Introducing Myself

Hi, my name is Donald Lockwood and I am a student here at GCC and am doing an internship with the Marketing & Communications Office (MarCom). I am going to GCC for Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and Social Media. I am a sophomore and am working on my fourth semester.

I am a photographer and am also in the Photography Club where I am the secretary. I help with the Instagram account for the club. If you would like to follow, our Instagram is @gcc_photoclub. The professor that I have that advises the photography club, Joseph Ziolkowski, or Joe Z. as everyone calls him, is having a show at GCC right now in the Rosalie “Roz” Steiner Art Gallery and I will be doing a blog on his exhibit hopefully next week. I love to take photos of nature and the outdoors. One of my favorite places to take nature photos is at Letchworth State Park in Wyoming County. I grew up going there and have always loved it. I strongly suggest that if you are in the area and haven’t been, definitely take the drive and go. There are beautiful waterfalls and amazing hiking trails throughout the park. I also like to take nature shots when I’m driving. I almost always have my camera with me and when I don’t I always have my cell phone. I also like taking sports photos. I have taken many photos of the women’s and men’s soccer teams. I have friends that are on the Women’s Soccer team and they always think its cool when I get a good shot of them playing. I also have a friend on the Softball team and hope to make it to some games this spring to get some good shots of them playing.

Great day, but chilly at Letchworth State Park

If you would like to take a look at some of my favorite photos, I have an Instagram account and you can follow me @donald_lockwood_photos. I have some nature photos, sports photos, and a portrait of one of my friends. I would love to get into doing more pictures of just people, I just haven’t had the people to take photos of. Interested? Message me on Instagram.

Having an internship with MarCom I hope will help prepare me with what I would like to do in the future. I hope to one day either work for or run my own business to do freelance social media for small businesses in the area that are just starting off that don’t really have the money yet to pay a big name agency to run their social media and website, or can’t yet hire staff to do this important work. Now-a-days, you can’t really run a business without having a social media account, whether it be Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any other social media. Working with MarCom will get me website and social media experience, as well as writing blogs and press releases that will help me get a marketing and communication position after I graduate this spring.

Thank you for reading over my blog and look out for more soon.

Celebration of the Lights: Hanukkah & Kwanzaa

By Pinn Duong

On December 3rd, Global Education club at GCC held a cultural event called “Hanukkah and Kwanzaa” to share with the students the different ways Jewish-Americans and African-Americans celebrate the end of a year, with free food and free books! It was the event I needed to destress during the final week of classes, especially when the dishes of delicious cookies tamed my sugar cravings.

*GCC hard-working staffs feeding the students with sweet treats during finals week!*

But I swear I was not just there for the colorful sucrose, I also picked up some awareness on year-ending cultural celebrations of the Jews and Africans, and I’m not talking about Christmas.

HANUKKAH (or Chanukkah)

Also known as the “Festival of Lights,” Hanukkah is an eight-day celebration inspired by a Miracle that occurred after the Maccabees successfully revolted and chased the Greek-Syrian oppressors out of Jerusalem during the second century BC. While rebuilding the (holy) Second Temple, the only remaining candle, which was supposed to last a single day, continued to flicker for eight nights and provided light long enough for the Maccabees to gather supplies. This ‘miracle’ illustrates the divine intervention of light amid spiritual darkness.

Hanukkah observers light each of the eight candles each night while the central ninth candle (called the “shamash,” means helper) is used to light the other candles. The candle holder is uniquely called ‘menorah.’ During Hanukkah, Jewish observers eat fried foods cooked in oil to represent the oil that burned the remaining candle miraculously for eight evenings (1).

*Hanukkah with 9 candles on a “menorah” (a nine-branched candelabrum)*

KWANZAA

Kwanzaa holiday was introduced by professor Maulana Karenga in 1966 to unify African-Americans in faith and endurance amid social and cultural unrest of poverty and police brutality.

In Swahili language (an Eastern African language spoken in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique and Zimbabwe …) Kwanzaa means ‘first fruits’ or first harvest. Celebrants decorate their household with symbolic objects that reflect values of unity and gratitude for the good things in their lives and community. Kwanzaa’s seven-day commemoration surrounds the Seven Principles (“Nguzo Saba”):

Umoja – unity
Kujichagulia – self-determination
Ujima – collective work and responsibility
Ujamaa – cooperative Economics
Nia – purpose
Kuumba – creativity
Imani – faith

During Kwanzaa, a candle, representing one principle, is lit each day on a kinara. Observers would light the central black candle on the first day, then alternates between the red and green candles starting from the outer candles moving inwards on following days.

Unlike Hanukkah which is rooted in the Jewish religion, Kwanzaa is a cultural, not religious, holiday that was traditionally celebrated by African-Americans. Thus, Kwanzaa can be observed by non-Africans due to their universal values of unity and purpose, which were evident in their civil rights movements during the 60s.

Kwanzaa starts annually on December 26th until January 1st, while Hanukkah dates are based on Hebrew calendar month of Kislev, which varies between November and December of our usual Gregorian calendar (2).

*Hanukkah with 7 principles, 7 candles on a “kinara” (Swahili word for candle holder).*

Were you surprised to find many similarities between the two seemingly irrelevant traditions?

Sources

Featured photo (from Alma): Kwanzaa candles

Fundraising for GCC Respiratory Care Club

I am a sophomore at GCC and one of my majors is Respiratory Care. I am raising funds for the GCC Respiratory Care club by selling holiday chocolates, holiday gift tags and wrap. Healthcare majors are very expensive. Hence, GCC Respiratory Care club helps all respiratory care students to pay for some expenses like CPR certification, mock exam cost, three days’ review sessions, board preparation, trips for conferences, pinning ceremony and poster presentations.

All the money raised by GCC Respiratory club will be spent on the students. America needs more respiratory therapists. So, please help us to raise funds. I am sure most of you will buy chocolates and holiday goodies for your friends and family. I would highly appreciate if you buy some goodies from me as your valuable money will be used to help students. I am proud to announce that GCC Respiratory Club has partnered with “Niagara by Frey Premium Chocolates” to help students. “Niagara by Frey” is a leading fundraiser for countless schools and organizations in Western New York. “Niagara by Frey” is an all American brand famous for making delicious chocolates and other goodies.

Some of the items that we are selling are:

Milk Chocolate Sponge candy $14.00
Orange Milk Chocolate Sponge Candy $14.00
Dark Chocolate Sponge Candy $14.00
Chocolate covered Pretzels $11.00
Pecan Caramel Clusters: $10.00
Cashew Caramel Clusters $10.00
Almond Butter Crunch $10.00
Peanut Brittle $15.00
Chocolate covered Oreo Cookies $14.00
Chocolate Raspberry cups $12.00
Peanut Butter cups $12.00
Chocolate Caramels $12.00
Chocolate Truffles $12.00
Chocolate Rounds $12.00
Milk Chocolate Miniatures $15.00
Holiday golden trees wrap $9.00
Red Stripe Wrap $9.00
Light bulbs wrap $9.00
Santa Claus is coming to Town wrap $9.00
Holiday gift tags $5.00

There are coconut clusters, raisin clusters, almond chocolates, chocolate Biscotti Prato, teddy bear, Santa, nutcracker, holiday foiled novelty assortment, chocolate sports car, ornaments, tool kits, dino eggs, various kinds of crème d’ Orange and chocolate locomotive, motorcycle and fire engine. If you want to see the holiday fundraising catalog, then please feel free to contact me. My email address is zfiroze@my.genesee.edu You must order by 26^th October, 2018 if you are interested to help GCC Respiratory Club to raise fund for student expenses. Product delivery date is on 30^th November, 2018.

Trace George

By: Jewel Watters, Fashion Merchandising Major

The annual business idea pitch competition is fast approaching us now, and will be here in about two weeks! By this time, all participants should have already signed up for the competition, and should have at least attended one workshop to be able to participate. If you still haven’t attended a workshop, there is only one more left and it will be happening on April 12^th during the common hour in T122, and will be about pitch prep.

This competition would be a great first step to making your dreams come true. One of our very own alum, Trace George, opened up his own business after graduating and has had a lot of success ever since. Trace George opened up the VSP Graphing Group Company in 1995, and his business went from a small sign shop in his garage to the successful business it is today.

According to Business First’s Fast Track 50, George’s business is the 10^th fastest growing business here in western New York which is a real achievement. George’s company is also the official graphic provider for the Buffalo Bills, and the Sabres which are both amazing achievements.

Hopefully hearing about all the great things Trace George has accomplished for his business since graduating here inspired you, and made you more motivated to do this pitch competition coming up on April 19^th! We hope to see you all there, and can’t wait to hear your business ideas! If you have any questions or concerns regarding the pitch competition, you may contact Lina LaMattina at lmlamattina@genesee.edu.

Student Entrepreneurs

By: Jewel Watters, Fashion Merchandising Major

The annual pitch competition is coming up quickly, and there is only one workshop left for you to attend if you haven’t gone to one of the workshops already, the last workshop will be on April 12^th during the common hour in T121 and this workshop will be an Idea Pitch Preparation.

If you are still unsure about whether your business idea is good or not, I’m here to tell you that there is no idea that is stupid, all businesses are creative in its own way, and there are many entrepreneurs out there that are students also just like we are.

There are student entrepreneurs out there that you could research into and learn many great things about. There are student entrepreneurs who have created a fashion company with clothing designed from wet-felting and shibori. There is also a student entrepreneur out there who provides restaurants with computer tablets for guests to pay right from the table. The point is you can make any business that you want to, no idea is stupid or too small.

If you do your research, you will find out many of the things that keep these fellow student entrepreneurs motivated to start a business, and keep it going. Some of these things being students researching founders who are also in the startup phase as well, and being motivated because they want to create a legacy that means something to someone.

If you are interested in looking up more information about what being a student entrepreneur can do for you, or if you are interested in attending the annual pitch competition then come attend the last workshop on April 12^th, and come out to the pitch competition on April 19^thand get a chance to win a cash prize. Hope to see you all there!

Contact Lina LaMattina for the application form, or any questions.

LMLamattina@genesee.edu

Come one, come all! Housing Survey!

housing batavia

Hey y’all! It’s time to participate in something. Let your voice be heard in this online survey. Basically, it’s a survey given by Genesee County and they’re trying to decide what type of housing and additions to add to Batavia!

If you or someone you know would like to participate in helping the town of Batavia develop and grow, please fill out this short 11 answer questionnaire given in the link below. It has to be in by the 17th of November.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XZBVSXP

Thanks and have a great day!

Exciting new Public Speaking workshop on Wednesdays!

Do you or someone you know have trouble speaking in front of an audience? I know I do! We are now in luck! Come get over your public speaking anxiety in the Student Success Center (G200) and finally get a handle on presenting.

What to bring :

Bring your presentations/notes in electronic or paper based projects.

What to expect :

Expect to share your presentation as a group or talk one-on-one.
Get free and friendly feedback
Polish your public speaking, interview skills, “elevator speeches”, and project presentations
No sign ups needed!
Open dialogue format

When :

Wednesdays (3-5PM)
October 18, 25
November 8, 22, 29

If you have further questions please feel free to contact the lady in charge.

Kate Trombley
Email: kbtrombley@genesee.edu
Phone: 585-343-0055 ext 6285

With this workshop available, there’s no reason you should have trouble presenting in front of your class. Take advantage of the resources given to you and watch your own garden begin to flourish!

DSC_8404[1]

Come Learn & Grow With The CEO Club

September 28th is a very exciting day, and the first of many more to come. The CEO Club will be hosting a “Year of Entrepreneurship”, and our first event will be a next Thursday in the Forum 12:30-2PM, lunch will be provided however you must RSVP with Amy Conley via email (avconley@genesee.edu) in order to be served lunch however anyone may attend 1-2PM without RSVP.

Nicole_Manapol2017

Our first speaker for this event is Nicole Manapol, the director of Letchworth Gateway Villages (LGV) Initiative. Manapol’s greatest concern is to help increase economic growth, including new tourism-related marketing efforts for communities that serve as a ‘gateway’ to Letchworth State Park. The USDA-funded collaboration works to stimulate economic growth and regional cooperation through the use of network building, technical assistance, and research and awareness building. Among many other things, recently they launched a blog that will highlight innovations and efforts throughout nearby communities. You can visit the site at: https://www.letchworthgatewayvillages.org/.

You may or may not know that Dr. LaMattina and Professor Conley are the advisors for the CEO Club, and Dr. LaMattina shared her thoughts about the upcoming event. She says she is excited to have Nicole coming to GCC to help us kickoff our “Year of Entrepreneurship”. She also says the Nicole’s travels, experiences, academic degrees, career endeavors, and the energy she projects and embodies is the exact entrepreneurial spirit that GCC tries to foster.

Dr. LaMattina is also excited for the collaborative partnership with multiple local organizations throughout the “Year of Entrepreneurship”, all of which are going to even further “help nurture business ideas, plans, concepts, and an entrepreneurial spirit in the region”.

The next event in GCC’s “Year of Entrepreneurship” is October 26th, for the first annual Agri-Tourism Symposium. It will be hosted by GCC’s Tourism and Hospitality Management Program. The goal of this event is to inspire entrepreneurial agri-tourism throughout the GLOW region with another feature keynote speaker as well as panelists and a Meet, Greet and Eat reception.

Make sure to RSVP with Professor Conley if you are interested in eating lunch prior to the event next Thursday, and if not then we will see you at 1PM to hear what Nicole Manapol has to say!

Myself and the CEO Club hope to see you there!

Stay inspired…

-Danielle

CEO Trip To The Business Incubator: Harvester Building

By: Christi Lotempio

The CEO club took a trip to the world’s first business incubator. Dr.LaMattina was able to schedule the tour of the facility guided by owner, Mr.Mancuso. The tour was started with beverage at the Moon Java Café. They serve delicious coffee, teas and other beverages and have a selection of lunch items. Mr.Mancuso gave some background information on the Harvester Center explaining that a true business incubator offers more than just space. A true incubator should offer services such as the use of forklifts, or other larger equipment that start up companies may not be able to afford, as well as secretarial services, fax machines, and mail services. One of the most important parts of starting a business is networking and flexibility. Mr.Mancuso believes that talking to people and always re-evaluation of your business plan are a must.

He brought us to the Hodgins Printing Company that has been in the Harvester Building since it started, they actually made the sign that is still hanging. Hodgins Printing Company talked to us about the fact that their company has been in business for two generations. She stated that being able to look into the future and keep updating your business was really important to their success.

Our next stop was OATKA Glass Studio. Mr.Lance Taylor, the owner of OATKA GLASS, was the tour guide. The OATKA GLASS offers many services such as making your own piece, taking classes and they sell artwork. Mr.Taylor expressed the importance of knowing how finances working and the importance of Networking. You need to be able to get out there and meet people and know who you are, to know what your goals are. He has a lot of experience with entrepreneurship, and expressed that it is important to have one person you trust to talk your business plans through. At this stop we were able to make our own glass creation.

Back to the Moon Java Café for lunch. It was delicious! All of the students were discussing what they learned and how it can be applied in their own circumstances.

The last stop was One World Project. We discussed their business goals, how they procure products from local artisans in developing countries, and their inventory management processes. We also had a chance to shop in their gift shop.

If anyone is interested in joining the CEO club please contact Amy Conley.

Thoughts on Genesee Community College

By: Fashion Intern Mariah Paddock

Every Wednesday in Advertising class, students participate in workshop Wednesday. Students are put into groups and are given a topic and are asked to brainstorm different advertisements and ideas. In today’s class, November 9^th, students watched the new video, recorded by Forest Production and Photography, about Genesee Community College alumni, their stories and what they thought of GCC. The video had the end message about GCC; “We’ll take you where you want to go!” The video went back and forth from students in the college now and then would showcase alumni in between. The alumni explained why GCC was the perfect decision and where they are now. The video also said, “GCC can enrich your life.”

After watching the video, current GCC students in Advertising class were asked to come up with ideas of what they think about Genesee Community College. Students came up with multiple ideas, stating the different benefits and opportunities GCC has to offer. They listed concepts such as hands on experience, diverse students, small class sizes and supportive professors. One student said, “GCC gets you started in a friendly environment where everyone is accepting of each other.” Another team came up with an advertisement showing a person daydreaming, saying “Just as I imagined; great people, personal, affordable” (shown below). Students overall agreed that Genesee was the perfect step up in “getting your foot in the door” and digging deeper in your interests and desired careers.

Students at GCC aren’t afraid to get involve and use the opportunities that Genesee gives them. GCC gets you ready for your future and makes you feel welcome and comfortable with whatever you are doing. The success level of graduates at Genesee Community College continues to grow. Don’t forget that, “We’ll take you where you want to go!”

If you wish to watch the alumni video the link is below!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdE5Qm2KwmE&feature=youtu.be

Genesee Community College Blog