GCC's Albion and Medina Campus Centers Announce Students and Instructors of the Semester

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Dr. David Voss (left) with Orleans County Campus Centers Associate Dean Jim Simon

BATAVIA, NY (05/06/2015)(readMedia)-- The Albion and Medina Campus Centers of Genesee Community College are pleased to announce the Spring 2015 Students and Instructors of the Semester. Each semester, one student and one instructor at each campus center are awarded the honor for outstanding academic or teaching performance.

Dr. David Voss has been selected as the instructor of the semester at the Medina Campus for the Spring 2015 semester. He teaches Chemistry at the Medina Campus, and also teaches at Medina High School and SUNY Buffalo's Post Baccalaureate Program. David received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a PhD in Bioinorganic Chemistry at the University of Buffalo.

Dave feels most rewarded as a teacher when he watches a student realize that they can do something they thought they were not capable of doing. When asked what he likes about working at GCC, Dave replied, "It is a great place to continue your education – a place with a supportive staff and faculty fully invested in seeing their students succeed." His advice to new instructors is to love what you do and love your kids!

He was nominated by multiple students because he cares about his students and is always willing to work with them, even if it means coming in early or staying late. They also like that he always answers their questions to the best of his ability and that "his puns are so corny that they are funny."

In his personal time, Dave enjoys sports and reading. He states the best book he ever read was "Napoleon's Buttons: How 17 Molecules Changed the World." He also enjoys watching the television series "Mad Men." He has a wonderful wife, 4 children, a dog and a cat.

Melissa Ostrom has been selected as the instructor of the semester at the Albion Campus Center for the Spring semester 2015. She teaches English Composition at the Albion Campus. Melissa has a Master of Arts in English from Middlebury College and a Secondary English Education Certification from SUNY Fredonia. She currently works with teachers as a public school curriculum consultant and previously was an English teacher at Kendall High School.

Students appreciate Melissa's positive attitude and her willingness to help students. The student who nominated her said, "She helped me understand the material and she is very bubbly. She does not seem to get annoyed at anything or anyone."

She is married with two children and her hobbies include cooking, writing fiction and making pottery. Melissa's advice to new instructors is "Be kind; this does not mean lenient or inordinately flexible but every student can benefit from an instructor's kindness."

Keith McKinney has been selected as the student of the semester at the Medina Campus for the Spring 2015 semester. Keith is currently a General Studies major with plans to transfer to either UB or Brockport to obtain his Bachelor of Arts Degree in History.

Prior to GCC, Keith served in the US Army as a Legacy Leader. While in the Army, Keith was honored with numerous military awards and decorations. Once he retired, he decided to attend GCC and become a history teacher.

When asked what he likes most about his college experience thus far, he commented that he thoroughly enjoys learning new ideas, differences in cultures and opinions, and the opportunity to openly discuss such subjects. Keith is a very generous and giving person, as expressed by the instructor who nominated him as our student of the semester. Her comments are echoed by other faculty, students, and staff.

Keith volunteers and participates in many activities everywhere he goes. Keith shared that the major influences in his life include his family, friends, as well his GCC instructors and staff. When asked if he had any advice for new college students, he said "Be open to new ideas and challenges." Keith's long-term goal is to teach at GCC.

Mandy Moore has been selected as the student of the semester at the Albion Campus for the Spring 2015 semester. She is a full-time student majoring in Alcohol and Substance Abuse Studies. Mandy is consistently on the President's List and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa. She is graduating from GCC in May and will continue her education in the fall at SUNY Brockport where she will pursue a degree in Social Work.

Instructors who nominated Mandy noted her academic achievement and exceptional work ethic. One instructor stated, "She comes to class prepared, focused and ready to learn. She is a role model for fellow students." Mandy advises new students to make sure to schedule due dates in advance so you have plenty of time to study and complete assignments. Mandy interns with Susyn Tillman at "All About U" counseling and the Parenting Program through the Ministry of Concern.

Mandy lives in Lyndonville and enjoys spending time with her daughter and going for walks with her family.

For more information, 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:

A photograph of Dr. David Voss (left) with Orleans County Campus Centers Associate Dean Jim Simon is available here:

http://marketing.genesee.edu/images/DavidVossMedinaIoSSpring2015.jpg

A photograph of Melissa Ostrom is available here:

http://marketing.genesee.edu/images/MelissaOstromAlbionIoSSpring2015.jpg

A photograph of Keith McKinney (left) with Associate Dean Simon is available here:

http://marketing.genesee.edu/images/KeithMcKinneyMedinaSoSSpring2015.jpg

A photograph of Mandy Moore is available here:

http://marketing.genesee.edu/images/MandyMooreAlbionSoSSpring2015.jpg