Gregory Rabb, associate professor of political science at JCC, was a presenter at a recent conference focusing on experiential approaches to understanding the causes of war and efforts to bring about global peace.

Held in September at Whittier College in California and co-sponsored by the United States Institute of Peace and the University of Southern California, the conference drew together high school and community college educators involved in courses that explore diplomacy and international negotiation.

Presentations by Rabb and George Latio, a former Sudanese child soldier who is now a student at Ohio University, were sponsored by USIP. USIP was established to help prevent, manage, and resolve violent conflicts through knowledge, skills, and resources dedicated to peace building.

CareerPath, JCC's web-based career exploration program, was featured recently in the “Campus Career Counselor” newsletter.

“Campus Career Counselor” is the only national publication geared specifically and exclusively to college and university career services professionals.

Introduced in October 2007, CareerPath, which is located at www.sunyjcc.edu, provides detailed information on preparing for over 100 of the most popular careers.
Information available at CareerPath for each career includes a general description of the career, including common tasks; required education, training, and certification; employment outlook through 2014 as projected by the United States Department of Labor; income potential; and professional organizations associated with the career.

CareerPath also provides links to JCC’s academic programs and transfer articulation agreements.
 

Jean (John) Sayegh of Allegany has been appointed vice president/dean of the Cattaraugus County Campus, continuing education, and external partnerships.

“We are pleased to welcome someone with John’s breadth and depth of experience to the college,” said JCC President Gregory T. DeCinque. “As someone familiar with the Southern Tier, he possesses a keen understanding of how higher education can respond to the needs of our service area and has a solid track record of accomplishments through his work with Cattaraugus County, the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce, and the city of Olean.”

In addition to having daily oversight responsibilities for the Cattaraugus County Campus in Olean, Sayegh will have college-wide duties that include overseeing non-credit instruction and programming.

The TRI to Find a Cure indoor triathlon, sponsored by JCC’s Total Fitness program and cheerleading team, will be held in the Physical Education Complex on the Jamestown Campus on November 21.

A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Center for Imaging at WCA Hospital, which has been designated as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence.

“Indoor triathlons are a great way to start before trying the race outside,” said Diane Ringer, JCC’s cheerleading coach and an organizer of the November 21 event. “For experienced triathletes, it can be an easy way to cross train or to stay motivated during the winter months. The benefit of indoor triathlons is that it connects people to the sport in a controlled environment.”

The registration deadline is November 18. For more information or to register, contact Ms. Ringer at 716.792.9930 or Diane_Ringer@msn.com.

Flags from several countries have been donated to JCC to enhance its collection of international flags.

The donation, made by Henry and Elizabeth Geisler of Jamestown, includes flags given to them by foreign exchange students from Bolivia, Japan, Brazil, Chile, and Denmark and visitors from Israel and Italy. Flags from Australia and Sweden, obtained by the couple’s sons who participated in study abroad programs, were included in the donation.

JCC’s flag collection, which will be displayed in Hultquist Library, also received South Korean, Chinese, British, and Russian flags, representing international students who were enrolled at JCC last year, from JCC’s Student Senate.

Five of JCC’s newest alumni represented the college at a higher education recruitment fair held in late September in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, in the People's Republic of China.

Representing JCC were Pengfei Du “Clark,” Yuxin Qin “Destiny,” Yongyi Yang “Young,” Quingying Yi “Julia, and Lei Wang “Stein,” all of whom earned certificates in individual studies from JCC last May as participants in SUNY's China 150 Program.

The recruitment fair was coordinated by the Institute of International Education (IIE) of which JCC is a member. According to the IIE's "Open Doors" report, 81,127 students from China studied in the United States during the 2007-08 academic year (up 19.8% from the previous year). China is the second-leading place of origin for students coming to the United States, following India (94,563).

Mitchell Paterniti, Falconer High School and College Connections biology instructor, was awarded the Teacher-of-the-Year award at the program’s annual fall training at JCC.

Paterniti offers four JCC biology courses to his Falconer students and was nominated by his JCC faculty liaison, Jan Bowman.

“Mitch’s strength as a teacher largely sits with his enthusiasm, which is definitely contagious, and his love of sharing his awe of the natural world,” explained Ms. Bowman.

JCC’s Cattaraugus County Campus and the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford (UPB) will co-sponsor the annual mathematics competition for local high school students from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on November 20 in JCC’s Cutco Theater.

Teams of up to 10 students, chosen by high school advisors, complete tests in multiple choice formats covering algebra, geometry, and problem solving from high school level curriculum. Trophies are awarded to the top four teams and individual scorers. Students can also receive JCC and UPB scholarships.

The $5 registration fee includes lunch. The contest is open to the first 100 registrants. Advisors or students wanting to register or obtain additional information on the contest should contact organizers JCC mathematics coordinator Sharyn Zias at 716.376.7576 or mathematics instructor Dan Rabb at 716.376.7585.
 

Triumphant Swing Band, a 17-piece big band, will perform at 8 p.m. on November 14 in the Cutco Theater on JCC’s Cattaraugus County Campus in Olean.

The concert, free and open to the public, is sponsored by JCC’s campus program committee.

The band, whose motto is “gospel with a swing,” plays church melodies in a jazz style throughout the Southern Tier. The group is directed by band member and arranger Roy Mitchell.

For more information contact Mike Marvin at 716.376.7586 or mikemarvin@mail.sunyjcc.edu.
 

JCC signed transfer agreements with D’Youville College and Hilbert College recently.

The agreements with D’Youville are designed for JCC students who plan to transfer to D’Youville in global studies, history, philosophy, psychology, or sociology.

D’Youville normally accepts no more than 65 credits in transfer from a two-year college. However, under the terms of these agreements, JCC students can transfer up to 79 credits toward requirements for a bachelor’s degree in philosophy or psychology, and up to 90 credits toward a bachelor’s degree in global studies, history, or sociology.

College Connections, JCC’s concurrent enrollment program with regional high schools, has been awarded national accreditation by National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP).

“In earning this special status, JCC joins an elite group of colleges which have met the highest standards of rigor on a variety of important characteristics associated with their dual enrollment programs,” stated Marilyn Zagora, JCC’s vice president and dean of academic affairs.

The Antique Appraisal Fair & Marketplace, sponsored by the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce (GOACC) and the JCC Cattaraugus County Campus Alumni Association, will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on October 23 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on October 24 in JCC’s Cutco Theater in Olean.

An expert appraisal team, led by Greg Carter, owner of United Auctions and Antiques, will offer information on jewelry, coins, watches, furniture, paintings and prints, china, books, quilts, glassware and pottery, vintage clothing, and more.

Participants should bring portable items for appraisal and are encouraged to supply related handwritten or typed identifying information about their collectible. For large furniture, a drawer and/or photographs are acceptable. If you are seeking information about firearms or weapons of any kind, please bring only photographs.

Cutco Corporate College, a continuing education program for Cutco Corporation employees, will receive the Community Partner Award during the JCC Foundation’s annual dinner on October 29.

The dinner, which will be held at Premier Banquet Center in Olean, will also honor Jim Stitt, president, chief executive officer, and chairman of Cutco Corporation, as the recipient of the John D. Hamilton Award, presented by the foundation for exemplary service to JCC.

For information on the dinner, contact the JCC Foundation office at 716.376.7513 or foundation@mail.sunyjcc.edu.

The Community Partner Award recognizes the vital role of organizations that work collaboratively with JCC to provide educational, social, cultural, and civic enrichment of the area.

Explore JCC, an open house for high school seniors and their families, will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on October 12 and from 2 to 4 p.m. on November 22 on the Jamestown Campus and from 10 a.m. to noon on November 22 on the Cattaraugus County Campus.

The programs provides college-bound students with an opportunity to learn more about the JCC’s programs and services.

Visitors can explore degree and certificate programs, meet faculty and staff, learn about student services, and get information about transferability of JCC credits.
Personal assistance with completing the college’s online admissions application will be provided and college representatives will outline financial aid opportunities.

For additional information, call the JCC admissions office, 800/388-8557, or visit www.sunyjcc.edu/explorejcc.
 

Top high school students from throughout the region will gather at JCC's Cattaraugus County Campus on October 16 to compete in “Meeting of the Minds,” an academic quiz bowl competition for students in grades nine through 12.

The public is welcome to attend the event, which will be held from 2 to 5:30 p.m. in Cutco Theater.

West Valley Central School, last year’s champion, will compete against schools from Hinsdale, Kane, Friendship, Olean, Salamanca, Otto-Eldred, and Port Allegany. Oswayo Valley High School is an alternate team.

Details on the event can be obtained by contacting Marjorie Litteer, 716.376.7528 or marjorielitteer@mail.sunyjcc.edu.

A three-credit JCC plein air painting course features a six-day exploration of Florence and Rome, Italy next March.

The course, conducted by JCC adjunct faculty member and local artist William Waite, is designed for JCC students as well as community members.

Pre-trip classes will be held from 6:30-8:45 p.m. on January 27, February 3 and 17, and March 3 and 17. Participants will visit Florence, Siena, Tuscany, and Rome March 26-31.

The approximate cost of the trip is $2100, which includes roundtrip airfare from Buffalo to Rome, bus transportation to Florence, lodging, insurance, entrance fees to selected museums, and a metro pass in Rome. A first payment of $700 is due by December 7. A $500 scholarship will be available to an enrolled undergraduate student at JCC.

Complete details on the trip costs, deadlines, and requirements can be obtained by contacting Waite at 716.485.6874 or whw@netsync.net.

James E. Stitt, president, chief executive officer, and chairman of Cutco Corporation, will receive the John D. Hamilton Award during the JCC Foundation’s annual dinner on October 29 at Premier Banquet Center in Olean.

For information or tickets, contact the JCC Foundation office at 716.376.7513 or foundation@mail.sunyjcc.edu.

The award is the highest recognition given by the college and is presented to individuals who provide exemplary support to the college.

Stitt served on JCC’s board of trustees from 1999 to 2008. He was instrumental in garnering support for the Cattaraugus County Campus when funds were needed for a $32 million expansion, which was completed in 2003.

JCC, in collaboration with the Cattaraugus County Arts Council (CCAC), will celebrate the opening of the Beyond Shadow and Light photography exhibition in new gallery space at JCC’s Cattaraugus County Campus with a wine and cheese reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on September 25.

Students who were awarded degrees or certificates from JCC's Jamestown and Cattaraugus County campuses in August 2009 include:

High honors, representing a grade point average of 3.50 to 3.99, were earned by: Christina Marsh of Kennedy, Associate in Science (A.S.)-Human Services, Lindy Johnson of Frewsburg and Susan Threadgill of Allegany, A.S.-Individual Studies; Noah Allen of Jamestown, A.S.-Liberal Arts & Sciences: Mathematics and Science; and Elizabeth Ventura of Jamestown, Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.)-Occupational Therapy Assistant.

Six individuals joined JCC’s faculty this fall.

Dennis Benamati, assistant professor and director of libraries for JCC’s Jamestown and Cattaraugus County campuses, earned a bachelor’s degree at St. Francis University, a master’s degree at Fordham University, and a master’s degree in library science at Southern Connecticut State University. His previous library administrative experience includes work at SUNY Albany, Marist College, Sacred Heart University, and several law libraries.

Renee Funke, education instructor on the Jamestown Campus, earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at SUNY Fredonia and a certificate of advanced study in educational leadership at SUNY Buffalo. She previously served as a coordinator and reading first regional coach for Erie I BOCES and taught at Pine Valley Central School, Cuba-Rushford Central School, and Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES.

JCC’s Cattaraugus County Campus will host acoustic guitarist Neil Jacobs at 7 p.m. on October 15 as part of the Rising Star Series. His performance will be held in JCC’s Cutco Theater and is free and open to the public.

Known for his mastery of the 12-string acoustic guitar and relaxed interaction with audiences, Jacobs’ compositions cover diverse music from around the world and highlight Gypsy, Balkan, folk, classical, and jazz selections. For more information, visit www.neiljacobs.com.

The Rising Star Series is made possible through support from the Cutco Foundation, Olean Medical Group, JCC Foundation, and JCC Faculty Student Association. For more information, call Jill Ballard, 716.376.7590.

Rehearsals have begun for JCC’s production of The Producers, which opens November 6 in Scharmann Theatre on the Jamestown Campus.

Based upon the Mel Brooks’ classic comedy film from 1968, the musical version of The Producers sets the standard for modern, outrageous, in-your-face humor. When it debuted on Broadway, it won a record 12 Tony Awards.

“The JCC Uncommoners are privileged to be the first company in the area to present the show,” said Robert Schlick, JCC theatre director. “One reviewer called it `the funniest show on the planet!’ while another claimed the musical is `Outrageous, hilarious, a teeny bit offensive, off the wall.’”

In celebration of the International Year of Astronomy, JCC will sponsor “Missing Spots on the Sun: Anything Wrong?,” a presentation by JCC alumnus Darren Williams, associate professor of physics and astronomy at Penn State Erie, The Behrend Campus, at 7 p.m. on October 7.

The program, free and open to the public, will be presented in the Lenna Teleconference Theatre on JCC’s Jamestown Campus. Program sponsors are JCC’s physics department and the college program committee of JCC’s Faculty Student Association.

During his presentation, Dr. Williams will discuss what is known of sunspots, the history of sunspot observations, and the possible link between the appearance of sunspots and changes to the Earth’s climate.

The public is welcome to attend a groundbreaking ceremony for the new science education center on JCC’s Jamestown Campus set for 4:30 p.m. on September 15 behind the Carnahan Center.

The Weeks Gallery at JCC’s Jamestown Campus will hold an “ArtBop” at the college and in downtown Jamestown on October 3 to celebrate the opening of Homegrown Excellence: The Weeks Gallery Salutes Regional Artists.

The exhibition, on display through December 8, features artwork by JCC alumni and faculty Nate Arnone, James Colby, Deb Eck, Peter Goergen, Theresa Heinz, Don Hill, Yu Kanazawa, Deb Lanni, Marilyn Martin, Justin Sorensen, Helene Stolzenberg, and William Waite.

Tickets for the event can be obtained through JCC’s box office, 716.338.1187. Admission is $10 for the general public, $8 for area students and senior citizens, and $6 for JCC Faculty Student Association members.

The exhibition is funded by JCC, JCC Faculty Student Association, JCC Foundation, the Arthur R. Gren Company, and the Southern Tier Brewing Company.