Student Activities

“The Human Condition” Exhibit at GCC’s Library

Standard

By Donald Lockwood

Students hanging the exhibit with Club Advisor and Professor Joe Z.

Starting today, February 13, 2020, the GCC Photo Club is having a photography show in the library called, “The Human Condition.” It is called the human condition because it is showing that humans only have a finite time on earth, and they should enjoy every second of it.

This is the artist statement by Joe Ziolkowski, GCC’s associate professor of photography and art:

“There is one inevitable result that happens to all humans the moment they are born. At some point they will inevitably die. The amount of time we spend on this planet called Earth is finite. We might realize this as we grow older, or we might realize it at a younger age, but at some mark in our personal history we step back and realize, there is only so much time left in a lifetime. It is up to us, and the other humans we share this planet with, to use that time wisely. The human species is capable of creating such amazing advancements in a variety of areas, and on the flip side we are also capable of creating such unbelievable atrocities. We evolve out of ignorance, and learn from that. But that action can also put us in a new ignorance of another topic. The cycle of education perpetuates ignorance in unfamiliar areas that we learn and evolve into creating a new state of consciousness and awareness.

The human condition is a topic for this show to inform the members of GCC Photo Club at SUNY Genesee Community College of this important topic. It helps them reflect on the time we are here and take precedence to make the most of the time we have. In classes and the clubs they participate in, students build relationships with their peers, hopefully bridging intercultural competency and long lasting relationships. 

Put aside the differences we might have, the polarizing topic of the day in politics, religion and economic status, all of which are part of the human condition. Let us look at the complexity of being human and the amazing feelings that are generated with the relationships we have with others, and the creativity that we are capable of generating and sharing.”

– Joe Ziolkowski

            The show put on by the Photo Club will be up in the library until March 19, 2020. I highly suggest seeing the exhibit. It is an amazing show developed by an exceptionally talented group of students this year. The group just had this show up in Rochester at the Anderson Art Gallery, 250 N. Goodman Street, Rochester 14607 adjacent to Colleen Buzzard’s Studio. She generously allowed the students to use one of the walls outside her studio. She has done this for the students in the past and always enjoys interacting with students.

The Human Condition Exhibit at the Anderson Gallery in Rochester,
now located in GCC’s Library

Photo provided by Zoe Ziolkowski

Photo Club students at the Anderson Gallery with Professor Joe Z (second from right).

Introducing Myself

Standard

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.  

CEO Trip To The Business Incubator: Harvester Building

Standard

By: Christi Lotempio

mancusoThe 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.

ceoOur 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.

Boo Ball, a Night of Fright Around the Corner.

Standard

It’s the time of year where you don old costumes, pull out the excess rolls of toilet paper (to clean up parties), and lament the absence of the great pumpkin. Wax hands hasn’t stolen the creepiest thing for this month at GCC. Of course I’m speaking about Boo Ball. Now you can’t go around pranking anyone, so you may ask where are the scares. The scary thing is that you’ll actually help someone if you party at this event. The price of admission, and yes there is one, will cost you a dollar or one canned good. They send the food to the homeless here in the area, where I assume there are not as many awesome Harry Potter themed parties.

The theme of this year’s Boo Ball is in fact Harry Potter. Yes, you too can release your repressed inner nerd in this costume based eve of frivolity, which will leave some of us in tears, for better or for worse. Despite whatever dissension you think I follow I’ll set the record straight; I think it’s gonna be awesome, and this is with fandoms likes, and background aside. There are only a few of these dances in the near distant future, and for the overall year the amount is slimmer still. If you want the chance to participate then I personally invite you as a member of CAB supporting this thing.

If I have peaked your interest then allow me to sate your voracious mind, and the questions I know are bubbling in your brain. This event will have more than just dancing planned, we’ll have food for the hungry, the college students, and potions for the venturous. But we have more than just food and drink. Attend and you will learn that the college village members have been assigned a house corresponding to the their residency, oh, and there will be games. If you fancy yourself a dueler, a match may clear your head; if perhaps you have some Felix Felecis, and desire a chance to sport your luck, then partaking in the scavenger hunt is in order. However, even I can’t tell what fate awaits the winning house, and only time will tell the victors prize; and it surely awaits in candy, and glory.

For those who don’t want to pay then maybe some work will do the trick. The event could use volunteers to make this thing stand out, and of course you’d meet the men and women behind the scenes. Everyone at CAB has a heart of gold, and the price to pay, of time and effort, you’re rewarded with a company of those with the heart to hold all these college events, and the skill to organize them. If you can donate and volunteer you would be a hero in my eyes, and I am sure those you’d help would too.

The games and fright is on ghosts and ghouls, and I would be delighted to see any of you there that fateful night, to sit a spell, or show your dance moves. This event will be fun, and from what I know there will be enough sweets to satisfy your palate; you’ll gain your dollars worth of entry: that, I guarantee. Have some fun, share some laughs, and enjoy the Harry Potter themed madness. Halloween comes only once a year, so I always make the best of it. I hope to see you at the Boo Ball on Thursday, October 30th from 8-12pm.

Best Week Ever!

Standard

The Student Activities Office is gearing up for, possibly, the Best Week of Welcome (WOW Week) EVER! WOW Week begins with Maps and Snacks on August 25th and will end with a Dive-In Movie at the pool on August 29th. Here’s a list of all the awesome activities that Student Activities has planned and you can find more details about WOW Week here.

Monday, August 25th

  • Maps and Snacks in The Forum from 8:00am-11:30am
  • Ice Cream and Lawn Games at the Clock Tower from 11:30am-2:00pm
  • Kindergarten Night in the Village Hall at College Village at 7:00pm

Tuesday, August 26th

  • Maps and Snacks in The Forum from 8:00am-11:30am
  • SpaGo! in the Student Union from 110:30am-3:00pm
  • Pizza Party and Karaoke in the Student Union from 7:00pm-9:00pm

Wednesday, August 27th

  • Board Game Dual in the Student Union from 8:30am-11:00am
  • Bamboo and Photos in the Student Union from 11:30am-2:00pm
  • Showtime Tonight with Brian Herberger in the student Union at 8:00pm

Thursday, August 28th

  • Wii Open Play in the Student Union from 8:30am-11:30am
  • Fall Fest Luau in The Forum from 11:30am-2:00pm
  • Drag Bingo in the Student Union from 7:00pm-10:00pm

Friday, August 29th

  • Board Game Dual in the Student Union from 8:30am-11:00am
  • Big-Time Fun in The Forum from 11:30am-2:00pm
  • Dive-In Movie in the Campus Pool from 6:00pm-8:00pm

Tracey Ashley/Open Mic Night

Standard

Known for her seamless story-telling, sharp topical material and hilarious punchlines Tracey Ashley is a comedian on the rise.  Tracey performs on college campus and comedy clubs across the country.  Becoming an instant college favorite, Tracey was nominated by Campus Activities Magazine as Best Female Performer for her rave reviews of performances.   Tracey was a semi-finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing 5 and has appeared as a co-host on TVLANDS Prime Movies. Entertaining audiences with the ups and downs of her world, Tracey Ashley comedy is hilarious, endearing and all around fun to watch. She has also performed on Wanda Sykes presents Herlarious.  She has also been on OWNNetwork.  You can follow Tracey on Twitter – https://twitter.com/TAshley305.

Even though she is a comedian who has had many great opportunities and has traveled all over, she is just a normal person and portrays that through her comedy.  She had the whole audience cracking up with every joke.

After her performance, there was Open Mic Night where a local band performed.  Bobby Skrzypek, Greg Brennan, Nichole Murtha, and Jared Diehl performed first.

Local band

Local band

Willie Jakes and Julio Morales swapped out with Nichole and Jared.  After they all performed it was just Bobby and Julio.

Local band

Local band

To wrap up the night Bobby performed by himself.  He is also part of another band; Bobby Skrzypek And The Pedestrians.

Bobby rocking out on the Steel Drum

Bobby rocking out on the Steel Drum

Bobby on the Ukulele

Bobby on the Ukulele

Leadership Kick-off Luncheon

Standard

September 19th was a day for students to enjoy a free lunch and learn how to improve their life skills.  Once everyone got settled in and were able to get their lunch Cliff Scutella, Director of Student Activities began the presentation.  He introduced the staff who made the lunch possible and will be helping students along in their leadership journey: Jennifer Newell, Dean of Students, Kristen Mruk, Assistant Director of Student Activities, and Laura Keenan and Kathy Pyzik, who are both Technical Assistants of Student Activities.

Students getting the first chance to sign up for this semester's workshops and clases.

Students getting the first chance to sign up for this semester’s workshops and clases.

This was how easy it was for students to get a free mug after the luncheon.

This was how easy it was for students to get a free mug after the luncheon.

He then continued on with the slide show  “Leadership identifies people who want to enhance their skills.”  Learning and leadership are indispensable.  Students who want to pursue the Leadership Certificate may want to make a difference, get involved, and put themselves ahead.  This certificate will be listed on a student’s transcript and future schools and employers can see it as well.  Earning the certificate is a personal benefit because it is on file to take with you, and shows your contributions and efforts while at GCC.

In the spring if you have earned the certificate you will be recognized at the Awards Banquet.  It is very simple to earn; you need 10 core units, 10 leadership units, for 20 units total to earn the certificate.  Let me break the units down.

The Lead 100 class is a one time, 90 minute class that is offered four times this semester about your life and leadership, which equals 3 units.  Then you have to choose a Capstone Course, which could be something you are already doing; RA, Orientation Leader, AEG, Human Services Major, Fashion Business Major, etc., if you are not part of one of the listed groups you can take the Lead 200 class which is a one-time 90 minute course, now you’re at 6 units!  Then add your experience in leadership; service, student leadership position, internship, student volunteering, or create your own; you are now at 9 units. You can then take Lead 300, the Leadership Certificate Portfolio, which is a presentation that you make to show how your experience translates into leadership; you now have 10 units.  You’re half way there!

Each workshop that you attend counts as 1 unit.  The workshops are 60-90 minutes during common hour throughout the year, they are not tedious but they will push you and help your learning process.  To sign up for them you can stop down at the Student Activities office. All of the workshops are free to attend.  You can start attending workshops whenever you are able, but in order for the workshops to count towards the certificate you must fill out an application and sign up and attend a Lead 100 course. Student Activities will track your workshops electronically after doing so.  (You can email Student Activities at sa@genesee.edu).  Cliff wrapped up the presentation with the quote; “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” by Harold R. McAlindon.

Students liking Student Activities and GCC Leadership pages to get a free mug.

Students liking Student Activities and GCC Leadership pages to get a free mug.

Personally, I have earned the Leadership Certificate, and it was so easy and fun to do.  All the workshops are made to be fun but also teaches you life skills, for example, how to think creatively, succeed by failing fast and often, how to manage your time, and many other great workshops with great faculty and staff members.  If nothing else, do this for yourself! It will only make you a better person and you will rise above the competition.