volume 19, issue 1 • May 5, 2017

Inside the NEW Courier the RESTORE Brand yourself! {NEW Courier Zumbathon

GCC celebrates 50 years of success By Sasha Boyd and Alisia Compton { Staff Writers} Genesee Community College has been a million. While she said that is certainly a staple in the community for many years, and good thing, other ways GCC benefits the now, after years of growth and change, the community should not be overlooked. She College is celebrating its 50th anniversary. said that GCC provides art, culture, and It’s the community college that almost athletics, along with bringing new people, never was when in 1964 the Batavia Jaycees some from other countries, into the county. introduced the idea of establishing a college Since its chartering, the school has to County Supervisors who felt the idea been focused on appointing the right was unrealistic. County Supervisors believed leaders. President O’Connell commissioned enrollment would never exceed 75 students Dr. Stuart Steiner (the namesake of the and determined the community wouldn’t College’s theater), who would go on to serve benefit from a college. The Batavia Jaycees the College for more than 30 years. Steiner disagreed. They’d done their research and is celebrated on GCC’s “50 Points of Pride” felt there was a larger student population page, which includes links and descriptions than the supervisors knew, and that a of the school’s illustrious history and notable new college would contribute to positive alumni. Rick Dudkowski, award-winning economic growth. After a year of debate Business and Fashion Merchandising and rigorous campaigning, a public vote was Management Professor, is also celebrated held and the county’s residents made their on the page. He’s been a full-time faculty voices heard. Genesee County would have member since 1984 and says the school has its college by a margin of more than 1400. undergone “tremendous change” in the 33 In 1967, its doors were opened to more years he’s worked there. than 600 new students, and Dr. Alfred C. “We didn’t have computers.” he said, O’Connell was asked to become president of recalling the early days of GCC. “Back in the school. It was originally located in an old the day, we had typewriters in our offices. discount store, and thus got the nickname But, Genesee was always at the forefront “Value Tech.” of tech and creativity. The school kept Today GCC offers associate degrees, abreast of tech changes and always gave certificates, and credits that can be easily the students the best tools.” transferred to four year colleges. GCC has Over the years GCC has grown, it has grown into an accessible learning institution been able to offer students many things to with a diverse student body. Donna Rae help and enrich their experience. Sutherland Sutherland, GCC’s associate director of lists GCC’s 55 clubs and organizations for what hasn’t changed is the most important. national trend, and actually our enrollment Marketing Communications, said that each students, study abroad programs, and many GCC’s first and foremost strategic priority figures are better than most of our sister year GCC has over a hundred international online courses as some of the important is student readiness and access, and number institutions,” she said. students. things offered to students. What is truly two is student success and completion.” Many events have been scheduled to The benefits to the community are the best thing GCC has to offer, she said, For all its great assets and opportunities, celebrate the 50th anniversary. “These events numerous. Sutherland cites an independent is the staff and faculty. “Our professors, the College is currently experiencing a recognize truly significant times and are study that GCC commissioned from instructors, and support staff are dedicated decline in students. However, Sutherland solemn opportunities to pause for a moment Economic Modeling Specialist Inc., which to students, and we really care about their said that is nothing to worry about. “GCC’s to reflect on and celebrate the College’s reported that the annual impact is $199 success,” Sutherland said. “I must say that low enrollment is part of a state-wide and continued on page 5.

By Kelvin Lapierre Plus/minus grading coming to GCC this Fall { Staff Writer} Spring semester is more than half over Under the current system, classes where letter grade on the student’s GPA is 3.33. teacher or area has the option of deciding and students are starting to prepare for students received D or F grades would not That is .33 better than a B under the current how the grading system falls in his or her the Fall semester of 2017. A huge change transfer. However, under the new system, it’s grading system. class. For example, Nursing professors students need to prepare for is the new the now classes where the student earned a C- or Furthermore, maintaining a 4.0 might be might have a different breakdown than the plus/minus grading system. less. One GCC student said, “I struggle with a bit more difficult. Unlike the other grades, an Humanities professors, meaning that the The adding of plus and minus next certain things like math and English, and I live A has only two categories: A and A-. Swanson professor will determine what his or her to a grade will have an impact on both by a low C grade in those classes. How am I said that many students will fall in the A- grades will be for the plus or minus. current and incoming students. Professor going to pass these classes to transfer?” category, and they will have to work harder to Faculty want to make this transition of History and President of the Academic Grading will also affect the overall GPA earn what it takes to earn an A. “However,” smooth for students. “Students who do not Senate, Garth Swanson, said, “Students of students when it comes to transferring or he said, “students will now have a more precise understand should stop the teacher from need to know that the grades they have maintaining your GPA. The new system gives understanding of where their GPA is.” going forward day one and make sure that achieved so far will not be impacted by the the student more than a 3.0 for a simple B. The new grading policy will be up to the they understand the grading process,” new grading system.” For example if you get a B+ the GPA for that professors to determine. As always, every continued on page 8.

Scan the QR Code with the camera on your mobile device to connect with all of GCC’s social media accounts. To download a code reader, open your mobile browser and visit scan.mobi.

news 3-5 poetry contest 6-7 people 8-12 the {NEWthe Courier 2 } {NEW Courier

The New Courier Staff Letter from the Editor Genesee Community College Student Newspaper Since 1966 Advice to GCC graduates. Genesee Community College Play to win! Whatever you do, do it to the best of your ability. The best advice is from 1983, “The Speech the Graduates Did One College Rd. Never give up; have a positive attitude. Help people and treat Not Hear” by Jacob Neusner. It was printed as a letter to the Batavia, NY 14020 them the way you would like to be treated. Always do more than editor of this paper several years ago. I think it says it all. My expected and pay great attention to details. Learn something favorite part is the advice to the students not to treat their bosses Dr. James Sunser, president from every situation you face and have the tenacity of a pit and coworkers how they have treated us, their professors. It is a bull, not giving up the prey when you start a new project. Strive classic and nothing I can say makes it better. Good luck! Editor-in-Chief to learn something new every day and be a better person Marirose T. Ethington Kristine R. Dassinger tomorrow than you are today. Professor of Biology/Director of Science Rick Dudkowski Assistant Proofreader Professor, Business/Marketing/Fashion Tracy Ford Fashion Business Program Director I always tell my graduates to continue to build a network of people who can help them grow, give them advice, act as a Design mentor, etc. I teach them in their first semester to always Jasmine L. Huether Wisdom does not come magically with a degree. Seek out and network with professionals and build an expansive list of follow the advice of those who have experience in the sphere of people who can act as a support while they are growing their life your need guidance about. careers. If someone says, “Let me know if I can help you in any Staff Writers Derek D. Maxfield way,” ask them for help. They genuinely mean it! Stella Bianco Associate Professor of History Amy Slusser Gregg S. Boose, Jr. Professor of Tourism and Hospitality Management Sasha Boyd Keep reading. Readers are learners for life. Alisia Compton Marie Iglesias-Cardinale Explore every possibility. Have confidence that you are Marty Czekala Professor of English prepared for the future and be willing to learn as you go. In every position in life, there is always a way to help others. You Alyce Hens will find it to be the most rewarding experience you will ever Ryan Hogan My advice to graduates is to be well-prepared and confident for have. Tom Horgan your interviews. The people who are interviewing you become Lori Bakos Kubik Ali Huey uncomfortable if you are extremely nervous, struggle to come Adjunct Professor of English and Writing Tutor up with answers to their questions, or don’t have much to say Kelvin Lapierre at all. When they are uncomfortable with you then they feel as Mystique Myrthil if they might be uncomfortable working with you too. That is Read Rilke’s “Archaic Torso of Apollo,” and pay attention not good! It is critical to have 2 or 3 well considered questions to the last line: “You must change your life.” That is what Nick Rosone to ask them about their organization or the specific job or experiencing art--sculpture, painting, theatre, literature, dance, how their organization orients new employees to their job – storytelling--does for you. anything! Good luck. Norm Gayford Laurel Sanger Professor of English Nursing Program Director

Expect to start at an entry level position, show up every day on Keep yourself open to new opportunities and allow yourself to time, work hard, learn as much as you can, respect the other step out of your comfort zone. employees, be able to take some constructive criticism and use Lauren Paisley it wisely, ask questions. Professor of Business Greg Sharpe Instructor of Food Processing Technology

Be open and honest with that person looking back at you from the mirror. Figure out what you really want, not what your Don’t get so caught up in making a living that you forget to friends or family think you should want. For your lifestyle as make a life. well as your career. Carefully consider what you are good at Cliff Scutella and what you aren’t good at. Take a good hard look for where Director of Student Activities you belong and then when you can see it, have the courage and make the effort to go there. Mike Crittenden Professor of Physics the NEWS {NEW Courier 3 } 2017 Commencement Creative juices Ceremony celebrates flow at GCC’s 4th hard work and Annual Creativity dedication “It is well at every given moment to seek the limits in our Conference The Creativity Conference on April 18th gave GCC students By Stella Bianco lives. And once those limits are understood, to understand a whole day of creative speakers and workshops to help expand { Staff Writer} their thinking and help them look at things in a new perspective. that limitations no longer exist” This year the theme was “The Future of….” where they explored the future of numerous industries, such as the future of sustainability and tourism, mindfulness and education, art, entrepreneurship, and technology. Whether students are interested in art, ~ Poet Nancy Schreiber photography, technology, fashion, or even just education in general, the conference covered By Gregg S. Boose, Jr. it all. “Creativity is found in all different kinds of fields,” said Lina LaMattina, director of GCC’s 2017 Commencement Ceremony takes place on { Staff Writer} Business Programs and assistant professor of Business, “and we do a great job at covering May 21st at 1 p.m. the majority of what students and faculty are looking for.” “I still can’t believe that I’m finally graduating,” Sean Riddlemen, a Brooklyn native All of their presenters spoke about the future of their respective industries. The who was seeking a new start at GCC, said. “I’m glad I am the first in my family to conference featured speakers Joe Ziolkowski on photography, Maria Pesin on fashion and graduate with a degree,” he said. “It’s an accomplishment that many thought I could not retailing, and Nicole Brill on art. meet.” Riddlemen will be graduating with a 3.5 GPA and an Associate’s degree in Human This year, the keynote speaker, Ladi Terry, is the founder and president of Success Services. He’d like to work with mentally disabled individuals like his sister back home. Work Online and founder of Creative Indiana. She set the foundation for creative thinking “Now all I need is my cap and gown,” he said. as well as talked about its application in building and developing communities of the future. The Commencement Ceremony is mostly handled by the GCC Student Activities “We wanted to attract all varieties of students,” said LaMattina. “We like to keep the office and its Director Cliff Scutella. “I know a few things because I’ve done a few things,” workshops and speakers diverse to appeal to everyone’s passion.” he said. Scutella has been in the student activities field for forty-two years and for twenty- “I really got something out of listening to the speakers,” said Dylan Hellems, a seven years he has been a director at GCC. General Studies major at GCC. “I was mostly looking forward to hearing Mr. Z speak since Scutella was the first of his family to go to college, graduating with two Associates degrees photography is a hobby of mine.” from Monroe Community College and a Bachelors and Masters from Brockport College. In addition, the conference celebrated the famous artist Leonardo da Vinci’s birthday. One of Scutella’s greatest memories was seeing Joshua Fredenburg, a nationally recognized “We try to hold it on or near April 15th,” LaMattina said. “We do it around the 15th speaker, author, and leadership consultant speak at one of GCC’s Commencement because that is Leonardo da Vinci’s Birthday.” Ceremonies. “It inspired me to be a greater person, and it warms my heart to see students If you’re interested in participating or attending the next Creativity Conference, graduate to such a message,” said Scutella. contact The BEST Center. Students such as Mystique Myrthil have worked hard to achieve this honor. “Things LaMattina said, “Everyone helping out this year was truly excited to see the turnout.” will stop you, but you must break the bearers,” she said. Myrthil first started out as a fashion major but intrigued with the skills she learned from her family’s business she decided to change her major to communications and media arts. Myrthil loves advertising and is inspired to change the field of advertising. After graduation Myrthil plans on going to Brockport for her Bachelors in communications and marketing. She said, “Keep trying, and then try, try again.” This year Bill Kauffman, a political writer from Batavia, will be the guest speaker. Born GCC is bringing and raised in Batavia, Kauffman has been a regular contributor to the Wall Street Journal and also has written for publications such as The American Conservative, The American Scholar, the Los Angeles Times Book Review, The Nation, New York History, Newsday, The Australian and The Spectator of London. Kauffman has authored ten books, including Look Homeward, America: In profits to local Search of Reactionary Radicals and Front-Port Anarchists, which the American Library Association named one of the best books of 2006 and which won the Andrew Eiseman Writers Award. His book Ain’t My America, The Long Noble History of Antiwar Conservatism and Middle American Anti-Imperialism was named by Barnes & Noble as one of the best books of 2008. Locally, he farmers is probably best known for his Dispatches from the Muckdog Gazette: A Mostly Affectionate Account Genesee Community College brought the west coast to the By Kelvin Lapierre Staff Writer of a Small Town’s Fight to Survive (2003), the story of Batavia and its changing fortunes. east coast. How did they do this? With a Precision Agriculture { } The College anticipates recognizing over 800 students at commencement, including Workshop held last February. those completing programs of study in August 2016, January 2017, May 2017, Precision agriculture, also called “site-specific farming,” was first used in Sweden, but and the anticipated graduates in August later it became popular on the west coast in states like California, which is in the middle of 2017. Approximately 220 graduates with GRADUATION CEREMONY a water crisis, and then in the Midwest in states such as Indiana. The purpose is to try to their families will be participating in spend less money to make more of a profit. Purdue University uses this in their agriculture the May 21 ceremony. courses and is helping spread the effectiveness of using precision agriculture throughout While the event is open to the public, MAY 21ST AT 1 P.M. the state of Indiana. seats in the gymnasium are reserved for GCC GYMNASIUM The workshop addressed immediate precision-agriculture management in a multitude family and friends of graduates. The of areas, including “GIS-Speeding Up the Data Import Process,” presented by Ben ceremony will be streamed live on monitors Flansburg of BCA Ag Technologies and “Silage Yield Monitors,” presented by Rob across the Batavia campus and also around LIVE STREAM Logston of Gary Swede Farms, Inc. the globe.To view the live streaming, just go WWW.GENESEE.EDU The main focus of GCC so far has been the Genesee, Orleans, Livingston, and to the GCC website www.genesee.edu and GO TO THE GCC WEBSITE AND Wyoming counties. The College is working with these areas by teaching them about click on the Live Streaming link directly CLICK ON THE LIVE STREAM LINK pesticide and herbicide treatment applications and how to decrease waste, all while from the homepage. increasing yields and improving the profitability of the operation. GCC is also trying to get the youth involved in precision agriculture. GCC’s second annual precision agriculture day took place on May 4, 2017 at the Batavia Campus. The school invited teenagers in 9th grade from surrounding area schools to the event. “We hope to get the younger students involved in this to jumpstart the movement to allow them to be successful from the beginning,” said Jennifer Wakefield, the program coordinator. “The Late Night goal is to bring a program like this to GCC in the future,” which would not only benefit the College, but the new farmers in the area, allowing them to be better prepared for the Library Hours advances in farming while making more money in the long run. And in the future, drones are the new technology coming into the farming community. These machines not only will allow farmers to see their fields in a whole new perspective but also will allow them the ability to see where they are losing crops to damage or missed NEW seeding. With drones becoming more widely used, GCC has been offering a course in THIS SEMESTER! drones called Introduction to Drones. This 18 hour course will be held on Saturdays Sunday, May 7 Monday - Thursday, May 8-11 Friday, May 12 in November. The cost of $1,499 will include a drone with a camera, computer flight Noon - 9pm 7:30 am - 11pm 7:30 am - 9pm simulator, and a workbook. For more information, contact Wakefield via email at [email protected] or by Reference Librarians Available All Night Long! phone at 585-343-0055 ext. 6602. LaMattina said, “Everyone helping out this year was truly excited to see the turnout.” the {NEW Courier 4} NEWS Construction of new buildings is right on time The building project at Genesee Community College is nearing its end. The progress The weather around Western New York can be quite harsh. By Tom Horgan on the new buildings has been going well, and soon the public will get a look at the The windstorm in March may have been a problem. Hamilton { Staff Writer} finished product. said, “Overall, it’s been a great year weather-wise, probably the Kevin Hamilton, the vice president of Finance and Operations, said, “We’re on best year in thirty years, counting last summer and this winter, which has minimized any schedule for both buildings. The Student Success Center, which is the building closest to challenges we might have.” the main campus, is scheduled to be substantially complete by June 1st. We’ll begin to Hamilton said he felt that all has gone quite well, and he could not ask for a better move in probably the second and third week of June and be up and working by July 1st.” year. He did say that there were some challenges with the wind, and there were also some The complex of buildings back by the sports fields is progressing on schedule as well. minor issues with shipments. He said he enjoyed seeing the “day to day development, He said, “The Wellness and Event Center will be substantially complete around the same seeing the progress in the buildings. Having one of the buildings outside my window, I time; probably we’ll move into that the first part of July to mid-July.” think seeing its growth has been a great part.” { { Photos by Maureen Spindler GCC Upward Bound Need help with prepares students for a your science class? higher education Visit the Science

By Gregg S. Boose, Jr. Would you believe me if I told you the districts it { Staff Writer} Resource Room that a teenager from Kosciusko, Mississippi serves: Alexander, Attica, Batavia, By Tom Horgan named Oprah Winfrey was a student in Letchworth, Oakfield-Alabama, Perry, Are you finding that you need some help with your science { Staff Writer} Upward Bound? Believe it or not she was, and Warsaw. courses? Are the laboratory assignments giving you trouble? along with hundreds of thousands of other According to the GCC website, the There is a place on campus with people who can assist you in that department. It is the individuals, who at a young age were seeking purpose of Upward Bound is to develop Genesee Community College Science Resource Room. an opportunity to become more successful students’ academic and professional skills, Professor of Biology and Director of Science Marirose Ethington said, “We have in life. GCC’s Upward Bound program is a motivate students to attend and complete had the resource room since 2013 or so. It was originally a nursing lab, and then in the part of a national movement to help high secondary education, and encourage students early 2000s we had a resource room. It became an administrator’s office around 2006 or school students succeed in college. to pursue and complete a post-secondary so, but finally it has been returned to the science faculty.” Anyone who needs assistance Derek Pyne, the interim director of diploma. is welcome. the GCC Upward Bound program, plays GCC Upward Bound provides a six week The resource room is staffed with a schedule pertaining to available services. a major role in changing these high school program where students stay at the campus Ethington said, “There is a schedule for student tutors and open study time.” No students’ lives. “It’s a great benefit to the for a more hands-on college experience. appointment is required. The staff is mostly made up of teachers or students. “Currently community, and it feels like you have a big Students live the life of a normal college there are three student tutors, one professional tutor, and one work study,” she said. part in their lives to where you and the student. They are provided with courses The resource room primarily assists with biology but also covers other sciences. students become like family,” said Pyne. such as math, science with labs, literature, “Mostly we have biology tutors; however, some tutors can do some basic chemistry and Pyne has been working for GCC Upward foreign languages, and other electives. They physics,” said Ethington. The Resource Room offers other services and materials, such Bound for four years helping high school receive free meals every day from breakfast as models, microscopes, slides, and other lab equipment available for student use. In students overcome obstacles and reaching to dinner and free transportation to and addition, Ethington said, “It can be used also just for quiet study.” potentials they never thought they could. from GCC for every activity. Students also Ethington felt this program has been beneficial to the students who use it. “It is a “Opportunities in Genesee and Wyoming have the opportunity to take field trips to place that students can review the lab material as that is an important part of a science County are very limited,” Pyne said. “I’m various locations around New York. Finally, course. The students who use the room typically see improvement in their grades,” she proud we are able to give them the chance students are given stipends for attendance said. Ethington believes every student taking a science class could benefit from using to gain access to so much more.” and participating. this study place. The Genesee Community College “I love working for the GCC program,” “I think instructors should encourage it more, and many do keep office hours in Upward Bound program has been funded said Rebecca Day, the administrative there to offer extra help for students. The success coaches should be offering it to those since 1999 through a Department of coordinator of the GCC Upward Bound students who get an early alert from their science teacher, and Student Support Services Education program called Trio. It is a college program. Day is an alumnus of the program should be offering as it a way to improve grades also. We could have more publicity prep program for low income households and was in the first graduating class of throughout the building also,” she said. “I would like to see more professional tutors and who are seeking higher learning but might Upward Bound. “If it wasn’t for Upward more use by students, maybe a mandated recitation hour.” not have the financial means to pursue it. Bound’s summer programs, I wouldn’t have The Science Resource Room is located in D300 on the third floor of the main To qualify for Upward Bound, one simply had the chance to experience the things campus in Batavia. Students are free to drop in. has to be a high school student in one of continued on page 9. the NEWS {NEW Courier 5 } GCC students have a new RESTORE your sense dean of Student Services of personal security GCC has appointed its next dean of Student Personnel Courtesy of MarCom { } With April being Sexual Assault For those who By Nick Rosone Student Services, a familiar face with years Administration Staff Writer of experience working with students, faculty from the University at Buffalo. She was a Awareness month, we should all ask ourselves are questioning if { } and staff, and service to the College. Patricia resident assistant while attending SUNY how secure we are with our own bodies and they were a victim of abuse, it is most “Patty” Chaya emerged as the top choice Fredonia and became residence hall director how we would handle ourselves if a situation important to understand that if someone from a lengthy search of many qualified after earning her bachelor’s degree. presented itself. does not or cannot consent to sex, it is rape. candidates and will assume “I am thrilled for Sexual assault is any form of sexual Consent must be mutual, voluntary, and the responsibilities of dean the opportunity to take contact without consent. Although it is more entirely unforced. Also remember consent of students, transitioning on a new professional prominently correlated with women, this sort can be withdrawn at any time, which also from her previous role challenge,” Chaya said. of abuse is not limited to any gender or age, means past consent does not mean current of associate dean of the “There is great potential which means it can affect anyone. GCC has or future consent. GCC Warsaw and Lima with the dean of Student a Counseling Center ready to offer assistance As a bystander to an assault, you may Campus Centers. Services position, and new to students who feel that they need to talk not feel comfortable or obligated to report or Chaya joined the initiatives are important for immediately about these or any other issues even discuss the issue, but you must intervene College in 2002 as associate moving forward. Not only they may be feeling. in any way you can. “We all play a role in dean of the Warsaw do I hope to cultivate new Jeannie Burdick and Mackenzie Davitt being safe,” Burdick said. “It is everyone’s campus and inherited the programs such as those are the two main counselors at GCC’s Batavia problem.” same role with the Lima relating to wellness, but Campus. However, a RESTORE (formally She said that an important step a campus in 2012. Handling I plan on expanding the Rape Crisis Services) advocate, Nicole bystander must take in a situation like this multiple duties, she was delivery and availability of Poluszny, comes to GCC one day a week, is to be direct. If you sense there may be an charged with leading, these programs using our Thursdays from 8:30 to noon. issue with someone, ask if he or she is okay. directing, team building, current technology, making Working with the counselors is the Never blame the victim. Also watch those and administrative them more accessible for Campus Safety team. “Our Campus Safety who may have had too much to drink. Be oversight for all operations Patricia Chaya our students.” team is amazing at helping students with aware of someone trying to over-intoxicate, at both campus centers. Prior to working at tips and techniques for staying safe,” isolate, or corner someone, and if someone In 2013, Chaya was awarded the GCC, Chaya was the associate director at Burdick said. is too intoxicated to consent, you must find SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee “We can assure you that if you speak someone who can assist in the situation. in Professional Service, an award given to County, and also worked for the Genesee up, your wishes and safety will be our first Feel free to contact the counseling recognize consistent superior professional County YWCA as the director of the priority,” Burdick said. “You will be clearly center at GCC by visiting genesee.edu, achievement. “Her familiarity with the Domestic Violence Program. She is heavily informed about every step of the process and selecting “campus life”, and navigating to the GCC community and experience working involved in the GLOW community, serving will not be pressured to pursue any avenue counseling tab. If you feel you need immediate with our students will make her an as the vice president of the Wyoming that you are not completely comfortable help, please contact Campus Security at invaluable asset to our team,” said Virginia County Chamber of Commerce and as with. We are here to listen; we are here to (585)344-4400 x6240 or x6500, call 911, or “Ginny” Taylor, vice president for Student a member of the Business Education help; you won’t be alone.” this 24 hour toll free helpline 1-844-345-4400. and Enrollment Services. “We are excited Alliance (BEA) board of directors in for the students, faculty, and staff at the Livingston County. Batavia campus to begin working with Patty, “I live in the community and am whose passion for helping others has always familiar with local issues,” Chaya said. “I been evident.” have a strong commitment to GCC and am Chaya holds a bachelor’s in Sociology confident I can be a strong ambassador for from SUNY Fredonia and a master’s in the College.”

Anniversary { continued from Front page.}

greatest achievements and critical moments in our history, “ Sutherland said. Educating and preparing students for new opportunities Open Educational Resources has been a large goal for GCC over the years, and it is something offer free textbooks to students the anniversary is celebrating. In GCC President James M. Sunser’s Open Educational Resources (OER) fellow faculty on the By Tom Horgan Inaugural Address, he spoke about is a program that allows free or low cost subject. She said, “It { Staff Writer} the College’s purpose and its future. availability of online educational resources could be a draw we use in our marketing “We will maintain – and strengthen to teachers and their students. campaigns that say, ‘hey, come here and you – our high standards of academic According to the Open SUNY don’t ever have to buy a book for any your excellence, and we will do all in Affordable Learning Solutions website, science classes.’ I think that it could have a big our power to foster success through many SUNY schools are beginning to impact on the whole College.” graduation for every student who participate in this program across the state. Ethington is not the only professor on walks through our doors,” he said. Genesee Community College is on that list. campus to appreciate this financial boon. “We will foster lifelong learning OER serves as a direct benefit to low Priester said, “The mission of the community among all citizens and, with our income families who may face a financial college is grounded in accessibility and many community partners, help burden as the overall cost of textbooks affordability, and OER aligns remarkable shape a vibrant and economically and additional learning materials increase with our mission. OER materials are easily prosperous region.” annually. In addition, it offers services to accessible and are generally free, which you help students adapt to college. can’t beat in terms of affordability.” Thomas C. Priester, director of There are some downsides to OER. Transitional Studies and assistant professor There are questions about the availability to of Intermediate Studies, has been actively people with disabilities, and another worry involved with the OER program at Genesee is with keeping the material current. Faculty Community College. “When I learned about also have to be aware of copyright laws and a grant through Open SUNY to publish an licenses with the contributors’ materials. open source textbook, I submitted a proposal What does the future at GCC hold which was selected,” he said. “By August for Open Educational Resources program? 2015, Foundations of Academic Success: Word of Funding and availability must continue. The Wisdom was published.” Priester edited this quality of the educational resources must be book on how to successfully navigate through maintained. Garth Swanson, professor of college. It contains stories submitted by the History, said, “We have allowed textbook SUNY participants to help students get the companies to drive the instructional model most out of their college experience. in some ways, and now faculty are looking The opportunity to acquire free textbooks at kind of taking that back and doing more is another aspect of the program. Marirose to craft instructional materials the way Ethington, professor of Biology and director they would really like to see them in their of Science at GCC, frequently speaks to individual classrooms.” the {NEW Courier 6 }

The Alfred C. y’s O’Connell Librar 16th Annual t Poetry Contes

Talking to the Sea By Stephanie Kehr Second Prize Winner The Alfred C. O’Connell Library awarded winners of the 16th Annual Ocean wash over me. Student Poetry Contest on April 20th. Below are the winning poems. Tear my flesh with your whips of sand. Yank my neck back in your icy current until the thickness of my hair is strewn WINNERS ragged across the beach. st rd 1 Place 3 Place Pierce me with your teeth and mistake Real Life I love you, son me for decay. By Jessica Phillips By Benjamin Martis As long as I can feel it. 2nd Place Honorable Mention Talking to the Sea Vision By Stephanie Kehr By Atiya Jones Waves, pummel my chest. Take every ounce of precious air. Body of Work Clutch my throat until its bruised and bloody. Jacques Burlesque at 11 o’clock Afternoon Feast Shut out my voice like you’ve shut out the light. 7 am on a Rooftop in Seoul As long as I can feel it. { by Catherine McCabe-Strong } Twist my legs around themselves Real Life until I cannot stand. By Jessica Phillips First Prize Winner Break my arms and burn my eyes. Bruise every bruise and deepen every wound. It’s funny to me how people are doe eyed about the cuteness of love, Puncture my heart. And I’m sitting here staring at you from across the room, Carry my blood away on the backs And all I can think of is fuck that, of your seagulls. I don’t want cute and cuddly because that is shallowly fragile; As long as I can feel it. We aren’t ice cubes that melt at the first sign of warmth, We’re survivors who’ve walked through hell. A pain too numb to feel Cute isn’t even in my vocabulary anymore, is worse than all of these. It’s been stabbed and kicked out by the inferno eating me alive. So let me feel it. I don’t want to simply be a candle of light burning for you, I want to be the only light you can see because I blind out everyone else, Let me feel the blood pour out of my body. I want the passion between us to make the world rethink true love, Let me feel my fingers stiffen. Because true love is a myth but there is truth in love, Let me feel hairs tangle and pull from my scalp. And truth will always set the world on fire. Let me scream from the misery of it all. I want a kiss from you to rock the very foundation I stand on, Just let me. Rattle the beliefs I live for and make me fight for what I love. Give me the choice. I don’t want the bullshit of petty fights and cuddly make ups, I want arguments of communication and breathtaking reconciliation, Let me feel the making of scars. Because damn it all boy if we don’t want to be rough with each other, Because scars heal. Then what is the point of craving intensity? But not the sickness of the soul. I want the nights of silence to be so loud with unspoken emotion, That even the deaf can hear the shaking atmosphere, When I can feel your grit-- I don’t want perfect because there is no such thing; When I can experience the rot-- Give me the imperfect struggle of life that crashes and burns, At least then I know So we have to drag each other towards the unknown future. Hope is still alive. If this hunger tears me apart, I want to walk up to those gates with eyes on fire and soul bleeding, “There is no language for this kind of loss.” Saying that I learned to love, and I loved hard. - Christine Baker Kline the {NEW Courier 7 } I love you, son Jacques Burlesque Afternoon Feast By Benjamin Martis By Catherine McCabe-Strong Third Prize Winner at 11 o’clock Body of Work Prize By Catherine McCabe-Strong I love you, son Body of Work Prize Beyond my window, there’s a lick of concrete Ten dollar cover to a crowded I was raised in a two parent household with spun-sugar shadows, room. Miniature tables make a sunshine au jus, Where my mother was the judge, small space vast. Background and a garnish of ivy. My father the Supreme Court. soundtrack: imitation ambience. Chitter-chatter like radio static. I watch, and hunger. My father is one of those old school fathers The masses coo in burbling He would go to work and provide baby-talk. While my mother She would stay home and educate, but waiting 7 am on a Rooftop in Seoul For 24 years, my father never said he loved me Sex on the beach shouldn’t By Catherine McCabe-Strong come in Dixie cups, but it’s Body of Work Prize I remember when I was 6, expensive to look this cheap. We watched the sunrise turn He taught me to play his favorite game. Namsan Towers pink-purple-orange. A game that to this day I love. still waiting The sour-warm smell of pickling kimchi mingled Her sash says ‘Birthday Bitch,’ My father is a quiet man. with our coffee. her face says ‘You know you He would come home, go to his room and watch T.V. Carmine dragonflies wanna fuck me.’ Tonight she’s I play his favorite game but still don’t know his floated on the low rumble favorite color. forever 21 for the eleventh time. of early traffic and the softly So you can understand the irony. But The waiter wears red and navy strident notes of Für Elise and the glamor of gay—back played on the piano, across the street. swayed, butt swaying. His For 24 years, my father never said he loved me. tattoo reads ‘Bad Boy.’ A drink spills and a table of Long Island I started playing in competitions. prostitutes clap. We would have long drives With long one sided conversations. the show starts

My father would express his frustrations Of home, work, and political associations Vision As I nodded my head in accordance, By Atiya Jones I realized that Honorable Mention When I look in the mirror, For 24 years, I never told my father I loved him I can see beauty, I can see flaw, I went to his room one day, I can see everything, I talked to him and before I left. I said, or nothing at all. I love you, dad. I don’t feel how I see, I don’t look how I feel. My father looks at me, I see pretty dark skin, and hips that can kill. it’s the longest three seconds of my life. But deep in my eyes, He opens his mouth and says, OK. I see a young girl, I smirk and understand the man. But, Lost at sea, lost in the world. But I still see knowledge, For 24 years, my father never said he loved me. I still see a brain. He showed me. She uses it well, despite all the pain. I see a heart full of love, which she gives out so often. But I still see an attitude that she needs to soften I see all of her confidence, In the way that she walks. I hear the intelligence, in the way that she talks. When I look in the mirror, I see so much. A strong young women, who cannot be touched. When I look in the mirror, I love what I see. Because at the end of the day, it will always be me. the {NEW Courier 8 } PEOPLE Bangladeshi GCC student Students: seeks asylum in America Brand yourself! Everyone comes from a different background and has The Club was originally By Mystique Myrthil By Sasha Boyd Staff Writer Presence on social media, such as Staff Writer a story to tell. Some are pleasant; others are not. But that’s called Off the Edge. “The { } Facebook and Twitter, can have a great { } what telling a story is about – hearing what life is like through Club became defunct because students stopped joining,” said impact on how potential employers see you. Your online someone else’s perspective. Kris Dassinger, assistant professor of English and Journalism presence can be a help or hindrance when searching for a job, Zerin M. Firoze was born in Chittagong, Bangladesh, and co-advisor with Tracy Ford, associate professor of an internship, and even transferring colleges. a place that isn’t like America at all. Although Firoze grew English. “I’m glad to see someone take interest in the Club. “Although your resume and cover letter are great to up in a secular, liberal, and scientifically literate family, her It’s very needed on this campus.” showcase and highlight the education, experience, and skills conservative homeland is not a place where women have Lerczak said, “The Club can’t be run without students. you have, having a presence online can show so much more privilege. At night, women can’t take the bus or train alone Because then it wouldn’t be a student club.” She met Firoze than this,” said Jamie Edwards, a career services specialist at because they could be kidnapped or raped, and women have through Dassinger and Ford. After hearing Firoze’s story, GCC. According to Edwards, oversharing, posting negatively to obey orders from their husbands, and women are expected Lerczak was amazed at what she went through. “It was an eye about school or work, insulting your colleagues and classmates, to follow conservative Islamic dress code as per social norms. opener to see a different side of the world,” she said. posting controversial opinions, and grammar mistakes should “It was big deal for a woman to wear a simple pair of jeans Firoze and Lerczak worked together to complete the all be avoided. Too many photos of partying and drinking are and walk down the streets of Bangladesh. Good modest long paperwork during the end of Fall 2016 semester, inadvisable. Privacy settings should be checked and adjusted Muslim women were expected to wear hijab and burqa, and the first meeting was held in Spring 2017. Firoze said if need be. Edwards recommends the websites Rep’nUp and but I did not,” said Firoze, this was something where Reppler to help clean up your social media accounts and make who said she knew it wasn’t she knew she could express them presentable for employers. right and followed what she herself, make like-minded “What I believe is valuable to know is that although, believed. Firoze got to walk atheist, agnostic, or secular yes, most employers have rejected a job candidate because of down the streets in a short friends, and not be judged. information they found about that person online, even more skirt for the first time in She made many open- employers have said that a potential employee’s/intern’s positive her life after coming to the minded American friends online reputation has influenced their hiring decision,” Edwards United States. She also got who are also members of said. She recommends that you “brand yourself.” You should to use public transportation the GCC Skeptics and share and comment on things that relate to your desired career. alone at night for the very Secular Humanist Club. “I Joining groups that align with your interests and participating time after coming to the U.S. found like-minded secular in group conversations can be a great way to build contacts. Right now she is learning to friends in America which I You should ask for advice and opinions when you have the drive, and she will get her could not find in my home opportunity. license and car soon. country,” Firoze said. “It Outside of social media, LindkedIn, a professional When it came to is rare to find atheists in networking website, is a great tool for students to use. Edwards school, Firoze was invested Bangladesh.” and Hanna Tischer, a GCC fashion merchandising student, because she knew it would By restarting the Club, recommend using LinkedIn to advertise yourself. While Tischer be her only way out. She Firoze feels like she is helping built a LinkedIn profile as a class assignment, she has maintained studied in a private English GCC bring different kinds it to her benefit. Tischer credits LinkedIn with connecting her to school in Bangladesh, giving of people together to share Zerin M. Firoze her boss, getting her an internship. her O/A-Level High School whether they disagree or For students who aren’t sure how to start working on their exam in Bangladesh and agree. “Bad ideas do not have profile, Tischer said it would help to work on your resume and applied to the U.S. for college. She completed high school borders. We need to understand the difference between bad write a general cover letter. Tischer said her cover letter made with a lot of difficulty. Her family life was very abusive ideas and people,” she said. her summary easy to write. She stressed the importance of and toxic. Firoze’s parents were extremely reluctant to Since coming to America, Firoze said, “I am privileged, focusing on your summary, as it is one of the first things people pay for her education since her middle school days due honored, and well. I have had opportunities presented to will see. to financial difficulties. me that I wouldn’t receive in my home country, and it has Tischer also recommends using pictures and bullet points Firoze’s father always discouraged Firoze from pursuing been great.” to make your profile easier to read, and also organizing your her education and told her that she was not good enough to Firoze received an offer to write a book with the feminist profile by what you most want to showcase. LinkedIn gives you continue her education, but today Firoze proved her parents Karen Garst, and she is going to make a documentary the choice to add to many different categories, such as test scores, wrong by being on the President’s List and being a member about the persecution of Bengali atheist bloggers with projects, and interests, so you can easily organize and display the of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. “It was hard to NYC Atheist Live this summer. Additionally, Firoze won the information you wish to present. Once your LinkedIn is created, convince him to help; it took years before he finally agreed,” President Scholarship by “The American Atheist” for her you should manage it carefully. “LinkedIn is constant work,” Firoze said. fearless secular activism in Bangladesh. She could never have Tischer said. “Whenever you have something new you can add Once her father agreed to help, it took two more years produced any documentary or book that is critical toward to your profile, you should update it.” If your intended audience for her visa application to be approved. Firoze’s American Islam in her home country, she said. changes, Tischer said your profile needs to change too. atheist friends set up a gofundme account to rescue Firoze Firoze is making good use of her freedom and free You shouldn’t wait to establish a positive and professional from Bangladesh. Her tourist visa application was denied by speech in the U.S. “American liberals must support dissidents presence online. Building contacts and establishing your desired UK and Swedish embassies due to lack of funding, proof of and secularists from the Muslim world to promote liberal image takes time. “You want to present yourself as you want home ties, and her single marital status. Fortunately, the U.S. ideas in Muslim majority countries,” she said. other people to think of you,” Tischer said. embassy granted her a five year student visa. Right now Firoze is applying for asylum in the U.S. Firoze needed proof of bank statements to get admission because if she goes back to her country, she will be killed to a U.S. college and to get a visa to America, and again her by Islamic extremists or jailed by the government just Grading System father wouldn’t help. It took years for Firoze to convince for exercising free speech and basic human rights. “My { continued from Front page.} her father to pay for her college. The only reason Firoze’s parents are also unwilling to take me back,” she said. “I’m parents finally allowed her to leave Bangladesh was because not allowed to go home during summer or winter breaks, Swanson said. Asking the important questions will set the her life was at risk. Firoze promoted secular values and gay and my asylum lawyer instructed me not to travel outside students up for success and allow them to reach the full and women’s rights in Bangladesh, receiving death threats the US.” potential of the new grading system. from political Islamic groups who are also responsible for Her goal by the time she leaves GCC is to spread If you would like a full look at the GPA conversion killing other atheists in Bangladesh. Firoze stood up for secularism, science, and reason on campus. “This is going chart for the Fall semester visit www.genesee.edu/home/ the secular atheist bloggers who were murdered by Islamic to make America great again,” Firoze said. “I want to academics/grading-practices/. extremists in Bangladesh. It was too risky for her parents to encourage more young people to think critically and to be keep an outspoken atheist in their house. Once her proof scientifically literate.” of bank statements, I-20 form, and visa application went through, Firoze was on a EXISTING GRADING SYSTEM NEW GRADING SYSTEM plane to America. through end of Summer 2017 semester effective Fall 2017 semester She applied to GCC because it is the Grade Description New Grade New Description least expensive, and she thought it would also A 4.00 points per credit hour A 4.00 points per credit hour be good to go to a small affordable college first to get acclimatized to the American A- 3.67 points per credit hour culture and education system. The out-of- B 3.00 points per credit hour B+ 3.33 points per credit hour state tuition fees at four year college were too B 3.00 points per credit hour expensive for her, she said. B- 2.67 points per credit hour As anyone would coming to a new 2.00 points per credit hour C+ 2.33 points per credit hour place, Firoze had a difficult time making C friends, getting around, and adjusting to C 2.00 points per credit hour her new life. There was one thing that C- 1.67 points per credit hour helped her: the GCC Skeptics and Secular D 1.00 points per credit hour D+ 1.33 points per credit hour Humanist Club. The Club was already D 1.00 points per credit hour around in previous years, but it died out and was brought back with the help of Librarian GCC Skeptics and Secular Humanists Club. D- 0.67 points per credit hour Nicki Lerczak. Photo by Zerin Frioze F 0.00 points per credit hour F 0.00 points per credit hour the PEOPLE {NEW Courier 9 } RPTA challenges Long time professor of fashion retires after 42 years recruits, creating By Ryan Hogan Rick Dudkowski, long time professor at Awards are not the Staff Writer Genesee Community College, has decided to only evidence that prove { } wrap up his career after the 2016-2017 year. Dudkowski’s success. He has not only been able police officers Dudkowski is a professor of business, to better himself as a professor but better the By Alyce Hens fashion and marketing at GCC. Since joining students who take his classes. Dudkowski has The sound of broken glass wakes me from a dream. Staff Writer the staff in 1984, Dudkowski has been very been able to help his students benefit from his I strain my ears to hear the muffled thumps of footsteps { } successful in his work, winning his fair share connections with people in the fashion industry. from beyond the bedroom door. It’s dark, and I am alone. They’re closer now. of awards during his time at GCC. In 2002, “I have over 700 networkers whom I keep in Instinct pushes me to grasp for a lifeline. Frantically, I dial 911 – the proverbial he won his first Chancellor award for Teaching touch with and a lot of my former students end bat signal of my saviors. and Scholarship, and up transferring to a school Without the hard work of these uniform-clad superheroes, the world as in 2008 he followed up and getting great jobs in we know it would be more dangerous, more chaotic. It takes special types of with a second Chancellor big cities,” Dudkowski said. human beings to put their lives on the line for a community who depends on award for Excellence He does concentrate their protection. in Scholarship and his career on his students. How does one prepare for such a feat? Creative Activities. He He said, “It’s a privilege Enter the Rural Police Training Academy (RPTA), a facility housed at won both the Marketing to teach young people Genesee Community College. The academy was originally established in 1985 to Individual Excellence and be a part of their assist in police training for Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties. in a Competitive World futures while encouraging Today, the RPTA has grown into a program large enough to take on officers from Award and Faculty Award and promoting them.” additional counties outside of the GLOW region. from the Association of Dudkowski believes that Recruits are composed of various demographics and backgrounds. They are Community College he succeeds when his students fresh out of college. They are combat veterans. They are fathers, mothers, trustees as well. students succeed. He said, sons, and daughters – men and women with an innate desire to serve and protect. If it wasn’t for one “ I never did it for myself But it takes more than an aspiration to become an officer of the law. particular person though, or an award; I did it for The training implemented at the Academy is extensive, meant to mentally, Dudkowski would have Rick Dudkowski the students” physically, and emotionally prepare the recruits to learn the skills and techniques never been a professor His advice to students needed to be successful on the job. specifically at GCC. “Lou Canale is the one is to take college seriously. “Give it your all. I tell my Class Captain James Coleman spent eight years in the active duty Army and who pushed me to get this job,” he said. “I never students that this is not a dress rehearsal; this is real the last 12 in the NY Army National Guard, where he is currently a Colonel and applied. He was a part of the search committee life,” he said. “You have to go out there and make flight surgeon. He has done four tours overseas: two in Iraq, one in Afghanistan, at GCC, liked my work, and wanted me to take it happen. You have to find your opportunities. and one in Kosovo. the job. I have been here ever since.” Every opportunity is a real opportunity”. His experiences, as well as those from seasoned officers, state troopers, One of his most beloved achievements Dudkowski plans to retire after the year ends. and federal agents, help to shape the recruits, teaching them the professional was being inducted in to the Hall of Fame of “I wouldn’t say I have any big plans, but I do have foundations necessary in bringing criminals to justice, protecting the innocent, Susan Makai’s Personal Best Model and Talent plans,” he said. “My wife and I go to Vermont and saving lives. Agency. “It’s humbling. I always asked them every summer and because I am retiring we are “The classes are intellectually challenging and require independent study in why are you awarding me for my job. I just arranging a trip in October. I have always loved order to be successful on the exams and practical exercises,” Coleman said. “The felt very humble,” he said. These awards mean photography, and I plan on exploring and taking physical training requirements are set by New York State. In addition, we must a lot to Dudkowski, but his goal is to help the photos with all of the beautiful colors.” train on our own in order to meet the NYS standards, which are demanding.” students he teaches succeed. Mental illness education is also a requirement, which helps recruits identify and handle encounters with people who exhibit signs of mental health disorders, while teaching self-control when confronted with such issues. Despite the rigorous demands of everyone involved, the success rate speaks for itself. Since going into operation, over 700 recruits have graduated from the RPTA, an average of 20 recruits per year. “I’m proud of all our graduates,” said Douglas Brooks, who has been the director of the RPTA since 1987. As a police officer of 20 years, Brooks understands the time and dedication it takes to be a part of law enforcement. He said that it is gratifying to watch fellow officers successfully establish themselves within the community. Coleman said that the challenges faced are worth the chance to serve and protect the people. “It is an honor and extremely rewarding,” he said. “I believe the Academy has changed lives by taking civilians and creating police officers.” Lounge allows

military veterans Upward Bound Program { continued from page 4.} to relax I did, which lead me to pursue college after high is a student advisor who’s been working four By Kelvin Lapierre school,” she said. years one-on-one with students. His passion is to When it comes to life after the military, many { Staff Writer} During high school fall and spring semesters see students achieve new heights and to expose find it hard to adapt to a normal lifestyle back at GCC Upward Bound even gives free services to students to a greater world. “Students don’t know home. GCC is helping veterans overcome that problem when it comes to college. students, such as financial aid advisement, college how high to strive for, but we can help them and The College has taken advice from the student veteran body and made steps search guidance, career exploration, SAT/ACT open up new horizons,” Gebel said. to improve the comfort level for the veterans who are enrolled at GCC. The preparation classes, workshops, and seminars Gebel’s proudest moment was when one College offers veterans their own private lounge area in the Student Union, where to help them further succeed. According to of his seniors won the Dell scholarship, which veterans can go to a quiet room to relax and to unwind. They can talk with fellow Pyne, the two best services rated by students are awarded $20,000 towards college, a free laptop, military personnel, watch TV, get a cup of coffee, or work on a computer. cultural enrichment activates and the fee waivers and textbook credit. Gebel’s most memorable Peter Dixon, a United States Army veteran and member of the Club, said, for college applications. moment was his first year taking students on a “GCC has allowed me to excel in my classes by allowing my accommodations for The entire time high school students are four day trip to the Adirondack Mountains in my military service.” Dixon is also an active member of the Veterans Club. He part of the program, they are never alone on the Upstate New York. said, “The lounge has allowed me a nice space to unwind and refocus before my golden road to college. GCC Upward Bound staff “Strive higher than you think possible and next class.” like Andy Gebel ensures their route to college challenge what you know,” he said. “Education Members are involved in many around-the-campus activities and are always is a smooth and knowledgeable process. Gebel is key.” looking for ways to improve the community. The President of the Club, Mike White, a former Marine said, “The Club’s main focus is giving back to those who TRiO Upward Bound Program — Contact us for more information need it most.” Outside of the Veterans’ lounge is a box for food or gently used clothing/jacket donations. Barb Sadden Derek Payne TRiO Upward Bound Director TRiO Upward Bound Academic Coordinator The Veterans Club is also active with other College functions. White is [email protected] [email protected] currently helping to bring awareness to sexual assault. “We, as a Club, have to get involved any way, shape, or form. The College treats the veterans with respect, so Andrew Gebel Becky Day it’s the least we can do in return.” TRiO Upward Bound Academic Coordinator TRiO Upward Bound Administrative Coordinator Those interested in becoming a member of the Veterans Club, should stop by [email protected] [email protected] the Veterans’ lounge and ask for White or speak with a veteran around the campus. { the {NEW Courier 10} PEOPLE New chapter of National Honor Society The ideas expressed in this column do not necessary represent those of The New Courier. What it takes to produce a fashion show By Mariah Paddock for nursing students Mariah Paddock won the SUNY Student Chancellor’s award in April. She will graduate in May and Besides the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society program at By Marty Czekala will be completing her Bachelor’s degree in Fashion at Cazenovia College. GCC, the College offers another honor society program for nursing { Staff Writer} majors called Alpha Delta Nu. When I decided to be a fashion student, I had no idea what I was in for. Throughout my This program was officially chartered on December 4th, 2015 as the Delta Beta Chapter of two years at Genesee Community College, I have changed a lot as a student and as a person Alpha Delta Nu. Under the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN), the role is to as well. promote associate degree nursing through its main goals of leadership, collaboration, advocacy, Being a fashion student is something that sets me apart, for example, from a nursing and education in order to ensure excellence in the future of health care and professional nursing student. For nursing, it’s important to ace your homework and tests because once you get practice, said Nursing Instructor and Alpha Delta Nu Advisor Shana Flow. out in the real world, working on real patients, you have to be 100% with everything you do. To qualify for eligibility, students must have completed their second semester of nursing Now going to school for fashion is the opposite. It is all about being different and creative and with a cumulative GPA of 3.0. In addition to the GPA, a student must display professional “outside of the box.” Fashion students aren’t graded on how well we did on the test or how behavior by demonstrating conduct on campus and on clinical. perfect our essay was. We’re graded on how well we execute what we know throughout all of “Once they achieve their grades, they’re invited,” Flow said. “If they choose to participate, our classes. they pay $25, and they have to complete a project. The project can be something of their Being at GCC, I have learned a lot of different areas in the fashion field like sales, choice, but it has to concern health promotion, education, or recruitment.” Projects have advertising, textiles, buying, and even window display. Studying all of these areas has prepared ranged from blood pressure screenings, to going to high schools to talk about the GCC Nursing me and all my other classmates for the most important fashion class in our last semester at program to even a Zumba-thon. GCC: Fashion Show Production, where we learn everything it takes to plan and have an actual There are at least two meetings required per semester, according to the OADN bylaws, fashion show. We present merchandise to potential customers on live models that will create and attendance is mandatory. Flow doesn’t have to attend these meetings unless members want excitement for the product and result in sales. her to come. “The students are responsible to elect officers – a president, a vice president, and Once we learned all of the basics, it came time to do things for real. First was the theme, a secretary. The president organizes and runs those meetings, and the secretary must record which that was the easiest part to plan! It was actually an assignment given in our previous meeting minutes so I know what was discussed at that time,” Flow said. semester that we all had to create a theme. After we all presented in our class, we voted, and Currently, there is a total of 28 members involved with the organization, which includes the theme was decided. That was done before we even started the fashion show class! members who are going to be inducted. There have been a total of 18 members from Alpha At the beginning of our last semester, we, the sophomores, met with the freshmen to Delta Nu who have graduated. introduce the theme to them, and we also had to present the theme to the Fashion Board. The next induction ceremony for new members will be held on May 17th at 7 p.m., in Everyone had to agree in order to move forward with the show. room 214 inside the MedTech building, across from GCC’s Batavia Campus. After the theme was set in stone, sophomores had to figure out what role we wanted to play For more information on Alpha Delta Nu, readers can check out GCC’s website and click in the show. Our first decision was if we wanted to be a scene coordinator, which is someone on “Academics,” and underneath “Health Care,” readers can click on “Nursing.” Readers can who is in charge of one specific scene. For example, I am doing the men’s scene. I had to present also get more information by going to www.oadn.org. what my scene would be, the music, the models, what they would be wearing, and anything else to show in order to prove I can execute the scene successfully. After we all have in mind who wants a scene, we are each voted on later. This brings us to the next step of being put into five different committees. The planning committee is the team in charge of who gets a scene and who doesn’t. The front-of-house committee is responsible for the decorations the audience will see in the GCC Forum, including the layout of the runway. The next committee is back-of-house; they reserve and assign rooms throughout campus for the scene coordinators and their models. The public relations (PR) committee has a big responsibility. They are the ones who let people know about the show. They tweet, post on Facebook, Instagram, and even publish blogs on the GCC WordPress. One of the PR committee’s biggest duties is creating the program of the fashion show. The last committee we have is the finance committee. Planning a fashion show costs a lot of money, and we are lucky enough to have so many generous people who donate to the show every year. The finance committee takes all of this money, deposits everything, and keeps track of every single penny. Another big aspect of the show is the poster that is actually designed by a student in a graphic design class. Students in that graphics class make their own posters, and then they are all brought to our class, and we vote on one we like the best to represent our fashion show theme. The chosen poster is then printed to be put up around campus, transferred onto invitation postcards, and also printed on the fashion show tickets. Now that all the planning is done, it is time for the show! We have a rehearsal the day before the show to make sure the real show goes smoothly. Regardless of having the rehearsal or not, the day of the show is absolute chaos. Most coordinators come to the school at 8 a.m. Nurse’s Honor Society and the first show isn’t until 3 p.m.! There is hair to be done, interviews to be conducted, and photos to be taken. Hundreds of friends and family flood the Forum to see the hard work. The first show goes as planned, scene by scene, until the final walk of all of the models. holds zumbathon Then just like that the first show is over. There is the after party in the cafeteria planned by the event planning students to meet with family and relax until it is show time again. Before you know it, it is crunch time again getting all of your models back to your assigned room to get fundraiser ready again. By the 7 p.m. show, we are professionals at what it takes to plan a fashion show, GCC’s Delta Beta chapter of the Alpha Cot is a new crib- {Courtesy of Nursing} and it happens even faster and smoother than before. It is overwhelming to think we have been Delta Nu National Nursing Honor Society cooling device that preparing this fashion show for months and just like that, it is all over. held a Zumbathon in the Forum on Friday, preserves a stillborn baby’s body in a bassinet It’s a bittersweet day for fashion students because this is our lives; this is what we love to do. March 31st. or crib so that he or she can remain up to five We devote all of our time to this big production and at some point it has to come to an end. I Attendees participated in a rousing days in a hospital room, extending the time a know for me personally, the rush I get from an event like the fashion show made me realize this Zumba session led by one of our nursing family has to photograph the infant, sing to it, is the field I want to be in for the rest of my life. students, Tara Sheard, and her colleagues take its measurements, show it to loved ones, from the YMCA. Participants bought and say goodbye. tickets for chances to win a large variety The event was planned and coordinated Do your of wonderful baskets filled with candy, by Tara Sheard, Heather Figlow, Natasha gift certificates, movies, and many other Soule, Danielle LoCascio, Ariel Russell and science wonderful treats. Many vendors were present Danille Thom. Faculty co-sponsors for Alpha with displays ranging from cosmetics to Delta Nu are Shana Flow and Michele McKay. grades natural cleaning products, clothing, and jewelry need among other things. Nursing students “springing” took blood pressures and demonstrated nursing up?? assessment of an infant using one of the program’s The Science Resource Room in D300 is open high fidelity mannequins. Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. until 2 Proceeds from the event will go to purchase a p.m. with tutors for all Biology courses! Cuddle Cot for United If you need help in Chemistry and Physics Memorial Medical Center visit the Math Lab on the third floor! in Batavia. A Cuddle the PEOPLE {NEW Courier 11} Student author debuts first book at the GCC Library By Alisia Compton If you’re checking out books in the campus Library, be sure to anything a person sets out to do, whether { Staff Writer} examine the Popular Paperbacks section where you’ll find Samuel it’s writing or anything else, he or she must Sanders’ new title, The Overcomer That Did Not Quit. be prepared to do the work. There will be “As his picture is on the cover, I thought it would be more visible many times you have to tear down an idea and rebuild. What you create to students walking by,” said Cindy Francis, the Collection Development will take time, patience, perseverance, faith, and hard work, but at the librarian. She hopes that students will recognize Sanders and thus be end of the day, you will be proud to sign your name to it.” “more apt to pick it up and read his story.” Sanders certainly understands a thing or two about “time, Truly, Sanders’ book tells a harrowing story, but one that ends in perseverance, and faith.” It was his faith that helped him overcome triumph. “I was a school bus driver for 28 years,” he said, who was in a what he referred to as “demons,” and find the perseverance to overcome near-fatal bus accident in 2014. “I was taking the special needs students bullying. It took time and patience to write his book, and he had to work to school in Irondequoit and stopped at the railroad tracks at Stonewood through some of the more negative experiences he’d endured. & Lake Avenue. As I was about to open the bus door to listen for a train, Sanders had to overcome labels and a dismissive family, and he was a vehicle, traveling at about 45 mph, rear-ended the bus.” bullied for having disabilities. He said bullying was one of the hardest The accident caused Sanders to reexamine his life, to take a “self- difficulties he endured, and something he hopes others will not have to inventory,” he said. Ultimately, it was the start of a journey that would go through. “I was told I would never amount to anything and was not put him on the path to self-publishing a non-fiction account of the good enough for college. I was made to feel like a misfit,” he said “When obstacles he faced and the methods he used to overcome them. His I got hurt in 2014, I had to endure ten months of physical therapy, adjust hope is that the book may inspire others to reach their full potential. It from working a full-time job to being on a fixed income, rebuilding my includes Sanders’ personal experiences, as well as messages of faith and life, accommodating my disability.” tools for dealing with difficult issues. Although Sanders faced many challenges, he did not walk his path Francis admitted that’s it’s a rare thing for students to publish books alone. “There were people who were facing challenges just like me every and furnish them to the Library. “There have only been a few in the day and had the determination to be the best person he or she can be, past ten years,” she said. “There are more GCC alumni who contact regardless of circumstances,” he said “Many people I had met, from the us about adding their books.” She said physical therapists, pastors, and others, who were dealing with the same students are always welcome to add challenges, taught me that I can overcome any obstacle that comes my their books to the Library’s collection. way.” That’s the focus and point of Sanders’ book and the subsequent Samuel Sanders Francis came to know Sanders sequels it’s inspired. Sanders hopes to have two more books published because he is a student and would visit by 2018. the Library frequently. “He approached “I would like everyone to know that whatever you go through in me about his book and mentioned life, quitting or giving up is not an option,” Sanders said. “Life lessons [that] other students may benefit from will teach you things. Pay attention and go forward. Sometimes it is not his story. I welcomed this suggestion,” always about winning, but it’s the how.” she said. Sanders speaks at events and welcomes students to email him at As for Sanders, he too has some [email protected] if they’d like a personal copy of The Overcomer advice for students who are considering That Did Not Quit. The book is currently available for check out at the writing as a career path. “Be sure this GCC Library. Look for his next title, And the Winner Is You!, which is slated is what you want to do,” he said. “In to hit shelves Summer 2017. Community colleges can help those who drop out of school return In the year 2017, it is much harder to find after leaving college, she got By Ali Huey a solid career without having a college degree. married, had a child, and { Staff Writer} However, that fact does not change the number of moved across the country people who drop out of college without obtaining to Arizona where her husband was stationed in the any sort of degree. Army. “College stayed on the back burner,” she At four year schools, it is common for some said, but in 2013, she moved back to New York and students to take longer to earn their degrees, by a decided to reenroll. She completed two semesters semester or even by two years. These students as a Business Administration major but ended up still eventually graduate, unlike those who decide dropping out again due to stress. “It was important to leave college altogether. Every student has a to me that my daughter saw me walk across the different reason for withdrawing from school. The stage,” Monacelli said, and because of this she most common reasons are money, motivation, returned two years later to finish her Associate’s and family. in Applied Science Business Administration.” My Community colleges do offer an alternative to daughter needs to grow up knowing the importance these reasons. Community colleges are typically less of a higher education,” she said. expensive and offer more of a flexible schedule for Daniel Paul completed all but two classes their students. needed to get his Associate’s degree in Information Jamie Taylor is enrolled at Genesee Community Systems. He was given the college education College, working toward her Associate’s degree while in the Air Force but was sent around the in accounting. Taylor took college classes in high world to France and Oklahoma and was not able {First Friday. GCC Photo Club Members ventured west to school but could not continue her education because to finish his degree. When he left the Air Force, the First Friday art opening events in Buffalo, NY on March 3, she felt that she “didn’t have the support system he was able to get a great job at IBM as a help 2017. They started off by viewing art in a variety of galleries in at home.” Immediately after high school, Taylor desk worker, he said. He moved up to team lead, the Allentown area of Buffalo. The exhibitions at the galleries married and had a daughter. This contributed to team manager, and then eventually became a visited included “Shifting” by Felipe Koening at Indigo her not being able to continue college. Luckily for service delivery manager. Paul has always wanted Art,“Mining The Archive” by Gerald Mead at Hart Studio, “Up her, she was able to maintain a career at IBM as to go back to college, but many things prevented Down All Around: A Side By Side Exhibition” at El Museo Art a UNIX system operator with training from the it. Family, work, and the Air Force were the best Gallery and “Spilling The Wind” by Fotini Galanes at Pause company rather than a college degree. Years after things to happen to him, but they also made it Art House. From there they gathered at the Albright-Knox Art her success at IBM, Taylor decided to go back and more difficult to earn a degree. Gallery to explore the special exhibits including “You Forgot work on getting a degree. “I went back because I These three people each had their own reasons To Answer” and works of art in the permanent collection. thought about it most of my life, I want to be an for leaving school, whether it be financial issues, Pictured in the group photograph is up front, Vice President example to my daughters,” she said. starting a family, or time constraints. These causes Curtis Kreutter, and left to right are Keshaun Spinks, Zerin As an undeclared major, Amanda Monacelli are likely similar for many people who decide Firoze, Zhen Bin Xu, Rinka Muto, Bailey Delelys, Assistant began her college career in 2009. She took one free to drop out without obtaining a degree. For Professor of Photography Joe Ziolkowski, Alyssa Kelly, and class through Genesee Community College and both Taylor and Monacelli, Genesee Community Gregg Boose. The group photo was taken in front of “Orange then was accepted into her college of choice, Villa College made it possible for them to go back and & Yellow” by Mark Rothko, 1956, First Friday, Albright-Knox Maria. However, due to financial issues, Monacelli receive associate degrees when the time became Art Gallery, Buffalo, NY. could not continue taking college classes. A year right for them. the {NEW Courier 12} PEOPLE 2017 Scholars’ Symposium Awards 48 students won prizes at the Scholars’ Symposium this year on March 30th.

WINNERS! Pictured above are some of the winners of the Scholars’ Symposium that took place on March 30th, 2017. Pictured left to right are Samuel Tyler Phillips, Associate Professor of ESL and English Kate Klaiber, Kayla M. Bianchi, Paula Stutzman, Assistant Professor of Photography Joe Ziolkowski. Photo by Maureen Spindler Scholars Symposium Award Winners 50th Anniversary Awards for Best Poster John Gardner Literary Award Best Presentation for a Poster from GCC 50th Anniversary Committee Sponsored by GCC Literary Club and Sponsored by PTA Club Winner: John A . Burek John Gardner Society Winners: Julie Cultrara, Morgan Dunn, Winner: Sarah Gohn Nicole Lotta, Leah Swan Award for Most Global in Perspective from Global Education Committee Phi Theta Kappa Modeling Service, GSA Award is sponsored by GSA Club Winners: Bob Chen, Charlie Lyu, Anyuris Scholarship, Leadership, and Winner: Samuel Tyler Phillips Caraballo, Joana Sato, Amani Ali, Dolapat Fellowship Award Kijsirvavej, Alex Yelokhin, Mina Kim, Banseok Winners: Kah Chan, Seonggyung Choe, W. W. Norton Award Kim, Emily Gritzke, Sara Mc Collum, Bobby Arsenio Soares Ferreira, Brianna Howden, Sponsored by W.W. Norton Washington, Kevin Bollar, Myles Travis, Pavlo Huda, Affoue Koffi, Andree Lea Koffi, Winner: Paula Stutzman Khala Ray, Renee Jurewcz, Airi Hayasaka, Victor Obetta Daiki Morita Award for Innovation in Business Award for Excellence in Criminal Justice Sponsored by DECA Award for Most Creative Presentation Sponsored by Criminal Justice Club Winners: Megan Ange & Kaitlin Erb from 90.7 WGCC Radio Winners: Paul Friedman, Sandra Hernandez Winner: Paula Stutzman Garcia, Kayla Ladue, Amy Nickelsen, Julien Award for Entrepreneurship J. Schimley, Samantha A. Volkmar, Hannah & Innovation Award for Best Oral Presentation Bailey, Nicole Franclemont, Seth Johnson, Sponsored by Business Forum Sponsored by the Earth Club Alexis Krinkie, Lindsay Mehlenbacher and CEO Club Winner: Kayla M Bianchi Winner: John A. Burek