GCC to Host Veterans' Symposium

BATAVIA, NY (03/27/2014)(readMedia)-- Genesee Community College is extending a welcome to veterans and agencies that serve them to participate in a Veterans' Symposium on the GCC Batavia Campus. The event is planned for Tuesday, May 6, 2014 with activities throughout the day. "Our goal is to help veterans understand the opportunities we can offer them," Marie Giardino, director of the Adult Educational Opportunity Center (AEOC) at GCC said. "We want to show them what types of fields they can study at GCC, assist with the college and financial application processes, explore jobs that are in high demand and help them complete their education and secure a successful future."

Veterans are a unique population who can find it challenging adapting to academia. Some veterans find younger students to be less disciplined and unable to relate to their experiences. Others worry that they don't fit in with "traditional-age" students who recently graduated from high school. "Bringing veterans together at a Symposium like this will help them see they have many peers and can find support in one another, and introduce them to community agencies that provide important services," Giardino said.

The day will consist of four major components:

* 1– 4 p.m. Conable Technology Building:

• GCC's Open Educational Forum, Room T102

All the information veterans need to know about attending college and other educational opportunities.

* Community Fair, Conable Technology Building - First Floor Hallway

A wide spectrum of Veteran service agencies will have tables set up to share information about their services to veterans. These may include Genesee Veterans Support Network, Wounded Warriors, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Veterans Assistance of Western NY Health Care System and many others.

* 4 – 5 p.m. Hospitality Hour and Reception, Conable Technology Building, T119:

During this mingling and networking session, attendees will also be encouraged to tour the Batavia Campus including visiting the newly dedicated Veteran's Lounge located in the Wolcott J. Humphrey Student Union.

* 5 – 7:30 p.m. Evening Training Sessions, Conable Technology Building, T102:

A panel of veteran services experts will share experiences and information covering many topics from PTSD and to understanding the military culture.

Those who work with veterans call them one of America's greatest untapped human resources. Military behavioral health consultant Alison Lighthall notes "Student veterans are emotionally mature, goal-oriented, mission-driven, experienced leaders....they are the kind of role models we need on our campuses."

For further information contact Marie Giardino, Director of Adult Educational Opportunity Center

585-343-0055 Ext. 6285 or Email: magiardino@genesee.edu

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