fall 2025 theLAKER a publication for alumni and friends of finger lakes community college Alumni Spotlight: Laurie Salzler '80 pg. 14 President's Report to the Community pg. 17 GRATITUDE AND GRACE Alumni and Foundation award recipients share stories of inspiration and community
Muller Field Station, the environmental research and education center at the south end of Honeoye Lake, has been closed since early summer for improvements. A 24-bed handicap accessible bunkhouse is scheduled for completion by the end of the year. The addition will make it possible for faculty, students and visiting researchers to stay overnight and have richer, more immersive experiences. The project also includes a bus turnaround and expanded parking to better accommodate K-12 field trips and public events. PHOTO COURTESY OF CODY WILKES, FIELD STATION MANAGER
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President Robert K. Nye Chief Advancement Officer Brie Chupalio Director of Development Michelle M. Robbins Editor/Chief Writer Lenore Friend Director of Public Relations and Communications Contributors Eliana Calder Jaylea Ransom Photography Kris Dreessen Lenore Friend Jaylea Ransom Greg Stegall Cover photo by Kris Dreessen The Laker is produced by the Advancement and Communications offices 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 alumni@flcc.edu • (585) 785-1454 www.facebook.com/fingerlakescommunitycollege @flcc_connects @flcc_connects Rikki Van Camp Amanda Whitbeck Cody Wilkes Design and Layout Sarah R. Butler A voice for Finger Lakes wineries A crew representing the TV show “All Access with Andy Garcia” arrived in Canandaigua in mid-July to lm Jim Acquilano ’23, owner of Acquilano Wine Cellars, at his vineyard and winery outside Cheshire and the tasting room at 143 S. Main St. in Canandaigua. “All Access” develops short documentaries about innovations that in uence education and social change. Jim said the producers told him they wanted to do a piece on winemaking outside California. He is not sure how the production team selected him out of the more than 100 Finger Lakes wineries. Jim shared information about the Finger Lakes wine region and his experiences as a student in the viticulture and wine technology program. He invited Gina Lee ’13, coordinator of the degree and certi cate programs, to join the interview. “I tried to stress the quality and the history of winemaking in this region,” he said. Jim grew up in a winemaking family and became a full-time winemaker following retirement from a 40-year career in the mental health care eld. He prioritizes sustainability, for example, by designing rows for maximum air ow, which reduces the need for chemicals to control insects and mildew. Jim saves energy with hand picking and ages wine in a cellar to control temperatures with minimal electricity. Editor’s Note: No release date had been set before the Laker went to print. Check FLCC’s blog at cc.edu/news and the College’s social media accounts for updates. Jim Acquilano ’23 gets ready for a film shoot with a crew representing “All Access with Andy Garcia.” PHOTOS BY GREG STEGALL Acquilano Wine Cellars is a farm winery outside Cheshire that uses sustainable methods to reduce the use of chemicals, machinery and energy.
Get regular updates with FLCC’s monthly newsletter In the last six months, the College added a bunkhouse to Muller Field Station, launched the FLX AI Hub, and celebrated its first licensed practical nursing graduates. The Laker brings you highlights twice a year, but for more frequent updates, FLCC provides a monthly electronic newsletter. THELAKER | 3 CLASS notes pages 31–37 LAKER PRIDE pages 4–9 FALL 2025 CONTENTS THELAKER ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Laurie Salzler ’80 page 14 page 16 SAVE the DATE CAMPUS HAPPENINGS pages 10–13 president’s report to the community pages 17–30 The first week of every month, the newsletter provides: • Details on College-sponsored events, including concerts, exhibits, and lectures. Admission to most events is free. • Information on evening community education classes, including conversational Spanish, American Sign Language (ASL) and financial planning. • Links to the latest news, including grant awards, new degrees, and faculty and student achievement. Use the QR code to open the newsletter signup form. If you are an alumnus, please add your graduation year after your last name. Be sure to tell us what field you studied. The College won’t share your email address with any other organizations.
4 | THELAKER Common themes arose as FLCC celebrated the work of alumni and friends of the College this fall. As the rst to accept an award, Hunter Brignall ’21 began telling a familiar story. ose who followed him added their own anecdotes about the power of education and self-discovery. In fact, several of the honorees at the annual Alumni and Foundation Awards Celebration in September started their educational journey in similar circumstances. “In high school, I wasn’t the best student academically. I got denied from virtually every school I applied to, leading me to FLCC,” said Hunter, a decorated runner and one of four to join the College’s Athletic Hall of Fame. “It was a blessing in disguise as it led me to the path where I am now. And I couldn’t be more thankful.” THE PERSONAL STORIES THAT BUILD A LEGACY alumni & foundation awards Jason Flack ’92 accepts the Outstanding Art Alumni Achievement Award during a ceremony at the main campus on Sept. 26. Inspired by his FLCC instructors, Jason is now teaching at Monroe Community College, where he was recognized with the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. Hunter Brignall ’21 poses with family after his induction into the Athletic Hall of Fame. A standout cross country runner at FLCC and SUNY Cortland, he now teaches physical education in the Geneva City School District and coaches cross country. PHOTOS BY KRIS DREESSEN
THELAKER | 5 Matt Smythe ’97 echoed Hunter in his own remarks. “Coming here a er I nished my time in the service was by far the best decision I ever made,” said Matt, recipient of the Outstanding Humanities Alumni Achievement Award. “I truly enjoyed school once I started here, which was really an amazing thing considering that I was a terrible student in high school.” He credits faculty for his awakening as a student: “ ey take the time to make sure that they are paying attention to every single student that comes through here,” Matt said. “I was a less than stellar high school student,” Jason Flack ’92 shared, as he received the Outstanding Art Alumni Achievement Award. “Being here really opened my eyes to what education is. Coming here and succeeding de nitely helped me go on to succeed in other places.” Inspired by faculty members Wayne Williams, omas Insalaco, John Fox and Clayton Adams, Jason is now a professor of photography and video production at Monroe Community College. “I am now doing the exact same thing those wonderful professors did for me here,” he said. Passing it on e evening also marked a full-circle moment for Ryan Staychock ’96. He was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame for competing in logging sports and later coaching the team. Matt Smythe ’97 is the 2025 recipient of the Outstanding Humanities Alumni Achievement Award. His creative endeavors have included poetry and essays, teaching, copywriting, and serving as communications director for the American Fly Fishing Trade Association. The honorees Nancy Bauder ’73 Distinguished Alumni Award Hunter Brignall ’21 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee Don Culeton FLCC Benefactor Award Jennifer Dunn ’13 Outstanding Nursing Alumni Achievement Award Jason Flack ’92 Outstanding Art Alumni Achievement Award Linda Farchione Hawks FLCC Foundation Award Mike Magnanti Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee Travis Money ’00 Outstanding Conservation Alumni Achievement Award Jamie Rotter CCFL/FLCC Alumni Association Exceptional Service Award Derek Short ’16 Outstanding Computing Science Alumni Achievement Award Deanna Craig Slingerland Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee Matt Smythe ’97 Outstanding Humanities Alumni Achievement Award Ryan Staychock ’96 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee Ryan Vogt ’13 Outstanding Young Alumni Achievement Award Jennifer Dunn ’13, coordinator of the FLCC LPN program and recipient of the Outstanding Nursing Alumni Achievement Award, left, poses with Shayna Turner-Johnson, chair of the Nursing Department. As she introduced Jennifer, Shayna said, “She continues to bridge classroom learning with real-world experience through her bedside practice. She's still a registered nurse at Newark Wayne Community Hospital. So, if you ever need care there, I hope she's your nurse.”
6 | THELAKER Ryan returned to FLCC to work in the conservation department and became assistant coach in 2008. Head coach since 2013, he has led FLCC to several Northeast Championship titles. He values most the growth he sees in student athletes. “For students who don’t have a place, when they nd a place that is comfortable and build their con dence, it is awesome to see that.” Like Ryan, Jennifer Dunn ’13 returned to FLCC to teach. Jennifer, who received the Outstanding Nursing Alumni Achievement Award, started as a clinical adjunct instructor. In 2024, the College tapped her to build the new licensed practical nursing program. e inaugural LPN class graduated in August. “Coming here to FLCC gave me insight into what I wanted to be,” she said. “ e instructors that gave me the knowledge to become a nurse are why I’m here, and I use their methods, their passion, their compassion to mold how I interact with students.” Ryan Vogt ’13 holds a doctorate in mathematics and works as an applied research mathematician for the National Security Agency. Ryan, honored with the Outstanding Young Alumni Achievement Award, has made STEM outreach an impressive side gig. Since 2021, he has returned to New York every six months to give talks and demonstrations at public schools. He has reached more than 15,000 students to date. Ryan began college thinking he hated math, but that all changed in classes with Ronald Metzger, Timothy Biehler and in particular, Charles Ho man. “When I was done at FLCC, I said, ‘I want to be a mathematician,’ which a couple years before would not have been on my bingo card. e math professors had a profound impact on me,” he explained. Travis Money ’00 used similar terms in talking about Bruce Gilman and John Van Niel, who astounded him with their encyclopedic knowledge during a travel course to the Canadian Maritimes. “I was just blown away at how much they knew, and it had a profound impact on me that day. I realized I wanted to learn more and share that knowledge with the next generation,” he said. Ryan Vogt ’13 accepts the Outstanding Young Alumni Achievement Award at the main campus on Sept. 26. Two faculty members, Selim Araci, professor of engineering, and Sam Samanta, professor of physics, introduced him. They marveled at what he has achieved by age 32, including publishing in leading journals and developing innovations in quantum computing.
Ryan Staychock ’96, Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, poses with members of the logging sports team. In high school, Ryan didn’t expect to go to college, but a poster at a college fair made him reconsider. It showed a member of the FLCC logging sports team competing in the pole climb. An incredulous friend asked, “You want to go to college to climb a tree?” Rob Wink ’08, right, professor of environmental science and horticulture, presents Travis Money ’00, co-founder of DIEHLUX, an environmental consulting firm, with the Outstanding Conservation Alumni Achievement Award. “His company has already hired four of our graduates, a testament to both his belief in the value of this College and his commitment to supporting the next generation of conservation leaders,” Rob said as he introduced Travis. Travis, recipient of the Outstanding Conservation Alumni Achievement Award, is co-founder of an ecological and natural resource consulting rm. He frequently speaks to FLCC students about opportunities in the eld. Purpose in community For award recipients, community also stood out as critical to their perseverance and success. “At FLCC, I found my home. I had two good years living on campus right over here in the Suites,” said Derek Short ’16. “I made some good friends, and it was probably two of the best years of my life.” Derek, who founded a digital marketing services rm, was the recipient of the Outstanding Computing Science Alumni Achievement Award. Mike Magnanti, inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame for a standout baseball career from 2015 to 2017, values the relationships he built at FLCC. “I met so many good people that I’m still close with today, and the team camaraderie was really special. Every guy wanted each other to succeed. And we weren’t just teammates, we were brothers,” he said. Deanna Craig Slingerland, also an inductee in the Athletic Hall of Fame for her outstanding record as a shooting guard for the Lakers women’s basketball team, said she learned from everyone she met at FLCC. “I would always come back to this College. If I had a choice again, I’d do the same thing over,” she said. I was just blown away at how much they knew, and it had a profound impact on me that day. I realized I wanted to learn more and share that knowledge with the next generation. — Travis Money ’00 Derek Short ’16, recipient of the Outstanding Computing Science Alumni Achievement Award, started his own digital marketing services company in 2021. He plans to rebrand his business as Wheels in Motion Marketing. Nominations are open for 2026. Tell us about an exceptional alumnus!
Jamie Rotter, associate professor of culinary arts, thanked colleagues and collaborators who work alongside him to raise the pro le of the culinary arts program and its role in the success of key fundraisers like the Vintners & Valentines winemakers dinner. Jamie received the CCFL/FLCC Alumni Association Exceptional Service Award. “Nothing in the culinary world ever happens alone. I do have to thank my colleagues Patrick Rae, Paula Knight, and many others who are just as responsible as I am for putting this program certainly where it is today,” he began. “I’d also like to thank our partners, New York Kitchen and AVI. We work together and have just a terri c relationship that allows us to do the things we’re able to do for our College, our students, and our community.” Leadership and legacy Toward the end of the ceremony, President Robert Nye presented Don Culeton with the FLCC Benefactor Award for his personal and corporate giving. Don, the founder of IDI Billing Solutions, started his educational journey at a two-year college. He shared how moved he was by the alumni stories. “Sitting and listening to all the stories that we’ve heard tonight, all it makes me think is what a gem we have in FLCC. e passion that the faculty bring, the accomplishments of all of the people on the stage tonight really just humble me.” Nancy Bauder ’73, who taught English for 30 years at Romulus Central School, also praised the opportunities students have at community college. “I’ve always felt that the high quality education o ered here is essential, whether it terminates in an associate degree or whether it forms the basis for further study,” said Nancy, who received the Distinguished Alumni Award for a long career promoting learning and civic engagement. Deanna Craig Slingerland was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame for her stellar basketball career. Mickey Record, who coached her at FLCC, said in his introduction, “She was a great shooter who was very unselfish and could have scored more, but she was always willing to share the ball, which was evident by her assist total. She was a great leader who led by example and was well liked by her teammates.” Jamie Rotter, associate professor of culinary arts, ducked out of the FLCC kitchen long enough to accept the CCFL/FLCC Alumni Association Exceptional Service Award. Jamie and his colleagues were running a Dinner at Julia restaurant experience with their students the same night. Athletic Hall of Fame inductee Mike Magnanti, right, poses with Sean Marren, baseball coach and assistant athletics director. “When I describe Mike as a baseball player,” Sean said, “the closest comparison I can come up with is the kind of stats you’d dream of producing if you created a video game character.”
I’ve always felt that the high quality education offered here is essential,whether it terminates in an associate degree or whether it forms the basis for further study. — Nancy Bauder ’73 Linda Farchione Hawks closed the event as she accepted the FLCC Foundation Award for her leadership of ompson Health and her extensive community service, including time on the boards for the FLCC Foundation and United Way of Ontario County. “I would like to start by congratulating those of you who have received an award. I think it demonstrates what wonderful individuals you are and your talent shines through,” she began. “But it also speaks to the school. FLCC is so impressive. I believe that it shows the creativity of programs, the dedication of the faculty as well as the talent and ability of the recipients.” President Robert Nye, left, presents Don Culeton with the FLCC Benefactor Award after introducing him as “a generous philanthropist, a trusted board member, and an advocate for education across Ontario County and the greater Rochester area.” Linda Farchione Hawks, seated at left, celebrates with supporters after receiving the FLCC Foundation Award. During her remarks, Linda noted, “One of my sisters asked me, ‘How do you do everything that you do?’ I told her, ‘I have a lot of help from my friends and my family. Without them, I would not be able to do this.’” Ethan Fogg ’00, emcee for the awards ceremony, presents the Distinguished Alumni Award to Nancy Bauder ’73. In his introduction, Ethan said her former English students consider her a mentor who encouraged their academic and personal growth. She is also known for her half-century of tireless support for the Geneva Public Library.
Margaret Lorenzetti ’82, assistant director of development, who retired in August, handled logistics for the commencement ceremony. Gina Lee ’13, coordinator of the viticulture and wine technology program, headed up decorating and hosted wine tastings before and a er the event. Commencement followed ceremonies honoring the nursing and paramedic graduates. Jacob Hartman ’21, ’22, assistant professor of nursing, pinned the class of 2025. Lisa McAnn ’93, professor of nursing, read graduates’ names, and Joselyn Busch ’09, assistant professor, gave the invocation and benediction. Maverick Greek-Rouse ’06, ’17 was emcee for the paramedic event. He is the director of the programs he graduated from, having completed the paramedic certi cate in 2006 and the full degree in 2017. 10 | THELAKER campus happenings Terrance “Dom” Dominguez-Hover ’24 Maverick Greek-Rouse ’06, ’17 Alumni play key roles in year-end celebrations Rochester City Court Judge LaToya Lee ’03 gave the keynote address at the 57th commencement in May, capping a day of celebrations in which alumni played key roles. LaToya, a paralegal graduate, recommended patience and perseverance to the newest FLCC alumni. “Trust me, whatever your next step is, it’s okay if it doesn’t look exactly how you imagined. I worked in call centers for several years with a bachelor’s and an associate degree, and again even a er I nished law school,” she said. “I spent years in jobs that didn’t align with my ultimate career goals, but I can honestly say they were some of the most formative and character-building experiences of my life. Each job, each failure, each challenge added a piece to the puzzle of who I am today.” Terrance “Dom” Dominguez-Hover ’24 also gave remarks at commencement. Dom had graduated the previous year. He served as Student Corporation president in 2024-25 while pursuing a second degree. LaToya Lee ’03 Jacob Hartman ’21, ’22 PHOTOS BY KRIS DREESSEN
THELAKER | 11 Championships, opportunities and camaraderie Lakers measure success in friendships, resilience, and balance as much as in trophies and titles. Four student athletes – now alumni – shared highlights from their FLCC experiences. Grace concluded her Finger Lakes career as a national champion, clearing 2.67 meters in the pole vault at the NJCAA Division III National Championships. Her personal best broke the school record and secured the 7th individual national title in program history for the Lakers. “It was super exciting to hear that I had broken the record. Everyone was coming over and cheering for me. Even though we’re a small group, we were all out there cheering for everyone at each of their events. It’s nice to have that environment to help you and encourage you.” Grace Holmes ’25 Track and Field A.S. Environmental Science Bryce wrapped up his career at Finger Lakes with a 2024 NJCAA National Invitational Championship. He was the program's all-time leader in digs with 543 over his career. “After losing the first set and then coming back, it felt better because you realize how good you have to be in order to come back from an early defeat. It was really nice to see the team bounce back and it made the celebration better.” Bryce Nickson ’25 Volleyball A.S. Business Administration The women’s team had a strong 2024-25 season, earning third at Paul Smiths, first at Alfred State, and second at the University of New Hampshire for the 2025 Spring Championships. In 2024, the team won the Northeast Women’s Division title. “I think being on the team was one of the best decisions that I’ve made. It’s how I ended up in Maine this summer doing the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show. I was also able to have this amazing opportunity to go to the women’s rookie lumberjill competition down in Virginia hosted by the Devils Backbone Brewing Company." Morgan Cheney ’25 Logging Sports A.S. Environmental Science, A.A.S. Fish and Wildlife Ian pitched 82.2 innings for the Lakers over two seasons and climbed in the program record books with the 8th most career strikeouts (75) and tied for first for career starts with 17. “Coach Sean Marren helped me become a better baseball player, and a better man. No matter what I try to do, I try to be consistent. Whether that’s studying, getting my homework in, getting on time to practice, whatever it is.” Ian Goodness ’24 Baseball A.S. Liberal Arts and Sciences Cheer on the Lakers Entry to all FLCC athletic events is free and open to the public. Game schedules are posted by sport at flcc.edu/athletics. Follow FLCC Athletics on social media: @flccathletics on Facebook and Twitter, and @flcclakers on Instagram.
12 | THELAKER campus happenings Shayna Turner-Johnson, chair of the nursing department, gives the opening remarks of the pinning ceremony. PHOTOS BY RIKKI VAN CAMP LPN graduate Chloe Jackson Jennifer Dunn ’13, LPN program coordinator, with graduate Alexander Colcord A moment in history: First LPN class graduates e College held a pinning ceremony in August to celebrate the rst graduates of its licensed practical nursing program. Graduates of the inaugural class are Gina Balasi of Victor, Keyla Blaze of Seneca Falls, Sheila L. Brundage of Atlanta, Alexander Colcord of Canandaigua, Reagan Ferguson of Springwater, Kali Ham of Canandaigua, Chloe Jackson of Rochester, Syretta Linfoot of Prattsburgh, Prisileidy Poueriet of Fairport, Sadio Sirat of Syracuse, and Katlin urston of Auburn. e ceremony included remarks by Shayna Turner-Johnson, chair of the nursing department; President Robert Nye; and Jennifer Dunn, LPN program coordinator. FLCC has had a registered nursing (RN) program since 1968. e opening of the Sands Family Center for Allied Health Care on the main campus in fall 2022 provided the expanded capacity necessary to launch the LPN program. e F.F. ompson Health Foundation, Inc. Nursing Professorship was also instrumental by providing faculty support. e 36-credit program can be completed in one year. It is designed so that graduates who pass their LPN licensure exam have the option to transition to the second semester of the registered nursing program. is allows graduates to begin working as LPNs while working toward RN licensure. Information about the program is available at cc.edu/LPN. Sadio Sirat and her guests celebrate her graduation.
e College won a coveted Best in Class honor at the New York Wine Classic last summer, and wineries where alumni have key roles brought home dozens of medals. FLCC won the Best in Class award for pétillant naturel wine in the annual contest open to all New York state wineries. Pétillant naturel, or pét-nat, is a French term that means naturally sparkling. It uses wild yeast that grows on the grapes and is bottled before fermentation nishes, giving the wine natural bubbles. e student-made winning pét-nat is a 2023 vintage bottled under the Fresca Leyenda label, which was developed by Laura Lopez ’25 while she was a graphic design student. All wines entered in the contest are scored on a 100-point scale. Wines scoring between 80 and 84 earn a bronze medal, 85 to 89 earn silver, 90 to 95 earn gold, and 96 or higher, platinum. FLCC also received silver medals for the 2023 Blaufränkisch, Regent Rosé and Vino Blanco White Blend wines. THELAKER | 13 Graduates of the viticulture and wine technology program also enjoyed success in the New York Wine Classic: • Acquilano Wine Cellars, owned by alumnus Jim Acquilano ’23, earned four gold medals. • Brien Gardner ’16 is vineyard manager at Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, which took Best Overall Riesling and Best Medium Sweet Riesling for its 2023 Reserve Riesling and six gold medals. • John Monnier ’17 is associate winemaker at Ravines Wine Cellars, which earned a platinum medal and Best Cabernet Franc for its 2022 Estate Cabernet Franc and four gold medals. • Angie Lawler ’22 is assistant winemaker at Fox Run Vineyards, which earned gold for its 2024 Estate Semi-Dry Riesling and three other wines. • Tito Chavez ’20 is the former assistant winemaker at Anthony Road Wine Company, which earned gold for three wines, including its 2022 Dry Riesling. (See class notes for an update on Tito.) • Emily Doi ’20 is assistant winemaker at Glenora Wine Cellars, which earned two gold medals, one for its 2024 Dry Rosé. • Nathan Moore ’19 is the winemaker at Inspire Moore Winery & Vineyard, which earned gold for its 2024 Sparkling Cayuga White. • Jesse Alexander ’18 is the winemaker at Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars, which earned gold for three wines, including its 2019 Sparkling Riesling. • Rob Deignan ’12 is associate winemaker and Nick Brydels ’24 is cellar hand for Keuka Spring Vineyards, which earned eight gold medals, including one for its 2021 Winemakers Reserve Blanc De Noirs Zweigelt. • Matthew Butts ’22, now winemaker at Poplar Wine Co., previously worked at Tabora Farm & Winery, which earned gold for its 2023 Estate Dry Riesling. • Wes Andrews ’20 is head winemaker at Atwater Vineyards, which earned silver medals for four of its wines. • Kelly Johnson ’23 is the assistant vineyard manager at Knapp Winery, which earned gold for four wines. Students, alumni enjoy success at New York Wine Classic WHERE TO BUY FLCC WINE The FLCC Viticulture and Wine Center off Pre-Emption Road in Geneva is a licensed commercial winery. Student-made wines are available at Ryan’s Wine and Spirits in Canandaigua and Bottleland Wine and Spirits and Pedulla’s Wine and Liquor in Geneva. To order online, visit flcc.edu/viticulture-center and scroll down to “Buy Student-Made Wines.”
14 | THELAKER alumni spotlight Laurie Salzler ’80 has been rescuing Australian wildlife for more than a decade. e drop-o happened two days a er she completed training in wildlife care. Laurie Salzler ’80 had a red-necked, furless baby wallaby on her hands and no heating pad or other equipment. “So the poor thing spent the night inside my shirt until someone retrieved it the next morning. Needless to say, the experience was incredibly magical,” she said. Laurie became a volunteer for the Australian Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Services a er moving to New South Wales in 2014. She learned to care for birds, sea turtles, koalas and macropods, a reference to marsupials like kangaroos and wallabies. Her interest in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation started at FLCC, where she majored in natural resources conservation. She also competed on the woodsmen – now logging sports – team and served as president of the Conservation Club. Laurie Salzler holds a red-tailed hawk in this 80s-era photo. She was working for a veterinarian who performed wildlife rehabilitation. “The red-tail had come in with a broken wing. We inserted a rod and kept her for several weeks. She bonded with me quite quickly and would scream if anyone came into the room while I had her out.” SALZLER DOWN UNDER
MORE ABOUT LAURIE Laurie Salzler developed an affinity for more than wildlife at FLCC. “My English professor tried to get me to change my major from natural resources conservation to English literature after reading the stories I'd submitted in her class. I promised her I would someday write a book. It took 20 years, but I got it done ... then I just kept writing.” Laurie published her first novel “A Kiss Before Dawn” in 2012. She has since released four more contemporary women’s fiction titles, a young adult novel, two illustrated children’s books, and “Eye of the Beholder,” a book of musings and photography. She is currently working on her first murder mystery. THELAKER | 15 “Chris White was my advisor while I was at CCFL,” she said, using the College’s original name, Community College of the Finger Lakes. “One day he came in with an orphaned raccoon whose mother had been killed on the road and o ered it to me to raise. e desire to be more involved with wildlife grew from that experience.” Laurie decided to move to Australia a er vacationing there. “I took a two-week holiday here and just fell in love with the culture, and the diversity of wildlife. Shortly therea er, I talked to my dad about moving here. He told me to do it if I wanted, I could always come back to the U.S. But the most important thing was to live life without the regret of not trying.” Since her training, Laurie has rescued a wide range of birds, including hawks, eagles, honeyeaters, doves, magpies, parrots, butcherbirds, currawongs, and pardalotes. Laurie has raised 96 macropods, o en taking the “pinkies,” meaning babies with no fur. “ eir care is very intensive, with feeds up to ve or six times a day, round the clock. It wasn’t unusual for me to have ve in care at a time.” More recently, she has cut back to monitoring and rescuing the koalas in her town. “One of my best koala moments was releasing a female who’d been in hospital for several months. I’d initially rescued her from a residence with a very big dog. She was rushed up to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary where she had surgery. Prince Phillip was in attendance to witness some of the surgery. From there, she spent her recovery time at Australia Zoo. Named Viv, she eventually came back, and I released her in an area where she was monitored. erea er, she visited a friend's backyard gum tree annually with that year’s joey.” In 2022, Australia listed koalas as endangered in New South Wales, Queensland, and the Australian Capital Territory. Drought and bush res, worsened by climate change, and development reduces their habitat. Stress makes them vulnerable to diseases, and they increasingly contend with dog attacks and car strikes. “I am also the team leader for my branch's Volunteer Emergency Response Team. We get called out to search for wildlife a er a bush re area is declared safe, but we can also be involved assisting in oods, as well as heat events where large numbers of ying foxes are a ected. ey are highly susceptible to extreme heat, which can lead to mass mortality.” When not rescuing wildlife or writing, Laurie spends time with her four dogs, two Vizslas, a kelpie cross and a Jack Russell, and riding her horse. A welcome swallow Laurie rescued during Cyclone Alfred in 2025. Pinky joeys – baby marsupials without fur – require intensive care.
ArtSpace36 offerings for teens, adults ArtSpace36, the College’s gallery in downtown Canandaigua at 36 S. Main St., offers exhibits and programming all year long, often in cooperation with other community organizations. Here’s a rundown. EXHIBITS The gallery is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Visitors can also view the adjoining Gallery 32, operated by the Ontario County Arts Council. YOUTH PROGRAMMING Letters & Lattes is an opportunity for youth ages 15 to 22 to create and socialize. No art experience is required and participants decide what projects to do. Entry is free. Snacks, a beverage, and art supplies are provided. Letters & Lattes runs most Thursday nights, with breaks around the holidays, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Letters & Lattes is co-sponsored by the Community Support Center. ALL AGES Create + Connect with the Community Support Center provides instruction and materials for informal art projects for ages 7 and up. Create + Connect is held select Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m., alternating between in-person and Zoom. For December, projects are in-person on Dec. 11 and online on Dec. 18. For details and links, visit flcc.edu/events. For the spring dates, see instructions to sign up for the alumni and community newsletter on page 3. PERIODIC WORKSHOPS on specific art forms, such as print-making or watercolors, are scheduled throughout the year. Some are open to youth, others for adults. Most have fees. Registration is required in advance using links at artspace36.com. Gallery 32, which adjoins ArtSpace36, offers Open Art sessions on select Saturdays from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Artists at all levels are invited to come in with their projects to work and swap ideas with others. 16 | THELAKER save the date Events are subject to change. Check flcc.edu/events to confirm or get updates and details. How to join the Finger Lakes Chorale The Finger Lakes Chorale, a community chorus based at the College, accepts new members in January. Founded in 1971, the Chorale performs four to six concerts a year. The director is Ines Draskovic, professor of music. Chorale rehearsals are Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m., starting Tuesday, Jan. 27 in room 3375 of the main campus. Registration is free. New members can sign up at the first two rehearsals (Jan. 27 and Feb. 3). Singers can join the Chorale for enjoyment or sign up for it as a one-credit class. Get more info on the website: flcc.edu/chorale. Contacts are cfinley1@rochester.rr.com and ines.draskovic@flcc.edu. NOVEMBER And Now for Something Completely Different: Art of Judi Cermak Thursday, Nov. 20, 2 p.m. artist’s talk, 4 to 6 p.m. reception Williams-Insalaco Gallery 34, first-floor, main campus Free entry, exhibit runs through Jan. 16 Fall Mainstage Theatre: The Diary of Anne Frank Thursday, Nov. 20 and Friday, Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, 2 p.m. Main campus auditorium $15 general admission at door, $10 for seniors and non-FLCC students, free with FLCC ID DECEMBER Jazz Café Concert Thursday, Dec. 4, 1 p.m. Main campus, Stage 14, free entry Finger Lakes Camerata Holiday Concerts Friday, Dec. 5, 7 p.m., Location TBD, check flcc.edu/events Saturday, Dec. 6, 3 p.m., First Congregational Church, 58 N. Main St., Canandaigua Free entry, offering taking for scholarship fund Jazz Ensemble Concerts Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 8 and 9, 7 p.m. Main campus, Stage 14, free entry Winter Concert Friday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m. Main campus auditorium, free entry Finger Lakes Chorale Holiday Concerts Saturday, Dec. 13, 7 p.m., check flcc.edu/events for location Sunday, Dec. 14, 3 p.m., First Congregational Church, 58 N. Main St., Canandaigua Free entry, offering taking for scholarship fund APRIL Vintners & Valentines Friday, April 10 Watch for updates in the newsletter (see page 3) or flcc.edu/events
president’s report to the community Dear Community Member, It seems there’s no escaping artificial intelligence. It is in the news for what it achieves, for example, early diagnoses of serious diseases, and where it fails, such as chatbots that mislead impressionable teens. The challenge of our time is how to use it wisely. David Ghidiu, associate professor of computing sciences, is part of a core group exploring this question for FLCC. Among his mantras about AI: Co-create. Don’t abdicate. What he means is that it’s our job to use AI to explore issues and refine our ideas, but to always think critically about the feedback any of the popular apps provide. This was a key takeaway for alumna Shena Edington-Bright ’24, who attended FLCC's first community AI summit in June. AI doesn’t have all the answers, but it can provide knowledge and perspectives that the average person cannot achieve on their own. “I previously saw AI as one entity, but now understand that it contains multitudes,” explains Shena, who works as an intake specialist at Simco. “No two people think alike, and AI can be used to replicate this characteristic and help explore topics from many angles.” At FLCC, we have always understood the value of different perspectives and experiences. It’s why we have advisory boards to guide what students learn. It’s why we look to partnerships to improve our programs. It’s why we value diversity of background and experience in our students and employees. For example, the Finger Lakes Law Enforcement Academy now offers its classes for new police and corrections officers at our main campus. This opens the door for a stronger relationship with FLCC's criminal justice program. Our plans for a plant science building at the main campus are richer for the participation of the Ontario County Soil and Water Conservation District and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County. You will find details about these initiatives and our work with AI in this report. We look to you, the alumni and friends of the College, to continue your collaborations with us, particularly as we explore the potential of artificial intelligence. Best regards, Robert K. Nye President, Finger Lakes Community College IN THIS REPORT Leading in AI, pages 18-19 A key partnership, page 20 Who we serve, page 21 Plant science update, page 22 Demographics, page 22 College and Foundation finances, page 23 Our supporters: pages 24-30 Nearly 200 FLCC employees and community members gathered at the main campus in June to explore the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in their workplaces. As with its degree, certificate, and workforce programs, the College’s approach to AI starts with considering the needs of the community. PHOTO BY AMANDA WHITBECK
president’s report to the community AI IS FOR EVERYONE – RIGHT NOW FLCC launched the FLX AI Hub as a resource for the community to incorporate AI into the workplace. Trudi Smith ’05 and Shena Edington-Bright ’24 had the same thought when they arrived at the College’s artificial intelligence summit in June. The room was full. The nearly 200 participants represented banking, education, health care, retail, hospitality, and other industries. “It was clear that the business community of the Finger Lakes was hungry for a better understanding of AI, not only the ethical applications for work, but also the massive scope of what it can do for professionals,” said Shena, intake specialist for Simco, which provides human resources, payroll and benefit services. “I guess I was surprised at the seasoned workforce the room represented, and that we were not all informed enough to have AI as part of our daily practices,” said Trudi, president and principal designer of Trudi Smith Designs. The goal of the summit was to introduce the community to the potential of AI and provide practical applications participants could use immediately. FLCC organized the summit and launched a new resource, the FLX AI Hub, out of a recognition that AI will transform the workplace as much as, or even more than, computers did in the 1980s. With the success of FLCC students so strongly tied to the success of the region, College leadership sought a way for people to get up to speed and learn together. Going deeper Trudi, Shena and Chris Sirianni ’08, founder of IT Insights in Rochester, were among the alumni who attended the event. They shared their thoughts about the summit and how AI is reshaping their own work. “In daily practice, I know I am barely touching the surface of what AI can do,” said Trudi. “I rarely use Google anymore. I spent the time to have ChatGPT understand my company, my voice, and my brand.” She has used ChatGPT to help her define the skills her business needs and develop job descriptions. Trudi has also asked the tool to critique her workflow Aaron Proietti, author of the book “Today’s Innovator,” was the keynote speaker at FLCC’s AI summit for the community in June. Alumnus Chris Sirianni, one of the attendees, noted, “What stood out most was Aaron Proietti's framing of AI literacy as a fundamental competency, not just another tech skill to learn.” PHOTOS BY AMANDA WHITBECK ABOUT THE FLX AI HUB FLCC has identified four areas to focus its AI efforts: • The curriculum: To ensure students have AI literacy and basic skills • Business and government: To support economic development • K-12 educators: To incorporate AI into the classroom • The community: To promote AI awareness and skills The next FLX AI Hub events are scheduled for March 19 and June 10. Find more information at flcc.edu/ai.
Funding the AI future Rick Plympton ’83, ’85, corporate fellow and former CEO of Optimax, has donated $50,000 to the FLCC Foundation to support artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives at FLCC. “AI is a new technology that will change how work gets done. Just as computers transformed workplaces, AI will provide new opportunities to work more efficiently. We need to create learning pathways that are suitable for everyone in our community who is interested in starting their AI journey,” Rick explained. The funds are an investment in teaching students basic AI skills. Rick’s gift will pay for faculty release time and other costs associated with the development of courses. The funding may also pay for speakers, workshops for the community, and consulting with AI experts. Rick’s donation follows an October 2024 decision by the FLCC Board of Trustees to set aside $100,000 for AI initiatives. This includes use of AI in the curriculum and to improve College operations. THELAKER | 19 to look for better ways to get work done. Shena first learned about AI while a student. As president of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, she invited a faculty member to present on its ethical use. “The talk introduced many students to ways to incorporate AI while continuing to be the author of their work,” she said. “It can be used to organize thoughts, make timelines and outlines … but by no means can it be used to replace the mind of a student.” At the summit, Shena discovered new and deeper ways to engage with AI using prompts. “I had no idea that you could create entire personas using AI to provide more specific and insightful responses,” she said. Shena was referring to a technique in which a user asks AI to provide feedback from the point of view of a specific individual. A persona could be a fictional business owner or a real, well-known figure with expertise in a particular field. Chris said AI has already transformed his business. IT Insights provides services like network monitoring, security and data backup. “Our entire team has Claude licenses, and it’s become integral to our daily operations,” he said, referring to an AI tool. “We’re already seeing huge changes. Issues get resolved faster, we can actually predict when things might break before they do, and we’re spotting patterns across all our clients that help us make better recommendations.” The future Long-term, Chris expects AI to flip the business model for managed service providers like his company. “Instead of just fixing things when they break, we’ll be more like strategic tech advisors, using AI to stay ahead of problems and give clients real business insights they’ve never had before. The MSPs that get this shift will become true partners, not just the people you call when your server crashes.” AI is often promoted for its creativity. Trudi said it cannot replace human perspective and judgment. “As an interior designer, I don’t see AI as a threat – I see it as a tool. It only knows what you tell it, so the average homeowner can’t simply generate a workable design, know which trades to involve, source the right materials, and bring a project to life. There’s still so much value in having someone who can ask the questions you don’t even know to ask, guide the process, and navigate the inevitable hurdles along the way.” Shena said she and her co-workers all use AI but in different ways. “We are all unique in our needs and expertise,” Shena said. “I use AI while maintaining my own voice, my own unique personality, and my own curiosity and insights to produce my work. No AI can replace my mind. I choose what to put in, what to extract, and how to use what AI provides.” Shena Edington-Bright ’24 Chris Sirianni ’08 Rick Plympton ’83, ’85
president’s report to the community COPS, CORRECTIONS AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE The Finger Lakes Law Enforcement Academy’s relocation to FLCC in 2023 has strengthened the training program for police and more recently, corrections officers. The first class began in March 2023 with two goals: Improve operations and capacity by using main campus facilities and build closer ties with the College’s criminal justice degree program. The academy graduated its third class, a total of 28 officers, this fall. Jeffrey Keyser, training director for FLLEA, says the arrangement is working well. “At this point, we’re looking long-term. We like it here,” he said. “Everyone around here has been so polite, kind and helpful.” FLLEA is an independent consortium that provides training to sheriff’s deputies and police officers for Ontario, Wayne, Yates, Livingston, Seneca and Cayuga counties and their cities, towns and villages. Students are first hired by a police agency, then attend the academy, which previously used several locations to complete classroom and practical training. Shaina Sexton, a new FLCC Campus Police officer, salutes Police Chief Matthew McGrath during the Finger Lakes Law Enforcement Academy badge pinning in August. PHOTO BY JAYLEA RANSOM FLCC has well-equipped classrooms, indoor facilities for fitness and defensive training, outdoor fields and trails, on-site IT service, and a cafe for lunch breaks. Firearms training for the 24-week program is held at the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office range. This year, the academy began offering a 12-week corrections officer training at FLCC. The first class graduated in May. Additional classes will be held as needed, Keyser said. Like the police officers, the corrections officer academy students are also hired by agencies, then sent for training. As part of the partnership, FLCC grants college credit to graduates of both academies where coursework aligns with a College criminal justice class. As of 2024, graduates of the law enforcement academy earn a 24-credit criminal justice certificate, nearly half the credits needed for an associate degree in criminal justice. Similarly, the corrections officer graduates earn the 24-credit corrections officer certificate, which can also be applied toward an FLCC degree. Officers in training, often in uniform, and their instructors have become common sights around the FLCC main campus. The hope is that criminal justice students and law enforcement academy students will have an opportunity to meet and learn about each other’s programs. Several FLCC graduates have enrolled in the police academy, and one police academy graduate, Gavin M. Bassett, has already applied his credits and completed a criminal justice degree. Here is a list of police academy graduates who also hold an FLCC degree, with their FLCC graduation year and program after their names. 2023 Police Academy Sarah L. Becker ’23, Criminal Justice Nicholas E. Fultz ’15, Business Administration Trenton F. Lane ’20, Natural Resources Conservation Law Enforcement Mitchell A. Mestan ’21, Criminal Justice Clarissa A. Robson ’22, Criminal Justice 2024 Police Academy Gavin M. Bassett ’25, Criminal Justice Derek J. Grillone ’18, Liberal Arts Rachel M. Boock ’22, Criminal Justice Jared D. Panek ’20, Criminal Justice David J. Darling ’16, Sports Studies 2025 Police Academy Halie A. Forde ’21, Criminal Justice Leah M. Vaughn ’23, Liberal Arts Eric S. Perryman, Jr. ’24, Criminal Justice Brandon D. Grace ’14, Criminal Justice
SERVING LEARNERS FROM HIGH SCHOOL THROUGH ADULTHOOD The College posted a total of 10,409 enrollments* during the 2023-24 academic year across its four main programming areas. This marks a nearly 4 percent increase from 10,044 in 2022-23. Credit-bearing classes for high school graduates seeking two-year degrees, one-year certificates, transfer credit and personal enrichment High school concurrent enrollment, in which students, including homeschoolers, take FLCC classes to satisfy high school and college credit at the same time Non-credit programs for professional development or short-term certifications through the Workforce, Career and Experiential Learning Office Adult basic education which prepares students for exams that make up a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) and English as a Second Language (ESL) *These numbers may count some individuals twice, for example, if an adult basic education student earned a GED in the fall and started FLCC college classes in the spring. Credit classes for high school graduates: 5,475 Adult basic education: 381 Concurrent enrollment: 3,197 Workforce development: 1,356 Most popular degree programs in fall 2024* Health Care Studies Business Administration Psychology Nursing Engineering Science Networking and Cybersecurity Computer Science Music Recording Technology Kinesiology and Human Performance Accounting *Excluding liberal arts SUNY Reconnect supports 231 FLCC students A total of 231 FLCC students began the fall semester with help from SUNY Reconnect, a new program that covers tuition, fees, books, and supplies for adults ages 25 to 55 who do not have a college degree. Funded through the state budget, SUNY Reconnect is an equity-focused investment in New York’s workforce and economy. It supports adults pursuing associate degrees in high-demand fields within health care, technology, and education. At FLCC, eligible degree programs include nursing, paramedic, engineering science, smart systems technologies, and computer information systems. Students may attend full- or part-time, on campus or online. They also have up to 10 semesters to complete their degree, making higher education possible for those balancing family, work, and school. Information is online at flcc.edu/freecc. SUNY ASAP shows promising early data Early results from the SUNY Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) program are encouraging. A total of 150 FLCC students are now enrolled, benefiting from the wraparound support designed to help them stay on track toward graduation. FLCC launched the program in spring 2024 with 35 students and scaled up to full enrollment in fall 2024. Initial data show strong retention rates: • 75.2 percent of all FLCC matriculated students were retained from fall 2024 to spring 2025. • 83.9 percent of ASAP students continued from fall 2024 to spring 2025. The difference highlights the impact of providing coordinated academic, financial, and personal support to help students succeed.
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