Genesee Community College Honors May Employee and Student of the Month

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Serena Cooke

BATAVIA, NY (05/21/2013)(readMedia)-- Genesee Community College is pleased to announce Serena Cooke has been named May 2013 Employee of the Month. Serena and her husband Curt live in Leicester and are the parents of two boys, Adam and Chris.

Serena is Campus Center Associate at GCC's Lima Campus. This position covers a wide range of duties from academic advising to planning student activities. "I help students from start to finish through their academic career at GCC," said Serena. Interacting with the students is one of Serena's favorite parts of the job because she sees how she can make a difference in their lives. "I love working with adult students who are scared and frustrated when they first come in," she said. "It is amazing to see their confidence level soar after a semester or two."

In naming her Employee of the Month, the College noted the pride Serena takes in serving students to the best of her ability and her continual efforts to advance her own skills and share what she's learned with others. "Serena is a team player who regularly comes up with ideas to improve service to the community. She is a definite asset to the College."

Serena is not only an employee, but also an alumnus. She earned her Commercial Art degree from GCC in 1992. Prior to working at the Lima campus, she was a stay-at-home mom, worked in direct sales and managed a skating rink. Serena is an avid runner and loves to hike and camp.

Genesee Community College is also pleased to announce Arlene Olmstead has been named the May 2013 Student of the Month. A native of Jamestown, NY, Arlene now makes her home in Byron with her husband Robert. They have five sons, one of whom is a 2012 graduate of GCC.

Arlene is a non-traditional student who had not attended school since graduating from Jamestown High in 1975. She heard about GCC through friends and newspaper ads and decided to enroll. She can't say enough about how much that decision has enriched her life. "Genesee Community College is so wonderful!" she said. Arlene became vice president of Student Government and excelled in her coursework, earning President's List honors. She graduated this month with General Studies and Human Services degrees and two certificates in Gerontology and Leadership, one of the few students to complete that certificate this year. She plans to continue school part-time at Roberts Wesleyan College, working toward her Bachelor's Degree.

In naming her student of the month, GCC recognizes Arlene's "tremendous volunteer work at the College and her positive spirit. She has worked on many, many projects while maintaining an excellent academic record and helping her fellow students whenever she can." She gives of her time generously in the community as well, working with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Batavia and the Salvation Army. She also enjoys Swedish Dancing, something she's done since the age of 14.

Arlene dreams of one day running her own business or being a leader in a company. Though she's graduating, it's likely she'll return to campus to visit. She encourages others to do so as well. "Come to the activities that are available here for the public to enjoy," she said. "The plays, the fashion shows, and much more. I assure you that you will enjoy all that is shared here at Genesee Community College."

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Editor's Note:

A photograph of Serena Cooke is available at:

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

A photograph of Arlene Olmstead receiving her award from Dr. Virginia Taylor, VP for Student and Enrollment Services and GCC President Dr. James Sunser is available at:

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