JCC’s commitment to connecting students to their goals was underscored recently as officials from JCC and five other colleges unveiled the “Communiversity at Jamestown Community College.”

JCC President Gregory T. DeCinque described the Communiversity as “an alliance of regional colleges and universities making select associate, bachelor's, and master’s degrees accessible to individuals in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties while providing the caring environment and individualized attention that has been a hallmark of JCC for over 60 years.”

Joining JCC in the Communiversity are Alfred State College, Edinboro University, Empire State College, Houghton College’s PACE Program, and Medaille College.

Global perspectives were the focus of discussion as students in two JCC summer programs came together for a combined class session in mid-August.

Students from JCC’s English Language Immersion Program met with students in the college’s Scholar Enrichment Program to exchange ideas and perceptions of each other’s culture.

The summer English Language Immersion Program, a three-week, non-credit experience, provided international students and area residents for whom English is not a first language an opportunity to study English grammar and improve vocabulary, pronunciation, listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The program also included excursions to Niagara Falls, Chautauqua Institution, and other regional destinations.

Students named to the spring 2010 part-time student dean’s list at Jamestown Community College earned at least a 3.50 average, equal to a B plus or better, in six to 11 credit hours of letter-graded work. Named to the dean’s list are:
Allegany Anndrea Burgess, Briana Casey, Raven Cilano, Mallory Clark, Stephanie Davis, Joseph DeRose, Vicky Filbert, Zachary Gelen, Michelle Halliday, Elizabeth Higgins, Donna Higley, Danielle Kellogg, Justin Ketchner, Patricia Malachowsky, Sarah Malmgren, Caitlin Martin, Katherine McMullen, Brad Messer, Matt Phearsdorf, Katherine Reed, Linda Schummer, Aimee Snyder, Lyn Stillman, Lauren Stroud, Rahul Thandla, David Washington
Amsterdam Stephen Budlong
Andover Aaron Nevol
Angola Scott Emhof, Amanda Potkovick

High school students throughout southwestern New York were recognized as students of the year in JCC’s College Connections program at the close of the 2009-2010 academic year.

JCC honored the students, who were chosen by their schools, during a special reception in June. In selecting the students of the year, schools were asked to consider College Connections participants who had embraced the challenges of completing college level work while in high school and demonstrated resourcefulness, integrity, and dedication.

College Connections, JCC’s concurrent enrollment program with regional high schools, is accredited by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships. JCC partners with over 40 high schools and BOCES centers within JCC’s service area to offer 58 different college courses in 26 disciplines. Over 2,000 students are served each year.

JCC alumni, family, and friends are invited to JCC Night at the Ballpark with the Jamestown Jammers on August 27 at Russell E. Diethrick Jr. Park.

The Jammers will take on the Williamsport Crosscutters during the game. Gates open at 6 p.m., and the game begins at 7:05 p.m.

Free bleacher tickets are available to JCC alumni free of charge. Each alumnus is limited to a maximum of six tickets. The event is sponsored, in part, by the JCC Alumni Association.

Cruise In at the College, featuring classic cars, will be held on JCC’s Jamestown Campus from noon to 5 p.m. on August 8.

The event will be held in the James Ave. parking lot on the campus. Proceeds benefit the JCC cheerleading program.

Classic cars and other vehicles are welcome at the cruise in. A $5 per car donation is appreciated. Dash plaques will be given to the first 100 cars and people's choice trophies will be presented to the top five vote getting vehicles. Cars and vehicles newer than 1990 are judged separately.

Music, featuring golden oldies and karaoke, will be provided by Sue Abers of Stray Kat Karaoke. A chicken and pulled pork barbecue dinner by Big Mike's BBQ will be available from noon until sold out.

Tom Torbjournsen of SIRIUS/XM's Radio's "America's Car Show" will be available to take car care questions at 2 p.m.

JCC signed a transfer articulation agreement with SUNY Potsdam recently.

JCC students who graduate from JCC with an Associate in Science degree in computer science are guaranteed acceptance into SUNY Potsdam’s bachelor’s degree program in computer science. Under the agreement, students can pursue a concentration in either computer science or information systems.

In addition to being offered on the Jamestown and Cattaraugus County campuses, courses required for JCC’s computer science degree are available online.

SUNY Potsdam, one of 13 SUNY arts and sciences colleges, enrolls 4,330 graduate and undergraduate students.

To address the needs of international students as well as regional students for whom English is not a first language, JCC will introduce courses within a new English language instruction (ELI) curriculum this fall.

Three fall semester courses focusing on composition, reading, and speaking/listening will be offered at JCC’s Jamestown Campus as well as the college’s North County Center in Dunkirk.

“The addition of ELI courses ties in to JCC’s global perspective initiative,” said Roslin Newton, assistant dean of arts, humanities, and health sciences. “Attracting more international students is among our goals, and we find that many international students cite strengthening their English language skills as among their top reasons for studying in the United States.

A self-portrait in airbrush by JCC sophomore Baca Potts was one of 27 works selected statewide for inclusion in the Best of the State University of New York exhibition.

Potts’s work was chosen from entries in the spring SUNY Student Art Exhibition which was held earlier this year at SUNY Plaza. The Best of SUNY exhibition showcases the most compelling works of art made by students attending SUNY campuses.

The Best of SUNY exhibition is on display through September 24 at the State Museum in Albany.

A total of 566 students were named to the dean’s list for the spring 2010 semester at JCC's Jamestown and Cattaraugus County campuses. The students named to the list earned at least a 3.50 average, equal to a B plus or better, in 12 or more semester hours of study.

The New York State Department of Education has approved the offering of an associate’s degree in accounting at JCC’s Cattaraugus County Campus.

The 60-credit hour degree program, which has been awarded by JCC’s Jamestown Campus for several years, prepares students for entry level accounting as well as professional careers in accounting, such as public accounting or management accounting.

“We are very excited to offer the A.A.S. degree program in accounting on JCC’s Cattaraugus County Campus,” said Jeanne Johnston, assistant dean of business and social sciences.

“JCC has offered this degree on the Jamestown Campus for many years, and we have had numerous inquires over the years to offer it on the Cattaraugus County Campus also,” Mrs. Johnston said. “With the combination of application courses and liberal arts courses, the graduates of this program will be readily employable.

Area youngsters age 12 and under are invited to display their patriotism and artistic ability in “Chalkin’ Proud America,” a chalk art competition sponsored by JCC's Cattaraugus County Campus Alumni Association during the Taste of Olean celebration at JCC from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 25.

Each youngster will be provided with chalk and asked to create a patriotic sidewalk drawing in a designated space. Competition entry is free, and winners will be selected at 3 p.m. Winners in each age group will receive special prize.

For additional information, contact the JCC alumni office at 716.338.1056 or 1.800.388.8557, extension 1056.

A total of 536 students earned degrees and certificates from JCC’s Jamestown and Cattaraugus County campuses in May 2010. One student earned two degrees and four students earned a degree and a certificate. Eleven students graduated with highest honors, representing a 4.0 grade point average.

Students graduating with highest honors included: Randall J. Fox of Fredonia and Marlana Hitchcock of Falconer, A.S.-Business-Business Administration; Bethany A. Nickerson of Clymer, A.S.-Liberal Arts & Sciences: Childhood Education; Amber Cheladyn of Olean and Kayla C. Crosby of Russell, PA, A.A.-Liberal Arts & Sciences: Social Science; Keri E. Filsinger of Jamestown, Karen Vester of Olean, and Caitlin C. Ross of Frewsburg, A.S.-Individual Studies; John Ferraro of Coram, A.A.S.-Information Technology; and Eric Sweetheimer and Christopher Wilkins of Jamestown, Certificate-Welding Technology.

JCC honored nine alumni who have distinguished themselves in the field of education during a recent awards banquet on the Jamestown Campus.

Mary Kay Szwejbka, associate professor and director of education and human services, and recent graduate Daniel McNeill provided remarks on JCC’s teacher education transfer degrees.

JCC is offering two College Credit at Chautauqua courses this summer.

Each one-credit course, which reflects a particular morning lecture theme at Chautauqua Institution, is offered at a discounted rate of $100 for New York state residents and $200 for non-residents. A $100 lab fee, which covers the cost of the weeklong morning Chautauqua gate and parking passes, is also charged.

Conversations With Writers at Chautauqua, which will be held June 28 through July 2, provides an opportunity to hear writers and guest lecturers Jim Lehrer, Alan Alda, Anne Fadiman, Alice McDermott, and Marsha Norman. Students will explore writing techniques, genres, and approaches to enhance their appreciation of diverse writing styles.

A preliminary meeting for the writers’ course will be held at JCC’s Jamestown Campus on June 24.

Students in grades 9-11 in southern Chautauqua County are invited to participate in College Access Academy, a free college awareness and leadership program that will be held June 28 and 29 at JCC.

The registration deadline is June 18. To register, contact GEAR UP coordinator Faith Graham at faithgraham@mail.sunyjcc.edu or 716.338.1101.

The program features several college readiness sessions, meals, and overnight accommodations in JCC’s residence halls. Funding is provided through JCC’s Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Program (GEAR UP), Higher Education Services Corporation, Western New York Career Pathways, and a College Access Challenge Grant.

Participants will learn how to write admissions and scholarship essays, explore academic subject areas, and participate in activities that focus on leadership abilities and academic skills.

For the 11th straight year, JCC will host the National Junior College Athletic Association Division 3 men’s golf championship at Chautauqua Golf Club June 8-11.

Practice rounds will be held on June 7 with competition rounds scheduled Tuesday through Friday. Tee times are scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon. Team and individual score sheets will be posted at http://www.sunyjcc.edu/njcaa.

Several of the competitors are All-American and region medalists.

Scholarships and awards were presented during annual college awards ceremonies on JCC’s Cattaraugus County and Jamestown campuses. Recipients included:

Lake Shore Savings Bank has donated $60,000 to the JCC Foundation to establish the Lake Shore Savings Bank USA Scholarship.

Established in 1979 through private donations, the Unified Student Assistance (USA) Endowed Scholarship covers the cost of tuition at JCC for qualified area students graduating in the top 20% of their high school classes.

JCC is an important part of our community and we know the importance of the USA scholarship program to those students in our area,” remarked David Mancuso, president of Lake Shore Savings Bank. “We are happy to partner with JCC and hope our gift will continue to benefit the students in our area for many years to come.”

The John R. Oishei Foundation, located in Buffalo, has awarded JCC a $71,000 grant to help the college purchase an array of high technology equipment for its biotechnology degree program.

“JCC is excited about this gift from the Oishei Foundation, which will enhance our efforts to engage more local young people in pursuing biotechnology careers,” said Jean Schrader, assistant dean of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

“Offering a biotechnology program in JCC’s service area will help increase the economic self-sufficiency of residents by connecting them to stable and high-paying employment in this emerging industry,” she added, noting that the program also expands the trained workforce needed to sustain the biotechnology sector in western New York.

Residents of Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, and Warren counties are invited to submit up to three original works to Jamestown Community College’s Four-County Poet Competition. Entrants must be at least 16 years old by June 1, 2010.

Participants can submit one packet of three unpublished original poems by the July 1 deadline. Initial judging will be conducted by JCC faculty with finalists’ poems sent to a published poet for selection of winners.

Monetary awards will be presented to the grand prize winner and first and second runners-up. The winning poems will be featured on JCC’s website during the fall 2010 semester, which begins August 23.

Additional details can be obtained by calling Gael Grossman, 716.338.1158.
Submission forms and contest details
 

Beginning with the spring 2011 season, JCC’s intercollegiate women’s softball program will move from the Jamestown Campus to the Cattaraugus County Campus in Olean.

The shift will allow for a more comprehensive athletics presence on the Cattaraugus County Campus as well as support the rich tradition of softball present in the region.

“We believe the Cattaraugus County Campus athletics program has researched this venture and has campus and community support to offer the venue and overall level of program that our students deserve and that the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) expects,” said Bill Burk, Jamestown Campus athletic director.

The JCC Uncommoners will hold auditions from 7 to 9 p.m. on June 7 and 8 for The Who’s Tommy. Auditions are held in Scharmann Theatre on JCC’s Jamestown Campus.

Performances will be held November 4-6, 12-13, and 19-20 at 8 p.m. and on November 14 at 2 p.m.

According to JCC theatre director Robert Schlick, “We needed to find a vehicle to follow on the heels of such recent shows as Of Mice and Men, The Producers, Peter Pan, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Kiss Me, Kate, Aida, and Hair. Our audience has come to expect a certain level of production from us. As long as they keep coming to see our shows or perform in them, we will continue to offer these kinds of opportunities.”

Roles are available for 25 men and 15 women. Rehearsals, which begin in late August, usually run from 7-10 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The JCC Alumni Association honored several “Alumni Nurses of Distinction” at a recent dinner. Each honoree was nominated by his or her employer.

The annual recognition is designed to honor nursing graduates who have distinguished themselves as healthcare providers. The award has been presented to over 80 outstanding alumni since its inception.

The program also featured guest speaker Linda Q. Thede who discussed the need for an electronic health record and the role nurses can have in planning the record.

The JCC Foundation has announced that the Hultquist Foundation and Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation are the lead donors of a new science facility being constructed on JCC’s Jamestown Campus. Each foundation contributed $1,000,000 toward the project.

Begun in September 2009, the building will focus on green technology and sustainable living to meet the requirements of the U.S. Green Building Council and qualify for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.

Scheduled for completion in January 2011, the new facility will house JCC’s biology, biotechnology, chemistry, and geology programs.