Special Events
Encore 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
6:00 p.m.
Stuart Steiner Theatre – Batavia Campus
More than 300 area residents attended Encore 2009, Genesee Community College Foundation's annual holiday fundraising event. The December 9 gala continued the tradition of a fun and festive evening with new and old friends coming together in the spirit of raising funds for the College's numerous scholarship programs. This event was the first time the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) had played at Genesee since the opening of the Stuart Steiner Theatre in 1992.
Batavia residents Todd and Kathy Bender who attended with their children, chaired Encore 2009, and were assisted by a committee of over 20 community members. The new elements the Benders and the entire Encore committee brought to Encore were a huge success, especially the BPO. The orchestra was an overwhelming hit with all attendees. During their performance, conductor Paul Ferington announced, the BPO was up for their third Grammy nomination. Also during the evening, a guest-conductorship was awarded to Mary Alice Yaiko who conducted a riveting rendition of the holiday tune 'Sleigh Ride'.
The evening began with a private prelude reception with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra conductor, Paul Ferington. A gourmet reception with all new food selections, for all Encore guests continued in the Batavia Campus' William W. Stuart Forum. Guests then proceeded to the Stuart Steiner Theatre for a holiday pops concert with the BPO, and then afterward enjoyed delectable desserts in the College's Forum.
Contributions totaled more than $55,000 and are still coming in, said Foundation executive director Richard Ensman. "We deeply appreciate the generous support of our Student Scholarship program. Encore is truly an investment in the future leaders of our communities." The Foundation would also like to thank Five Star Bank, the lead corporate benefactor, for their continued support of Encore.
The Genesee Community College Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to providing volunteer and philanthropic support to Genesee Community College. Formed in 1986, the Foundation has been instrumental in providing more than 3,000 scholarships over the last decade, assisting in the funding of the Conable Technology Building and the Humphrey Student Union, and the expansion of College Village, Genesee's student residence.
Veterans Educational Scholarship Fund
November 2009
Concerned citizens and veterans created the Veterans’ Educational Scholarship Fund in 2007 envisioned to augment the federal veteran benefits to help veterans attend college to obtain vital job and career training. Dr. Roger Triftshauser, DDS, Rear Admiral, United States Naval Reserve Dental Corps (Retired) led the initiative to begin the fund and asked many other veterans and veteran posts to join together their support. He said it was a pleasure to work with such a dedicated and generous group. Contributions to the Veterans’ Educational Scholarship Fund may be sent to the Genesee Community College Foundation, One College Road, Batavia, NY 14020. For more information call (585) 345-6809 or foundation@genesee.edu
Standing left to right
Bill Wilkinson, Deputy Director, Wyoming Veteran Service Agency
Nathan Farnsworth, Navy, GCC student
Frank Hollister, Director, Livingston Veteran Service Agency
Andrew Hale, Marine Corp, GCC student
Hal Kreter, Director, Genesee Veteran Service Agency
Sitting left to right
Gary Cousins, Director, Wyoming Veteran Service Agency
Roger Triftshauser, Rear Admiral, Naval Reserve Dental Corps (Retired)
Dan Burling, Assemblyman
Steve Hawley, Assemblyman
Paul Fulcomer, Director, Orleans Veteran Service Agency
New Lima Campus Center Open House
October 13, 2009
Genesee Community College has been welcomed with open arms at the “crossroads of Western New York” with the fall semester underway at the new Lima Campus Center. Community and business leaders from Lima and the surrounding area, representatives from Genesee Community College and site developers gathered for a light luncheon to celebrate the occasion. The celebration will feature demonstrations of “smart” classroom technology, as well as remarks from community and academic leaders, and tours of the facility.
The Lima Campus Center, located 2 miles north of Lima on Route 15A at Gale Road, replaces the campus center formerly located in Lakeville. The facility is approximately 9,000 square feet and contains a multi-disciplinary science lab. The center also houses technology-equipped classrooms, a student computer lab and a wi-fi equipped student lounge. The facility is electronically linked to the College library and other College services.
“Now that the fall semester is progressing, we’re eager to showcase the technology and services that are helping to make the lives and careers of our students a success. The presence of higher education in a community is a significant factor in attracting economic development opportunities,” Monica Mattioli, associate dean of the Lima Campus Center said.
6th Annual Wolcott J. Humphrey Symposium on Leadership and Community Life
September 21, 2009
The Art of Change: Bring positive change to your organization and your community
Fred Grandy tackled this topic with a poignant presentation. He drew his good humor and pertinent message from his broad experience as a successful Hollywood actor (most notably on The Love Boat), member of the U.S. Congress, CEO of Goodwill Industries, insurance representative, radio host, and magna cum laude graduate of Harvard University. This year's Wolcott J. Humphrey Symposium on Leadership and Community Life was attended by nearly 200 guests.
Discover the Stars Scholarship Reception
September 14, 2009
Genesee Community College Foundation celebrated its multifaceted scholarship program from which many students receive assistance and support at the ninth annual Discover the Stars scholarship reception. The reception honors scholarship recipients and their families, donors of new named funds and friends of the College. Paula Savage’76, Director of Tourism for Monroe County, and James Hunt ’89, conservation officer for the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, are two successful alumni invited to make brief remarks during the evening. Paula shared that she spends a great deal of her professional career organizing special events and every bit of the planning process was learned from the travel and tourism training she received from GCC. James revealed that he was most proud of his academic achievements in the GCC criminal justice program and of his success as a GCC wrestler. Joseph Bell ’79, vice-president at Moog in East Aurora was emcee.
Scholarship applications for Genesee Community College students are available at www.genesee.edu/financialaid
2010 Discover the Stars Scholarship Reception is scheduled for Monday, September 13, 2010.
Cruise at the College
July 19, 2009
Genesee Community College Foundation hosted its third annual Cruise at the College welcoming “cruising” cars, motorcycles, and trucks from across the region. This year’s Super Cruise brings back some of the favorites, such as Skull Crusher Trikes and Batavia Remote Control Flying Club.
An afternoon of family fun was well attended with music and entertainment provided by Hank Nevins. Dash plaques were given away to the first 200 Cruisers courtesy of Visual Impact. Many door prizes were awarded throughout the afternoon. The food fare featured chicken BBQ from CASA; hotdogs/hamburgers from the Batavia Lions Club; pizza from Pauly’s Pizzeria; ice cream by G’s; and popcorn by the Batavia Area Jaycee’s.
“The expansive parking lots at Genesee Community College and our location just off the New York State Thruway have proved to be the perfect location for cruisers to enjoy,” Rick Ensman said.
“Whether you ride on four, two or even three wheels-the Super Cruise at Genesee is the place to be.” Event proceeds benefited the Foundation’s Emergency Transportation Fund. Next year’s Cruise at the College has been scheduled for Sunday, July 18, 2010.
