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
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