A publication for Alumni and Friends of the College AMBASSADOR

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THE IMPACT OF INVESTING IN FLCC Each academic year donors help support student success. Throughout this publication, we highlight six of the 114 students who were recipients of scholarships at FLCC for the 2014-15 year. Thank you for the generous support of FLCC’s educational mission and for making a difference in the lives of current and future students!

View our 2014 donor list using your smartphone and this QR code or at www.flcc.edu/pdf/alumni/ foundation-donor-list.pdf.

Make a gift today. Use the enclosed envelope or go online to www.flcc.edu/giving.

EDITORS Amy I. Pauley Executive Director, FLCC Foundation

Lenore L. Friend Director of Public Relations & Community Affairs

WRITERS Lisa L. Scott Resource Development and Events Specialist

Jessica Youngman Public Relations and Events Specialist

DESIGN AND LAYOUT Sarah R. Butler Graphic Designer

PHOTOGRAPHER Rikki Van Camp

The Ambassador is produced by Alumni Relations at Finger Lakes Community College.

Views and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editor or official College policies. Finger Lakes Community College does not discriminate in its employment and educational processes. View our non-discrimination statement.

Finger Lakes Community College Alumni Relations Office of Resource Development 3325 Marvin Sands Drive, Canandaigua, NY 14424

alumni@flcc.edu

A NEW YEAR, A NEW HOME FOR VITICULTURE AND WINE TECHNOLOGY January marks the opening of the new Finger Lakes Community College Viticulture and Wine Center, a 9,000-square-foot facility that features a teaching winery, enology laboratory for classes, aging rooms, wine storage, a crush pad, and classroom and office space. It is located at 100 Empire Drive, Geneva, on the grounds of the Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park.

The design of each room was based on input from wine industry professionals and Cornell University representatives. The building also adheres to the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards.

FLCC’s two-year associate in applied science (A.A.S.) degree program in viticulture and wine technology is the only one of its kind in the northeastern U.S. An advisory board of vineyard and winery owners and professionals in wine and grape research, education, and marketing assisted with the development of the program.

MEET KELLY LA VOIE ’96 CCFL/FLCC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

Beginning this January, Kelly La Voie ’96 will succeed Ethan Fogg as the CCFL/FLCC Alumni Association President. Ethan will be honored for his 10 years of service at the Alumni Awards Celebration in May (see page 12 to learn more).

Kelly earned an associate degree in humanities from FLCC and continued her education at William

Smith College where she received a bachelor’s degree in economics. She has completed graduate courses in finance at Rochester Institute of Technology. She began working in the financial services industry in 1999. Today, she is a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management.

In her role as CCFL/FLCC Alumni Association President, Kelly will also serve on the FLCC Foundation Board of Directors. In addition, she currently serves on the Quail Summit Board of Directors in Canandaigua and the town of Canandaigua Zoning Board of Appeals. Kelly is president of the Geneva Rotary Club and serves on Geneva Growth.

She lives in Canandaigua with her daughters, Kelsey and Michaela, and their rescue dog, Chewy.

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Building progress December 2014

Receiving this scholarship really meant a lot to me. It allowed me to get a high quality education at FLCC for an affordable price. Also, it helped me to gain a sense of fiscal responsibility. I would like to thank everyone who made this scholarship possible.

— Marcella Del Plato 2014 Found Word Scholarship recipient

BOOK FEAST Fascinating Books | Fantastic Food | Fabulous Conversation

Guests gathered at the College on Oct. 18 for the reception and kickoff of the third annual Book Feast fundraiser for the FLCC Foundation. Attendees networked over appetizers before heading off to dinner locations, where they were served gourmet meals during moderator-led discussion about their selected books.

Thanks to book moderators and hosts for making our event an amazing success! Moderators: Dr. Preston Pierce Mayor Ellen Polimeni Dr. Ruth Scott Rochelle Smith Mark Vahey Dr. John Van Niel

The fundraiser is a one-night book club event featuring intriguing books, delicious dinners at different local homes and venues along with enlightening conversation by authors or expert speakers. Proceeds from the event support the work of the FLCC Foundation, which exists to provide connections and resources to the College. Check the College website throughout the year as plans are made for the 2015 event on Saturday, Oct. 17. Feel free to share book suggestions by emailing alumni@flcc.edu. Visit www.flickr.com/photos/fingerlakescommunitycollege/ for more photos.

Hosts: Nan Bloomer at Ferris Hills at West Lake Susan Cunningham Debi and Bill Jones Dr. Adrienne O’Brien Barbara and Fred Risser Lori Vail and Rebecca Hazard

Sponsors: FLCC Humanities Department FLCC Honors Studies Program Cohber Press Ferris Hills at West Lake

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“Everything was impressive — the presentation, the book selections, the food, and the discussion. Great to see so many members of the community out to support the college. Will be back again!”

“I love meeting and talking to the other attendees and their evaluation of their book choice.”

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD HONORS TWO IN MAY 2015The FLCC Alumni Association will present the 2015 Distinguished Alumni Awards to Mary Wilsey ’70 and Tor Constantino ’89 at the Annual Awards Celebration on May 15.

Mary Wilsey ’70 is counted among CCFL’s “Storefront Pioneers.” She was both a student and a faculty member during the Storefront Era. Mary has been associated with the College during all four presidents’ tenures. After receiving her associate degree in executive secretarial science, she continued her education at Nazareth College, earning a B.S. and M.S. Before returning to FLCC in fall 1974 as a faculty member, she taught in the business department at Sodus High

School. Today Mary is a coordinator of office technologies at FLCC, revising curriculum and courses as needed to keep the program up-to-date. She has served as chairperson of the department of business for the last 12 years, overseeing 11 degree and three certificate programs. Alpha Beta Gamma, a business honor society, made Mary an honorary member. During her tenure at FLCC, she served as the FLCC Association secretary for 10 years, secretary for the Faculty Association and its executive committee, and executive board member

and vice president for the Alumni Association. She was involved with the development of the Early Alert Program, a College initiative that identified students at risk of not graduating and intervened with assistance before problems occur. In 1998, she was selected to receive the State University Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and cited for her ability to bring together students from diverse backgrounds to create a classroom environment that facilitates learning, builds self-esteem, and reinforces the value of setting and working towards goals. Students and colleagues comment that they find Mary “professional, diligent, dedicated and patient.”

After receiving an associate degree in communications from CCFL, Tor Constantino ’89 continued his education at Syracuse University where he received a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He worked in this field as a news anchor and reporter for CBS Radio Network and ABC and CBS television stations for nearly a decade. Tor earned an M.B.A. from Rochester Institute of Technology in 2000 and has since held corporate communications and public relations

positions. He is currently the director of global public relations and external affairs for IMS Health, a company that provides information, services and technology for the healthcare industry. In addition, he maintains a blog at thedailyretort.com and is a frequent contributor to online sites such as RELEVANT Magazine and FaithVillage.com. He is the author of the bestselling book, “A Question of Faith: A Simple Question Toward Ultimate Truth.”

“The Chosen Spot” wrapped its arms around him and stayed in his heart, even as he moved on to a prosperous career in California.

McKenney died Feb. 15 at age 86. With no family – he’d never married or had children — he left bequests to institutions he valued, including two cornerstones of Canandaigua: Finger Lakes Community College and F.F. Thompson Hospital.

Each received $25,000 from McKenney’s estate.

“We are so grateful for his generosity,” said FLCC President Barbara Risser. “What makes this especially remarkable is that he was never a student here, but still he recognized the importance of this institution in providing quality, affordable education, especially for those from little financial means.”

Ed and Ann Hanley of Naples recently delivered the checks. They visited Amy Pauley, executive director of the FLCC Foundation, which supports the College with funding for capital projects, equipment, scholarships and professional development. McKenney’s bequest will be used to fund scholarships.

The Hanleys, who enjoyed a longtime friendship with McKenney, explained how he came to know of the college through another friend, Collins “Connie” Carpenter.

Carpenter was an oral surgeon who served on the FLCC Board of Trustees in its formative years, from 1966 to ’78. As chair of the trustees, he advocated for the development of the then Community College of the Finger Lakes and played a major role in its move from city storefronts to a permanent campus on Lincoln Hill.

A couple years before Carpenter’s death in 2008, he learned that McKenney had made a donation to the College in his honor as it dedicated the new Carpenter Board Room, where, fittingly, the Board of Trustees convenes.

“You have honored me far more than you could ever believe,” wrote Carpenter in a March 2006 letter to McKenney. “Just knowing you all of these years has been one of the treasured highlights of my life. By making this gift to the community college, you are giving some student an opportunity that you never had yourself. What a wonderful, unselfish thing to do.”

ALUMNI: RECONNECT, GET INVOLVED, AND MAKE A DIFFERENCEThere are many opportunities to share some of the skills you gained while attending FLCC to help current students and join the FLCC alumni community, now more than 24,000 strong. Visit http://www.flcc.edu/offices/alumni/volunteer.cfm and learn how to help current students by participating in a mentorship program, offering assistance with internship opportunities, providing help in making career decisions and securing employment, and/or offering information about the college to prospective students.

Would you like to help organize events for alumni or get involved with CCFL/FLCC 50th Anniversary events planning? Or would you like to share the story of your journey following your graduation from FLCC? Contact alumni@flcc.edu or call 585-785-1454, and we will share opportunities as they arise.

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A FABULOUS ‘FATHER BAKER’S BOY’ LEAVES GIFTS FOR FLCC, THOMPSON Excerpt from an article by Jessica Youngman, FLCC public relations and events specialist. To see the full story, visit FLCCconnects.com.

Eugene McKenney was born in 1927, and for reasons unknown, given up to the care of an orphanage near Buffalo. The era saw a boom in children born out of wedlock or to mothers too young to care for them, or especially in the Depression that soon followed, to families unable to feed and clothe one more.

His home was Father Baker’s Orphanage. Its namesake, Roman Catholic priest Nelson Baker, treated those in his care as his

own – they were often called “Father Baker’s boys.” And, he kept an empty crib by the door so mothers could leave their babies in the night, no questions asked.

McKenney was never adopted. Few were. His second home was the Newark State School, a collection of brick buildings that housed, among others, those too old for orphanages but too young to be sent into the world.

When he turned 18 and was old enough to make a go of it on his own, McKenney made his way to Canandaigua. The city nicknamed

Getting the President’s Scholarship is something I take pride in. It shows that my hard work throughout my high school career is noticed by the College, and they care about keeping their students who work hard on the same path with financial help as a push.

— Jared Hanslmaier 2014 FLCC President’s Scholarship recipient

CELEBRATING GENEROSITY — FLCC FOUNDATION PRESENTS PHILANTHROPY AWARDS MAY 1 The FLCC Foundation will present three awards during a reception prior to the annual Spring Arts Festival on Friday, May 1. The event, Celebrating Generosity, is the Foundation’s most recent effort to recognize outstanding service and philanthropy in support of Finger Lakes Community College and the Foundation.

The Foundation Award will be presented to Lyle Brown, longtime supporter of the College and former member of the FLCC Board of Trustees. His involvement with the College goes back to its beginning; he served on an advisory committee to the Ontario County Board of Supervisors regarding the feasibility and subsequent establishment of the College. Appointed to the Board of Trustees in 1981, he served until 2002, holding the offices of chair and vice chair. He also chaired several committees, including Curriculum and Planning, Finance, and Personnel. He served as a trustee representative on the FLCC Association as well as on the Middle States Steering Committee and its governance subcommittee. Additionally, he served as a trustee liaison to the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. He was appointed trustee emeritus

by his peers on the board in 2001 in honor of his 20 years of dedicated service to the College. He was supportive of the Victor Campus Center project and attended the grand opening in 2010. For over 30 years, he devoted his professional career to education by teaching and counseling high school students. He retired from the Bloomfield Central School District in 1978 where he was counselor and director of guidance for 28 years.

A posthumous Foundation Award will be presented to John Britting, a charter member of the college’s Board of Trustees. He passed away on Monday, Sept. 8. He was the longest serving member of the board at 33 years, serving from 1965 to1998. He was named trustee emeritus on May 18, 1998. During his tenure, he served as chairman of the board several times and was on the Personnel and Human Resources committees. He lived in Phelps and practiced law in the firm of

Quigley & Britting. He attended Cornell

This scholarship has meant the world to me! Sometimes as an adult student you find yourself up against a brick wall, in my case it has been finances. I had already worked straight through the winter and summer semesters without a break, pulling eight classroom hours a day in order to complete all my transfer requirements for Cornell.

Through the Alumni Association scholarship I was able to complete my final semester in 2014, without having to wait until funds were available on the homefront. Thank you so much for coming alongside this student and giving me that financial boost, so that I could continue making my dreams a reality! Because of your generosity I have completed both of my degrees at FLCC and have been accepted into Cornell University for spring 2015. None of this would have been possible without fellow alumni who lent a helping hand, and I plan to do the same in years to come. Thank you with all my heart!

— Lindsay Kuhn, 2014 CCFL/FLCC Alumni Association

Returning Student Scholarship recipient

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University and Cornell Law. He was drafted in 1944 and served in the Army, stationed in Okinawa. Prior to joining the Community College of the Finger Lakes Board, he was on the Phelps Board of Education. He was a Rotarian, was active with the Phelps Library, and after retirement served with Literacy Volunteers.

The Benefactor Award will honor Integrated Systems, a business that provides information technology services to government and industry.

Mark Hamilton, president of Integrated Systems, was a Foundation board member from 2008 to 2014. He serves as a Victor Campus Center Advisory Committee member and has been an adjunct faculty member at the College. The certification lab at the Victor center was named after the company. Integrated Systems’ philanthropic efforts have included consulting work on security systems, sponsorship of golf tournaments, as well as support of the FLCC Viticulture and Wine Center, the Together We Can campaign, and the annual campaign.

Award recipients will receive a sculpture designed by Newark artist Wayne Williams, FLCC professor emeritus.

Photo credit: Richard H. Hill

Photo credit: Sara Britting

I would have to say that these scholarships are among, if not the, greatest awards I have ever received. This may sound exaggerated, but it means a great deal to me to be rewarded for so much hard work and especially to be rewarded for my work in mathematics and engineering , which are both subjects that I am so passionate about. This opportunity has given me an enormous boost of confidence in myself and instilled a stronger will to further my education. I am also incredibly thankful for the great math and engineering departments here at FLCC, and I know that I would not be close to where I am today without the aid of both.

— Devin Cooley, 2014 Bill Parham Memorial Scholarship and the FLCC Mathematics Award in Honor of Sherman Hunt recipient

Mary Crowley ’13 said it was an empowering experience. “It’s really great to know you can talk to your representatives that easily and show them your passions, what you want them to be voting for,” she said. “What was really great is how more engaged I felt in the election. As November came, I realized, ‘Hey, I’ve sat and talked with this rep, and I want him in office long enough to do something I urged him to do.’”

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RESEARCH ON DISPLAY IN WASHINGTON, D.C.FLCC representatives shared research with federal lawmakers while attending the 2014 Community College Undergraduate Research Initiative (CCURI) conference sponsored by U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and held in the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington D.C. on Sept. 29. Nearly 40 community colleges across the nation are part of CCURI, which is based at FLCC and overseen by Jim Hewlett, professor of biology. The trip was aimed at not only educating, but also promoting continued support for research. Currently, CCURI is funded through a $3.55 million, four-year grant that was awarded in 2011 by the National Science Foundation.

“Meeting with staff in congressional offices and presenting a scientific research poster on Capitol Hill gives students the opportunity to show others how important and meaningful research experiences have been to the local community, their education, and career goals,” said Heather Bock ’06, CCURI project director.

“The experience takes students out of the comfort zone of their home campus, and they get first-hand experience with public speaking and professionalism skills. The poster session is a powerful and emotional reminder that community college students bring significant value to our national scientific community,” Bock added.

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Pictured above in the office of Congressman Tom Reed of the 23rd District of New York are John Van Niel ’83, professor of environmental conservation; Heather Bock ’06, CCURI project director; Elizabeth Snyder ’09; Mary Crowley ’13; current FLCC student Laurie Raeman; Barb Dagata ’12; current FLCC student Kelsey Castro and Jim Hewlett, coordinator of biotechnology and professor of biology (seated). Michael Tiberio ’85 and ’96, CCURI lab technician, also attended the conference.

In January, Mary will begin a bachelor’s degree program at Empire State College. She plans to study scientific writing with a focus in public health and microbiology.

Fellow attendee Barb Dagata ’12 said every aspect of her educational career is influenced by the undergraduate research experiences she had at FLCC. After she received her associate degree in environmental studies, Barb continued her education, earning a bachelor of science in marine biology at the University of Alaska Southeast.

“I was able to talk about my research at FLCC and meet other students and learn about their work in all parts of the country,” she said of the recent trip to Washington. “It was inspiring to talk to these students about their research and see how excited and hardworking they are. I shared my experience with transferring to a four-year school and how the skills I had developed through the CCURI program made me stand out and qualify for internships and jobs within my field.”

After graduating from FLCC, Elizabeth Snyder ’09 went on to earn a bachelor’s of science in biomedical sciences from Rochester Institute of Technology and a master’s in biological science at SUNY Brockport. She is now in her second year of a doctorate program in microbiology and immunology at SUNY Upstate Medical University. Elizabeth has attended a few CCURI conferences.

“The most amazing part, at least for me, was getting to talk to other students at the poster session on Capitol Hill,” she said. “I was incredibly impressed and proud of how professional, knowledgeable, and confident everyone was. We all walked a little taller that day.”

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Receiving the Brian Kolb Leadership Award means a lot to me as a person. FLCC has encouraged me to be a leader for my peers, and I couldn’t be more thankful. My time at FLCC is incredibly important to me because I invest a great amount into being a leader, and it is really great knowing that the people around me notice the things I’m working toward, even though I’m not doing them for the recognition.

— Rory Edmonds 2014 Brian Kolb Leadership Award recipient

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION HONORS ETHAN FOGG WITH 2015 EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARD

Ethan Fogg ’00, president of the Alumni Association from 2004 to 2014 and current secretary of the FLCC Foundation Board of Directors, will be honored with the Exceptional Service Award at the Alumni Award celebration on May 15, 2015.

The award recognizes contributions to the campus experience and commitment to students, development of innovative programs, and involvement with the CCFL/FLCC Alumni Association. In addition to his leadership in the Alumni Association and his dedication to the FLCC Foundation, Ethan is active in FLCC’s annual alumni awards celebration, annual alumni fundraising campaign, and commencement.

Ethan was visible on campus even as a student at FLCC, serving as student government president, student representative on the board of trustees, vice chair of the FLCC Association and member of Phi Theta Kappa and Alpha Beta Gamma. After receiving an associate degree in

business administration and management, he earned a bachelor’s degree in labor and industrial relations at Cornell University and a master’s of public administration in health care management at SUNY Brockport. He is currently the marketing director at the Finger Lakes Times in Geneva.

“I’m pleased that over the last 10 years, alumni have become much more active and included in affairs of the College, academically, socially and strategically – including curriculum consultation, Foundation operations, and the selection of our current FLCC president,” said Ethan.

He said serving as president of the Alumni Association has given him “the opportunity to meet amazing people – talented students, accomplished alums, dedicated faculty and staff… and to give back to the College that has given so freely to me.”

The award was created in 2005 at the time of the 40th anniversary celebration of the charter for the college. Presented as a group award to all Storefront Pioneers at that event, it has since honored Dr. Charles J. Meder, Dr. Connie Carpenter, Bill Banaszewski, Marilyn Hurlbutt, Bruce Bridgman, Putt Moore, the Alumni Council, John Socha and Wayne Williams.

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I feel very grateful and honored to be a recipient of the Mrs. Elizabeth May Davis Bliss Memorial Scholarship. It is such a great privilege to be selected for this award, and my parents could not be more proud. I genuinely am appreciative of your support, which has allowed me to continue my education at Finger Lakes Community College. Without scholarship patrons like Harold Bliss and his family and the entire FLCC Foundation, there would be many students, such as myself,

unable to pursue their desired careers.

— Gabrielle Johnson, 2014 Mrs. Elizabeth May Davis Bliss Memorial Scholarship recipient

PLANNED GIVING TO THE FLCC FOUNDATIONThe Storefront Pioneers Society

Planned gifts are gift arrangements that have specific tax advantages and often

include lifetime income to a beneficiary or beneficiaries named by the donor. A planned gift maximizes your giving potential and can even allow you to ensure your future financial security or that of a loved one.

The Storefront Pioneers Society recognizes alumni, faculty, and friends who have designated Finger Lakes Community College as the beneficiary of a bequest, trust, retirement plan or life insurance policy, or who have made other estate provisions benefitting the College through the Foundation.

If you would like to join with them in helping to ensure the future of Finger Lakes Community College, contact Amy Pauley, executive director, at (585)785-1541 or by email at foundation@flcc.edu.

COUNT ON THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION FOR BENEFITS FOR ALL DEGREE AND CERTIFICATE GRADUATES OF CCFL/FLCC PREMIER BENEFITS for a minimum $100 donation to the Alumni Association’s Program Fund:

SAVE $568! Donate $100 or more to the Alumni Association’s Program Fund between July 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015, and you can audit up to four college credits at no cost (other than any needed books and materials). Each credit hour is $167.

All alumni are eligible to participate in SUNY Perks, a free discount program, in addition to many other benefits. Visit www.flcc.edu/alumni for a comprehensive list or contact Alumni Relations with questions at (585)758-1454 or alumni@flcc.edu.

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CLASS NOTES Business Administration

Kaleem Edwards ’14 was named an Arthur Ashe Jr. Sport Scholar by

“Diverse: Issues in Higher Education” magazine for the 2013–14 school year. Kaleem, a two-year member of the men’s basketball team at FLCC, was one of nine men’s basketball players to receive the award nationwide and the only junior college recipient of the 332 award winners.

Deborah Ingram ’90 was one of two Finger Lakes Medical Associates’ staff members selected to receive a tuition assistance award. Deborah began working

Sandra Smithoover ’76 Maine has launched a new company in Potsdam called Adirondack Fragrance & Flavor Farm (ADKFragranceFarm.com). She sells perfumes and cologne, luxury body care products, all natural cleaning products and flavor products.

Matthew Scaglione ’11, a Waterloo police officer, saved the life of a 3-year-old boy who wandered into the Cayuga-Seneca Canal. When he discovered the boy floating on his back, he jumped into the canal, swam out, and retrieved the child. He started resuscitation efforts and was able to revive the boy, who had been struggling to breathe.

Aviation Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class Gerad Woolley ’06 is serving at Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Point Mugu, Ca. with the “Wallbangers” of VAW-117.

Environmental Studies Lance Ebel ’04 and Andrew Fuerst ’05 are co-owners of Newleaf Environmental LLC, a wildlife and forestry management company.

in FLMA’s pediatrics department in 1996 and is studying for her RN degree at Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing in Geneva. She will graduate in May.

Charlotte Mady ’08 is a human resources specialist at CY Plastic Works Inc. in Honeoye.

Steve Naimoli ’70 piloted a boat to Cuba for a Hemingway-related movie called

“Papa.” Steve then spent 11 days in Cuba and piloted the boat during sea scenes. Look for his name in the film credits as the captain of the Pilar.

Reena Nessler ’78 was elected commander of the 7th District American Legion. She is the first woman elected to lead the 7th District, which includes Cayuga, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, and Yates counties. After serving in the Navy, Reena worked at the Canandaigua VA Medical Center from 1972 to 2011.

Chemical Dependency Counseling Jade Myers ’12, an applied arts and sciences major at RIT, is part of a group at the university who are developing 3D-printed prostheses. Jade recently assisted with the

Fine and Graphic Arts Jennifer Srmack ’01 was featured in the Finger Lakes Times’ “Young Professionals Spotlight.” Jennifer is senior graphic designer for Fahy Williams Publishing, a magazine publisher in Geneva. In addition, she works part-time teaching indoor cycling at Hobart and Williams Smith Colleges and the Geneva Family YMCA and owns a small cake business, Jensophie Cakes.

Erica Bapst ’98 (pictured above at right

with Amy Pauley) celebrated the 10th anniversary of her store, Adorn Jewelry and Accessories, on Oct. 25. Her anniversary party included a live band featuring fellow alum Matt Battle ’13 (Music Recording

design and creation of a prosthetic hand for a 10-year-old boy.

Communications Alex Aronson ’13 was featured in a Daily Messenger article about his indie horror film “Sting – Revenge is Killer,” which was filmed in Canandaigua. He was also featured in a Democrat & Chronicle cover story about local independent filmmakers. Alex is a student at Syracuse University, and he has won several awards for past films he has made. Chad Kofahl ’14 (New Media) was the director of photography for “Sting – Revenge is Killer.”

Last September Jason LaBarge ’93, Dave LaBarge Jr. ’92, and Dave LaBarge Sr. celebrated the 30th anniversary of their business, LaBarge Media. Jason is director of operations, and Dave Jr. is creative director. The award-winning media company has a national reputation.

Computer Information Systems Julie Maves ’81 is now an associate at Erdman Anthony, a firm specializing in infrastructure engineering and support services with headquarters in Rochester.

Technology). Erica generously donated all the proceeds from the evening to fundraising (50 percent to Wood Library and 50 percent to the FLCC Foundation). Thank you, Erica!

Sharon Switzer ’09 is the marketing manager at Livingston Arts, home of The New Deal Gallery, in Mount Morris.

Humanities Dan Bullock ’99 is one of the three founders of the Speakeasy Society (a.k.a. Spea’sy), which presented the second annual Shakedown Street Spea’sy in downtown Geneva last September. The event included music and spoken word performances.

Loretta Charles ’03 completed a nursing degree at the University of Vermont as a nurse practitioner specializing in community health. She has trained nurses in community health in Bangladesh, Uganda and Oaxaca, Mexico. As of August last year, she accepted a one-year position as clinical director at a community health hospital in Punta Gorda, Belize.

Pablo Falbru ’13 was honored in October by the Boys & Girls Club of Geneva as a 2014

Veronica Mortensen ’99 and Valerie Pierce ’86 (Accounting) opened Quilty Pleasures, a quilting store that offers classes, long-arm quilting, and sells quilting materials, at 492 Exchange St. in Geneva (quiltypleasuresny.com).

Criminal Justice Ontario County Sheriff ’s Deputy Ryan Burnett ’08 saved eight people from their burning home last August. Sheriff Phil Povero ’72 said, “Acting as he did

…is nothing short of heroic.” Ryan Burnett was named Deputy of the Year and STOP-DWI Officer of the Year in December.

Martha (Marty) Potter ’76 (pictured above with Randy Farnsworth) was one of the 2014 Canandaigua ATHENA Award nominees. She is currently president and co-owner of Potter HVAC and Metal Fab., Inc.

Visionary of the Year. He is a member of the Boys & Girls Club Board of Directors and founder of the UG Collective, a nonprofit organization focused on the creative and professional development of regional artists.

Seth Herman ’03 founded Rootfire, a progressive reggae, roots, and dub music company (rootfire.net). Learn more about Seth on FLCC Connects (flccconnects.blogspot.com/).

John Lord ’71 was featured in a photo in The Finger Lakes Times in October. He restored antique glass and wood frames and installed stained glass panels at the entranceway of KidVentureDome in Geneva.

Shawn McConnell ’96, executive director of the Newark Library, was featured in a Daily Messenger article in which he spoke about the newly renovated facility and programming plans for the future.

Paul Miller ’97, the director of Literacy Volunteers of Ontario and Yates, was featured on the cover of Finger Lakes Times in its “A Conversation With…” feature.

Allison Roth-Cooper ’01 was named editor of The York Dispatch in November.

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Paralegal Robin Acquilano-D’Amico ’02 was featured in a Finger Lakes Times article entitled “One red step at a time.” Last May, she was diagnosed with colon cancer. Since then, supporters around the area

— and country — have been wearing red Converse sneakers in her honor.

Registered Nursing Mandy Bishop ’04 has been appointed dialysis manager at the Dialysis Center at Geneva General Hospital. She has been with Finger Lakes Health since 2000 and been home dialysis coordinator for eight years. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Western Governors University, based in Salt Lake City.

Dr. John Clark ’76 and his wife, Francesca, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on June 29, 2014. Dr. John Clark is an optometrist, and the Clarks are the owners/operators of Clark Eye Center on North Street in Geneva. They celebrated their 19th year in business on July 15, 2014.

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Human Services Linda Quackenbush ’90 is the president of the Taylor-Brown Auxiliary which conducts a variety of fundraising activities throughout the year to benefit the residents of Huntington Living Center in Waterloo. The Auxiliary presented an $8,000 check to Karol Prayne, Huntington Living Center administrator, as their annual gift.

Information Technology Justin Henderson ’05 is co-owner of Three Huskies Brewing, located inside Dobber’s Sports Bar and Grill in Canandaigua. Dobber’s is owned by Justin’s parents, Todd ’88 (Computer Information Systems) and Mary Henderson.

Instrumentation and Control Technology Patricia Babowicz ’14 was featured in a Daily Messenger article entitled “Chapter 2: Changing Careers.” She started in a career in computer programming that led to customer support manager, and then took some time off to raise her daughter. While in FLCC’s ICT program, she had an internship at ITT Goulds Pumps in Seneca Falls. After her internship, the company awarded her a permanent position in a supervisory role.

Mechanical Design and Drafting Rodman Lott ’02 with his wife, Tara ’03 (Humanities), and son, Blake, parents Ralph and Shirley, and brother Ben were featured in a Finger Lakes Times article in October. Rodman Lott & Son Farms was named Business of the Month by the Finger Lakes Workforce Investment Board Inc. for its contributions to the community and local economy. For the last nine years, Rodman Lott & Son Farms has hosted the career exploration day known as “Finger Lakes Works…With Their Hands!”

Music Recording Technology Dave Drago ’04 is the owner of 1809 Studios, a private recording studio housed inside a repurposed 19th century Erie Canalside tavern in Macedon.

What began as Greg Logins’ ’14 final project in the music recording program developed into Jo-Hannah Reynolds’ debut album,

“Change of Plans,” which was just released in December. Jo-Hannah is an adjunct music instructor at FLCC. She wrote the music and lyrics, sings and plays the piano and acoustic guitar on the album. She was joined by Geoff Smith, FLCC professor of music; John Meeske ’14 (Music) on drums; and Paul McArdle ’04 (Humanities) on guitar. Greg is continuing his education at FLCC as a business administration student, and his long-term plan is to have his own record label.

Natural Resources Conservation Joseph DiCicco ’11, who writes horror and dark fantasy stories, had two short stories published in January 2014 through Vamptasy Publishing on Amazon.com. His debut novel, “Her Final Sleep,” was published last September.

New Media

Peter Cahill ’14 and Kaitlin Johnstone ’14 created an app called Where2 to help FLCC students get around campus. It includes a directory of offices, phone numbers, and email addresses.

Last October RN Ashley Pajk ’08 of Utilization Management at Thompson Health and RN Case Manager Cheryl Quigley ’85 of the Case Management/Social Work Department were having breakfast in the hospital cafeteria when they found themselves performing CPR on a hospital visitor, saving his life.

Science Martino Flynn, a public relations firm located in Pittsford, ranked 20th among small businesses in the 2014 list of Rochester’s Top Workplaces. Aside from his duties as a partner, Kevin Flynn ’79 oversees the following departments: Client Services, Business Development and Media Planning. Chris Flynn ’84 (Humanities) serves as lead partner for the agency’s Creative and Digital departments, and also helps direct client service efforts for a number of key accounts.

Kathryn Friday ’03 Scibona was nominated to receive the Geneva Young Professional Leadership Award for 2014. Kathyrn is a doctor of physical therapy at Finger Lakes Therapy & Sports Care LLC

in Geneva and is the first woman doctor of physical therapy to practice orthopedics in Geneva.

Social Science Matthew Brown ’11 joined FLCC as a student success specialist.

Gail Lafler ’89 participated in the Canandaigua Art and Music Festival last July. She is a local artist who creates fairy princess clothing, accessories, and costumes for girls of all ages.

Teaching Assistant Certificate

Samantha Beeney ’13 is the alumni coordinator for the Alpha Epsilon Chi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year college students.

Theatre

The FLCC Visual and Performing Arts Department presented its first musical in 30 years with three performances of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” in November. Dylan DeGeorge ’13 played Charlito

“Chip” Tolentino in the production.

Tourism Management Jeanne Fagan ’77, professor of travel and tourism at FLCC, received the FLCC Spirit Award last August. The award recognizes a person whose character and heart embody the very best of Finger Lakes Community College.

18 19ALUMNI AMBASSADOR | www.flcc.edu/alumni FINGER LAKES COMMUNITY COLLEGE

IN MEMORIAM Donna Hill on August 2, 2014. Donna was a nurse at the college during the 1970s Storefront Pioneer era.

Margaret A. Brewer ’74 on June 25, 2014

Valerie A. Cole ’83 on October 19, 2013

Joan Smillie Cunningham ’86 on July 27, 2014

Nancy L. Grube ’83 on April 25, 2014

Melanie Lattimore Knapp ’08 on November 21, 2014

Thomas Michael Power ’96 on October 11, 2014

Laurie Ann (Bartholomew) Schaefer on November 21, 2014

Christina B. Shulla ’83 on July 15, 2014

Kyle P. Stewart ’12 on November 14, 2014

Susan Taylor ’81 on December 3, 2014

Alma C. Vega ’89 on September 12, 2014

Mary E. Willis ’85 on September 11, 2014

Joan B. Wray ’80 on October 3, 2014

MARRIAGES Monica Clare Maria-Dolores Duffy ’14 to Frank W. O’Donnell on June 7, 2014

Sarah Keller ’01 to Jim Clase on May 10, 2014

Viticulture and Wine Technology Meg Tipton ’13 was featured in a Daily Messenger article entitled “Chapter 2: Changing Careers.” She had a career in product marketing, advertising, and corporate communications, which she put on hold to raise her twins. After completing her degree in viticulture and wine technology at FLCC, she became an assistant winemaker at Keuka Spring Vineyards in Penn Yan.

Several FLCC alumni who are now staff members at Happiness House/Finger Lakes United Cerebral Palsy Inc. were recognized at a celebration last June. Jamie McKenna ’00 (Humanities) was one of three recipients for the Mary W. Griswold Professional Service Award, which recognizes the exceptional work of Happiness House staff who exemplify the mission and vision of the agency. Laura Wakley ’01 was a finalist for the Mary W. Griswold Professional Service Award. The following staff members were recognized for their years of service:

5 years: Jenny Perron ’08 (Human Services) 10 years: Cassandra Passalacqua ’00 (Humanities), Jeffrey Stone ’95 (Social Science) 20 years: Patricia Hopper ’91 (Humanities) 25 years: Michelle Ficcaglia ’83 (Office Technology)

An exhibit comprised of outstanding student work selected by a jury of art faculty was on display in the Charles J. Meder Library in December. The exhibit, “Type & Form,” included artwork representative of a project from the fall semester class ART 104: Design 1 led by Lacey McKinney, instructor of graphic design. The CCFL/FLCC Alumni Association sponsored an opening reception.

SAVE THE DATE Check the details and refer to scheduled home and away athletic competitions at www.flcc.edu/calendar. To see the complete schedule for the Honors House, visit facebook.com/honorshouse.

FLCC Faculty Biennial Exhibition February 12 to March 13 Opening Reception: February 12, 4– 6:30 p.m. Williams-Insalaco Gallery 34 Canandaigua Campus

Dinner at Julia Restaurant Nights Beginning Friday, February 20 Reservations can be made from 5:30–7 p.m. Stage 14, Canandaigua Campus The cost is $35 and includes tax and tip. For reservations, call 785-1444. Visit www.flcc.edu/restaurant for more information and additional spring dates.

Variations on “Mule Variations”: 5th Annual Tom Waits Birthday Tribute paired with an optional Waits-inspired dining experience at Dinner at Julia Friday, March 6 • Dinner in Stage 14, Canandaigua campus. Seating begins at 5:30 p.m. Call 585.785.1444 for dinner reservations. Dinner price is $35 per person and includes tax and tip. • Performance in Auditorium: 8 p.m. Performance price is $5 per person. Free with FLCC ID or Julia dinner reservations. Reservations not needed for music performance. • Attend one or both!

Neal McDannel: A Panoptic Survey (CCFL ’81) March 26–April 17 April 2: Demonstration, 11–12:30 p.m. • Artist talk: 1–3 p.m. • Opening Reception: 4–6:30 p.m. Williams-Insalaco Gallery 34 Canandaigua Campus

69th Northeast Collegiate Woodsmen Conclave April 24 | Dartmouth College

The Clothesline Project: Installation Recognizing Those Affected by Domestic Violence April 20 to 22, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Williams-Insalaco Gallery 34 Canandaigua Campus

Celebrating Generosity FLCC Foundation Award Event Friday, May 1 | 5:30–7 p.m. Stage 14, Canandaigua Campus

Spring Arts Festival Friday, May 1 | 7–9 p.m. Student Center, Canandaigua Campus

Spring Arts Student Honors Art Exhibition May 1–16 Opening: Friday, May 1 | 7 p.m. Williams-Insalaco Gallery 34 Canandaigua Campus

CCFL/FLCC Alumni Association Awards Celebration Friday, May 15 | 5–7 p.m. Student Center, Canandaigua Campus

FLCC Foundation Annual Golf Tournament Monday, June 22 Ravenwood Golf Club Contact foundation@flcc.edu for more info.

Photo credit: Jon Palzer

Event details subject to change. Check www.flcc.edu for updates.

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDFINGER LAKES

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Alumni Relations 3325 Marvin Sands Drive Canandaigua, NY 14424

Change Service Requested

Parents: If this issue is addressed to a son or daughter who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please contact us at 585.785.1454, alumni@flcc.edu, or clip the address label and return it with the current address to:

FLCC Alumni Relations Office of Resource Development 3325 Marvin Sands Drive Canandaigua, NY 14424 WHAT IS A LAKER?

Students, faculty, and staff participating on FLCC’s newly formed Mascot Committee are trying to determine an answer to that question. Last spring, members of the FLCC Student Senate surveyed about 400 fellow students to determine if there was interest in having an FLCC mascot, and if so, what should it be? The response was overwhelmingly positive about having a mascot, but the answer to “What is a Laker?” was not as easy to pinpoint. Since then, student senators and the executive board of Student Corp. have met with Preston Pierce, Ontario County historian and FLCC adjunct instructor, to learn more about Canandaigua’s rich history and how it might inform the development of a mascot for the College. Beginning in September, the Mascot Committee formed to begin the formal process of choosing a mascot. Alumni are welcome to share input and suggestions by emailing alumni@flcc.edu.

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