Alumni Spotlight: Kate Reuter ’92 pg. 12 Fresh Talent Meets Local Terroir pg. 16 LAKERS GET REAL spring 2026 theLAKER a publication for alumni and friends of finger lakes community college Alumni help students learn by doing
openingshot Construction of the 24-bed Muller Field Station bunkhouse wrapped up during the spring semester. The field station at the south end of Honeoye Lake has been a resource for conservation and environmental education programming since the late Florence Muller donated the 48-acre property in 1999. Teresa Pietrusinski, program manager for environmental education and community outreach, and Cody Wilkes, field station manager, both shown in photo at left, spent the winter planning for the wider range of outdoor experiences the bunkhouse has made possible. FLCC students in classes such as Wetland Science and Practice will have more immersive experiences with longer stays at the field station, according to Maura Sullivan, professor and Muller Field Station director. The College will invite faculty from other schools to bring students for the spotted salamander migration in the spring. The effort to protect the amphibians as they cross the nearby highway to the field station’s wetlands takes place as night falls. An overnight option is a safer alternative to having visitors drive home during very late hours. A new initiative will offer high school students an extended stay to participate in watershed conservation work, and the facility is open for rent to professional and recreational organizations. PHOTOS BY JAN REGAN
from the president 2 | theLAKER 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 Design and Layout Sarah R. Butler Photography Kris Dreessen Jan Regan Rikki Van Camp Amanda Whitbeck Cover photo by Rikki Van Camp 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 Email: alumni@flcc.edu (585) 785-1454 www.facebook.com/fingerlakescommunitycollege @flcc_connects @flcc_connects President Robert Nye addresses graduates at the fall 2025 Nursing Pinning Ceremony. Applied learning has long been a key element of the nursing degree. In recent years, opportunities for handson experiences have expanded in several other programs. Dear Fellow Lakers, As you will learn in our “Lakers Get Real” cover story, the Sands Family YMCA in Canandaigua hosted 10 interns in the last academic year. I am grateful for the commitment the Y’s leaders have made to our students. Both Jason Gottfried ’04, the executive director, and Kate Eberts ’93, associate executive director, are among the FLCC alumni now providing opportunities to today’s students. I am also thankful for partner companies like WineryConnect for making an investment in the people who will contribute to and lead our communities in the years to come. Make no mistake, an internship is an investment, but with clear direction and mentorship, FLCC students have brought energy and value to their host organizations. Sam Weiner, founder of WineryConnect, calls his experience with FLCC interns nothing short of magnificent. They have helped him expand his brand and land clients. Students, and in particular, non-traditional students, often prefer applied learning. After the Army, Mitch Hill ’22 sought a program that would get him into the workforce as soon as possible. He found what he was looking for in smart systems technologies (SST), which provides students with foundational skills common among high-tech businesses. Now a lab manager for Optical Gaging Products, Mitch has since provided co-op experiences to two other SST students, who are now permanent employees. I hope the perspectives and advice shared in “Lakers Get Real” will inspire more alumni and friends of the College to welcome interns. It is such a wonderful way for you to remain connected to FLCC. Faculty and staff are ready to have conversations and provide guidance. In recent years, the State University of New York has provided funding for certain types of internship experiences, for example, students entering the mental health field. To explore the possibilities, start with an email to Linda Cunningham, FLCC’s technical specialist for applied learning, Linda.Cunningham@flcc.edu. We look forward to hearing from you and talking about what we can accomplish together. Proud to be a Laker! Robert Nye President, Finger Lakes Community College
theLAKER | 3 FROM THE COVER pages 4–7 SPRING 2026 CONTENTS theLAKER ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Kate Reuter ’92 page 12 page 25 SAVE the DATE flcc foundation U P D A T E pages 16–18 CAMPUS HAPPENINGS pages 8–11 CLASS notes pages 19–24 Foundation welcomes 3 board members In March, three new members joined the FLCC Foundation Board of Directors, which oversees the nonprofit that raises private sector support for College facilities and programs. From left, President Robert Nye; new members Colin Diehl ’01, Alissa Shields and Andrew Biernat ’09; and Foundation Executive Director Brie Chupalio. Colin, founder of the DIEHLUX environmental consulting firm, received the Outstanding Conservation Alumni Achievement Award in 2023. Alissa is the contract management director for Wegmans Food Markets. Andrew is the owner of Andrew Biernat Consulting and Facilitation, which provides human resources services. (See more about Andrew in Class Notes)
4 | theLAKER from the cover Maybe it was Professor Kelli Prior’s teaching style that got Jason Gottfried’s attention. Or her expectations. Or both. “She changed my outlook on life, and she was not easy on me,” Jason, a 2004 humanities graduate, said with a laugh. After biology with Professor Prior, education took on a new urgency. He started re-taking classes at FLCC that he had previously taken elsewhere to raise his grades. Jason, executive director of the Sands Family YMCA in Canandaigua, and his colleague, Kate Eberts ’93, associate executive director, are giving back to the College by offering internships to current students. Taking a career for a test drive is one of the best ways for students to explore their interests and test their abilities. The College started tracking the number of students who participated in an applied learning experience before the pandemic. A total of 448 students had at least one experience during the 2018–19 academic year. By 2024–25, the number had risen to 609. Building a bench Jason worked part-time at the former Southeast Family YMCA in Pittsford while attending FLCC. His roles included camp counselor, ALUMNI TAKE STUDENTS BEYOND THE CLASSROOM The Sands Family YMCA has hosted 10 interns during the last academic year. Jason Gottfried ’04, executive director of the Sands Family YMCA in Canandaigua, and Kate Eberts ’93, associate executive director, have welcomed 10 FLCC interns over the last year. The cover photo shows some of the FLCC alumni and interns at the Sands Family YMCA. From left, interns Deanna Williamson, Geisha Aman, Cameron Glessing, and Zac Ward; Kate Eberts ’93, associate executive director; Jason Gottfried ’04, executive director; Scot Haynes ’05, buildings and grounds director; Sandi Heacock ’90, Active Older Adults coordinator/registrar; intern Carla Holtz; and Jason DeRycke ’25, aquatics staff associate. PHOTOS BY RIKKI VAN CAMP
tutor, and swim instructor. “I did literally everything you could possibly do in the Y as a part-time employee,” he said. Full-time roles followed, and Jason joined the Canandaigua YMCA in 2021. Two years later, the Y moved from its downtown location to the new 75,000-square-foot facility on North Street. Now, he and his management team are building a career ladder similar to the one he ascended. “As it did in so many places, COVID really crushed our workforce. We need to build our own benches,” he said. e Sands Family branch employs about 25 full-timers and 260 part-timers. Internships could lead to part-time work and, potentially, full-time positions throughout the YMCA of Greater Rochester’s association. Jason began a conversation with FLCC President Robert Nye, who serves on the Sands Family YMCA Board of Directors. e Y’s diverse programming provides opportunities for students to earn course credit in several programs, including human services, business administration, and sports management. As with internships at most nonpro ts, these are unpaid, though a SUNY grant provides gas cards and a $695 stipend to qualifying students. Jason met with an internship coordinator and visited a human services class about a year ago. By fall, the Y was ready to launch. Kate, who oversees the program, starts with a screening interview to make sure the Y can provide an experience that meets a student’s needs. “I have a development plan for each intern, and I meet with them once a month so that we’re all on the same page. We talk about operational development, their goals, challenges that they’re running into, and successes,” she explained. Kate and Jason agree that mentorship is critical for any internship program. “We appreciate the openness and the outside-of-the-box thinking of the College. I love that we’re able to put our avor into it, too, and not just give them the hours and say, ‘See you later.’ We’re connecting them to our organization and trying to help them be better people.” YMCA intern Zac Ward of Geneva is an accounting major. Seeking an intern? Four questions for employers What are my goals for this internship? Hiring an intern is an investment. If work needs to be completed quickly with little supervision, an internship may not be the answer. If you can spend time training your intern on a well-defined task, you will both benefit. Interns should feel they are learning and contributing. Do I or a member of my staff have time to handle paperwork and mentor the intern? Interns generally won’t hit the ground running. Carve out time weekly or bi-weekly to meet with your intern to provide feedback and guidance. FLCC asks employers to complete a learning agreement and provide a mid-term or final evaluation or both. How are my own communication skills? Setting clear expectations is critical. This includes reporting times, work schedules, and duties. A supervisor should respond promptly to an intern’s questions and reach out to faculty or staff early with concerns. Students may feel disappointed if their expectations don’t match reality. That is a learning experience, too. If this happens, encourage them to talk with their instructor. What do I need to ask about when I contact FLCC to start an internship? Ask about FLCC’s course requirements, including hours and outcomes. Ask about start and end dates – internships should line up with a semester or summer session. Minimum wage is encouraged, and the state sets requirements for interns at for-profit businesses. SUNY provides a limited number of grants to compensate students in unpaid internships, which is often the case with nonprofits. Continued on the next page
from the cover Kate hopes the interns also build a larger personal and professional network. “At FLCC, I created such great relationships with the teachers and my friends. I gained great connections throughout that time, and now I want to give back to the FLCC community.” Making it all fit Geisha Aman of Penn Yan assisted in the Y’s dedicated space for science, art, and technology projects. She is also a mother of two and works as the youth employment and training counselor for Yates County Workforce Development. “I work in small intervals for two to three days a week, totaling about six hours a week,” she said. “The Y complements my current position because my work there helps youth identify talents that can translate to career interests. “It also lets me interact with youth in a more relaxed environment than my office. I get insight into what youth like, and this helps me tailor services for youth in Yates County.” Her classmate, Carla Holtz of Shortsville, specialized in the Active Older Adults (AOA) program, prepping and teaching craft classes and assisting with the weekly AOA newsletter at the branch. “It has enhanced my skills in communicating effectively with the aging population and to listen empathetically when they express concerns,” she said. Like Geisha, Carla is a non-traditional student. “I enrolled later in life because it has been my long-term goal to go back to school,” she said. “It brings me joy and a sense of accomplishment when I am able to help another individual through a crisis, to make a connection or to simply be there so they don’t feel alone.” Sam Weiner is the founder of WineryConnect, which provides IT support to wineries. He began offering internships to FLCC students about eight years ago at the recommendation of alumnus Rick Plympton ’83, ’85, the retired CEO of Optimax. “It’s a learning curve on both sides,” Sam said. He explained it’s important to understand your individual and business goals before bringing on an intern. “You have a moral and legal obligation. They have to get value. It has to be educational.” The results have been “magnificent,” he said, with each intern bringing new talents and ideas to his business. Patrick Mitchell ’24, an accounting major, tackled social media marketing during his WineryConnect internship. Sam then hired him as a contractor to manage a monthly campaign for about a year. In spring 2025, Makiko “Michelle” Yasumi, a computer science student from the Bronx, worked on requirement analysis, which entails identifying and documenting a client’s software and technology needs. “She’s one in a million. She has a way about her. She knows how to talk to people,” he said. He also paid her to continue working for a few months after the internship. Ryan Porricolo ’24, a networking and cybersecurity graduate, impressed Sam so much that he hired him part-time in early 2025. Ryan helped WineryConnect land a new client on Long Island before leaving for a new position. An employer’s story Cameron Glessing of Ontario, left, completed 135 hours at the Y for his sports management degree while Geisha Aman, a human services major, completed 90 hours. Geisha also represents students on the FLCC Board of Trustees. 6 | theLAKER Internship contacts For help setting up an internship: Linda Cunningham, (585) 785-1317, Linda.Cunningham@flcc.edu For help covering costs: Felix Muzza, (716) 969-3443, Felix.Muzza@flcc.edu
theLAKER | 7 Mitch Hill ’22 knew exactly where to look when he needed to fill an opening in his lab at Optical Gaging Products, a maker of precision measurement tools. He contacted Professor Sam Samanta, his advisor and the coordinator of the smart systems technologies (SST) degree program. SST combines physics and industrial technology courses to prepare students for careers in automation, robotics, and mechatronics. Mitch valued the earn-while-you-learn element of the SST program. He found work with OGP in fall 2021 so his day job could double as his required co-op experience. A co-op is a paid internship that can lead to permanent work. Within eight months, his supervisor left, Mitch was promoted to manager, and he had to backfill his previous position. Sam recommended Nicholas J. Kirchgessner ’24. Nick completed his co-op experience at OGP in March 2024 and has been there ever since. In 2025, company growth made a new hire necessary, so Mitch turned again to Sam. Andrew Hall ’26 started his co-op experience in March 2025 and now rounds out the trio of employees in the OGP calibration lab. “It makes a big difference when you get someone with similar experience. It’s a nice pool to pick from,” Mitch said. “I’ll probably continue to hire from FLCC.” Learn about Andrew Hall’s experience on the College blog at flcc.edu/news Building a team, one grad at a time For these interns, it’s showtime From left, Nick Kirchgessner ’24, Andrew Hall ’26 and Mitch Hill ’22 stand in front of the linescale bench at Optical Gaging Products in Rochester. The instrument employs laser interferometry to make very precise measurements using the wave properties of light or sound. It also controls the room’s temperature, air pressure and humidity, because changes in the air can affect measurements. Products like computer chips and medical implants require such exacting measurements as part of quality control. FLCC students have earned course credit while practicing camera operation, direction, and technical direction at CMAC every summer since 1999. Direction requires quick thinking to give instructions to camera operators to pan or zoom. Technical directors switch the screen feed among three or more cameras to best capture the performance while thousands of fans watch. photos by rikki van camp Dom Crance ’25 operates a camera during a Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra performance while listening for instructions from the director in the control room. Jeff Kidd ’05, who was a CMAC intern while a student, now oversees the summer experience. Here, he coaches Isabella Thorman and Zach Bowman ’25 while performers rehearse. As part of the experience, students write journal entries about their concert duties, such as troubleshooting a technical problem in real time. Communications students Mark Musembi and Zach Bowman ’25 interned at the Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center in summer 2025, projecting live images from the stage onto the amphitheater’s big screens.
8 | THELAKER campus happenings FLCC TAKES WELDING ON THE ROAD The College uses innovative gear to solve a workforce problem. Over the last six months, FLCC has graduated four small classes of beginning welders: six Victor high schoolers, four adults in Canandaigua, ve in Newark, and six others at a manufacturing plant in Penn Yan. Until recently, transportation and the cost of traditional welding equipment would have made it costly and impractical to o er small classes over a wide geographic area. Enter the Miller AugmentedArc, a welding simulator that uses augmented reality to provide hands-on training without the danger of sparks, molten metal, and heat. Students wear a welding helmet and grasp a torch-like tool. Both are connected by cables to a computer running simulation so ware. “It’s portable. It’s easy. You can teach people faster with it,” FLCC President Robert Nye said. Convenience and flexibility Welding is a high-demand eld, but those jobs are scattered across the region. e College’s adoption of innovative equipment has made it possible to provide training to students of all ages in multiple locations. Instructor Jahaan Williams totes two cases that look like oversized luggage from site to site, assembling the simulator in minutes. e computer screen in the helmet shows students exactly what they would see if using a real torch and metal. Olena O’Brien, left, of Dundee, practices welding with a torch after 10 weeks of classes using the simulator. Olena assembles electrical harnesses for Coach and Equipment buses. She joined the program to become eligible for a promotion.
theLAKER | 9 The software provides constant feedback, for example, alerting students if they are holding the tool incorrectly or need to change their hand motions. They can practice over and over again since there is no need for acetylene and metals. Students spend the final two weeks of the 12-week program in a real welding shop. By then, they have a firm grounding in basic technique and safety. The Victor High School seniors, for example, got hands-on practice with a torch and metal in the main campus art studio. In Penn Yan, the students got simulation instruction and their final skills training at Coach and Equipment, which makes small and mid-sized buses. Four of the students were Coach employees, assemblers eager for the skills – and higher pay – of welders. Two were local residents. Coach and Equipment partnered with FLCC to solve a persistent problem of finding and retaining welders, said Brian Forrest, human resources manager at the 78-year-old company. As company leaders considered training their own welders, the manufacturer faced its own challenges of scale. With a workforce of about 200, the company needs a steady supply of welders, albeit in small numbers. “Working with FLCC was a very nice way to achieve the goal of offering a reward to people already working here who had the aspiration to move up,” Brian explained. “It is also helpful to not have too many in the program at one time, where they would not be able to find welding positions to use their new skills in a reasonable amount of time after completing it.” FLCC’s low-cost, portable training program allowed the company to round out a class by accepting local residents, who, in turn, were spared a long drive from Yates County to find job training. Growth and potential Coach and Equipment’s class wrapped up in February, and the company plans to hold another class this summer. The promise of a more sustainable welding workforce is critical as the company prepares to launch an expansion. The leadership hopes to lessen a year-long backlog of bus orders by opening a second production line. Workers have embraced the idea of training for a promotion without ever leaving the plant. Classes are held two days a week after a shift change. For all its practicality, the program has also boosted morale, Brian said. “I went and chatted with people after the first weeks to see how it was going. One person said, ‘I can’t wait for the next class. It’s so interesting.’ Isn’t that the highest level of praise that every instructor would hope for, that your students are literally clamoring for the next class?” Of the five Newark graduates in December, four had job offers within a week of completing the program from companies such as AW Welding in Clyde and WesLor Enterprises in Lyons. Welders earn about $24 to $31 per hour, according to the New York State Department of Labor. Nick Sculli, a counselor at Victor Central Schools, said the seniors who completed the welding class expressed a sense of accomplishment in learning a new, marketable skill. Two of the six students now plan to pursue a career in welding, he added. “They didn’t have plans at the beginning of this year, and now they do, so it gave them a direction,” Nick said. “That was really cool to see.” Devon Price of Prattsburgh uses the hand tool on a simulation board filled with symbols. Instructor Jahaan Williams guides Bryant Smith of Penn Yan in the use of the welding simulator. The Miller AugmentedArc translates his movements to a realistic image on the display within the visor and screen of the simulation unit. Learn more Beginning welding classes open to the community are held in Newark and Canandaigua. Special arrangements for training at other sites can be made through the Workforce, Career and Experiential Learning Office. For information, email workforce@flcc.edu or call (585) 785-1670.
10 | theLAKER Over several seasons, growing strength in Laker teams has brought energy and excitement to the College community. Men’s soccer on the rise Building on the momentum of its first NJCAA Region III District B championship in 2024, the men’s soccer team took another regional title in fall 2025. The team set a program record of 17 victories and achieved a historic third-place national ranking. The number of players from outside the U.S. has grown from four in 2022 to 24 in 2025. Students from New York state and 12 other countries, including Scotland, Kenya and New Zealand, made up the team last fall. Before the past two seasons, the team had appeared in the national rankings only once, in 1997. Second-year head coach Joe Balls’ leadership and recruiting style have helped increase international student enrollment and guide two historic seasons. His work earned him Region III Coach of the Year honors in both 2024 and 2025, along with Mid-State Athletic Conference Coach of the Year recognition in 2025. Excellence in women’s volleyball For the past five years, fans at Putt Moore Court have watched the women’s volleyball team capture five straight NJCAA Region III championships, the longest streak in regional history. Each year, a championship ring ceremony allows athletes from the previous year to come back to campus to receive their championship rings and praise from the community. The program has earned national rankings seven times, reaching a peak of No. 2 in 2025. It recorded 30 match victories in both 2011 and 2024. Andrew Solomon has been the Lakers’ head coach for eight years and is a two-time Region III Coach of the Year. In 2023, Andrew also led the inaugural FLCC men’s volleyball team to a NJCAA National Invitational Championship, earning him Coach of the Year in that role. Esports levels up FLCC Esports remains one of the largest and most active collegiate esports programs in the country. Approved in 2019 as a varsity sport, the team has steadily added to its list of achievements, including earning its fifth national championship in fall 2025 in Fortnite Zero Build. This spring, the roster has grown to 130 students competing across 24 game titles five days a week. Competing in NJCAAe Tier I and III, the program uses a flexible model that allows players to compete and collaborate both on campus and online. Over the last eight years, Coach Michael VanEtten has developed notable collaborations, including a partnership with the Empire State Scholastic Esports Federation to strengthen connections between local high schools and collegiate esports. The program is also supported by a 12-member student leadership board that guides media production, team engagement, and student support roles. Strong Laker teams build momentum campus happenings The men’s soccer team celebrates its championship in National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region III District B. Women’s volleyball players show off their championship rings. Esports continues to add players and trophies. Cheer on the Lakers Entry to all FLCC athletic events is free and open to the public. Game schedules, recaps and team information are posted by sport at flcc.edu/athletics.
theLAKER | 11 Food lockers add convenience Students can pick up fresh foods from the College’s food pantry using refrigerated lockers in the main lobby. FLCC purchased the lockers using a $50,000 grant from the State University of New York. The funds are part of the $1 million SUNY distributes each year to address food insecurity at two- and four-year schools. Students can visit the Center for Student Well-Being at the main campus or fill out an online form to request food. If the order includes perishable items, a staff member packs it and stows the food in a locker. The student receives an email when their order is ready and a text message with the locker number and a code to open it. Students can pick up the food on their own schedule. They do not have to worry about getting to an office before it closes. Since the lockers went into service in October 2025, more than two dozen students had used them by February. Students can also complete an online screening tool that identifies potential federal, state, and local programs that provide food, childcare support, health insurance, tax preparation and other benefits. More information is online at flcc.edu/studentwellbeing. New offering: Wine service management Starting this fall, the College will offer a new wine service management certificate for those pursuing careers related to wine sales and service. Jamie Rotter, associate professor of culinary arts, developed the program to fill a niche in the food and wine industry. “The program addresses a need in the industry in terms of service and marketing. There are folks who would like to have a career in the wine world, but do not want to be a part of the extremely technical production side,” he explained. Students will learn from industry experts and complete 300 hours of work experience at a hospitality business. Graduates will be qualified to work in positions such as wine steward, food and beverage manager, and wine marketer. The 27-credit certificate includes courses in marketing, business law, culinary and beverage fundamentals, and three courses on wines. Most courses can be taken online. Four summer camp options for grades 6–9 FLCC will host week-long camps this summer for students entering grades 6 through 9 in fall 2026. Camps run from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The $250 fee covers camp supplies, snacks and a souvenir. Registration is at flcc.edu/steam. Dates and themes are as follows: • July 6–10, STEAM in Motion, Victor Campus Center: Students build models and explore how mechanical parts, electronic circuits, and robotics can be used to create motion. • July 13–17, STEAM in Orbit, Newark Campus Center: Campers explore careers related to the NASA Artemis missions, computer science, game design, and skilled trades. • July 20–24, STEAM in Nature, Muller Field Station: Students observe wildlife, learn plant and wildlife identification, and take part in water quality projects. • July 27–31, STEAM Detectives, Geneva Campus Center: The camp introduces students to the world of clues, codes, and related science, including fingerprinting, DNA analysis, and forensic sketching.
‘I AM EXACTLY WHERE I’M SUPPOSED TO BE’ alumni spotlight The second time Kate Reuter ’92 enrolled at FLCC, the halls looked familiar but felt different. “Every hallway, every corner had a memory from when I was there after high school,” she explained, “but I knew I was there on a mission, and it was a different mission. It was to, as an adult, finish that degree life held me back from finishing.” Years before, as Katie Baker, a Victor High School graduate, she had studied graphic arts, served as a student senator, and was voted captain of the cheerleading squad. When the introduction of computers to graphic arts left her disenchanted, an advisor suggested office technology. Kate saw the practical side. “It felt like it would be a secure, in-demand career,” she said, though the program didn’t capture her imagination at first. Kate stopped out of FLCC but took the opportunity to return in the early ’90s. Her professor, Patricia Rice, asked students if they would like to learn medical transcription and terminology. “That piqued my interest,” Kate said. “It was amazing. I was good at it.” It was just two classes, but they set her on a path that ultimately led to massage therapy school and the launch of her business, Gold Leaf Spa, in Irondequoit. As a local business owner, Kate Reuter ’92 has donated massage and spa gift certificates and baskets for fundraisers for organizations such as the American Heart Association and the Spinal Injury Organization. Kate also created Project F.A.R.O.U.T (Friends and Relatives of United Troops) and gave free chair massages monthly at the U.S. Army Reserves 98th Division Headquarters from 2008-2010. 12 | theLAKER Kate Reuter’s decision to finish her degree was the first step to entrepreneurship.
theLAKER | 13 “I trusted my mentor” After graduation, Kate quickly found work as a medical secretary and transcriptionist with St. Ann’s Home in Irondequoit. There, she found a role model for compassion and professionalism in the medical director, Dr. Jim Wood. A few years later, she became a medical transcriptionist at the Lipson Cancer Center at Rochester Regional Health. Working in the presence of cancer patients further developed her sense of compassion. “I took it very seriously, and I was so glad that I trusted my mentor,” Kate explained. “Some people might say, ‘Oh, transcription, how boring. You’re just typing what people say.’” At FLCC, she explained, “We were taught to understand what medical terms meant. A lot of transcriptionists that I met along the way just went through the motions.” Kate tried to understand the cases she was recording. “I am thinking, ‘Well this is happening here and that’s happening there.’ What do I think the diagnosis would be?” A break, a new direction Kate stopped working as soon as her son, Noah, came along. “His presence has been my strength and motivation never to give up,” she added. Still fascinated by medical diagnoses, she wanted to return to the workforce in a wellness profession. Kate enrolled in the Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage, finding use again for her FLCC medical terminology class. “Most students struggled with medical terms, but I understood all of them,” she said. After passing the state licensing exam in 2008, Kate set to building her brand. She was on the road all day. She rented space in Irondequoit and worked per diem in salons in Greece and Pittsford. She also gave corporate chair massages on the 13th floor of the Clinton Square Building, though she is no fan of downtown Rochester traffic. “This is how literally driven I was,” she joked. “I never, ever even went to a bank to ask for a loan. I started with 50 bucks and a big leap of faith.” In 2013, Kate had accrued enough experience and funds to open Gold Leaf Spa in the Laurelton Professional Building on Helendale Road. A “mompreneur” Kate’s goal in 2026 is to finish the book she started writing a few years ago about her career journey and starting her own business. “It’s all about being a mompreneur,” she said, using the term for moms who are entrepreneurs. “I never gave up on keeping my practice going and it’s just flourished.” The biggest lesson for her, and she hopes, for her future readers, is to stop and reflect. Let your accomplishments serve as the foundation for the next goal. “Over the years, survival mode can become a bad habit. Go ahead and pat yourself on the back, give yourself credit for all the hard work that you’ve done. You have to be your own cheerleader. Nobody loves your business more than you do, right?” Thinking in broader terms, Kate marvels at how her life and career journey have brought her to a place of fulfillment. “I was able to use all of the skills that I learned along the way, as far back as what I studied at CCFL,” she added, referring to the College’s original name, Community College of the Finger Lakes. “Initially, I went to school to get a degree in art, and the outcome is better than I ever could have imagined. I am exactly where I’m supposed to be.” – Lenore Friend Gold Leaf Spa LLC was an Irondequoit Chamber of Commerce featured business of the month in 2022. For more on Gold Leaf Spa, see the Lakers Mean Business feature on the next page.
14 | theLAKER lakers mean business FLCC alumni are well represented in the Finger Lakes business community. Here is a selection of businesses owned by alumni*. Alumni who own or co-own a business in the Finger Lakes region are welcome to share information at alumni@flcc.edu. Drone of Arc Aerial Consultant Owners: Michael Tucker ’17, Tiffany Tucker 127 Stewart Place, Canandaigua www.droneofarc.us (595) 356-2092 Veteran-owned business offering drone services and ground photography for construction project management, property and insurance inspection; security and surveillance; real estate services; and weddings Derek’s Websites and More Owner: Derek Short ’16 derekswebsitesandmore.com (315) 926-9993 derek@derekswebsitesandmore.com Digital marketing: websites, search engine optimization, graphic design, email marketing, and web security Sweets by Sarah Bakery Owner: Sarah (Welkley) Brown ’20 591 Main Street, Sterling sweetsbysarahbakery.com (315) 947-2135 sweetsbysarahbakery@outlook.com Baked goods: cookies, cheesecakes, muffins, pies, cake pops, cakes for all occasions, one-pound cinnamon rolls Other services: coffee, tea, smoothies, refreshers, and acai bowls *Students are considered alumni after they graduate with a degree or certificate or earn at least 30 FLCC credits.
theLAKER | 15 Nolan’s on Canandaigua Lake and Nolan’s Catering Owners: Nick Violas ’92, Guy Violas 726 S. Main St., Canandaigua www.nolansonthelake.com (585) 577-7541 Casual steakhouse serving certified Angus beef, seafood and pasta with catering services available at Nolan’s on Canandaigua Lake, The Fallbrook House at Canandaigua Country Club, and Hotel Canandaigua, Tapestry by Hilton Gold Leaf Spa Owner: Kate Reuter ’92 500 Helendale Road, Suite 150, Irondequoit goldleafspa.abmp.com (585) 507-3953 Massages: swedish, couples, hot stone, herbal compress, pregnancy massage, and foot reflexology Other services: Honey and wine wrap, seasonal spa scrub, botanical refresher facial, and spa day packages Divided Sky Vineyard Owners: Alek Ajder ’19, Megan Granata 9570 Middle Rd., Hammondsport www.dividedskyvineyard.com (607) 868-3139 dividedskyvineyard@gmail.com Winery and tasting room, specializing in dry wines Dry Riesling, Rosé, Cabernet Franc and Blaufränkisch, with limited-production releases Adorn Jewelry and Accessories Owner: Erica Koch Bapst ’98 www.adornjewelryandaccessories.com Facebook: Adorn Jewelry and Accessories adorncontact@yahoo.com Handmade jewelry, specializing in metalsmith work
16 | theLAKER foundation update COMMUNITY AND COLLABORATION In naming the Finger Lakes as the Wine Region of the Year for 2025, Wine Enthusiast magazine quoted Kyle Anne Pallischeck, director of programs for the New York Wine & Grape Foundation. She credited “community, collaboration, and creativity” for the region’s success. “There are countless stories of our collaborative community pulling together and working as one,” she said. The annual Vintners & Valentines dinner has become the College’s celebration of that spirit of collaboration. The April event, which raised $112,200 to support FLCC programming, featured a five-course meal prepared by students in the culinary arts program under the direction of faculty members Patrick Rae and Jamie Rotter. Over the event’s 11-year history, the number of participating winery owners and employees who are FLCC alumni has steadily increased. Of the 26 wineries that contributed to Vintners & Valentines this year, 10 were represented by alumni of FLCC. Representing the viticulture and wine technology program at Vintners & Valentines, front row, from left: adjunct instructor Steve Lerch, student Noel Wilson, Marete Seymour ’17, Amanda Mott ’25, Jerry Decker ’25, student Luke White, program coordinator Gina Lee ’13, student Connor Calder, student Ric Lopez; second row: student Ethan Miller, Jan Klapetzky, student Ivan Pagan, Cordell Bradley ’23, Emily Doi ’20, student Jackson Brady, professor Paul Brock; third row: Jim Acquilano ’23, John Monnier ’17, Brien Gardner ’16, Will Jenkins; fourth row: Phil Simmons ’20, Wes Andrews ’20, student Dalanie Kolz, student Charles Sasson; fifth row: Joseph Patrick ’20, Daniel Shafer ’25, Rachel Wolfanger ’25, Angelica Lawler ’22, technical specialist Marc Peterson ’11, ’19, and Chris Yarnall ’19 Culinary students included, front row, from left: Brooklyn Williams, Katerina Levanava, Ava Peacock, Mick Olsen; back row: Chris Thompson, Kyle Griffin, and Michael Hoffman
theLAKER | 17 V&V Sponsors BALTHAZAR: LeChase Construction Services SALMANAZAR: Optimax Systems, Waterloo Container, Farm Credit East, Canandaigua Winery – E&J Gallo Winery REHOBOAM: Juniper Education Consulting Inc., Canandaigua National Bank & Trust, Kepner Equipment JEROBOAM: Drs. Karen and Mark Blazey, PLAN Architectural Studio PC, Reliant Credit Union, New York Kitchen MAGNUM: Vance Metal Fabricators, Niagara Label, New York Wine & Grape Foundation, Barbara Hamlin, Lyons National Bank, Genecco Produce/Scoops Ice Cream/ Canandaigua Lady, Ryan’s Wine & Spirits, Wegmans LeChase: A Partner in Growth LeChase Construction Services, the primary sponsor of Vintners & Valentines for the past two years, has been a key partner for more than a decade as the College has transformed its facilities to meet community needs. LeChase managed the construction of the Student Center, the largest expansion since the main campus opened in 1975. Completed in 2012, it received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, making it the first LEED-certified public building in Ontario County. The company also worked on the redevelopment of the five-acre Geneva Campus Center in 2016. The project combined construction and renovation to preserve the entrance to the 1920s-era high school that once stood on the site. Additional projects included the Muller Field Station bunkhouse (see the inside cover pages) and the Sands Family Center for Allied Health. The Sands Family Center, which opened in fall 2022, expanded and renovated the nursing wing to accommodate more registered nursing students and add a licensed practical nursing program. LeChase was founded in Rochester in 1944 by Raymond F. LeChase as a family operation to fill demand during World War II. Still headquartered in Rochester, it now employs 850 people in a total of 11 locations in New York, Maryland, New Jersey, and North Carolina. Bill Goodrich serves as chairman and CEO; Will Mack, vice chairman; Kyle Sayers, president; and R. Wayne LeChase, chairman emeritus. The LeChase table included, from left, Lydiah Bosire, Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard winemaker Oskar Bynke, Neil Lawther, Patrick Griffin, Kevin Hoffman, Abby Hoffman, Meg O’Gara, and Tom O’Gara.
18 | theLAKER foundation update New scholarships honor Putt Moore, Kathleen Saxby Family and friends of the late Putt Moore, a professor and athletics director, and the late Kathleen Saxby ’78, a distinguished alumna, are honoring their memories with new scholarships. The Putt Moore Memorial Scholarship is a $1,000 award, given in the spring to a graduating student who plans to compete on an athletic team at a four-year school. Students earning degrees in physical education and exercise science, kinesiology and human performance, nutrition and dietetics, EMT-paramedic, and health care studies are eligible to apply. The scholarship funds are sent directly to the graduating student’s transfer school. Putt, a professor, coach, and foundational figure in the College’s history, passed away on Aug. 16, 2025. Putt joined FLCC in 1972, when classes were held in downtown Canandaigua storefronts, and dedicated more than 38 years to the College. He was FLCC’s first athletic director from 1991 to 2006, before returning to teaching until his retirement. The gym was renamed Putt Moore Court in his honor in January 2011. The Kathleen Saxby ’78 Memorial Scholarship is a $1,000 award to be given for the first time in fall 2026 to a full-time student who is also working part-time. Eligible majors are business administration and applied business studies. Kathleen received a Distinguished Alumni Award in 2014 in recognition of her accomplishments in the fashion industry. After FLCC, she earned a second associate degree, in menswear design and marketing, from the Fashion Institute of Technology. After more than a dozen years in apparel design with companies like Ralph Lauren, Liz Claiborne and Macy’s Private Label, she launched Saxby Design Services. She passed away July 1, 2025, after a nearly seven-year battle with breast cancer. Viticulture student inquiry leads to donation A student seeking laboratory services as part of his Enology I class research project landed a $6,000 donation to the viticulture and wine technology program. Peter Wronski, a viticulture student who lives in Charlestown, R.I., and his lab partner, Daniel Shafer of Geneva, were experimenting with a different yeast strain. They sought advanced chemical analyses of the resulting wine. Peter reached out to ETS Laboratories in St. Helena, Calif., to ask about educational discounts. Instead, the company offered in-kind analytical services valued at up to $2,000 per year for three years. The donation will allow students to work with industrystandard data. Peter felt comfortable requesting a discount because his day job is directing the laboratory and research services for the nonprofit RIH Orthopaedic Foundation in Providence, R.I. He completes much of his coursework online and makes the 5 1/2-hour drive as needed for in-person labs and hands-on experiences. Peter and his wife, Jodi Frank, grow grapes on an acre of land near their home and started making wine as a hobby. “We got to the point where we just needed to stop learning everything the hard way,” Peter joked. He selected FLCC’s program for its mix of online learning and hands-on experience. “It suits my style of learning better,” he added. Putt Moore, with his wife, Catherine, and son, Grady, at the dedication of Putt Moore Court. Ethan Fogg ’00 poses with Kathleen Saxby ’78 after the Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony in May 2014.
theLAKER | 19 CLASS notes Dear Friends of the College, As summer approaches, I’m excited to share another edition of The Laker. Each issue is a reminder of the strength and connectedness of our FLCC community. Whether you graduated decades ago or recently crossed the stage, you’re part of a network that continues to grow and thrive. One of my favorite parts of this magazine is learning what fellow alumni have been up to in Class Notes. From new careers and professional achievements to growing families and community leadership, these updates remind me that FLCC graduates are finding success and making an impact in countless ways. Another class joins the alumni ranks this month, thanks to the support of faculty and staff. Our Advancement team, which promotes alumni engagement and philanthropy, is working behind the scenes to keep alumni, including our newest graduates, connected to our College. One of the things I’m most grateful for is the continued investment in our campus. Projects like the Muller Field Station bunkhouse give today’s Lakers more opportunities to succeed. It’s inspiring to see our College continue to grow, adapt, and thrive while staying true to the values that make us proud to call FLCC (or CCFL)* home. Thank you for being part of the FLCC story. Your pride, support, and connection to the College ensure that the next generation of students enjoys the same opportunities that meant so much to you and me. Not feeling connected lately? Attend a College event — see the list at flcc.edu/events — share an update for Class Notes at flcc.edu/alumni, mentor a student, or reach out to your fellow Lakers! Our community is growing all the time, and there will always be a place for you in it! Warm regards, Ethan S. Fogg ’00 *The College’s original name was Community College of the Finger Lakes. The name was changed in 1992. the ’70s Don Doering ’78 (Natural Resource Conservation) was living in Paradise, Texas, when he came out of retirement to serve as administrator for the small coastal city of Point Comfort, Texas, north of Corpus Christi. the ’80s Keith Partington ’81 (Criminal Justice) released his second novel, “Workforce Resolve,” in October 2025 during National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The workplace inclusion story follows Trey Adams, a computer science graduate who joins a global tech company through its CEO-sponsored neurodiversity at work program. As Trey navigates a challenging environment under a toxic manager, the novel explores themes of bias, mental health, and career resilience. Cheryl (Gulvin) Ten Eyck ’82 (Liberal Arts), manager of instructional technology services at FLCC, retired in April after 15 years at the College. In retirement, she plans to spend time with family, enjoy the Finger Lakes area, and travel. the ’90s William Wellman ’91 (Criminal Justice) was elected chair of the Ontario County Board of Supervisors for 2026. He currently serves as Phelps town supervisor and previously served on the Phelps Town Board. the ’00s Trudi Smith ’05 (Architectural Design) was among the presenters at the FLX AI Hub workshop on AI for Marketing and Communications on the main campus in March. She is the president and principal designer of Trudi Smith Designs. Carmine V. Iorio ’08 (Business Administration) earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Coker University following graduation. He is senior vice president of tissue at Cellmark Inc., a global company specializing in paper and pulp markets, where he oversees international trade and business growth. His career began with an internship after graduation and progressed through sales and leadership roles in the paper industry, including key positions at Wausau Paper and other major firms. He lives with his wife, Catrina, and their four children.
20 | theLAKER Andrew Biernat ’09 (Business Administration) released a book, “The Team That Loves Mondays,” in which he shares how he brings joy and productivity to the workplace through autonomy, belonging, and competence. the ’10s Melissa Mandurano joined Thompson Health Gastroenterology in 2025 and works in the Marilyn Sands Outpatient Clinic in Canandaigua. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Roberts Wesleyan University and has been part of Thompson since 2016. Naomi Smith ’11 (Graphic Design, Natural Resource Conservation) graduated from Paul Smith’s College in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in natural resource sustainability and was part of the program’s first graduating class. She also earned a minor in geographic information systems (GIS). As a student, she created the first downtown map for the village of Saranac Lake, applying graphic design skills developed at FLCC. After nearly a decade in nonprofit management, she was named the first executive director of ReUse Systems, Inc., a Geneva-based nonprofit focused on waste reduction and sustainable resource management. Marc Peterson ’11, ’19 (Environmental Studies, Viticulture and Wine Technology) earned his bachelor’s degree in ecology in 2014 and worked in the Adirondacks before transitioning to the Finger Lakes wine industry. He served as a winemaker from 2017 to 2022 and now works as the viticulture and wine technician at FLCC. Newest nursing alumni The College celebrated 16 mid-year graduates of its registered nursing program in December. Members of this class have accepted positions at hospitals and medical practices across the region, including Rochester General Hospital, Golisano Children’s Hospital, Thompson Hospital, Strong Memorial Hospital, Upstate Hospital, and Seneca Ridge Dialysis Center. First row, from left, Katelyn Northrup, Melissa Meister, Christionia Tull, and Nataly Chacon; second row, from left, Ella Fox, Grace DeWitt, Ember Brown, Hope Fromm, and Erica Dean; third row, from left, MacKenzie Bates, Gabrielle Watson, Lindsey McGill, Tristen Simons, William Barrett, and A.J. Ortiz. PHOTO BY KRIS DREESSEN
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