The-Laker-Issue-Fall-2021

Dear Readers, Of the four FLCC values written out on banners in the main campus atrium, perseverance may have been most on display among our faculty, staff and students over the last year. The pandemic made us all dig deep and keep going when life seemed bleak or our responsibilities seemed overwhelming. The stories in this edition of the Laker show us how perseverance rises from commitment. Alumnus Ivan Castillo-Serrano ’20, who is on the cover, has an incredible story of striving and hardship. He was told he would not make it in America. Then he was told he would not make it in FLCC’s nursing program. He did not listen, first because he was determined to make his parents proud, then because he became a parent himself to two beautiful daughters. Another nursing graduate, Ashley LeShure ’21, overcame doubts about whether she could handle the course load while caring for two disabled sons. An incident on her first day of her first clinical assignment solidified her commitment to nursing. This edition also features Doyle Pruitt ’98, a human services graduate, who went on to get a doctorate in social work, driven by her commitment to prevent the kind of harm some of her childhood friends endured. While many of us are committed to causes or ideals, as these stories show, our commitments often stem from our relationships. Doyle spoke of the importance of cultivating relationships, both personal and professional, explaining that, “Each person who comes into your life can give you something and you can give them something.” Well said, Doyle, and thank you for sharing your experiences at FLCC and beyond. Please enjoy this edition of the Laker and stay in touch. You can send us your news via our alumni webpage at flcc.edu/alumni-association and let us know what commitments have shaped your life. Best wishes, Robert Nye, President of the College 2 | the LAKER President Robert K. Nye Chief Advancement Officer Louis Noce Director of Development Brie Chupalio Editor/Chief Writer Lenore Friend Director of Public Relations and Communications Contributing Writers Brie Chupalio Margaret Lorenzetti Design and Layout Sarah R. Butler Photography Jan Regan Rikki Van Camp cover photo of ivan castillo - serrano ’20 by jan regan The Laker is produced by the Advancement and Communications departments at Finger Lakes Community College. Views and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editor or official College policies. Finger Lakes Community College does not discriminate based on an individual’s race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, or criminal conviction. Connect with us Finger Lakes Community College 3325 Marvin Sands Drive Canandaigua, NY 14424 Email: alumni@flcc.edu Phone: (585) 785-1205 www.facebook.com/fingerlakescommunitycollege @flcc_connects @flcc_connects from the president