GCC Faculty, Staff Honored with SUNY Chancellor's Award

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Pictured, from left to right Julie Jackson-Coe, GCC President Dr. James Sunser, Debra Crossett, Patty Chaya, Derek Maxfield, Christine Belongia, Valerie Bello, John McGowan

BATAVIA, NY (08/26/2013)(readMedia)-- Seven members of the Genesee Community College staff team have been recognized by State University of New York Chancellor Nancy Zimpher for outstanding contributions to their profession, the campus and the community. The Chancellor's Award for Excellence is given in recognition of consistently superior professional achievement and encourages the ongoing pursuit of excellence.

The following faculty and staff members earned the 2013 award and were honored at a reception at the Batavia Campus on Thursday, August 22, 2013.

Award for Excellence in Teaching

Valerie Bello, Assistant Professor of Communication and Media Arts – A standout student in media/communications at Medaille College, Val brought that same zest for learning to her teaching position at GCC. She joined the college in fall 2008 and earned an appointment as assistant professor in 2012. Val developed a course to help students study and understand how changing technology has influenced media. She remains active professionally in radio and marketing. Val advises WGCC, the college radio station, which has won awards from the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System. Val resides in Lancaster, NY.

Julie Jackson-Coe, Associate Professor of Reading – Julie joined GCC in 1989 as a learning specialist in the Center for Academic Progress. In 1999, she took a nine-month position at Niagara University's learning center, returning full time to GCC two years later to teach reading. She is beloved by students who may be reluctant to admit a need for her class. She is described as kind and firm bringing an individualized approach to each student to help aid success. A graduate of St. Bonaventure, Julie earned her MSEd from SUNY College at Buffalo in 1989. She resides in Amherst.

Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities

Derek Maxfield, Assistant Professor of History – A native of Dundee, NY, Derek just completed his fourth year at GCC. A graduate of SUNY Cortland, he received a Master's degree in history from Villanova. A passionate historian, Derek has spearheaded GCC's tremendously successful Civil War Initiative. He has developed several courses at the College and is active in the College Senate as well as in the community. He lives with his family in Churchville.

Award for Excellence in Faculty Service

Christine Belongia, Associate Professor of Teacher Education – Christine, an Oakfield resident, earned an AS degree from GCC in 1990. She continued her education at SUNY Brockport and SUNY College at Buffalo where she earned a Master's degree in 1998. Christine joined GCC as an adjunct instructor in 1998 and quickly became a valued member of the faculty. In fall 2002, she joined the college full time. Not only is she committed to her students, Christine also assists her peers to become the best teachers they can be. She developed an Instructional Design course taken by more than 150 GCC instructors that has become a model for other colleges. Christine also generously shares her talents with many community and professional organizations.

Award for Excellence in Professional Service

Patty Chaya, Associate Dean, Warsaw and Lima Campus Centers – With seemingly boundless energy, Patty is a respected member of the GCC management team. She joined the college in 2002 as Associate Dean of the Warsaw Campus Center, and last year she added supervision of the Lima Campus Center to her duties. Patty believes strongly in the importance of working as a team and offers generous support and appreciation to her staff. She is active in GUSTO (Genesee Unites to Serve Team Opportunities) and in her campus communities. She makes her home in Batavia.

John McGowan, Technical Specialist for Career Services – John came to GCC in 2005 under a grant-funded program in the Career Center. He became Career Services Coordinator in 2007 and has developed many programs to support opportunities for students, including bringing a Toastmaster's Club to campus. GCC's Multicultural Communications Club will have more than 50 members this year. John, who lives in Batavia, is also active in the community as a member of the Batavia Rotary and other organizations.

Award for Excellence in Classified Service

Debra Crossett, Secretary, Office of Student Activities – Deb has been the Secretary in GCC's Student Activities office for five years. Prior to that, she worked for two years in the Center for Academic Progress. Deb has helped reorganize the Student Activities office to make things run more efficiently. She hires and oversees a dozen work study students each semester. Deb is also an advisor to the Christian Students United (CSU) club and uses her creativity to plan activities and events that will be meaningful to members. She is a friend to all students and helps make GCC feel like their home away from home. Deb makes her home in Batavia.

For more information including a listing of all GCC's SUNY Chancellor Awardees, please go to: www.genesee.edu/events/chancellor or contact Marketing Communications Associate Director Donna Rae Sutherland at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6616, or via email: dsutherland@genesee.edu.

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Editor's Note: Photo of GCC SUNY Chancellor's Award winners is available here: http://marketing.genesee.edu/images/SUNY Chancellor Awardees 2013.jpg.