Genesee Community College Honors October Employee and Student of the Month

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Tom Priester

BATAVIA, NY (10/17/2014)(readMedia)-- Genesee Community College is pleased to announce Tom Priester has been named October 2014 Employee of the Month. Tom came to GCC in August 2012 and has totally immersed himself in the College culture and activities, making many positive and significant contributions in a short time.

Tom teaches FYE100-Transitions: The First Year Experience and receives exceptional feedback for the connections he makes with students. The College notes, "The enthusiasm he shows for his FYE students is remarkable and there is no doubt as to why they enjoy his classes so much." He also teaches CEP101-Career and Educational Planning and works closely with the Genesee County Youth Bureau, providing a college credit-bearing leadership development course (Genesee Youth Lead Program) for area high school students. He says the students are his favorite aspect of working at GCC. "They keep me current, energized and hopeful for the future. Without them, my job would be REALLY boring."

Prior to coming to GCC, Tom worked at both Monroe and Finger Lakes Community Colleges. He has also served as president of the College Student Personnel Association of New York State and was recently inducted into CSPA's Crystal Circle. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Secondary English Education from SUNY Fredonia, a Master's in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from SUNY Buffalo State, and a Doctor of Education in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher College. At GCC, he chairs both the Transitional Studies and Academic Assessment Committees and is an advisor to Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. He is also a member of the GUSTO! (Genesee Unites to Serve Team Opportunities) Team.

Tom grew up in Niagara Falls where his family still resides. He now makes his home in Rochester but loves to travel and is a huge fan of the performing arts. He's also very excited that he will be an uncle for the first time any day now.

Genesee Community College is also pleased to announce Gina Constable has been named the October 2014 Student of the Month. A native of Bergen, NY, Gina is a 2009 graduate of Byron-Bergen Central School. She is pursuing a General Studies-Liberal Arts degree at GCC.

The College selected Gina as Student of the Month in part because of the "outstanding job" she did as an Orientation Leader over the summer. It's noted that "She thrived at creating an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for the new students and their families." While orientation season is over, Gina continues to help students with directions and answer questions about student services and resources. "GCC is a great place to go to school, and I love helping people see that!" Gina enthuses.

Gina, 23, calls herself a "nerd." "I love going to school," she said. If it were something she could do for a living, she would. "Since that's not really an option, I want to work as a curator in a museum or in a library."

She plans to pursue at least a Master's Degree and will do so wherever her fiancé is stationed. He is in the Navy.

For now, she's transitioned into leadership roles at GCC on the Campus Activities Board and the Student Advisory Board to further engage students in the GCC experience. She chose the College because it was close to home and convenient. It's turned out to be a great decision. When asked what her favorite aspect of GCC is, she has no trouble responding: "All the friends I have made, my instructors, pretty much the entire college experience."

Gina is the daughter of George Schelemanow and Wendy Cappoli-Frongetta. She has one brother, Joe Schelemanow.

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Editor's Note:

A photograph of Tom Priester is available here:

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

A photograph of Gina Constable is available here:

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