Testimonials

"Upon graduation from Genesee Community College's Tourism and Hospitality Management program, I was well prepared for transfer to a four-year university and the start of a thirty year career in the travel industry. During a recent visit to GCC, I found the college and program are even stronger than when I graduated. Thanks to GCC, I have had excellent opportunities for career and educational growth and have traveled around the world while working for several tourism organizations. The longer I have been away from the college, the more I recognize how important my two years at GCC were in creating a foundation for where I am today."

Edward R. Muhl, '76
Director of Operations
New York State Division of Tourism

"The Tourism and Hospitality program at GCC actually opened my eyes to the endless opportunities that this industry holds. I did not realize how many careers fell under this huge umbrella and that gave me the initiative to pursue this field. I learned a lot from the various classes and trainings that the program offers including how to be professional, punctual and organized. This program also showed me that work can be fun and exciting! I am currently the Sales Coordinator at Hampton Inn Rochester North in Greece and I am enjoying every minute of it."

Jessica Heinlein, '07
Sales Coordinator
Hampton Inn / Hilton Hotels

"Words can hardly describe the wonderful experience, all of the knowledge and friendships that I gained while at GCC and in the Tourism & Hospitality Management program. My education has helped me in my career and will serve me well throughout my life."

Yuko Suzuki, '06
Visitor Services Assistant
Plaza Kukulcan Visitor & Information Center Cancun, Mexico

"My experience at Genesee Community College along with that Tourism & Hospitality Management program has definitely given me the boost I needed to follow my dream in travel. From this program I have gained many strengths, friendships and contacts. I love the one-on-one attention the students receive at GCC not just in the classroom, but in all the school services. The thing that GCC does better than anyone else is that they strive to provide you all the resources you need to become the best that you can be. I now use all of the skills I was taught in my job."

Melinda Kreter, '06
Tourism Marketing Assistant
Genesee County Chamber of Commerce

"The Tourism and Hospitality Management program opened up doors to exciting careers. I learned a lot, met many great people and gained valuable work experience while at GCC. Through this program I gained knowledge and skills about the industry, but also it gave me the ability to communicate well with people, to negotiate with customers and handle difficult situations."

Yoshiko Taguchi, '05
Tokyo, Japan

"GCC's Tourism and Hospitality Management program gave me classroom knowledge as well as hands on experience in the industry. This program allowed me to complete my internship in Australia, which ultimately gave me the needed experience to get the job I have today. Thanks to the support, professors, and resources that this program has, I am able to be successfully working in the field that I love."

Kelly Martin, 2007 Graduate
Social Staff, Woodloch Pines Resort

"GCC, the Tourism and Hospitality Management Program, and every teacher represented an important spring board for my academic career. They all gave me the necessary skills, motivations and knowledge to move forward and get ready for bigger challenges in school, and especially in the real world."

Vincenzo Baressi, 2006 Graduate

"After working for Six Flags seasonally, I am now working here full-time and love it. GCC’s Tourism & Hospitality Program really helped me secure my job."

Julie Flynn, 1997 Graduate
Human Resources Staffing Supervisor
Six Flags, Darien Lake

"My degree from Genesee was very instrumental in my success in the travel and tourism industry. I’ve had some beautiful jobs in my career including working for Ottawa Tourism and Convention Authority, Holiday Inns of Canada, Marriott and now Greater Rochester Visitors Association. I never could have even gotten my foot in the door without the experience, degree and mentorship provided by Genesee Community College."

Paula Savage
Director of Tourism Sales
Greater Rochester Visitors Association