Page 4 : Collaboration + Learning = Student Success Page 8

Page 4 : Collaboration + Learning = Student Success The new Collaborative Learning Center (CLC) is scheduled for completion in April 2016. The state-of-the-art CLC will maximize opportunities for student success by combining synergistic functions and fostering collaboration among students, staff, faculty and community.

Page 8 : Changing CourseAt Jefferson’s commencement ceremony on May 15, not only did Cory A. Kelly earn his associate of science degree in individual studies, he also marked 2 years and 8 months of sobriety.

Page 10 : Positioning our Community and CollegeThe Center for Community Studies at Jefferson Community College is committed to enhancing the quality of life of the North Country and provides the opportunity for students to apply their classroom knowledge, gain hands-on experience, and grow as citizens making a difference.

Pages 16, 22 : Distinguished Alumni & Hall of Fame The accomplishments of Jefferson’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipients and Cannoneer Hall ofFame inductees are celebrated at a banquet held in their honor.

4-5 Collaboration + Learning = Student Success

This publication is produced by the Marketing & Public Relations Office at Jefferson Community College.

Leslie DiStefano, (315) 786-2234, [email protected] Dixon, (315) 786-2392, [email protected] Bowhall, (315) 786-2383, [email protected]

Jefferson Community College1220 Coffeen StreetWatertown, NY 13601

State University of New YorkSponsored by Jefferson County

----- Board of Trustees -----

James P. Scordo, Chair Terry N. Fralick, Vice Chair

Cailey M. Burrows, Student Trustee

David J. ClarkMichael W. Crowley

Steven C. HaasNathan P. HunterDoris G. McLallenMichelle D. Pfaff

Lisa A. Weber

----- Administration -----

Carole A. McCoyPresident

Thomas J. Finch Vice President for Academic Affairs

Daniel J. Dupee, II Vice President for Administration

& Finance, Treasurer

Betsy D. PenroseVice President for Students

Jefferson Community College is committed to providing equal access to its educational

programs, activities, and facilities to all otherwise qualified students without

discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age,

disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy,

predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim

status, or criminal conviction, or any other category protected by applicable

state or federal law. An Equal Opportunity employer, JCC also affirms its commitment

to nondiscrimination in its employment policies and practices. In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, JCC prohibits sex discrimination,

including sexual harassment.

Table of Contents

Changing Course

12-13 Faculty & Staff Kudos

8-9

3 A Message from the President

Campus Updates

10-11 Positioning Our College and Community

6-7

15 Aspiring Musician Builds Repertoire at Jefferson

Alumni News 22-25

14 Academic News

Foundation News

26 Trustee Spotlight

18-21

27 In the Spotlight

Jefferson Athletics 16-17

A Message from the PresidentEconomics

My undergraduate degree is in economics. It is a degree that has served me well in how it helps to shape my thinking. At its core, the field of economics is about the concept of scarce resources. There are never enough resources – time, money, people, or space – to do everything that everyone wants to have done. At home we are constantly making choices about what to spend our money on and how to allocate our time. In business and government this concept is the same. The only difference is that at home you are trying to make the best choices for a family, at work you are trying to make the best choices for an organization and all its stakeholders. The more voices, the more difference of opinion about choices. A primary role of our leaders is to make tough decisions about resource allocations. What can we do to increase our revenues? In the case of government that frequently means asking are we willing to increase taxes? What gets funded, what gets staffed, and what takes priority? While what programs and services are funded is important, as important is what programs and services are not funded. What are we doing without because we couldn’t afford to do everything? It is through the lens of an economist that I have been watching the debate about “free community colleges.” Clearly the cost of running a college isn’t free. At Jefferson our operating budget is almost $30 million with the majority of that expense related to salaries for faculty and staff. “Free commu-nity college” means that all (or at least most) students will not pay any tuition or fees to attend. Many students don’t start because they cannot afford to come, while others complete but leave with debt. Most discouraging are those who attend, accrue debt, and then do not finish. As a strong believer in the transformative power of a community college education for all students, of course I would love for more students to be able to attend and complete. But as an economist, I have to ask the question of where will the replacement resources to fund a free community college come from? The tuition and fees that students pay to Jefferson is over $14 million. Not all of that is out of pocket because students receive many different types of scholarships and grants. Still, are we willing to raise taxes for this? What programs and services are we willing to cut or eliminate to be able to allocate more money to community colleges? Will the economic and social benefits of having a more educated citizenry make up for the additional expense? This will be an interesting topic to follow and I will be watching it closely. Meanwhile, I am com-mitted to finding as many ways as I can to keep the cost of attending Jefferson Community College as low as possible. We’ve been successful in winning a number of grants ($1.3 million of this year’s budget comes from grants) and our strategic plan has an emphasis on seeking out grants that sup-port our strategic and operational needs. We are collaborating with others to reduce costs through buying consortiums, particularly in the areas of energy and information technology. We have been, and will continue to be, focused on understanding our costs to streamline operations and keep our money going where it is most important – the classroom and academic support. No matter what happens with free community college, we will continue to make the tough choices here at Jefferson to ensure our students receive a high quality yet affordable education.

Carole A. McCoyPresident

Jefferson Insider - Volume 13 • 3

COLLABORATION + LEARNING = Student Success


College Breaks Ground on State-of-the-Art Collaborative Learning CenterIn May, Jefferson Community College celebrated yet another milestone in the College’s 54-year history as Jefferson administration, students, faculty/staff, elected officials and community members broke ground on the College’s new Collaborative Learning Center (CLC). Scheduled for completion in April 2016, the state-of-the-art Collaborative Learning Center will maximize opportunities for student suc-cess by combining synergistic functions and fostering collaboration among students, staff, faculty and community.

“It was seven years ago that the Collaborative Learning Center was defined and designated as a high priority in Jefferson’s strategic plan and facilities master plan,” said Carole A. McCoy, college president. “Words cannot express how gratifying it is to see it come to fruition and we could not have done it without the support of our many community partners, Jefferson County and New York State.” Funding for the $11 million Collaborative Learning Center, along with $3 million for the subsequent Dewey Building renovation, has been provided by the College’s local sponsor, Jefferson County, and New York State.

“We know our students need innovative learning space that cultivates teamwork with their peers, interaction with staff and faculty, and convenient access to the support services that will help them be successful,” said McCoy. Students will have direct access to essential academic support services, library resources, break-out rooms for team projects or group study, and flexible space filled with natural light and furnishings that support a comfortable learning environment.

The first floor will be comprised of academic support services for students including academic coaching, new student services, placement testing, transfer counseling, career planning & job placement, veterans services and the TRiO Strategies To Achieve Results (STAR) pro-gram. The second floor will be comprised of the Scanlon Tutoring Center, the College library and media center. Both floors will contain technologically smart classrooms, group study space and wireless internet. In addition, the building will serve as a central home base for the office of campus safety and security. Other notable features include an information center, a café, and an open multi-purpose space that can function as a student lounge or serve as a gathering space for College and community functions. This space will be accentuated with a fireplace and adjacent outdoor landscaped patio.

The idea of collaboration and partnerships was a theme expressed by many of the groundbreaking ceremony speakers. Calling it “one of the most exciting projects” he has worked on, Robin Mach of Mach Architecture noted the CLC’s “design was guided by goals, driven by passion and fueled by collaboration” among what he referred to as the “facilitators, realists, do-ers and dreamers.”

Mach Architecture of Williamsville (NY) along with Bernier Carr & Associates of Watertown (NY) designed the 36,000 square foot facility to standards of LEED Silver. Under the project management of Purcell Construction Corporation of Watertown (NY), construction of the $11 million facility is well underway with Bette & Cring Construction Group of Watertown serving as general contractor. Construction progress can be followed on the College’s webcam: http://www.sunyjefferson.edu/news-events/webcam.

To learn more about the Collaborative Learning Center and opportunities to support student success through this innovative project, please contact the executive director of the JCC Foundation, Lisa Familo, at 315-786-2291.

Pictured above (left to right): James P. Scordo, chair of the Jefferson Community College Board of Trustees; Addie J. Russell, NYS Assemblywoman representing the 116th District; Michael Montigelli, Jefferson County Board of Legislators, District 5; Danielle M. Scott, president of JCC Student Government for the 2014-2015 academic year; Carole A. McCoy, president of Jefferson Community College; Robin R. Mach, principal of Mach Architecture; Jason McCullouch, project manager, Purcell Construction; Cedric Baggett, president of JCC Student Government for the 2015-2016 academic year; and Jason S. Jantzi, principal and architect with Bernier Carr & Associates.


NEWS F R O M AROUND THE CAMPUS

Jefferson Receives 10 Year Accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher EducationJefferson is pleased to announce that the Middle States Commission on Higher Edu-cation acted to reaffirm the accreditation of Jefferson Community College on June 25, 2015. A 10-year cycle, JCC’s accreditation is extended through 2025. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

The Middle States evaluation team recog-nized numerous significant accomplish-ments of Jefferson Community College beginning with campus-wide collabora-tion in developing the mission, vision and strategic goals which identified student success, completion and enhancement of educational opportunities as primary objectives. Specifically, the evaluation team commended the College for foster-ing a positive and collegial environment throughout campus, the quality and implementation of the facilities master plan including the realization of substan-tial energy savings, the establishment of the Collaborative Learning Center and increased student services, the develop-ment of on-campus housing and ability to recruit students from new markets, efforts to advance the community by developing academic degree programs of local inter-est (such as agri-business) and workforce development initiatives ( such as allied health certifications) through the College’s Continuing Education Division, and for the Center for Community Studies which provides students with applied learning

experiences. In particular, Jefferson was commended for the variety of assessment activities campus-wide including efforts to assess student development, student satisfaction and student services. Jeffer-son was further commended for its ability to meet the needs of the military, family members and veterans. JCC was initially ac-credited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in1969.

JCC Designated ‘Fit Friendly’ WorksiteIn July, Jefferson was recognized for main-taining its gold-level fit friendly designa-tion by the American Heart Association. To receive fit friendly designation, worksites must implement programs to encourage physical activity and promote good health. The college offers numerous fitness and wellness activities for employees including a free membership to the McGrann Fitness Center; zumba, piyo and spinning classes; and opportunities to hike, bike, run and cross country ski nature trails that span more than two miles on campus. This is the 3rd consecutive year Jefferson has received the Fit Friendly designation.

Meet Jefferson’s Student Resident Assistants 2015-2016

Front row: (l-r) Kristin VanBrocklin of Henderson, Allison Shrewsberry of Gouverneur, Rachel Elling-sworth of CarthageBack row: (l-r) Cordel Brouty of Croghan, Thomas Gitlin and Gavin Davidson of Theresa, Keishon Reid of Laurelton, Stacie Burdick of Mexico

$1.1 Million Grant Fuels JCC ‘s TRiO Student Support ServicesJefferson was recently awarded another TRiO Student Support Services grant from the U.S. Department of Education of just over $1.1 million dollars spread over the next five years. The funding is designated to provide academic support and assis-tance for JCC students who meet certain eligibility criteria relating to disability or in-come or who are ‘first-generation,’ meaning neither parent nor guardian has earned a bachelor’s degree. The goal of the Student Support Services grant is to assist and motivate students towards the successful completion of postsecondary education. The TRiO grant is administered through Jefferson’s STAR (Strategies To Achieve Results) Program, a student success initia-tive. The STAR Program helps students adapt successfully to the college environ-ment, succeed academically, define career goals, graduate from Jefferson Community College, and/or transfer to a four–year institution.

New Student TrusteeCailey M. Burrows, Watertown, has been elected by the JCC stu-dent body to serve as the student member of the Jefferson Com-munity College Board

of Trustees for the 2015-2016 academic year. Her term began in July 2015.

Cailey is 2014 graduate of Watertown High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society. At Jefferson, she is enrolled in the mathematics and science associate of science degree program with a concentration in allied health. Cailey is planning to pursue a career in the health-care field and recently completed certified

Retirees Reunion Luncheon held in JuneJefferson’s annual retiree luncheon was held on June 25 at the Italian American Club in Watertown. Retirees and guests in attendance include (left to right): front row - Judy Pearson, Klaus Ebeling, John & Mary Jo Deans, Lorraine & John Henderson, Twyla Cush-man, Pat Pearson; second row - Kate Fenlon, Sue Wadhams, Elva Lacomb, Barb Gaskin, Dick & Jan Young, John Cecil, Mary Newman, Terry Heagle, Toni Scordo, Sister Janice Peters, Marie Hess, Sharon Lasker, Ellen Childs, Bob Bookser, Cathy & Kim Davis; third row - Mary Lou Bertrand, David & Karen Carr, Roberta Lockwood, Carol Doe, Susan Sprague, Bill Doe, Bob Lacomb, Pat Barbalich, (behind Pat) Karl Van Voorhis, Dick & Chris Boyanski, Rod Esley, Camie & Jim Baker, John Phillips, Tom Walker.


nursing assistant training at Samaritan Medical Center. During her freshman year at Jefferson, Cailey was involved in a variety of activities including treasurer for Student Government and serving on the Faculty Student Association board and the social cultural committee. As the Student Government treasurer she kept records of various funds and presided over the bud-get finance committee. An active student, Cailey continues to show her dedication to Jefferson with this new appointment.

Lisa Familo Appointed Executive Director for FoundationOn July 20, Jefferson welcomed Lisa M. Familo, Dexter, to the position of college development officer for the Jefferson Com-

munity College Foundation. As executive director for the Jefferson Foundation, Ms. Familo is responsible for the development and implementation of strategic advance-ment objectives for the College relating to annual and major gifts, capital and planned giving programs, and alumni program-ming. She brings nearly 15 years of non-profit managerial experience and skills in strategic planning, financial administration, fundraising, and developing community partnerships.

Prior to moving to the North Country in 2014, Ms. Familo served for 10 years as executive director of the Harnett County Partnership for Children in Lillington, North Carolina subsequent to serving as program manager with the organization for three years. The Harnett County Partnership for

Children is a 501(C)(3) organization cre-ated to provide programs and services for young children and their families through community-based programs focusing on health, education and family support. As executive director, Ms. Familo administered a $3.8 million annual budget, supervised a staff of 10 as well as community volun-teers, and developed and implemented a comprehensive strategic plan for the orga-nization. During her tenure, she increased the local community’s ability to provide services by fostering collaboration and developing partnerships with local organi-zations and agencies. She also developed a comprehensive fundraising plan and, in 2014, exceeded $380,000 in grants, in-kind and cash contributions.

Previously, Lisa served as executive director of the North Carolina Alliance for Health, a Morrisville-based organization that advocates for policies that promote wellness and reduce the impact of obesity and tobacco. In this role she managed overall operations, developed and imple-mented a comprehensive strategic plan, and created a fund development plan that included strategies for membership recruitment, renewals and major donor solicitations.

Ms. Familo holds a master of nonprofit management (M.N.M) degree from Regis University, a bachelor of arts degree in communication from North Carolina State University and a certificate in nonprofit management from Duke University.

Jefferson Named Finalist in Climate Leadership Second Nature, a national nonprofit that works to proactively build a sus-tainable and positive global future by working with leadership

networks in higher education, announced the finalists for its 6th annual Climate Leadership Awards. Jefferson is one of the two-year institutions in the running!

The Climate Leadership Competition is for higher education institutions across the nation that are signatories of the American College and University Presidents’ Cli-mate Commitment (ACUPCC), a signature program of Second Nature to address global climate disruption undertaken by a network of colleges and universities that have made institutional commitments to accelerate progress towards climate neu-trality and sustainability. At Jefferson, with support of the college’s EverGREEN Com-mittee, president Carole McCoy proudly signed the ACUPCC in 2012. Two winners will be selected in the Climate Leadership Competition, one from a two-year institu-tion and one from a four-year institution. Second Nature received nearly 50 applica-tions from across the country.

This year Second Nature partnered with U.S. Green Building Council’s Center for Green Schools. Greenbuild is the world’s largest green building conference and expo! Winners of the Climate Leadership Competition will be recognized at the 2015 Greenbuild Leadership Awards Program on November 19 in Washington, DC. Wish Jefferson the best of luck!



JCC Student Determined To Change Course Of Direction Knowing Help Is In His Corner

At Jefferson’s commencement ceremony on May 15, not only did Cory A. Kelly earn his associate of science degree in individual studies, he also marked 2 years and 8 months of sobriety. The following day, Cory left on a road trip to Kentucky where he plans to transfer into the human services program at the University of Louisville. It was a road trip he wasn’t expecting to be on and one he may not have been traveling if it weren’t for his own resolve and a connection formed with a staff member at Jefferson.

Cory came to the North Country in the 1990s by way of the U.S. Army. After his career in the military ended he bounced around a bit between his home state of Kentucky and his family, which includes three young daughters, here in the North Country.

Cory had planned to start classes at Jefferson in the fall of 2012 when, after his third DWI arrest, he made a life changing decision to check himself into the hospital and get sober. By January of 2014, he had progressed enough in his treatment, moving from inpatient to a residential facility, that he could once again enroll in classes. It was at the residential facility where he met Matt Lambert, a transfer counselor and academic advisor at Jefferson, who also worked at Credo Community Center for the Treatment of Addictions as a member of the evening residence staff. Both sports fanatics, it was football that first got them talking, but Cory soon found that in Matt Lambert he had a mentor and champion in his corner.

“I had attended college before JCC and I always knew I wanted to go back sometime, but it was really Matt’s encouragement that kept me focused on returning to JCC, persisting, and completing my degree,” said Kelly. “Matt’s was a steady voice of reason along

the way. He helped clear the cobwebs, helped me with moving one block at a time and not trying to tackle them all at once which can be overwhelming.” “From very early on in his treatment, Cory expressed great interest in continuing his education, frequently quizzing me on my own educational path,” said Lambert. “He has carried an excellent GPA, while also working his way through college. Through determina-tion and self-discipline, Cory eventually gained employment at the same treatment program he was a client in and we became co-workers.” In time and after being out on his own again, Cory began working at Samaritan Medical Center and was employed at Convergys until moving to Kentucky.

“Cory worked hard to achieve a healthy balance between school, work, and leisure, in order to continue his successful recovery journey,” said Lambert. “He serves as an outstanding example of success and hope for those that face the same struggles.”

This fall, Cory is enrolled in online classes at Jefferson and hopes to complete JCC’s human services degree which will assist with trans-fer to the University of Louisville. A business major early on, his new goal is to help others work their way through substance abuse treatment and recovery, much like Matt has helped him.

“With Matt’s guidance and my recovery program, I’ve learned that life is all about balance,” said Cory. “No matter where you were, you can always go somewhere positive.”

Cory Kelly was among nearly 500 Jefferson students commencing on May 15, 2015. In a student body where approximately 47% are adult learners, aged 25 years or older, and nearly 43% are comprised of active duty soldiers and their family members, veterans or retirees – it is not unlikely that the majority of students faced challenges of some kind, of varying degrees, while completing their degrees. Keynote speaker Thomas H. Carman, president and CEO of Samaritan Medical Center, and student speaker Hollis C. Harrington both touched upon the many struggles faced by today’s students and provided words of encouragement as well as offered congratulations to graduates on their hard earned accomplishments.

Quoting Calvin Coolidge, Carman noted “persistence” and “determina-tion” as keys to success and advised students to always: • Find your passion, give it your best, and live your dreams. • Choose your attitude and how you handle failure. Be determined and make the most of any situation. Remember you can learn more from failure than from success. • Do what you do for the right reasons and learn from the experience.

Congratulations to the Class of 2015 Spring and Summer graduates of Jefferson Community College!


Research for the CommunityThe Center for Community Studies (CCS) at Jefferson Community College is committed to enhancing the quality of life of the North Country. Each year, the Center conducts unbiased community-based research on issues of significance to aid in local decision-making. Jefferson students play a big role in the research process: the Center provides the opportunity for students to apply their classroom knowledge, gain hands-on experience, and grow as citizens making a difference. All of this makes the Center a highly valued entity here in the North Country, for both the residents and student participants.

On the brink of his re-immersion into full-time teaching after five years as director of the College’s Center for Community Studies, JCC political-science professor Ray Petersen described the rewards of his CCS tenure and his vision for the Center’s future.

When Dr. Petersen assumed the title of director in 2011, he was not new to the Center. Since 1999, he helped with programming and was instrumental in setting up a lecture series that focused, over the years, on topics ranging from understanding world cultures, to sustainability, to community social and economic issues like wind farms, gun control, and minimum wage.

In fact, the CCS grew out of a prospectus he submitted after a 1991 sabbatical trip to study other community centers. As the fourth direc-tor, he succeeds JCC’s Dr. Richard Halpin, Denise Young, and Richard LeClerc, each of whom furthered the Center’s work. During his tenure, Dr. Petersen described his own Center objectives as financial and workload stability - maintaining the Center’s valuable work while recognizing that

Positioning our Community & College


local groups would like more studies than the Center has the time and resources to conduct. The Center keeps its invoicing low thanks to a Car-Freshner Corporation endowment and support from the College, and maintains a steady flow of studies thanks to surveys it repeats on an annual basis.

“We’re in really good shape,” he reported; otherwise, he said, he wouldn’t think about stepping down to concentrate on professional and personal goals, which include both academic and creative writing projects (he is a member of the SUNY Distinguished Professor Academy, and is the author of two published novels). Meanwhile, he will conduct one more Center survey this fall, for the North Country Prenatal/Perinatal Council.

The community studies themselves yield information (via survey instruments) on topics such as local gambling be-haviors, downtown Watertown retail space, recycling, airport usage, and resident viewpoints on local quality of life. Dr. Petersen cites the gambling-behaviors study as one example of a surprising outcome. Survey results showed that Jefferson County residents spent $50 million a year on gambling-related activities. “You can’t help think,” he notes, “what could we do with $50 million a year? How many jobs could you create?”

Additionally, a CCS study for Hospice of Jefferson County established the need for the new Gotham St. Hospice facil-ity; a study for Alexandria Bay’s E.J. Noble Hospital helped to transform it into today’s River Hospital, when it might have shut down or had its services radically curtailed. Annually, the Development Authority of the North Country is a major sponsor of three surveys the Center now conducts for Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties.

“If you compare our survey response rate to any other professionals in the field,” said Dr. Petersen, “we’d be the envy of them. Our response rate is great and that’s a tribute to the students who help with the surveys, and to how they conduct them.“

Students make between 350-400 telephone calls over the course of three to four days when conducting research for the Center. When the community participates, their opinions help to shape North Country policy and decision-making.

Applied Learning for Jefferson Students For 17 years—since 1999—JCC math professor Joel LaLone has been the Center for Community Study’s secret weapon, the mastermind behind the data that emerges from its projects. His Mathematics Department colleague, Assistant Professor Larry Danforth, is stepping into the new position of Research Coordinator, though he has been involved in the work of the Center since 2011. Mr. LaLone and Mr. Danforth design, guide, and finalize the studies, but at the heart of their analysis is an applied-learning process whereby JCC statistics students are involved in every step of the survey projects.

Technological advances have made mathematics “explode,” said Mr. LaLone, “with big data and all of that. Thirty years ago, I wouldn’t have been able to do some of this.”

From development of the research questions to population identification, to definition of variables; to sample methodology, to data collection and data cleansing; to data analysis, data interpretation, and public presentation, JCC statistics students help with the work of the Center.

If they man the phones, they are paid for their work; if they don’t, they will still process some of the collected infor-mation in their coursework. “It’s the same mathematics formulas as the canned problems in my book,” Mr. LaLone pointed out, “but I can imagine it’s more meaningful to work on things that really impact their community.”

Per semester, between 150 and 200 students are involved with the Center’s data analysis. Frequently, the Math Department hears back from them once they go out into the work world, where they find themselves at an advan-tage due to their CCS activities. Mr. LaLone cites examples of students who received MBAs, but credit JCC ahead of their graduate institutions for where they are today—for example, Matt Biedekapp, described by K S & R Corp. of Syracuse as one of its “rising-star” employees.

Mr. Danforth added, “We give information to the community that other communities don’t get. I come from Corn-ing Community College, and Corning has to contract out for something like that.”

A favorite statistical challenge is coming up with the methodologies for data collection. “You can’t just figure out how to do an economic analysis on Tug Hill by googling it,” said Mr. LaLone. “That’s been professionally gratifying, to have to keep learning and expanding.” Students, too, suggest improvements in designs or survey instruments, and they do on-the-job problem-solving, like the student who called Wal-Mart in Lowville to learn Lewis County cell-phone prefixes. When students find unique angles in the research, that data sometimes ends up in Center reports.

“These are great young minds,” Mr. LaLone said of his student assistants.

He is pleased that his teaching methods give them opportunities to get involved. He added about the work of the Center, “I feel very fortunate that we (JCC) created this.”


Faculty & Staff/Student Kudos

2015 Spirit of Jefferson Award

JCC EverGREEN Committee (l-r) Matthew Lambert, James Juczak, Megan Pistolese, Tina Bartlett-Bearup, Bruce Alexander, Christina Ebey, Venkat Chebolu, Linda Dittrich

2015 Retirees

(l-r) President Carole McCoy, Terry Heagle, Karen Carr, Michael Perry, and trustee David Clark. Missing from photo: Kevin Clark, Kathleen Lane, Michele Price, Suzanne Wadhams

30 Milestone Years of Service

Joel LaLone and Brenda Hatch

SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence

(l-r) President Carole McCoy, Robyn Rhyner, Timothy Grosse, Jack Donato, William McMahon, trustee David Clark

25 Milestone Years of Service

(l-r) Terry Heagle, Cynthia Shelmidine, Sharon Weeks, Karen Carr, Kerry Young

JCC EverGREEN Committee

(l-r): Matthew Lambert, Linda Dittrich, Tina Bartlett-Bearup, Peter Boenning, Venkat Chebolu, Bruce Alexander, Carole McCoy


SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence

(l-r) SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher, Danielle Scott, JCC VP for Students Betsy Penrose

SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence

(l-r) SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher, Mikayla Warren, JCC VP for Students Betsy Penrose

All-New York PTK Academic Team

(l-r) President Carole McCoy and Kathleen Coloney

All-New York PTK Academic Team

(l-r) President Carole McCoy and Rabecca Venturelli

E-Day Business Competition Winners

Winners of the JCC business competition also earned first place in the North Country Regional Business Plan Competition & received the Best Financial Analysis Award at the 2015 High School Business Plan Competition. (l-r) Benjamin Nelson, Victoria Ciarfella, Cameron Morgan, Talon Parker

Nurses Pinning December 2014

(l-r) Bottom row: Tyasia Mosley, Amanda Terrillion, Alexandra Miller, Lisa Proulx. Top row: Leslie Lamirande, Shannon Glover, Matthew Sheldon, Carmen Pratt, Alyson Tighe


Academic News

New Transfer Degree Program in Early ChildhoodJefferson Community College launched a new Early Childhood associate in science (A.S.) transfer program designed to be the first two years of a four-year education in early childhood or related field.

The program features fieldwork placement in either an infant/toddler or preschool early childhood setting that allows students to gain practical, hands-on experience. Fieldwork placement sites may include, but are not limited to: Head Start, Fort Drum Child Development Centers, Campus Early Childhood Learning Center, a variety of local day care centers, preschools, and universal pre-K, a NYS Registered family day care, group family day care, as well as public and private schools. The A.S. degree in early childhood can be completed in four semesters of full-time study or over a longer period of time through part-time study. Classes are held on cam-pus and are available online.

Graduates of JCC’s early childhood A.S. program will have many transfer opportunities to colleges and universities in the State Uni-versity of New York (SUNY) system as well as private institutions. Jefferson has a partnership with SUNY Cobleskill through the Jef-ferson Higher Education Center (JHEC) which enables a Jefferson graduate to enroll in SUNY Cobleskill’s baccalaureate program and take classes held on JCC’s campus. Classes are taught by SUNY Cobleskill faculty. Jefferson also has a formal partnership with Excelsior College to provide graduates a seamless transfer. Other transfer opportunities exist with SUNY Cortland and SUNY Empire.

Fall semester condensed late session (4-week) classes run October 21 to December 16. Applying to Jefferson is free!

For more information about Jefferson’s Early Childhood degree programs, contact Gwen Francis-Frey, Associate Professor of Early Childhood, at 786-2362 or email [email protected]. Visit www.sunyjefferson.edu to learn more.

SUNY Oswego Brings Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership to Watertown A partnership between SUNY Oswego and Jefferson Community College will add a Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Educa-

tional Leadership to the options of advanced degree programs of-fered at JCC through the Jefferson Higher Education Center (JHEC). Designed for certified tenured school personnel who hold a mas-ter’s degree in any New York State education certification ( includ-ing student support services), the CAS in Educational Leadership program consists of part-time study and leads to full certification in any school leadership position. It includes both School Building Leader (SBL) and School District Leader (SDL) NYS certifications. SUNY Oswego’s program features a combination of integrated coursework, authentic learning inside schools, and field experi-ence. Designed to be completed over the course of two and half years, students will meet one night per week during the evening on JCC’s campus.

Applications are now being accepted with rolling admissions. The program formally begins in the Fall semester, but candidates can also take one or two courses in the summer preceding their formal entry. To apply, contact Chris Taylor, department secretary at SUNY Oswego, [email protected]. For more information about the program, contact department chair Angela Perrotto at [email protected] or call the JHEC office at 315-786-2265.

Open House on November 13, 2015 Have you thought about earning your degree, but didn’t know where to start? Attend Jefferson’s open house on Friday, November 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to learn about our friendly admis-sions process.

High school seniors are invited to come see for themselves why JCC is a perfect fit! Tour East Hall, learn how to apply for student housing, and about athletics and student life at Jefferson.

RSVP online at www.sunyjefferson.edu/openhouse. Have ques-tions? Call the JCC Welcome Center at 315-786-6567 or email [email protected].

News from JCC’s Continuing Education Division

Kids College a Success Campus was alive with activity this summer as kids expanded their knowledge through the exploration of science, technology, engineering, art, and math (S.T.E.A.M.) workshops offered through Continuing Education. This was the first year for Continuing Educa-tion to offer Kids College on campus, and, from all accounts it was a success! On any given morning or afternoon kids were seen making their way to Keyboard Piano Kamp, Art Mania, Archery, Digital Photography, Bridge Building, Rocket Building, or playing Quidditch on the quad.

Continuing Education also offered a week long enhanced work-shop experience for kids beginning at eight in the morning and ending at four in the afternoon Monday through Thursday each week in July. Called Full S.T.E.A.M Ahead, the program included hands on activities and projects for the kids that focused on sci-ence, technology, engineering, art, and math. Youth and adult workshops combined brought in more than four-hundred-and-fifteen registrations!

Workshops offer Something for Everyone JCC offers professional growth, personal enrichment, pre-certi-fication, and a wine appreciation and education series of non-credit workshops. Programming is offered year round and the fall workshop schedule is open to registrations. Adult learners should be sure to check out the offerings. You can enhance your profes-sional status by becoming a Notary, or have some laughs learning ballroom dance! Workshops are scheduled on campus, off site and online. The complete fall schedule is listed online at www.sunyjefferson.edu/workshops.

Nurses Pinning May 2015

(l-r) Front row: Nakia Doldo, April Gonzales, Sierra Reed, Mikayla Lyttle, Maria DuBose, Heidi Moser, Kristina Taylor. Second row: Tyler Sorrell, Kristin Navarra, Angela Duque, Donielle Hall, Amber Lobdell, Amanda Whitson, Tara Fullam, Justin Farman. Back row: Brandy Vondell, Megan Ackland, Alexandra Desonier, Amber Mc-Cargar, Jamie Sylver, Rachel Wakefield


Phuc “Brian” Vo is every music professor’s dream come true! Originally from the extremely hot and crowded Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Brian has been playing the piano since the age of 5 and performed his first recital at age 11. He came to the United States in 2013 as an international exchange student who attended Indian River Central School District and performed in the high school’s orchestra ensemble. With dreams of attending a prestigious music college and one day becoming a concert pianist, Brian chose to cultivate his musical talents and build his performance skills by starting college at Jef-ferson!

In addition to completing every music course possible at JCC, Brian keeps his piano fingers fine-tuned by performing alongside the JCC orchestra ensemble, volunteering as secondary accompanist for the College’s official choir, the Jefferson Singers, and performing a recital for the com-munity. “Brian has proven himself to be a professional artist with an abundance of talent, having displayed considerable performance abilities on piano, violin, and voice,” says Dr. Lisa Scrivani-Tidd, JCC music professor. “Most commendable is Mr. Vo’s exceptional dedica-tion to his piano studies.” When not in class, Brian can be heard in Sturtz Theater where he practices piano for countless hours. While learning to play the piano comes naturally easy for Brian, speaking the English language is self admittedly his biggest challenge. “JCC has helped me prepare to think and learn as a college student and…. talk more,” said Brian as he spoke about class participation and group discussions. His academic efforts combined with his dedication, hard work and commitment to music made him the ideal candidate for the JCC Outstanding Music Award he received at the An-nual Student Awards Ceremony in May 2015.

Starting the fall semester as a college sophomore, Brian expects to join JCC’s Tau Xi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the national honor society for community colleges, and looks forward to resuming a role in the JCC music ensembles.

Brian anticipates graduating from Jefferson in May 2016 and transferring to Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam or Eastman School of Music to major in piano performance.

Aspiring Musician Builds Repertoire at Jefferson


Athletics

Malcolm C. BiedekappTerry L. BiedekappSteven H. Brown

Melvin J. Busler ‘07Cheryl A. Clark ‘86

Lawrence “Hank” B. Darden ’71John P. Day

Michael F. Delaney ‘70Jerry B. Flanders ‘66

*Peter N. GaskinSteven A. Howard ‘99Marcia J. Laidlaw ‘69

Elizabeth “Bippie” Luckie ‘82Dianne D. McCargar ’78

Thomas W. Myers ’68John A. O’Donnell

John F. PenroseKenneth R. Puffer

Jennifer (Podvin) Richmond ‘03Amy Jo Sipher ‘92

Charity M. Smykla ’97*D. Rene Valentine

Robert Williams Jr. ‘85Robert F. Williams, Sr.

Scott K. WilsonDaniel P. Woodward ’77

Joy Williams Zimmerman ‘92*awarded posthumously

Cannoneer Hall of Fame Class of 2015 Inducted

The 2015 Cannoneer Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was held in conjunction with the JCC Distinguished Alumni recognition on Thursday, August 13, 2015 at the Wa-tertown Elks Club. The Athletic Hall Of Fame recognizes individual athletes and teams who have exhibited outstanding athletic success or have had a positive impact on Jefferson Athletics.

Honorees inducted into the Class of 2015 Cannoneer Hall of Fame are Charity M. Smykla, Robert Williams Jr. and John A. O’Donnell.

Charity Smykla ’97 played on both the JCC women’s soccer and basketball teams. She led the Lady Cannoneers’ soccer team to their first National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region III championship in 1996 while setting numerous athletic records along the way. She currently teaches ELA at Copenhagen Central School and has coached soccer, basketball and softball. She holds an associate’s degree from Jef-ferson in addition to a bachelor’s and master’s degree from SUNY Potsdam.

Bob Williams ‘85 coached at Jefferson from 1994-1997 and led the Cannoneers to win the NJCAA Region III Basketball Championship. Currently, he is the head coach at West Virginia University Tech. He led his team to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics National Tournament this year. Among the many awards bestowed to Wil-liams is the Mid-South Conference (MSC) Coach of the Year in 2009, MSC Champion-ship in 2012, and 300th College Coaching Victory in 2014.

John O’Donnell, a longtime supporter of Jefferson athletics, retired from the Water-town Daily Times after 41 years as a sportswriter. John started covering sports at JCC in 1972! He was one of five recipients to receive an Associate Press Award for covering the Winter Olympics in 1980 and is a member of the Red and Black Hall of Fame. In the community, his volunteerism efforts include service to the Samaritan Medical Center, Hospice and the Lions Club.

This event was made possible through the generosity of Liberty Mutual Insurance and Watertown Savings Bank.


NJCAA Region III Division III All-American Victoria Fusco, women’s lacrosse, 1st team Kaitlin Brierton, women’s lacrosse, 1st team Alyssa Crosby, women’s basketball, 1st team

NJCAA Region III Division III All-Region TeamKaitlin Brierton, women’s lacrosse, 1st teamVictoria Fusco, women’s lacrosse, 1st teamLauren Labiendo, softball, 2nd teamJessica Oliver, women’s lacrosse, 2nd teamMackenzie Kidder, women’s lacrosse, 2nd teamAnnette Rishe, women’s lacrosse, 2nd team NJCAA Pinnacle Award for Academic ExcellenceThis award is given to a student athlete who earned a 4.0 GPA and completed 45 semester hours.

Brooke Lalone, softball

NJCAA Superior Award for Academic AchievementThis award is given to a student athlete who earned a GPA between 3.8 and 3.99 and complet-ed 45 semester hours.

Kathleen Coloney, women’s basketballDeleha Decker, women’s soccer and softballLauren Labiendo, softball

NJCAA Exemplary Award for Academic AchievementThis award is given to a student athlete who earned a GPA between 3.6 and 3.79 and complet-ed 45 semester hours.

Kathryn Beagle, women’s lacrosse and soccerCaitlyn Graves, women’s soccerBryant Wentworth, baseball

MSAC All-Conference Team Awards (Spring) Lauren Labiendo, softball Hunter Thomas, baseballChristopher Strough, golf Nicholas Hughes, golf

MSAC Individual Golf Champion Pearce Parsons

Upcoming Alumni GamesAre you a Cannoneer who played baseball, lacrosse or basketball forJefferson? These alumni games are for you! Connect with formerteammates to reminisce, meet the current team, and play another game. For more information, contact the JCC athletics office at 315-786-2232.

Alumni Women’s Lacrosse GameSunday, October 11 @ 10am

8th Annual Peter N. Gaskin Men’s Lacrosse Sunday, October 11 @ 12pm

19th Annual Robert F. Williams Alumni Basketball GamesSaturday, October 24, 2015Women’s tip off @ 12pmMen’s tip off @ 2pm

JCC Cross Country Team Makes History While Running With the formation of the first cross country team in the history of the college, 16 athletes are off and running this fall! Their season opened on September 1 with an invitational held at SUNY Canton. “As a first year team we have some strong indi-vidual runners and should be competitive at the conference and regional levels,” says coach Daniel Godin. JCC’s cross country team has the opportunity to compete at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region III level and in the Mid-State Athletic Conference (MSAC). To follow the Cannoneers, visit www.cannoneerathletics.com to stay apprised of the team’s meet schedule and results.

Chelsea Monroe Named Softball CoachThe Lady Cannoneers softball team has a new coach for the spring 2016 season! JCC alumna Chelsea Monroe, of Watertown, holds the college softball record for career steals and set a home run record at Utica College. She coaches the NNY Bombers traveling softball team and will take the helm of the JCC softball team next season. Interested players can contact JCC’s office of athletics 315-786-2232.


A Message from the Foundation Executive Director

Pay It Forward

The Pay It Forward movement is not a new concept. Some believe it dates all the way back to 317 BC where it was used as a key plot concept for a play in ancient Athens. It became widely popular, however, in 2000 after Catherine Ryan Hyde’s novel Pay It Forward was published and adapted into a film of the same name. The philosophy of Pay It Forward is that through acts of kindness, we all foster a more caring community. One good deed might not seem like much, but if everyone did something good for someone else, the cycle of generosity and kindness can spark us to become better people and a better community.

I have been touched many times throughout my life by people paying it forward. When I was a high school gradu-ate getting ready to apply for college, my family did not have the means to pay for the college applications that I was hoping to submit. My best friend’s mother, who was and is one of the most generous souls I have ever met, quietly paid for my college applications so that I could pursue my dream of obtaining a college education. This act of kindness stayed with me as I pushed toward my goal of receiving my bachelor’s degree, which I did with an in-tense drive, achieving a 4.0 GPA. The philosophy of paying it forward has since become a guiding principle in my life leading me to pursue a career in helping others. I feel incredibly lucky to now be in a position to help others achieve their dreams of obtaining a college education.

Just a couple of week ago, my husband was at a local restaurant with some members of his troop for a going away lunch. As they attempted to pay their bills, the waitress informed them that an anonymous patron had paid for their meals. This act of kindness was not lost on these proud members of Bravo Troop, 6-6 Calvary Regiment, Fort Drum, NY, as they make plans to Pay It Forward.

We each have the opportunity every day to show someone kindness. What will you do to Pay It Forward and start a ripple effect of good deeds?

As the new Executive Director of the Foundation, I was interested in learning about the many scholarships available to students attending JCC. What I found in looking back was a beautiful discovery. Featured on the next page are two of our oldest scholarships demonstrating that the concept of paying it forward has been alive and well since the College’s inception.

Lisa M. FamiloExecutive Director

Looking Back…Paying it Forward…

Watertown Rotary Club Scholarship-Annual Scholarship-Established 1963The Watertown Rotary Club, Club Number 4623, was organized on October 14, 1914. Watertown was the ninth club to be chartered in New York State. The

formation of the Watertown Club was largely due to the efforts of two merchants, Henry Butterworth and Lon P. Hall, and Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, Francis Lamon. The founders of the Watertown Club charted the course which succeeding administra-tions have followed. Good fellowship and community service were, and still are, the principal objectives.

As Rotary grew, its mission expanded and Rotarians began pooling their resources and contributing their talents to help serve com-munities in need. Rotary’s motto, Service Above Self, exemplifies the humanitarian spirit of the organization. The Watertown Rotary Club Scholarship, established in 1963, is Jefferson Community College’s oldest, active annual scholarship. The club currently awards up to six scholarships in the amount of $500 annually.

The Watertown Rotary Club Scholarship is restricted to residents of Jefferson County with good academic potential demonstrating financial need. Preference is given to a son or daughter of a Rotary Club member.

The Jefferson Community College is immensely grateful for the continued support and generosity of the Watertown Rotary Club! Thank you for being a long-standing example of a civic organiza-tion that believes in paying it forward!

Corporal William Brabant Memorial Scholarship-Endowed Scholarship-Established 1968Born on December 12, 1947, William A. Brabant attended Clayton Central High School, graduating in 1965. He completed his associate’s degree in applied science from Jefferson Community College in 1967.

On November 14, 1967, William enlisted in the Army completing his basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Promoted in Vietnam to corporal, after having completed tracking school in the United States only ten

days earlier, Mr. Brabant was killed in action on October 8, 1968, near Duc Pho, Vietnam, while serving as an infantryman in the 11th Infantry Brigade of the Americal Division.

Remembering his brother, Peter Brabant said, “He was athletic, and in high school he joined the football and wrestling teams. He loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed being in and around water. Today, I can still remember him traveling along the St. Lawrence

River in his Higgin’s boat. In the depths of fog concealing everyone, people knew he was coming because his whistle always carried a happy tune!”

As a remembrance of their brother and son, the Brabant fam-ily created the Corporal William Brabant Memorial Scholarship in 1968. They wanted his legacy of education and willingness to thrive to live on in other students. The scholarship is awarded to two students each year, graduates of the Thousand Islands Central School District. One for a new freshman student, and the other for a continuing student at JCC.

The Jefferson Community College Foundation is incredibly ap-preciative of the Brabant family’s generosity and desire to turn a tragic event into an extraordinary act of kindness; a true testament to paying it forward!

For more information about either of these scholarships, please visit www.sunyjefferson.edu/alumni-friends/jcc-foundation.

What’s New

Italian Arts Travel Abroad Scholarship Opportunity for Summer 2016!Sponsored by the Estate of Mrs. Frederick H. (Aline) Taylor of Watertown, the Italian Art Scholarship allows students to spend the month of July studying art at the Scuola Lorenzo de’Medici in Florence, Italy. Each scholarship covers the cost of travel, tuition, lodging, books, art supplies and meals. Students are required to complete course(s) at the Scuola Lorenzo de’Medici for which they will be awarded college credit.

Student applicants must complete at least 24 credit hours by the end of the spring 2016 semester, have a grade point average of 2.5 or above, and be enrolled full-time at Jefferson in both the Fall 2015 and Spring 2016 semesters. Candidates are also required to have taken at least one college level art class prior to the trip.

The Italian Arts Scholarship application will be available November 2, 2015 at www.sunyjefferson.edu.

Beginning in the spring of 2016, Jefferson Community College will begin using AcademicWorks, the leading provider of scholarship management solutions for colleges, universities, and founda-tions. The AcademicWorks Scholarship Management Module is used by hundreds of institutions and foundations to improve the compliance, utilization, and stewardship of scholarship funds, while improving service to students, donors, and the community. The Scholarship Management Module provides a central place for financial aid and foundation staff to access all scholarship informa-tion across campus and easily match students to the scholarships best suited for them. Stay tuned for more information about this innovative advancement!


Foundation Board Member Highlight Heather Johnson joined the JCC Foundation Board in September 2013 representing Car-Freshner Corporation. Heather is originally from Silver Creek, NY. She graduated from Wheaton College in Norton, MA with a double major in mathematics and economics. From Wheaton, she went on to attend the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA where she graduated with a master’s degree in economics.

Heather worked for John Hancock Financial Services in Boston, MA as a financial analyst for four years before moving back to the Western New York area to be closer to family. For the next four years she worked as an adjunct professor at SUNY Fredonia, teaching mathematics, economics and computer programming. She and her family relocated once again to the New England area where Heather began working for Tom’s of Maine in Kennebunk, ME. She started with the company as a market analyst, but quickly moved into brand marketing where she found her passion. When the opportunity arose seven years later to come back to New York State and work as a brand manager for Car-Freshner Corporation, Heather jumped at the chance. She has been with Car-Freshner now for three years and absolutely loves her job. Heather lives with her husband and three children in Henderson Harbor, NY and they love the Northern New York area and all that it has to offer.

When Heather was asked by Car-Freshner to consider representing the company on the JCC Foundation Board, she was more than happy to do so. She has always felt strongly about higher education and admires the SUNY system of schools. Her father was an English teacher at Erie Community College South Campus in Orchard Park, NY for over 35 years before retiring just a few years ago, so she has known community college life for as long as she can remember. She believes in the power of knowledge and education and that it should be something available to anyone that is looking to learn and better their life. She is proud to serve Car-Freshner and JCC as an active board member and writes, “It is a privilege to help cultivate relationships, develop donors and raise funds to support the amazing students that attend JCC and further the goals of the College.”

Scholarship Donor HighlightBy: Dawn RobinsonRobinson Family ScholarshipI am originally from Rochester, NY and coming to Jefferson was the first experience I had as a college student. Being on a college campus was a chal-lenging yet inspiring experience. I am a 1997 graduate of Jefferson. I give much credit to my success to the faculty and staff that supported and assisted me in finding my passion for teaching (Cherie

Ditch and Courtney Bauer). I didn’t start out knowing that I wanted to become a teacher. I began at Jefferson as a math/science major who wanted to become an environmental conservation officer. (That didn’t work out so well!) I then transferred to the business division where I became a Retail Business Management AAS stu-dent. By the time I finished at Jefferson I had found my passion for instruction and upon completion of my degree, I continued onto Nazareth College to pursue my bachelor’s degree in business and distributive education. I finished at Nazareth and couldn’t wait to return to the North Country to continue my education at Pots-dam and to begin my career. I taught for nine years at Watertown

High School. After losing my position due to budget constraints, I received the amazing opportunity to join the Jefferson family not as a student but as a faculty member. I am thankful each semester for the opportunities I have received.

As a faculty alumnus, I felt it was important to give back to the institution that gave me my start. I felt a great connection to Jef-ferson and its potential students. With rising high school budget constraints, students are unable to experience some of the elective classes that I was able to take as a student that prepared me for the rigor of the college experience.

I heard of a high school senior who had taken all of the college credit-bearing EDGE classes available to her at her home school. She has been accepted to Coastal Carolina University and will be pursuing a business degree with a concentration in marketing. She wanted the experience of attending a face-to-face college class pri-or to beginning her program in the fall. The student, because she is considered a high school student, did not qualify for any financial aid, and she was not able to apply for any scholarships. High school students have a greater financial need than the average student because they hold part-time jobs at best. Many high school seniors would choose an easy schedule for their last semester and coast to graduation. This student chose to seek a challenging schedule of attending class three days a week and returning to her home school where she carries a full load of classes, participates in extracurricular activities such as the school musical, volunteers in her community, is an active member in Stage Notes, a local drama organization that not only performs but raises funds for the Urban Mission. She is also a leader on the softball team. Watching this student’s dedication to her community and her learning inspired me. I established a scholarship for her and others who are seek-ing the challenge of taking a class at Jefferson while still in high school. I hope they may begin to realize “There really is more here” at Jefferson!

Upcoming Sessions at Jefferson • Fall late session (8-week) classes start October 21 • Winterim (4-week) classes start December 23 online and December 28 on campus • Spring semester classes begin January 25, 2016


Scholarship HighlightDonald Miller Memorial ScholarshipIn February 2015, Jefferson Community College established the Donald Miller Memorial Scholarship with contributions from col-lege faculty, staff, and retirees to honor the memory of their former colleague.

Don was an admirable man whose life was dedicated to serving others. He became part of the Jefferson family in 1997 as Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Life. Before coming to Jefferson, he served as Dean of Students at the University of Dallas in Irving, TX, Associate Dean of Students at Colgate University, Director of Student Activities at SUNY Binghamton’s Harper Col-lege of Arts & Sciences, and as Director of a residence hall at West Virginia University. Don received his undergraduate degree from Ohio University and earned a master of arts degree in educational administration from Case-Western Reserve University. In addition, he completed forty-four hours towards a doctorate in educational administration at West Virginia University.

Friends at Jefferson recall Dean Miller’s amiable personality and his welcoming smile. He is remembered by his colleagues for his kind-ness and positive outlook. Don retired from Jefferson in 2005 and returned to his Texas home. Each summer after his retirement, he would return to the North Country to visit friends and stay on the lake at Cape Vincent, something that he and his wife, Pat, enjoyed so much. Don is dearly missed by his family and friends.

The Jefferson Community College Foundation is thankful to the many individuals who helped establish this scholarship and is hon-ored to be able to continue Dean Miller’s commitment to students at Jefferson Community College.

Pavers, A Perfect Way to Make a Mark on Campus!

Community members and Jefferson students, alumni, faculty and staff are invited to leave their mark on campus with a personalized commemorative paver. Honor a graduate, friend, or favorite profes-sor, remember a loved one, celebrate a special occasion or thank someone special. Engraved pavers, available in three different sizes, will be placed in the area surrounding the Haas Clocktower, a focal point at the center of campus, to be enjoyed for years to come.

Contact the JCC Foundation at 315-786-2458, [email protected], or go to www.sunyjefferson.edu/pavers for order information. Pavers are installed annually during the fall.


A Message from Jefferson’s Alumni Development OfficerAutumn is upon us, sneaking slowly up as the days shorten and the air gets crisp. Many times we think of the autumn season as a time of harvest, a time when life begins to retreat, a time to prepare for the long barren days of winter in the North Country. However, here at Jefferson Community College, autumn is when new life abounds!

New beginnings, new challenges, new faces! New ideas to explore, new friends to make, new experiences to share. As alumni, we often look to the past … back to our days at JCC, back to our carefree college days. But at this time of year, as we begin a new academic year, it is time for alumni to look forward by making a new commitment to ‘pay it forward’ through our gifts of funds and mentorships. Every college depends on their alumni to help keep costs down for students, and Jefferson Community College is no exception. But, for our alumni, it’s not just about making college affordable and making important opportunities available for today’s students. It is also about passing along the experiences that shaped our lives. By sharing of our experiences through mentoring, we give insight and vision to students at the very beginning of their college path.

Jefferson alumni share a strong commitment to JCC, giving of themselves to enrich the lives of new students, which is truly an investment in the future of our community!

Edie A. RoggieAlumni Development Officer

Jefferson Community College 2015 Distinguished Alumni

Left to Right: Renee Bowers, Michael Steele, Courtney Bauer

Jefferson Community College held its annual Distinguished Alumni and Cannoneer Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Thursday, August 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the Watertown Elks Lodge. Three distinguished alumni were recognized for their professional achievement and exemplary commitment to their community and Jefferson Community College.

The 2015 Distinguished Alumni honorees are: Renee E. Bowers, Class of 1982, who received the Professional Achievement Award for her significant professional growth and leadership abilities; Mi-chael D. Steele, Class of 2000, who received the Rising Star Award for exhibiting a promise for continued success; and Courtney A.

Bauer, Class of 1988, who received the Jeffersonian Award for her volunteerism, civic involvement, and humanitarian undertakings. Congratulations to these extraordinary individuals!

To see a complete list of all of the JCC Distinguished Alumni recipi-ents honored through the years, visit our website at http://www.sunyjefferson.edu/alumni-friends/past-distinguished-alumni.

Alumni Advisory Council Highlight Philip James ’14, knew that he wanted to go into either business administration or accounting, but didn’t exactly know which one to choose. Philip looked at multiple universities and colleges, private and public, in an effort to decide. He had not considered JCC because he thought he wanted to attend a four-year school, getting a bachelor’s degree and a job all in a matter of four consecutive years. On the advice of his parents, he decided to look at

JCC to see what was offered there.

Philip started attending JCC as a full-time student in the spring of 2012. In an effort to learn more about the field of accounting and on the advice of his accounting professor, Philip transferred into the A.A.S. in Accounting in the fall of 2013. During his tenure as a student at Jefferson, Philip was involved in multiple committees, clubs, events, and campus activities. The most important role that he held was the student representative on the Board of Trustees, which governs the College. In this position, Philip served as the voice of the entire student body, working with administration, faculty and most importantly, the students. Philip also enjoyed


Alumni Wine Cruise - Ahoy, Mates! A great group of JCC alumni toured the beautiful waters of the St. Lawrence River on the alumni wine cruise, July 16, 2015, guided by the wonderful folks at Coyote Moon Vineyards, Clayton, NY and hosted by John and Betsy Penrose and Marie Hess.

The captain and crew stopped the boat over the location of the sunken ship that the cannon, now centrally located on the JCC campus, was retrieved from and donated to JCC in 1967. A recov-ery team was sent down from the 479th Engineer Battalion, Fort Drum, to extract the cannon. It was then delivered to the campus and the facilities department built the carriage for it.

This is a picture of several of the alumni in attendance on the wine cruise over the location of the sunken ship that once carried JCC’s proud piece of American history!

Left to right: Danny Haycock (River Guide), Bryon Perry, Audrey Oakes, Jayne Perry, Mallory Scriber, Jan Godfrey, Philip James, Jeffrey Godfrey, Marie Hess, Jeff Perrine

working with other students through his employment with the Learning and Success Center (LSC) as a student worker. While working at the LSC, he was part of the Campus Orientation and Registration Educators (CORE) group that headed up the entire New Student Orientation each spring and fall. CORE employees are some of the first people that the new student sees when they come to orientation!

In the spring of 2013, Philip was approached by a fellow student to add his name to the ballot to run in the Student Government As-sociation elections for the student trustee position, which he won, beginning his term July, 2013. Throughout Philip’s term as trustee, he met regularly with administration to discuss student concerns and thoughts and ideas for growth. This was a position that Philip enjoyed immensely, learning about policy, strategic growth and what makes JCC the best community college in the area!

After graduation, Philip was asked to sit on the Alumni Advisory Council, which he did with the utmost commitment and enthu-siasm! He is currently working full-time as a finance clerk for a non-profit organization and is pursuing a bachelor’s in business (BS), with the hope of pursuing a master’s in accounting (MSA) or a master’s in business (MBA). Philip’s career goal is to become a certi-fied public accountant and he credits JCC for helping to make his dream possible, writing “Jefferson Community College made me who I am today! Thank you JCC for all you have done for me and for all 20,000+ graduates!”

Left: Bethany Hughes, right: Crystal Roberts

Alumni-Owned Business Highlight: Caring for Our CommunityBethany Hughes, ’03, and Amy Kepler, ’03, became fast friends while attending Jefferson Community College, each going on to graduate with honors from the University of Phoenix with a master’s in general psychology. The two friends recently opened the Social Adult Day Center, Croghan, NY, to provide services to the elderly. With the help of their family and friends, they renovated the facility, having their grand opening in April 2015.

Amy, an Army wife, moved back to her native Wisconsin, where she owns and operates two similar, larger facilities, and serves as own-er/overseer to the Croghan facility. Bethany resides in Croghan, and operates the newest facility as executive director. The two partners are in constant communication, and are assisted in the Croghan facility by JCC graduate Crystal Roberts ‘14, assistant director, who is also currently a student at Keuka College at JCC.

The mission of the Croghan Adult Care is to provide local families with safe, uplifting respite care for their elderly and disabled family members. Programming and activities are kept fresh and interest-ing, and the business has just started to focus on overnight respite care, as well. Participants are encouraged to work on social and daily skills, getting involved in arts, baking, exercise, and commu-nity outings.

Amy and Bethany credit the strong business foundation they received at Jefferson as well as their strong friendship, as keys to their business success. Their commitment to their community is one exemplified by many JCC graduates!


many give so much of their time and support to not only him, but to future athletes, reinforcing that it truly does take a whole community to bring a successful athletic program to our children. Ramon Blanco-Pabon, ’13, recently graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, SC.

Sue Lyman Herse was a member of the first class of JCC. She transferred to SUNY Oswego and taught school at South Jefferson High School for 27 years. Sue has been the town historian for Adams for over 25 years and is currently collaborating on a book titled “Stone Houses of Jefferson County”.

Mary Wilsie, ’00, recently competed her MBA degree from Capella University. Mary was a high honors office technology program student at JCC, and has worked for many years in healthcare administration.

And JCC “Love at First Sight” Story!Michael Krickmire, ’70, and his wife, Mary, a graduate from Jamestown Community College, met at SUNY Brockport when they both were sporting t-shirts that read “JCC”. The ensuing friendship led to a 38+ year love affair! The couple married in 1977 while still in graduate school, according to the Democrat and Chronicle and they have been working together in the theater community for over 30 years in the Rochester area, teaching students the passion of the theater. They were recently honored with the prestigious 2015 Rod Marriott Award for Lifetime Achievement in Theater Education from the NYS Theater Education Association.

Alumni Notes and News

Jonathan Bartholomew, ’97, has been named vice-president and managing financial consultant at NBT Financial Services, working at Syracuse Park Place office. Jonathan has over 12 years of experience in the financial services industry, according to the Post-Standard, and previously served as a financial consultant at Community Investment Services Inc.

Bridget Fetterly, ’06, was recently honored by the Carthage Lions Club with the Uplinger Award, bestowed to individuals for exceptional community service. Bridget served four years in the Army, and currently serves as a Carthage Savings and Loan assistant vice-president.

Patrick Bourcy, ’87, is the senior vice-president of Wegman’s, Rochester, NY. Patrick also sits on the Board of Directors at ‘Foodlink’ in Rochester, a national model for food distribution/production to bring nutritious, fresh foods to low-income families.

Mary Ann Sayyeau, ’67, was crowned the very first Lewis County Dairy Princess in 1965 and recently helped the organization celebrate 50 years of supporting the dairy industry in Northern New York.

Robert Tebo, ’67, was inducted into the Tupper Lake Lumberjack Hall of Fame. After graduating from JCC and then St. Lawrence University with a master’s degree, Bob served for over 32 years in the athletic program at Tupper Lake Schools. Bob has seen so


Upcoming Alumni Events

SETH AND THE MOODY MELIX A CONCERT FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 26, 2016 • JCC Sturtz Theater $3 in advance ($2 for Alums and Military); $5 at door; 25% discount for groups of 50 or more

An interactive, multicultural journey designed to engage children’s love of music and learning while promoting character education. Songs address social and peer interaction, healthy living, the world around us, and much more. Seth Warden is a 1995 LaFargeville Central High School graduate. After graduating with a Master’s in education from Albany’s College of St. Rose in 2010, Seth teamed up with percussionist Brian Melick, and violinist Doug Moody, to create songs that are not only fun and engaging, but are educa-tional at their core.

Upcoming Campus Events

RJ Mitte, Star of AMC’s Breaking Bad, To Give Keynote at JCC Leadership Day October 28RJ Mitte played the role of Walter White Jr., a character who has ce-rebral palsy, on the AMC drama Breaking Bad and it was a role he could personally relate to! The 22-year old actor was diagnosed with a mild form of cerebral palsy at the young age of three. After spending his toddler years

in leg braces, working with speech therapists and surviving as a victim of severe bullying, RJ moved to Los Angeles with his family and through a local talent agent, was cast in the Hannah Mon-tana show and then Everyone Hates Chris. RJ uses his success as an actor, producer and model to help advance opportunities for others with disabilities through organizations including I Am PWD (Performers With Disabilities), the National Disability Institute’s Real Economic Impact Tour, United Cerebral Palsy and PACER’s National Center for Bullying Prevention. He speaks to students at colleges and high schools across the country to inspire acts of strength and kindness.

RJ will give the keynote address at Jefferson’s Annual Leadership Day on October 28, 2015. The program was launched in 2008 to enhance and develop leadership skills of high school and college students. In addition to a keynote address, JCC’s Leadership Day program features sessions on team building and goal setting.

In 2013, JCC’s Leadership Day Program received the Northeast Region Program of the Year designation by the Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities. Area high schools interested in learning more about JCC’s Leadership Day Program should contact the JCC Admissions Office at 315-786-2277.

NCWF Coffee House Reading – Thursday, October 29The JCC English Department will hold a weeklong North Coun-try Writers Festival (NCWF) beginning Monday, October 26. The festival will feature daily contests and visiting authors. On Thurs-day, October 29, a coffee house reading will take place to honor the winners of the 2015 writers contest. The public is welcome to attend! Coffee and refreshments will be provided. For more information about NCWF events, visit www.sunyjefferson.edu or contact the JCC English Department at 315-786-2328. The NCWF is sponsored by the JCC Faculty Student Association.


Michelle D. Pfaff was appointed to the Jefferson Community College Board of Trustees in 1999 by then-Governor George Pataki and is in her third term as trustee. She served as chair of the Board from 2002-2004, chair of the Personnel Committee from 2008 to 2015, chair of the Budget and Planning Committee from 2001-2003 and currently serves on the Personnel Committee. Michelle holds a bachelor of arts degree in economics and history from St. Lawrence University. In 2010, Michelle retired from a 35-year career in banking serving most recently as vice president of Community Bank. Michelle remains active in several North Country organizations while she and her husband, Dave, spend their free time traveling. Recently, we chatted with Mrs. Pfaff on her tenure as trustee.

Has your view of the College changed since you first joined the Board of Trustees? To quote the College’s tagline, ‘There’s More Here.’ More educational opportunities, a more inclusive community for learners of all ages, more student success.

How, if at all, do you think the community’s view of the College has changed over the years?I like to think they also see ‘there’s more here’ – from courses and traditional degree programs, to seminars and workshops for career and personal development, to the Center for Community Studies surveys and speaker series, to events like the Fort Drum Rally held on campus in March.

What are some of the biggest changes you have seen occur at the College?The onset and subsequent growth of online courses is a big change. Also, the development of the Higher Education Center.

During your 17-year tenure as a trustee, of what accomplishments are you most proud? I’m proud at how responsive the College is to the needs of the community. Over the years we have offered degrees in EMS, dental hygiene (through a partnership), a weekend option for the nursing program and developed more flexible courses, in particular those of-fered on Fort Drum. The Higher Education Center brings bachelor’s and master’s programs to the community through partnerships with other colleges. And, the variety of non-credit courses for career and personal development continues to grow. Personally I’ve enjoyed many workshops including the Great Decisions seminar and ballroom dancing.

I’m also proud of the high marks that students give the College after they leave Jefferson – our rankings for quality of education and the variety of student life activities are the highest among JCC’s peers in SUNY. But, perhaps I’m most proud that Jefferson has the highest graduation rate of all community colleges in New York!

What challenges lie ahead for Jefferson? Enrollment will always pose a challenge. High school populations are flat or declining. Like most community colleges, we see fluctuations due to the cyclical nature of the economy, but unique to Jefferson are the ups and downs related to what is happening on Fort Drum with both deployments and sequestration.

What is your favorite activity or event at Jefferson? My favorite event is the annual Recognition Celebration held in May. It is a fun event where we have the opportunity to recognize faculty and staff and celebrate their contributions and dedication to the College.


In the Spotlight

Associate Professor of Computer Science Jack Donato joined Jefferson in 1990 and currently chairs the computer science/energy depart-ment. He holds an associate’s degree from Jefferson Community College, a bachelor’s degree from the Institute of Technology at Utica/Rome and a master’s in education from SUNY Potsdam. Jack also received a 2015 Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Who do you consider your mentor and why? Dr. Charles Echelbarger, who was a philosophy professor at Oswego, really changed my view of teaching. It was a class in critical think-ing and Dr. Echelbarger asked questions all semester. Not once did he state anything - he just kept asking us questions. It was very, very powerful. It caused us to think and examine the topics for ourselves and discover the content he was teaching. I try to emulate that experience for my students at Jefferson.

What is your favorite annual campus event or activity and why? My favorite “event” is not really an event per se’. I like the end of the second week of classes. The students know you a bit better and you know them a bit better. They are less reserved, but they are also not feeling the pressure of the grades and assignments, etc. It is the time of the semester where there is a nice classroom environment that allows us to dig into the material and discuss it without the pressure and angst of the outcomes.

What is your favorite book and why? I read a lot. OK, my Mom reads a lot as she can finish a novel in a day - she works in a library so she has access to lots of new books. I read technical stuff. Computer science changes quickly, which means I have to keep up on it. If you think about the technology you were using 27 years ago (when I started teaching) and what it looks like today, you would say it has changed dramatically. It would stand to reason that the stuff under the hood has had to change with it, right? There you go - I read a lot.

What do you enjoy most about teaching computer science? I believe every topic in every discipline can give you something to make you better prepared. I do love my discipline, but my favorite part of teaching is when the student sees the “light bulb” come on and it does not have to be the topic at hand. There are things students learn that are every bit as important as the course material.

What is your most significant personal accomplishment? My children are what I am most proud of personally. They are well-adjusted, good people. I adore them and enjoy watching them grow.

Who is your favorite superhero and why?I am not too sure I have a favorite superhero. I have enjoyed all of the Avenger-related stuff lately, but I still like the idea of the odd-ball, off-the-wall ones like the Tick, and the ones from Mystery Men (Mr. Furious, the Shoveler, etc.). I think I like them because they are kind of ordinary people who want to help make things better. They aren’t in the lime-light and they want to help out. They are more substance than show. I like that in people.

If you could give your students one piece of advice to carry throughout their lives, what would it be? There is no short path to effective change. If you have a goal, make a realistic plan and then follow it. I truly believe people can be anything they desire, but the other part of that idea is that they have to work for it. And, please, do it right. An old adage comes to mind, “There is never enough time to do it right, but there is always time to do it a second time.”

Jefferson Community College1220 Coffeen StreetWatertown, NY 13601

(315) 786-2200www.sunyjefferson.edu

Volume Thirteen • Fall 2015

Our Vision

Jefferson Community College will be a dynamic educational leader, transforming lives and our community.

Our Mission

Learning is the focus of Jefferson Community College. Through excellence in teaching, innovative services, and community partnerships, the College advances

the quality of life of our students and community.

Documents

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