The-Laker-Issue-Spring-2022

Dear Readers, The upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic has made many people reassess their lives, giving greater urgency to the concept of work-life balance. In this edition of the Laker, we share the stories of three alumni who entered a field where balance can be elusive: culinary arts. The word “culinary” may make you think first of a restaurant chef, but the food and beverage industry is varied and growing. Retail companies are expanding meal kit operations. Culinary arts can also be a path to food research and development, for example, in plant-based alternatives to meat. The food industry has certainly taken a hit during the pandemic. All three of the alumni in our cover story were affected, including one who was furloughed for a short time. They have, thankfully, all come through it and arrived at a place in their lives that offers a measure of balance between their work and personal lives. Their journeys started with a leap of faith to follow their passion. Gary Parmelee ’14 was studying architecture at a four-year school when he realized how much he enjoyed cooking. Sabrina Miller ’15 and Kurt Hass ’19 were older students with families when they decided to study culinary arts. Then came hard work. Gary worked a full-time job and took classes at night. Sabrina took care of three children, one recovering from cancer treatment, while baking cakes and cleaning houses. All three truly demonstrate one of our College values – perseverance – for sure. The support of family and faculty was also crucial to their success. Jamie Rotter, associate professor of culinary arts, let Sabrina stay home and complete work online when her son’s treatment left him immunocompromised. Jamie also sat down and had a conversation with Kurt on his first day, a simple act that helped ease Kurt’s fears about going to college at age 41. I hope you enjoy reading about Gary, Sabrina and Kurt and take inspiration from their progress in finding balance in their lives. It is also my hope that each of you achieve life balance and joy during challenging times. 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 Justin Kuczma Design and Layout Sarah R. Butler Photography Jan Regan Rikki Van Camp Amanda Whitbeck cover photo of sabrina miller ‘15 by rikki van camp 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 (585) 785-1205 www.facebook.com/fingerlakescommunitycollege @flcc_connects @flcc_connects from the president