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

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Andreas Brooks, instructor of the semester at the GCC Medina Campus Center

BATAVIA, NY (05/12/2014)(readMedia)-- Albion and Medina, NY- The Albion and Medina Campus Centers of Genesee Community College are pleased to announce the Spring 2014 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.

Andreas Brooks has been selected as the instructor of the semester at the Medina Campus for the Spring 2014 semester. He teaches English 101 and English 102 at the Medina Campus as well as the Batavia Campus. Andreas earned a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Arts and a Master of Science after attending Virginia Tech and the University of Rochester. Andreas feels most rewarded as a teacher when he watches adult students regain their confidence as writers and thinkers. When asked what he likes about working at GCC, Andreas replied, "I am proud to be part of such a diverse and warm community."

He was nominated by two students this semester and each included comments about his ability to make English class fun. He has a great personality which commands respect because he is respectful to his students. Although he requires his students to write a lot, they appreciate the time he is willing to give for proofreading. He is very reachable and responds quickly via email. He has been labeled as an encourager, a "great guy," a "mentor" and a "fantastic teacher."

In his personal time, Andreas enjoys woodworking, writing, cooking, reading, hiking and just being outside. With his wife, Lauren, they enjoy their four cats.

Amy Cifelli has been selected as the instructor of the semester at the Albion Campus Center for the Spring semester 2014. She teaches Algebra I and II at the Albion Campus. Amy has a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Criminal Justice and a Master in Mathematics from SUNY Brockport. Amy's most rewarding experience was teaching math at the Attica Correctional Facility and seeing their mathematical skills grow. When asked what she likes about working at GCC Amy replied, "GCC works very hard to balance both high standards for learning and compassion for the individual student."

She was nominated by three students this semester and each included comments about her patience as well as her willingness to help students understand the material. Some comments include, "She's the best math teacher I've ever had" and "For helping me pass Algebra I, not only should she be instructor of the semester but she should get a medal!"

In her personal time, Amy enjoys hiking and camping with her husband and two children. She also enjoys watching her favorite television program "The Walking Dead" and reading Popular Science magazine.

Jacquelyn Bixler has been selected as the student of the semester at the Medina Campus for the Spring 2014 semester. She is a Business Administration major who will graduate summer 2014 after completing her degree taking only one or two courses a semester. She plans to begin work on her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration this fall. She jokes that by the time her degree is complete she will be ready to retire from her current full-time job as the vice president of Human Resources for BryLin Behavioral Health System.

Jacquelyn decided to attend college to improve herself and be prepared for whatever the future presents. She has enjoyed the challenge. She attests her success to her commitment to do the best she can and she was nominated due to her excellent work and ability to stay on top of assignments. It was noted that she is very helpful to her students and acts as a mentor to those who are just starting their degree. She represents the Medina Campus Center well.

In her personal time, Jacquelyn likes to renovate properties, participate in outdoor activities and golf. She is involved in Rotary and the Rotary Exchange Program, is a Buffalo Bills season ticket holder and a member of Shelridge Country Club. She has received the Distinguished Alumni Award for Leadership Niagara in the past.

Jacob Tynan has been selected as the student of the semester at the Albion Campus for the Spring semester 2014. He is a full-time student majoring in General Education. After GCC, Jacob plans to transfer to SUNY Brockport and his eventual goal is to work in park management.

When asked about his strengths as a student, Jacob replied, his ability to "understand concepts and contributing in class." Instructors who nominated Jacob were impressed with his attitude and positive contributions during class discussions. One instructor said, "Jacob has helped shape the class dynamics to be a fun, comfortable learning environment." Jacob's advice for new students is "work hard and have as much fun as possible."

Jacob lives in Albion and his interests include hiking, reading, geography and biking. He also volunteers at Holy Family Parish and Billy Martin's Circus.

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 Andreas Brooks is available here:

http://marketing.genesee.edu/images/Andreas_Brooks_MedinaIoS_Spring2014.jpg

A photograph of Amy Cifelli is available here:

http://marketing.genesee.edu/images/Amy_Cifelli_AlbionIoS_Spring2014.jpg

A photograph of Jacquelyn Bixler is available here:

http://marketing.genesee.edu/images/Jacquelyn_Bixler_MedinaSoS_Spring2014.jpg

A photograph of Jacob Tynan is available here:

http://marketing.genesee.edu/images/Jacob_Tynan_AlbionSoS_Spring2014.jpg