FLCC Campus News

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. (Oct. 24, 2006) - Are you interested in returning to college or attending for the first time? Come talk with FLCC counselors and other adults with the same idea at a free Adult Student Information Session at Finger Lakes Community College, 4355 Lakeshore Drive, Canandaigua, on Thursday, Nov. 16, at 6 p.m.

Admissions and financial aid counselors will be on hand to answer your questions and help you feel at ease about a new academic path. In addition, they will provide detailed information on the enrollment and financial aid processes and on the support services available to adult students, including tutoring and academic counseling. Learn more about our new ADVANCE fast programs offering busy adults the opportunity to earn a degree on a part-time basis within three years.

Advance reservations are required by Nov. 13. To make a reservation, contact the Admissions Office at (585) 394-FLCC, ext. 7278, or sign up online at www.flcc.edu/admissions (see "Programs for Adult Learners").

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. (Oct. 19, 2006) - Finger Lakes Community College recently honored nine professional staff members with the 2006 - 07 Professional Achievement Awards. John Foust, '97, William Kramp, Emily Kuryla, '90, Deborah Olsen, '92, Stephanie Olsen, Christine Palace-Neininger, Kathy Riesenberger, John Taylor, '79, and William White were honored at the ceremony.

Foust, of Stanley, has served as a technical specialist in the College's conservation department since 1999. He holds a master's degree in biological sciences from SUNY Brockport, a bachelor's degree in fisheries from the State University College of Agriculture and Technology in Cobleskill, and an associate's degree in natural resources conservation from FLCC.

Kramp, of Clifton Springs, serves as the network administrator for the College. He began his career with the College in 1989 and holds an associate's degree in electrical engineering technology from the SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Morrisville. 

Kuryla, of Gorham, joined the College in 1994 as a technical specialist in the nursing department. Kuryla received a bachelor's degree in nursing from St. John Fisher College and an associate's degree in nursing from FLCC.

Deborah Olsen, of Geneva, began her career with FLCC in 1981 and currently serves as the technical specialist for institutional research. She received a bachelor's degree in organizational management from Roberts Wesleyan College, an associate's degree in computer information systems from FLCC, and an associate's degree in secretarial science from Bryant and Stratton Business Institute.

Stephanie Olsen, of Penn Yan, joined FLCC in 1993 and serves as an academic support center specialist for the developmental studies department. She earned a master's degree in psychology from Aalborg University (Denmark), a master's degree in English from Arhus University (Denmark), and a bachelor's degree in English from SUNY Brockport.

Palace-Neininger, of Canandaigua, joined FLCC in 1999 and currently serves as the assistant to the controller. She holds a bachelor's degree in business management from SUNY Binghamton and an associate's degree in business administration from SUNY College of Technology at Delhi.

Riesenberger, of Naples, serves as a technical specialist in the College's department of science and technology, and has been employed at the College since 1986. She holds a master's degree in education from Nazareth College and a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory technology from Keuka College.

Taylor, of Farmington, serves as manager of administrative LANs, desktop and user support in the institutional computer services department, and has worked at the College since 1993. He holds a master's degree from Nazareth College in management science, a bachelor's degree in computer science from the SUNY Institute of Technology at Utica/Rome, and an associate's degree in science from FLCC.

White, of Clifton Springs, joined FLCC's staff in 1998 as a media technician in the educational technology department. White earned an associate's degree in radio-television broadcasting from Onondaga Community College.

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. (Oct. 19, 2006) - Finger Lakes Community College recently announced the promotion of twelve faculty members. These promotions went into effect at the beginning of the College's 2006 - 07 academic year.

Robert Brown, Ph.D. was promoted to assistant professor of history; Richard Cook, to professor of broadcasting; Theresa Gauthier, to associate professor of mathematics; James Hewlett, to professor of biology; Catherine Johnson, Ph.D. to associate professor of theatre; Barbara Kruger, to associate professor of foreign language; Ronald Metzger, to assistant professor of mathematics; Jon Palzer, to assistant professor of English; James Sconfietti, to associate professor of criminal justice; Jeremy Tiermini, to assistant professor/athletic trainer; John Van Niel, '83, to professor of conservation; and Warren White, to assistant professor of communications.

Brown, of Rochester, joined the FLCC faculty in 2003 and holds a doctorate from Syracuse University, a master's degree in history from SUNY Albany, and a bachelor's degree in history from SUNY Brockport.

Cook, of Farmington, began his career at the College in 1990.  He holds a master's degree in broadcast journalism from Boston University and a bachelor's degree in communications from St. John Fisher College.

Gauthier, of Rochester, has taught at the College since 1994. She earned a master's degree in mathematics at SUNY Binghamton and a bachelor's degree in mathematics from SUNY Fredonia.

Hewlett, of Webster, has served on the College's faculty since 1997.  He received a master's degree in oceanography from the University of Connecticut and a bachelor's degree in biology from Bucknell University.

Johnson, of Canandaigua, joined the FLCC faculty in 1997. She holds a doctorate in drama from the University of Georgia, a master's degree in theatre from Indiana State University, and a bachelor's degree in theater from Belmont University.

Kruger, of Rochester, joined the FLCC faculty in 1996. She earned a master's degree in international education from New York University and a bachelor's degree in French from Georgetown University.

Metzger, of Naples, began his career at the College in 1997. He earned his master's degree in mathematics education and a bachelor's degree in secondary education/mathematics from Pennsylvania State University.

Palzer, of Victor, began teaching at FLCC in 2002, and received a master's degree and a bachelor's degree in English from SUNY Brockport.

Sconfietti, of Rochester, began teaching at the College in 1997.  He earned a master's degree in criminal justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, a bachelor's degree in psychology/health education from Morehead State University, and an associate's degree in criminal justice from Monroe Community College.

Tiermini, of Canandaigua, joined FLCC's faculty in 1999. He earned a master's degree in sports medicine from United States Sports Academy and a bachelor's degree in sports medicine from Mount Union College.

Van Niel, of Seneca Falls, has served at the College since 1995. He holds a master's degree in fisheries and wildlife from Utah State University, a bachelor's degree in early secondary general science and elementary education from SUNY Cortland, and an associate's degree in natural resources conservation from FLCC.

White, of Victor, has served at the College since 2000. He holds a master's degree in communication from SUNY Brockport and a bachelor's degree in communication/journalism from St. John Fisher College.

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. (Oct. 17, 2006) - Dr. Daniel T. Hayes, president of Finger Lakes Community College since 1992, has submitted a letter of intent to the College's Board of Trustees announcing his plans to retire effective August 31, 2007.  Near the time of his retirement, he will be 60 years of age.

At the regular meeting of the College's Board of Trustees on October, 16, the Board passed a resolution accepting the letter of intent and authorizing Hayes' retirement.  Board Chair Robert Griswold noted, "During the last 15 years, Dr. Hayes has provided strong leadership and guidance which has resulted in a successful and stable institution. Additionally, the level of understanding and cooperation between the College and Ontario County (sponsor) has improved greatly during Dr. Hayes' tenure."  Hayes is the third president in the College's forty-year history.  Under his leadership, the College:

• increased significantly the number of academic programs offered (20 new degree programs and four new certificates);
• experienced enrollment growth and this Fall has recorded one of its highest enrollment levels in the institution's history;
• developed through the FLCC Association a Child Care Center;
• was ranked by students first among all community colleges in the state for quality of instruction and faculty preparedness in the academic year 2000;
• led SUNY in community college graduation rates in 2002;
• completed a Library and classroom expansion and renovation;
• developed a strong and positive relationship with its sponsor, Ontario County;
• worked with the Friends of C-MAC to complete their $11-million-dollar renovation of the Performing Arts Center;
• relocated College campus centers in Geneva and Wayne County (Newark);received a gift that led to the establishment of the Mueller Field Station which primarily serves the College's Conservation programs;
• developed two Master Plans;
• developed an Operations Plan combining the College's Academic, Strategic, and Facilities Plans; and
• is poised to commence a capital campaign through the College's Foundation.

"I deeply appreciate the support I have received from the Trustees, the employees of the institution, our students, and the Board of Supervisors and County staff during what will have been more than fifteen years at FLCC," said Dr. Hayes.  "My contributions to the development of our College could not and would not have occurred without such support and should not be allowed to overshadow the efforts of so many from these groups."

Hayes has been active in community efforts and has served as a member of the Local Advisory Panel responsible for making recommendations concerning the Canandaigua VA; is a former President of the Partnership for Ontario County; was a past Chair of the Jean Mitchell Memorial Race; served as member of committees of the Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce; and is an ex-officio member of the board of directors of the Finger Lakes Visitors Connection.  In addition, he is currently a member of the four-county Workforce Investment Board and its Executive Committee and is a Board and Steering Committee member of the Rochester Area - Finger Lakes Wired Partnership.

Professionally, Hayes is a member of the Executive Committee of the Association of Presidents of Public Community Colleges in SUNY and a member of the Rochester Area Colleges Presidents group.  In addition, he has served as a member of several ad hoc committees appointed by SUNY and has served two terms on the Commission on Communications and Public Relations of the American Association of Community Colleges.

Hayes has been a presenter at several major conferences on a variety of issues related to higher education, including presentations at meetings of the League for Innovation, the Association of Community College Trustees, the American Association of Higher Education, and the New York State Community College Trustees Association.  Locally, he has spoken to many service clubs and organizations about FLCC and on topics ranging from acoustic guitars to the Kennedy Assassination, two of his many areas of interest outside education.

In addition, Hayes has authored articles on higher education, administration, the community college role, and various specialized pieces within his academic discipline of speech communication.  He also wrote six chapters in the Matthew Bender three-volume series "Education Law".

Hayes received the 1994 National Pacesetter award from the National Council of Marketing and Public Relations and also received a Distinguished College President Award from the New York region of Phi Theta Kappa, the national honorary society for two-year colleges.

Prior to starting his presidency at FLCC in 1992, Hayes was executive vice president of educational services at South Suburban College in South Holland, Illinois, and dean of instruction at John Wood Community College in Quincy, Illinois. Hayes received his Ph.D. in speech communication with a collateral field in higher education from the University of Missouri-Columbia, his master's degree in speech communication from Emporia State University in Kansas, and his bachelor's degree in education in English and speech from Kansas State Teacher's College. He held faculty positions at the University of Vermont, John Wood Community College, and the Kansas City, Kansas, school district and teaching assistant positions at the University of Missouri and Emporia State University.

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. (Oct. 17, 2006) - For its annual fall theatre production, the Finger Lakes Community College Department of Visual and Performing Arts presents "The Shadow Box" by Michael Cristofer.

The production opens on Thursday, Nov. 9 at 8 p.m. and will continue on Friday, Nov. 10 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 11 at 2 and 8 p.m. It will be held in the John P. Socha Pavilion on FLCC's Canandaigua campus at 4355 Lakeshore Drive. Tickets will be available at the door before the performances, with prices of $5 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens. Tickets can be purchased in advance from the FLCC Student Life Center starting Oct. 30 for half-price at $2.50 for adults and $1.50 for students and senior citizens.

"The Shadow Box" deals with the terminal illnesses of three people. Their separate stories take place in three different cottages on the grounds of a hospital. Each character attempts to make sense of death. Arriving at that goal is not easy for any of them, but having reached it, they realize that how you die is directly affected by how you live. The play explores finding joy and humor in our existence. It earned Cristofer both a Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award in 1977.

The cast of the production consists of the following FLCC students: Emily Chard, Sean Colgan, and Jonathan Griffiths of Canandaigua, Maureen McCollum and Kathryn Snyder of Geneva, Taylor Stevens Barth of Henrietta, Daniel Middleton of Naples, Jason Riley of Penn Yan, and Amanda Foreman of Rochester.

Colleen O'Mara, chairperson of the Visual and Performing Arts department and professor of theatre, will direct the production. Beth Johnson PhD., associate professor of theatre, will design the production.

For more information, please call (585) 394-3500, ext. 7241, or e-mail O'Mara at omaracm@flcc.edu.

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. (Oct. 17, 2006) - Last night the Finger Lakes Community College Board of Trustees approved a new Teaching Assistant certificate program. The program proposal will also be sent for approval to the State University of New York (SUNY) and the New York State Department of Education The College anticipates accepting applications for this certificate for the fall 2007 semester. Teacher assistants work individually or with small groups of students in the classroom or as assigned by the school district.

This certificate is designed to prepare individuals for teacher assistant positions in the area of public education The program will focus on the interactions taking place in the classroom and within the school system from the perspective of a teacher assistant Students will address issues that specifically relate to the duties of the teacher assistant, such as the philosophy and history of education, instructional techniques, current educational trends, and the functioning of a school system Additionally, students will learn about federal and state laws and regulations, child and adolescent development and learning, classroom and behavior management, and instructional strategies to improve student learning Students will be eligible to apply for the Teaching Assistant Level III certification through the New York state Department of Education after completing the Teaching Assistant certificate program, or progress to the College's A.A. Liberal Arts and Sciences degree program.

Courses in the teacher assistant certificate program include: Freshman English, Introduction to Literature, Public Speaking or Interpersonal Communications, Teacher Assistant I, Teacher Assistant II, Introduction to Psychology, and Math for Elementary Teachers.

To join the mailing list to receive information about the teacher assistant certificate once the certificate program has received final approval, visit www.flcc.edu/newprograms or contact the FLCC Admissions Office at (585) 394-FLCC, ext. 7278.

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. (Oct. 12, 2006) - The Williams-Insalaco Gallery 34 at Finger Lakes Community College presents an exhibition entitled "Dexter Benedict: Sculpture and Drawings" by artist Dexter Benedict of Penn Yan.

Located on the first floor of the Canandaigua campus, 4355 Lakeshore Drive, the Gallery will host the art show Nov. 2, 2006- Jan. 26, 2007.  An opening reception with the artist will be held on Thursday, Nov. 2 from 1-2 p.m.  

Benedict owns and operates the Fire Works Foundry in Penn Yan.  His work has been featured in numerous solo exhibitions and group shows at regional galleries.  He has secured a number of corporate and private commissions.  Benedict earned a master of fine arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a bachelor's degree in art from Ottawa University.  He served as assistant professor of art at Keuka College from 1978 to 1982 and returned as associate professor in 1992.

Benedict has stated, "I enjoy my work as a sculptor, attempting to give form to the visual poetry and spirit that I feel, imagine, or see as I develop an image.  The process is fascinating, from the evolution of an idea in transitory soft clay to the conversion into enduring bronze, and it continues for me to be work worth doing.  I hope that the viewer can find meaning and sense some of the thought and process ‘fire' in the work."

Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 9 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.  Admission is free and open to the public.  For more information, please contact Barron Naegel, gallery director and instructor of art, at (585) 394-3500, ext. 7369 or gallery34@flcc.edu.

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. (Oct. 5, 2006) - Finger Lakes Community College will offer a special family reading program for parents and children during October. The three week family reading program will meet from 3:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the FLCC Geneva Campus Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays from October 17 - November 2.

Special activities for children, ages 3-10, and their parents, grandparents, or guardians will include trips to the library and special fall crafts. A light supper, which families will help prepare, will be provided at each session. Each parent and child who completes the program will receive a certificate and book.

This family literacy program is made possible through a Dollar General grant which was awarded to the College.

For information or to register call the Literacy office at the FLCC Geneva Campus Center 315-789-6701 ext. 6023 or the Program office at 585-394-3500 ext. 7431.

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. (Oct. 3, 2006) - Finger Lakes Community College's Developmental Studies Department will host author and award-winning columnist Mark Hare on Tuesday, October 17 at 10 a.m.  The "Meet a Writer" event will be held on campus, located at 4355 Lakeshore Drive, on the third floor of the FLCC Charles J. Meder Library.  The presentation, "Writing Your Way to a Happier Life," is free and open to the public.  Refreshments will be available.

Hare of Rochester, N.Y., is author of "Watching My Friend Die: The Honest Death of Bob Schwartz," co-author of "The Re-making of a City: Rochester, N.Y., 1964-1984," and has been a local columnist for the Democrat and Chronicle since 1997.  He was editorial page editor for the afternoon Times-Union, and before that deputy editorial page editor for the Democrat and Chronicle, where he began his career as a reporter in 1984.  He received a bachelor's degree in psychology from St. John Fisher College, and a master's degree in speech communications from the State University College at Brockport, where he also received a permanent NYS teaching certificate.  He was a high school teacher for six years before switching to journalism.

For more information, please contact Karen O'Donnell, professor of developmental studies, at (585) 394-3500, ext. 7409.

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