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

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Albion Campus Center Instructor of the Semester, Karen Krieger

BATAVIA, NY (05/19/2016)(readMedia)-- Albion and Medina, NY- The Albion and Medina Campus Centers of Genesee Community College are pleased to announce the Spring 2016 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.

ALBION CAMPUS CENTER

Karen Krieger has been selected as the Spring 2016 Instructor of the Semester at the Albion Campus Center. A graduate of Medina High School, Karen earned her BS in Sociology from Buffalo State College and her MS in Education from D'Youville College. Currently, she serves as an academic advisor at the Medina Campus Center and teaches Career and Educational Planning at the Albion Campus Center.

Each of the students who nominated Karen noted her genuine interest in the well-being and success of her students. "Karen makes a conscious effort in meeting and learning about each individual student to drive his/her success," one student noted. Another student stated: "I was so unsure of myself and the decisions I was making at the start of the semester that I was in tears. Karen helped me to overcome my fears, build confidence and pursue my dreams. She encourages me to be independent and challenges me to succeed. She always gives me something new to think about in and out of class."

When asked if she had one piece of advice to offer a new instructor, Karen shared that "students do not care what you know or what it is that you want to teach them until they know that you care." She further noted that "GCC is comprised of faculty and staff who care for students and overall student success both in and outside of the classroom. Students know this when they come here. I am blessed to be a part of it."

In her personal time, Karen's hobbies include reading, walking, slow jogging, spending time in nature and baking. She also enjoys spending time with her husband Brian, children John and Kate, and their family pets. Karen says that her most rewarding teaching experiences include watching students find their own success. "It is such a privilege to be a part of those times in their lives."

Louisa Shiffer has been selected as the Spring 2016 Student of the Semester. An undeclared major, Louisa is working hard with the goal of being accepted into the GCC Nursing program.

Nominated by several instructors, they noted that Louisa "works full time and maintains high ideals, a very high GPA and a positive attitude. (We) have never heard her complain about her work or to ask to have extensions." She takes great pride in her academic work."

Louisa likes the intellectual challenges and the thoughtful discussions at college. When asked if she had any advice for new college students, Louisa reminded them to "expect to work hard. Classes and school work are your responsibility and as an adult, you need to not make excuses."

Louisa's cites her father and siblings as major influences in her life. "I admire people who work hard to overcome odds and who sacrifice for other people." Her long term goals include getting her Nursing degree and working as a holistic nurse practitioner.

In her personal time, Louisa enjoys reading, history (reenacting), cooking, knitting and spending time with her pets. She also volunteers teaching classes at the library.

MEDINA CAMPUS CENTER

Rick Bovenzi has been selected as the Instructor of the Semester at the Medina Campus Center for the Spring 2016 semester. Rick teaches Cell Biology, and in the past, has taught Human Biology in Medina. Comments by his students include: "Mr. Bovenzi is always available to assist students before or after class with information that is hard to understand," and, "He makes learning hard concepts fun, which makes it easier to remember."

Rick earned his MS in Science Education and Biology from SUNY Buffalo, as well as his BS in Biology from SUNY Brockport. He is a retired science teacher from the Albion Central School District.

He and his wife of 45 years have three children (now adults), three grandchildren, and one cat. In his personal time, Rick enjoys hunting, fishing and carpentry. He specializes in furniture and cabinet making. He shared that his favorite book is the Bible and A Lawyer's Case for Christ. When asked if he would change anything relative to career choices he has made, he shared he probably would have finished his P.A. Rick's one piece of advice to new instructors is, "Always be honest, and admit you don't have all of the answers, but research when you need to." His most rewarding teaching experiences include when his past students come back and tell him that the hard work in his class paid off for them in their careers.

Danielle Moon has been selected as the Student of the Semester at the Medina Campus Center for spring semester 2016. Danielle's major is Respiratory Care. She has already accepted a position at Rochester General Hospital as a respiratory therapist! She plans to graduate in May, take her board exam in June, and begin her new endeavor thereafter. During her full-time study at GCC, she participated in clinicals three days per week at various hospitals. Additionally, Danielle works full time at Hillside Children's Center.

The instructor that nominated Danielle noted that she is self-motivated and mature and stated that she "works exceptionally well with others and is quick to help others who are struggling with the subject, and that she is not afraid to ask questions in class, but only after searching for answers herself." When asked what advice she has for new students, she responded, "My advice for new college students would be to take as many classes as possible at community colleges like GCC before transferring to a 4-year college because it helps you make up your mind on what you want to do with your life."

Danielle enjoys horseback riding, rugby, reading and family time. She lives with her mother, step-father, and two younger brothers with one serving in the US Army.

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: For photographs of the Medina and Albion Campus Center instructors and students of the semester please go to:

• Albion Campus Center Instructor of the Semester, Karen Krieger

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

• Albion Campus Center Student of the Semester, Louisa Shiffer

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

• Medina Campus Center Instructor of the Semester, Rick Bovenzi

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

• Medina Campus Center Student of the Semester, Danielle Moon

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