Trek the Trail and WGCC Radio Reunion Showcase Genesee Talent and Facilities

BATAVIA, NY (04/21/2011)(readMedia)-- A few unique and fun opportunities will make Genesee Community College's Batavia campus the place to be on May 6 and 7, 2011. A community walkathon fundraiser for student scholarships - Trek the Trail – and a reunion for WGCC disc jockeys are both scheduled to take place that weekend, marking a very exciting finish to a busy year.

The idea for a Radio Reunion came about at GCC's Homecoming event in October earlier this academic year, said Valerie Bello, instructor of Media Arts and Communication. About 25 WGCC Alumni got together and had so much fun on the air together that they wanted to come back in the spring.

"For a lot of these alumni coming back, it's all about how the station represents fun memories for them," Bello said. "When these guys come back, it's like they are kids in a candy store. They are excited to get on the air and tell stories about what they did when they were students here."

Bello said that when a few alumni got to meet up with a few of their former instructors, the conversations made for some great radio time to say the least.

The Homecoming Reunion was "a huge hit" in October according to recent Alumni Hall of Fame recipient, Matt Locker. Locker was an integral part of the success of WGCC when he was a student and continues to work hard to keep in touch with other Communications and Media Arts Alumni and support WGCC with in-kind contributions of his time, talent and resources.

Locker prepared an exciting radio-spot to advertise the reunion this spring, saying, "Voices from years gone-by return to the air to reminisce, rekindle and play a wide variety of music – it's an on-air time machine and you're invited to tune in!" Tune in to Locker's WGCC ad by going to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOuJWWW0lWc.

All GCC graduates who may be interested in being part of the WGCC Radio Reunion on May 6 and May 7 from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. are asked to email: wgccfm907@gmail.com with the time slots for preferred airtime that weekend. Or, tune in to 90.7 fm to hear some college alumni tell colorful stories of "back in the day" when they enjoyed their time at GCC. For WGCCFM's website with a listing of the current schedule, shows and DJ's go to www.wgcc-fm.com.

TREK THE TRAIL

Saturday, May 7 marks the day for another new GCC event featuring outdoor fun and festivities for the whole family. The Alumni Trek the Trail offers an exciting opportunity for community members, alumni and/or current students to take a two-mile trek around the Batavia campus while raising funds for future students and programs.

Individuals or teams can sign up for the walkathon to support Genesee Community College Foundation's scholarship fund. Everyone is encouraged no matter what their running, walking, hiking or trekking ability-the main objective is to have fun! Come dressed up in innovative themes to celebrate the College with prizes awarded to the best outfitted walkers!

Registration for Trek the Trail begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Theatre Lobby and the walk is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. Participants will have the opportunity to check out many hot spots on campus along the designed Cougar Paws Pathway. Various "Trek Treats" will be given to walkers as they make their way from the Nature Trail, to the new soccer stadium, baseball fields, new lighted tennis courts, College Village and the newly renovated gym.

Trek the Trail winds on the East side of campus where the fun continues! A lunch featuring hotdogs and hamburgers, with the awards ceremony will conclude the event and fundraising festival with prizes for individuals and teams with the most creative costumes and the most pledges. For the youngest trekkers, Mr. Scribbles will be on hand for additional entertainment.

Alumni Affairs Coordinator Jackie Christenson said it feels great to be able to offer community members a chance to tour the campus themselves and enjoy a festive event that also supports the College simultaneously. "I'm excited to offer the alumni, business owners and residents of the community a chance to check out all our new facilities in person, and to bring family, friends or even colleagues in on a fun and casual opportunity," she said. "People will be impressed when they tour the campus and see it with their own eyes."

Registration for Trek the Trail is $15 per person or $50 per team with no limit on the number of team members. Individuals who raise $100 or more in pledges will have their registration fee waived, and teams that raise $500 or more in pledges will also have their registration fee waived. All participants will receive a t-shirt, lunch and 'Trek Treats' as part of their registration fee. Details are posted on the GCC Alumni website at www.genesee.edu/Alumni. Sponsorship opportunities for Trek the Trail are still available and can be arranged by contacting Jackie Christenson, Alumni Affairs Coordinator, at 585-343-0055 x6265 or jkchristenson@genesee.edu.

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