "Some of this nation's best and brightest students come to WPI to study engineering and science and business and the humanities. Those named to the dean's list have excelled in all of their work, and we are exceptionally proud of these outstanding students." 

About Worcester Polytechnic Institute

WPI, a global leader in project-based learning, is a distinctive, top-tier technological university founded in 1865 on the principle that students learn most effectively by applying the theory learned in the classroom to the practice of solving real-world problems. Recognized by the National Academy of Engineering with the 2016 Bernard M. Gordon Prize for Innovation in Engineering and Technology Education, WPI's pioneering project-based curriculum engages undergraduates in solving important scientific, technological, and societal problems throughout their education and at more than 50 project centers around the world.

WPI offers more than 70 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs across 17 academic departments in science, engineering, technology, business, the social sciences, and the humanities and arts. Its faculty and students pursue groundbreaking research to meet ongoing challenges in health and biotechnology; robotics and the internet of things; advanced materials and manufacturing; cyber, data, and security systems; learning science; and more. www.wpi.edu

Four Batavians named to dean's list at Ithaca College for Spring semester

By Billie Owens

Ithaca College congratulates students named to the dean's list for the spring 2021 semester.

  • Elise Hoerbelt, of Batavia
  • Madison Hoerbelt, of Batavia 
  • Lauren Leone, of Batavia 
  • Michal Lullo, of Batavia 

About Ithaca College

Founded in 1892, Ithaca College is a residential college dedicated to building knowledge and confidence through a continuous cycle of theory, practice and performance. Home to some 5,000 students, the college offers more than 100 degree programs in its schools of Business, Communications, Humanities and Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Performance, and Music.

Students, faculty and staff at Ithaca College create an active, inclusive community anchored in a keen desire to make a difference in the local community and the broader world. The college is consistently ranked as one of the nation's top producers of Fulbright scholars, one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly schools in the country, and one of the top 10 colleges in the Northeast.

Pavilion's Harmony Parker named to Spring dean's list at SUNY Potsdam

By Billie Owens

The State University of New York at Potsdam recently named Harmony Parker, of Pavilion, to the SUNY Potsdam dean's list.

Parker, whose major is Archaeological Studies, was among 221 students who were honored for academic excellence in the Spring 2021 semester.

To achieve the honor of being on the dean's list, each student must have satisfactorily completed 12 numerically graded semester hours, with a grade-point average of between 3.25 and 3.49 in the given semester.

About SUNY Potsdam:

Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges -- and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 3,600 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit http://www.potsdam.edu.

Three Genesee County residents promoted in NY Army National Guard

By Billie Owens

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

They are:

  • Steven Stokoe, from Bergen -- assigned to the Company C, 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment -- received a promotion to the rank of corporal on April 11.
  • Stephen Koladzinski, from Batavia -- assigned to the Headquarters and Support Company, 642nd Aviation Support Battalion -- received a promotion to the rank of private on May 14.
  • Travis Herold, from Pavilion -- assigned to the Company A, 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry -- received a promotion to the rank of corporal on May 24.

Army National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability, and development potential.

These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified Soldiers and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com

The New York National Guard (New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs) is the state's executive agency responsible to the Governor for managing New York's military forces, which consists of nearly 20,000 members of the New York Army National Guard, the New York Air National Guard, the New York Naval Militia and the New York Guard.

Born in the Jazz Age before the Great Depression and still enjoying life

By Billie Owens

Above, Elon Spink and his granddaughter, Tammy Charbonneau.

Written by Thomas Spink.

LE ROY -- Le Roy Village Green resident Elon Spink is Genesee County's newest centenarian!

Elon was born 100 years ago on June 19, 1921 in Attica to Ida and Harry Spink. He was the fourth of five children.

At an early age, he was diagnosed with polio, but thankfully he recovered, and he was able to get back his mobility and live a remarkably long life. Having had polio prevented him from enlisting to fight for his country in World War II, which disappointed him as he wanted to help defend his country from the Germans.

During his lifetime, Elon held many jobs. He transported farm equipment, construction materials, worked as an accountant for his brother Tom’s business and then started driving bus. He finished up his career delivering beer and beverages, retiring in 1983 at the age 62.                                        

He moved to Rochester in the 1950s where he would meet and marry the love of his life -- Fern Elizabeth Sherman.  Fern had three children, Patrick, Lucinda and Susan, who have known Elon as Dad for the past 60+ years. Elon and Fern had one child together, Thomas.

Elon and Fern were married for  51 years. Fern passed away in 2006, and Elon continued living ON HIS OWN until December, 2020. At the age of 99 and a half, in the middle of COVID-19, he had a fall and he and his family realized it was time that he needed assistance, which is when he moved to Le Roy Village Green.  

Many of Elon’s most cherished memories are related to sports. Elon was a pretty good bowler. He won team championships in Rochester in the '50s and '60s. Elon is a diehard Rochester Redwings fan and through his son, Pat, (who worked in broadcasting for the Red Wings), he got to meet and befriend several players over the years.

In June of 2001, to celebrate his 80th birthday, he traveled to New York to watch the Yankees play on a Saturday and then rode down to Philadelphia to watch the Batavia Muckdogs parent team take on the New York Mets that following Sunday.   

He is an avid Buffalo Bills fan, and one lifetime experience for Elon was going to the Buffalo Bills first Superbowl in Tampa in 1991. He had the opportunity to meet Bills' owner Ralph Wilson at a Bills game. Ralph asked him how old he was, and when Elon said he was 83, Ralph chuckled and said that he was 86. Later that year, Ralph signed a picture of the two of them saying, “You're still not as old as me.”

The Buffalo Bills are Elon’s favorite team by far. He jokingly comments all the time, “I don’t know if I will ever see them win the Big Game.” Well Elon, maybe Josh Allen will do what your favorite quarterback, Jim Kelly, tried so hard to do four times in a row – and you may get to see a Buffalo Bills’ Super Bowl victory this year as you work your way toward 101!

We all wish you the happiest 100th birthday!

Photos courtesy of Margaret Sheelar.

Below, Elon Spink and his son, Thomas Spink.

Five local students named to Spring dean's list at SUNY Morrisville

By Billie Owens

SUNY Morrisville recently announced those students who were named to the dean's list for the Spring 2021 semester. To be named to the dean's list, a student must achieve a 3.0 to 3.99 grade-point average for the semester and complete 12 credit hours.

  • Shelby Brandes, of Stafford 
  • Jack Doemling, of Le Roy
  • Jason Doemling, of Le Roy 
  • Destry Mullen, of Stafford
  • Braeden Zimmerman, of Bergen

SUNY Morrisville's curricula are enriched with applied learning and pave the way for opportunity at both the Morrisville and Norwich campuses. An action-oriented, interactive learning lab, the college is a national leader in technology and has been lauded for its exemplary, innovative and effective community service programs.

The college was ranked among the Best Regional Colleges in the North by U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges 2021 issue and was also recognized in the Top Public Schools, Regional Colleges North in the 2020 Best Colleges rankings. For more information about SUNY Morrisville, visit or connect with us at: www.morrisville.eduFacebookTwitterInstagramYouTube.

Batavia's Ilianthe Curie named to Spring dean's list at Missouri State University

By Billie Owens

Each semester, students at Missouri State University who attain academic excellence are named to the dean's list. 

For undergraduate students, criteria include enrollment in at least 12 credit hours during the spring semester and at least a 3.50 grade-point average (on a 4.00 scale).

Ilianthe Curie, of Batavia, made the list. Curie was among more than 5,000 students named to the spring 2021 dean's list.

 

Batavia's Cameron Clark named to Spring President's List at SUNY Morrisville

By Billie Owens

SUNY Morrisville recently announced that Cameron A. Clark, of Batavia, was named to the President's List for the Spring 2021 semester. Cameron is majoring in Business Administration -- BBA.

To be named to the President's List, a student must achieve a perfect 4.0 average for the semester and complete 12 credit hours.

SUNY Morrisville's curricula are enriched with applied learning and pave the way for opportunity at both the Morrisville and Norwich campuses. An action-oriented, interactive learning lab, the college is a national leader in technology and has been lauded for its exemplary, innovative and effective community service programs.

The college was ranked among the Best Regional Colleges in the North by U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges 2021 issue and was also recognized in the Top Public Schools, Regional Colleges North in the 2021 Best Colleges rankings. For more information about SUNY Morrisville, visit or connect with us at: www.morrisville.eduFacebookTwitterInstagramYouTube.

Two GC students graduate with honors from Elmira College

By Billie Owens

Elmira College celebrated the graduation of 192 students during its 163rd Commencement on Sunday, June 6. The Class of 2021 included 95 honor graduates receiving summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude honors.

  • Lydia Milligan, of Pavilion: summa cum laude 
  • Kyra Stella, of Batavia: cum laude 

Founded in 1855, Elmira College is a private, residential, liberal arts college offering 25-plus majors, an honors program, 17 academic societies, and 18 Division III varsity teams. Located in the Southern Finger Lakes Region of New York, Elmira's undergraduate and graduate student population hails from more than 20 states and nine countries.

Elmira is a Phi Beta Kappa College and has been ranked a top college, nationally, for student internships. The College is also home to the Center for Mark Twain Studies, one of four historically significant Twain heritage sites in the United States, which attracts Twain scholars and educators from around the world for research on the famous literary icon. Proud of its history and tradition, the College is committed to the ideals of community service, and intellectual and individual growth.

Oakfield's Olivia Carroll graduates from SUNY New Paltz

By Billie Owens

SUNY New Paltz is pleased to congratulate May 2021 graduate Olivia Carroll, of Oakfield.

Located in the heart of a dynamic college town, 90 minutes from metropolitan New York City, the State University of New York at New Paltz is a highly selective college of about 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

One of the most well-regarded public colleges in the nation, New Paltz delivers an extraordinary number of majors in BusinessLiberal Arts & SciencesEngineeringFine & Performing Arts and Education.

New Paltz embraces its culture as a community where talented and independent minded people from around the world create close personal links with real scholars and artists who love to teach.

Oakfield's Olivia Carroll named to Spring dean's list at SUNY New Paltz

By Billie Owens

SUNY New Paltz is proud to congratulate Olivia Carroll, of Oakfield, for being named to the dean's list for the spring 2021 semester.

Dean's list designation is reserved for students who excel academically and earn at least a 3.3 grade-point average in a semester with a full-time course load.

Two local students earn degrees at Elmira College

By Billie Owens

Elmira College celebrated the graduation of 192 students during its 163rd Commencement on Sunday, June 6 on Carnegie Lawn at the College. The exercises included 169 undergraduate and 23 graduate students, including:

  • Lydia Milligan, of Pavilion: Bachelor of Science
  • Kyra Stella, of Batavia: Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science

Founded in 1855, Elmira College is a private, residential, liberal arts college offering 25-plus majors, an honors program, 17 academic societies, and 18 Division III varsity teams. Located in the Southern Finger Lakes Region of New York, Elmira's undergraduate and graduate student population hails from more than 20 states and nine countries.

Elmira is a Phi Beta Kappa College and has been ranked a top college, nationally, for student internships. The College is also home to the Center for Mark Twain Studies, one of four historically significant Twain heritage sites in the United States, which attracts Twain scholars and educators from around the world for research on the famous literary icon.

Proud of its history and tradition, the College is committed to the ideals of community service, and intellectual and individual growth.

Three GC students named Outstanding Undergraduate Scholars at RIT -- in top 1 percent

By Billie Owens

More than 100 Rochester Institute of Technology students were named as Outstanding Undergraduate Scholars for the 2020-2021 year.

Since 1976, RIT has honored the top 1 percent of undergraduate students who are able to maintain a high standard of academic excellence while also giving back to their community through civic or volunteer work, conducting research, or being engaged in co-op or work in their field of study.

Award recipients, including the following, were honored during a virtual celebration earlier this year:

  • Triton Adamski, of Corfu
  • Lucas Kohorst, of East Pembroke
  • Celia Mercovich, of Bergen

Rochester Institute of Technology is home to leading creators, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers. Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls about 18,600 students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, making it among the largest private universities in the U.S.

The university is internationally recognized and ranked for academic leadership in business, computing, engineering, imaging science, liberal arts, sustainability, and fine and applied arts. RIT also offers unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The cooperative education program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation. Global partnerships include campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai and Kosovo.

Batavia's Kyra Stella earns Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Elmira College

By Billie Owens

Kyra Stella, of Batavia, was one of 60 students who participated in the annual Elmira College Nurse Pinning Ceremony in Gibson Theatre as part of Commencement weekend activities.

The ceremony recognizes students who have completed the requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.

Congratulations EC nursing graduates!

Founded in 1855, Elmira College is a private, residential, liberal arts college offering 25-plus majors, an honors program, 17 academic societies, and 18 Division III varsity teams. Located in the Southern Finger Lakes Region of New York, Elmira's undergraduate and graduate student population hails from more than 20 states and nine countries.

Elmira is a Phi Beta Kappa College and has been ranked a top college, nationally, for student internships. The College is also home to the Center for Mark Twain Studies, one of four historically significant Twain heritage sites in the United States, which attracts Twain scholars and educators from around the world for research on the famous literary icon. Proud of its history and tradition, the College is committed to the ideals of community service, and intellectual and individual growth.

Batavia's Taylor McKenzie named to Ohio University's Spring 2021 dean's list

By Billie Owens

Ohio University College of Fine Arts student Taylor McKenzie, from Batavia, has been named to Ohio University's Spring 2021 dean's list.

More than 7,800 students qualified for the spring semester 2021 dean's list at Ohio University, including main and regional campuses.

Over more than 40 states were represented on the dean's list, including: Alabama, Florida, Hawaii, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Mexico, Washington and Ohio. Students also represented China, France, Germany, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Oman, Peru and many other countries.

Due to COVID-19, OHIO students who earned 12 semester hours of credit, including at least six hours attempted for letter grades, with a minimum grade-point average of at least 3.5 achieved this distinction.

About Ohio University

Ohio University strives to be the best student-centered, transformative learning community in America, where students realize their promise, faculty advance knowledge, staff achieve excellence, and alumni become global leaders. OHIO is committed to fostering, embracing, and celebrating diversity in all its forms. Our Athens Campus offers students a residential learning experience in one of the nation's most picturesque academic settings. Additional campuses and centers serve students across the state, and online programs further advance the University's commitment to providing educational access and opportunity. Visit www.ohio.edu for more information.

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