The-Laker-Issue3-Fall-2020

Dear Readers, Like you, I have sought ways to stay connected to others at a time when our health, economy and perhaps our lives depend on social distancing and isolation. From the start of the pandemic, I emailed regular updates to College faculty and staff, often to share the logistics of remote operation, but also to reflect on a moment in time. They have become a journal of our collective experience. On March 30, I marveled at how we converted all our classes online in less than two weeks: Wow! What a day! I distinctly remember Friday evening, March 13, as students went off to spring break and all of the unknowns facing us. Reflecting back it seemed pretty daunting. But we, FLCC, through a lot of hard work, ventured through a lot of unknowns and during a turbulent time, started a whole new virtual world for our students today… I hope that all of you teaching today enjoyed getting back to the classroom and doing what FLCC does best: Transforming lives and helping our students achieve their goals and dreams. Just before the fall semester, I found myself thinking along similar lines. On Aug. 24, I wrote: All of you are truly committed, willing to innovate in the face of challenging times, and most importantly, you have heart. Heart to help all of us keep going in the face of this crisis, a conflagration of health, economic and social injustice. Thank you! This commitment is an FLCC tradition that goes back to its founding. As you will read in the cover story, nursing alumna Jennifer Emmons ’11 drew heavily on her FLCC experience and the wisdom of her instructors and mentors as she worked for 12 weeks in a New Jersey hospital inundated with COVID-19 patients. I am proud of all that FLCC alumni have done to persevere amid this crisis and grateful for faculty and staff — past and present — who helped foster the skills, knowledge and spirit of determination that has shown through at FLCC and across the community. Stay safe, stay healthy and stay in touch. 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 Director of Community Affairs Lenore Friend Editor Jessica Youngman Public Relations and Events Coordinator Contributing Writers Lenore Friend Director of Community Affairs Lisa Scott Alumni Engagement Coordinator Jessica Youngman Public Relations and Events Coordinator Design and Layout Sarah R. Butler Photography Louis Noce Rikki Van Camp Sarah Whiffen Amanda Whitbeck Jessica Youngman The Laker is produced by the Advancement Department at Finger Lakes Community College. Advancement includes the offices of Community Affairs and Alumni Affairs as well as the FLCC Foundation. 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) 785-1454 www.facebook.com/fingerlakescommunitycollege @flcc_connects @flcc_connects from the president FLCC President Robert Nye explains the College’s plans for fall to 13WHAM’s Tanner Jubenville.