TC3 News

General

New International Studies A.S. Degree Program

April 8, 2013

The Tompkins Cortland Community College Board of Trustees has approved the addition of an International Studies associate in science (A.S.) degree program. The program proposal is currently being reviewed by SUNY and the New York State Education Department. Upon securing approval and registration, the program is expected to start in fall 2013.

The international studies degree program is designed to offer students the opportunity to immerse themselves in global learning, reflecting the College's mission of preparing students for citizenship in a global society. Combining history, geography, political science, sociology, cultural and developmental anthropology, language acquisition, and other course work which will transfer to individual four-year degree programs, students will gain an interdisciplinary liberal arts foundation that also includes a study abroad experience. The program is designed for transfer, with bachelor's degree options including programs at Ithaca College, SUNY Cortland, SUNY Oswego, SUNY Purchase, and Wells College. Students completing their baccalaureate degree will be prepared to pursue careers in a variety of areas, including governmental organizations, international aid, international public policy, and in international business.

Program Requirements

TC3 Named a Top Digital Community College

October 24, 2012

Tompkins Cortland Community College has been recognized on the national and state levels for excellence in its use of technology to serve students. TC3 was named a winner in the "Digital Community College Survey" conducted by e.Republic's Center for Digital Education, the sixth straight time the College has earned that distinction. TC3 has also been named a recipient of a "Best of New York" award from e.Republic’s Center for Digital Government and Government Technology, in partnership with the state of New York. It’s the second time the College has received a "Best of New York" designation from this group.

The "Digital Community College Survey" documents advancements made by community colleges in utilizing information technology and recognizes which colleges are providing a high level of service to faculty, students, and communities as a result. TC3 finished second in the ranking of small colleges, as defined by having an enrollment of less than 5,000 students. No other SUNY institution was among the 36 honored in the small, mid-sized, or large college categories.

"This survey gives great insight into the nation’s community colleges’ efforts to advance services to students through new technologies," said Cathilea Robinett, executive vice president of e.Republic. "The winners in these categories have increased the number of computers and kiosks, automated labor-intensive processes, improved student portals, and increased student online service and more."

Carl Sandberg College (Ill.) was voted the best in the small school category, followed by TC3. Kirtland Community College (Mich.), Atlanta Technical College (Ga.), and Lake-Sumter Community College (Fla.) filled out the top five.

The Best of New York awards are designed to recognize IT professionals and projects in state and local government organizations and educational institutions. TC3 was the lone education institution honored. The College won for modifications to its TC3 Mobile that include status notifications designed to help students stay current on information important to their educational career. TC3 also won a Best of New York award in 2009.

The Center for Digital Education (CDE) is a national research and advisory institute specializing in K-12 and higher education technology trends, policy, and funding. The Center is a division of e.Republic, a national publishing, event, and research company focused on smart media for public sector innovation.

TC3 Named Military Friendly School

September 17, 2012

On Monday, September 17, State University of New York Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher commended 33 SUNY campuses on being recognized as “military friendly” by top-rated national military publication, G.I. Jobs Magazine.

“The SUNY system is a recognized leader in assisting military personnel in the transition to civilian life after their service to our country,” said Chancellor Zimpher. “As the largest system of public higher education in the country, SUNY offers extensive educational and career opportunities in more than 7,500 degree and certificate programs in every community in New York State. We take great pride in the fact that so many of our returning service men and women turn to SUNY for their education, and thank G.I. Jobs Magazine for this recognition.”

The 33 SUNY campuses listed are: UAlbany, Alfred State College, Binghamton University, SUNY Brockport, Broome Community College, Buffalo State College, Clinton Community College, SUNY Cobleskill, Columbia-Greene Community College, Corning Community College, SUNY Delhi, Empire State College, Erie Community College, Farmingdale State College, SUNY Fredonia, Hudson Valley Community College, SUNYIT, Jamestown Community College, Jefferson Community College, SUNY Maritime, Mohawk Valley Community College, Monroe Community College, Nassau Community College, North County Community College, SUNY Old Westbury, Onondaga Community College, Orange County Community College, SUNY Plattsburgh, Rockland Community College, Schenectady County Community College, Stony Brook University, Tompkins Cortland Community College, and SUNY Ulster.

G.I. Jobs Magazine is the premier publication for men and women who are transitioning from military to civilian life. It provides education, transition assistance, and job opportunities. The 2013 list of Military Friendly Schools ®, now in its fourth year, was compiled through extensive research and a data-driven survey of more than 12,000 VA-approved schools nationwide. The Military Friendly Schools ® media and website, found at www.militaryfriendlyschools.com, feature the list, interactive tools and search functionality to help military students find the best school to suit their unique needs and preferences.

College Wins Adult Student Marketing Award

November 27, 2012

For the fifth year in a row, Tompkins Cortland Community College has been honored by the Continuing Education Association of New York (CEANY). The CEANY has awarded the College this year's James C. Hall Jr. Exemplary Program Award in Course Catalog/Brochure for the TC3 Center for Adult Learning and Training adult student viewbook.

The James C. Hall Jr. Exemplary Program Awards recognize innovative and effective programming and marketing activities that make a contribution to the field of adult and continuing education. The category TC3 won recognizes "creative and effective layout, graphics, and copy." The adult student viewbook is the flagship publication of TC3’s Center for Adult Learning and Training. It was developed in the spring of 2012 TC3 Graphic Designer Jennica Petrella-Baum, working with Center for Adult Learning and Training Director Martha Hubbard. The publication was edited by College Editor Bryan Chambala.

TC3’s Center for Adult Learning and Training was created in the fall of 2011 to serve adult students, from first contact with the College through graduation.

Ithaca Mayor Myrick Visit

October 18, 2012

Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick will visit Tompkins Cortland Community College on Wednesday, October 24. Myrick will spend the day visiting with student leaders, meeting with College officials, and offering a presentation called "Why College Students Should Vote.” The presentation will be at noon in the student center and is open to the public. The visit is sponsored by the TC3 Student Governance Association.

Myrick, the youngest mayor in Ithaca’s history and one of the youngest mayors in the country, was a student at Cornell University when he was first elected to Ithaca’s Common Council. He will speak about his personal experiences, including the struggles of being raised by a single mother along with three siblings. His presentation will be based on his strong belief that it’s crucial for young people to be engaged in their colleges, community, and the democratic process. Following the public presentation, Myrick will be a guest at a luncheon with campus student leaders. He will conclude his visit to TC3 by meeting with College President Carl Haynes.<./p>

October 3 is Completion Day at TC3

September 26, 2012

On October 3, Tompkins Cortland Community College will be participating in New York State Completion Day, an initiative of all 37 community colleges in the state of New York. The 30 State University of New York (SUNY) and seven City University of New York (CUNY) community colleges, which have a combined enrollment of more than 330,000, have set the day to send a simple message: Students who complete an associate degree have better prospects for jobs, scholarships, and transfer to four-year schools.

New York’s two-year schools have each planned multiple Completion Day events. Working with Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year schools, each campus will hold campaigns asking students to sign a pledge to complete their degree or certificate program. Campuses will also hold resource fairs to provide information about academic, advisement, and financial support services that can help students reach their goals.

At TC3, the bulk of the activities will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the student center. Phi Theta Kappa will have a table set up with the pledge and the student success office and the office of counseling, career, and transfer services will each have representatives on hand. At 12:15, the Provost and Vice President of the College John Conners will speak, talking about the real benefits of completing a degree. The president of the TC3 chapter of PTK, Joanie Fink, will also speak about the value of completing a degree from a student's perspective.

TC3 Professor's Short Film Selected for Screening at International Film Festival

September 3, 2012

Tompkins Cortland Community College Professor Lisa Ford's short film Prodigy has been selected for screening at the 27th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival this fall. Ford, who teaches screenwriting and digital cinema courses in addition to academic writing, wrote and directed the piece.

Prodigy tells a story about a mother reconnecting with her inner child during a magical moment at her daughter's violin lesson. "As a teacher who has worked with children and adults, I'm interested in exploring how people experience the creative process," said Ford when discussing her inspiration for Prodigy. "My intent with this film was to celebrate the idea that creative expression, including musical expression, can enrich our lives."

The film was scored by Emmy-award winning musician and Ithaca resident Judy Hyman. The cast includes Aliya Iosilevich, Cristin Gallagher, and Surinder Sidhu, who teaches acting courses at TC3.

Prodigy is the latest in a long line of Ford's works to be honored. Several of her past films have been screened at various international festivals including the SAG Foundation Short Film Showcase, the New Filmmakers Screening Series at the Anthology Film Archives in New York City, and the Buffalo Niagara Film Festival. She has been successful at several screenwriting competitions, including the Austin Heart of Film Festival and the New England Screenwriting Competition, and has also been recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the organization that presents the Oscars.

Leadership Tompkins Graduates Class; Opens Recruitment for 2012-13

July 5, 2012

Twenty-four people have graduated from Leadership Tompkins, the community development program sponsored by Tompkins Cortland Community College and the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce. Leadership Tompkins, which just finished its twenty-fifth year, is part of a national program designed to stimulate commitments to the local community.

During the ten months of the program, participants are involved in seminars with local leaders from various sectors, including business, government, and education. The participants also develop and work on projects that are intended to improve their understanding of the community and the issues it faces.

Leadership Tompkins 2012 graduates and employers:

• Christy Agnese, Ithaca College
• Janice Arcangeli, Catholic Charities Tompkins/Tioga
• Donald Austin, Ithaca College
• Mary Beth Bunge, Alternatives Federal Credit Union/Alternatives Community Ventures
• Shane Cameron, Tompkins Trust Company
• Clarissa Coombs, Chemung Canal Trust Company
• Kelsey El Fassy Fihry, The Shops at Ithaca Mall
• Wendy Franzese, Cornell University
• Amie Hendrix, Tompkins County
• Erik Herman, Cornell University
• Judy Hoffman, Ithaca City School District
• Jessica Jones, Franziska Racker Centers
• Muthoni Judy Kamau, Cornell University (Graduate student)
• Shashank Kolhatkar, BorgWarner Morse TEC
• Sean Kuplan, BorgWarner Morse TEC
• Zachary Nelson, Greater Ithaca Activities Center
• Karen Nocera, The CBORD Group, Inc.
• Sage Peake, Cayuga Medical Center
• Rebecca Roberts, CFCU Community Credit Union
• Scott Rogeau, The Pak 'n Ship Store
• Sharon Sanford, Tompkins Cortland Community College
• Jenna Stroud, Greater Ithaca Activities Center
• Shannon Terry, Tompkins Trust Company
• Jessica Troy-Smith, Elmira Savings Bank

Each of the graduates worked on one of five community action projects. One group worked on "Financial Security: Rural Families and Individuals," an effort to develop a comprehensive communications strategy to effectively raise awareness fir the community programs and services offered through Alternative Community Ventures, a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to relieve poverty and create economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income people . The hope of this project is to put the tools for financial security into the hands of individuals who could benefit from these services.

Other projects included searching for ways to keep Leadership Tompkins alumni connected, working with Friends of Stewart Park to energize the community to invest in the park, exploring the possibility of a youth entrepreneurs academy with the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce, and helping the growth of Tompkins Connect, a young professionals group committed to engaging young professionals in the community.

Applications are now being accepted for participation in Leadership Tompkins for the 2012-13 year, which starts in September. More information and applications are available by calling 272.3025 or by visiting www.leadershiptompkins.org.

TC3 Wins $18,000 Grant from the Mildred Faulkner Truman Foundation

July 2, 2012

Tompkins Cortland Community College has been awarded an $18,000 grant from the Owego-based Mildred Faulkner Truman Foundation. The money will be used to provide financial assistance to Tioga County residents attending TC3. Since awarding its first grant to TC3 in 1986, the Mildred Faulkner Truman Foundation has provided $437,500 to TC3 students.

All the money from the grant goes directly to students. To be eligible, a student must be a Tioga County resident must maintain a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.0 while enrolled in a degree program, and must demonstrate financial need. Grants range from $400 to $1,000 per year.

The Mildred Faulkner Truman foundation's mission is to practice responsible stewardship of the charitable trust of its benefactress, Mildred Faulkner Truman, by providing worthwhile grants to qualified charitable organizations which enhance and benefit the residents of Tioga County. Truman was born in Owego in 1897, and lived in Owego until her death in 1983. She served as a director of the Owego National Bank as well as the Tioga County Historical Society. Through successful investments, a substantial estate was accumulated, and upon her death, The Foundation was established.

More information on the scholarships created by the Mildred Faulkner Truman grant can be obtained from the TC3 Financial Aid Office at (607) 844-6581.

TC3 Trustees Adopt $37.4 Million Budget

June 14, 2012

The Tompkins Cortland Community College Board of Trustees has adopted a $37,487,084 budget for the 2012-13 fiscal year, which begins September 1, 2012. The budget includes a 5 percent increase in full-time tuition (from $3,950 to $4,150 per year) and a 3 percent increase in part-time tuition (from $143 per credit to $147 per credit). The budget includes an increase of 1 percent in total taxpayer dollars provided by Tompkins and Cortland counties.

Highlights of the budget include:

The $37.4 million budget is 4.4 percent higher than the approved budget for 2011-12. The major factors contributing to the increase are enrollment growth and employee benefits. The budget includes no changes to staff levels.

Projected enrollment for 2012-13 is 4,040 FTEs, an increase of approximately 0.5 percent over the projected enrollment for 2011-12.

The budget includes an increase of $42,549 in equipment spending, funded through an increase in aid from the sponsor counties.

The cost of employee benefits will go up for the College. Employee health insurance rates are projected to increase 10 percent. The state retirement systems rates are projected to increase 14 percent.

The budget includes a 5 percent increase in full-time tuition, from $3,950 per year to $4,150 per year. Part-time tuition will increase 3 percent from $143 per credit to $147 per credit. Overall, the College projects revenue from tuition and fees will be more than $18.9 million, an increase of 7.73 percent.

The budget includes an increase of 1 percent in contributions from Tompkins and Cortland counties, with that money earmarked for equipment. It marks the first time in three years the College has asked for an increase in county aid. Despite the increase, the percentage of the total budget funded by the sponsor counties will still decrease, down to 11.46 percent from 12.13 percent last year. Tompkins' share is $2,707,403, while Cortland's is $1,590,062. Each county's share is determined based on a three-year average enrollment ratio.

The budget projects state aid to community colleges of $2,272 per FTE, a 7 percent increase in the rate from the 2011-12 budget, but a 14 percent decrease from the state aid rate in fall 2009. Total state aid revenue is projected at more than $9.4 million, an increase of more than $500,000.

Tompkins and Cortland counties and the State University of New York Board of Trustees must approve the budget. The Cortland County Legislature is expected to act on the spending plan at its June 28 meeting. The Tompkins County Legislature is scheduled to vote July 17. The State University Board of Trustees will act on the budget in September.

TC3 Graduates Class of 2012

May 24, 2012

Recognize that the only failure is the failure to try. That was one of the messages delivered to the Class of 2012 during commencement ceremonies at Tompkins Cortland Community College Thursday. The College celebrated its 43nd commencement in front of over 1,800 people in the College's gymnasium.

The class of 2012 includes 793 graduates, the largest class in the College's history. Among those participating in the ceremony was student trustee Alicia Smith, who shared her thoughts on the value of her education at TC3. "The true value of our time here cannot be captured in words or found in a text book. It is an experience, where much has changed," she said. "We have grown from clueless kids to the future teachers, doctors, lawyers, scientists, artists, businessmen, or whatever your dream may be. Now is our time to make a difference, and without the help of the TC3 administration and staff, we wouldn't be standing here today celebrating the hard work we have accomplished."

The main address came from John Cape, a 1971 graduate of TC3, who was the New York State budget director during the Pataki administration. He spoke of the opportunities that came from his time at TC3. "That foundation gave me all the tools I needed to build a rich and rewarding career that eventually brought me back here this evening," he said, noting that his time at TC3 was the only formal classroom education he received. He urged graduates to recognize, as they move on with life, the difference between their work and their jobs. "Your job is, first, to think for yourself," he said. "Never trust other people's assumptions, but understand for yourself the facts and numbers – know where they came from and how they were derived. Whatever your endeavor, before you do your work, make sure you do your job."

Cape also talked about what's ahead for this class. "Your generation is a time of tremendous opportunity if you only know where, and how, to look. Browning once wrote, 'A person's reach should exceed their grasp, or what's a heaven for?' Those are words to live by. Don't settle for the practical, or even the possible – TC3 has made you better than that."

TC3 President Carl Haynes was the last speaker. "Tonight we celebrate your achievement – it's something you've earned through a combination of inspiration, initiative, hard work, and perseverance. Whether you realize it now, through the act of completing this degree or certificate, you have undergone a transformation," said Haynes, who talked about the new responsibilities each graduate now has as a result of this transformation. "This degree enables you to pursue opportunities that did not exist for you previously, and it is your responsibility to make the most of those opportunities and truly put your TC3 education to work."

President Haynes ended by praising the community service projects undertaken by this class, including raising over $25,000 for cancer services in Tompkins and Cortland Counties. "The evidence is clear: you understand the value of giving back to your community. And you understand the rewards of your service. I want to encourage you to not only continue your commitment to this service, but to use your academic achievements and abilities to innovate in this area as much as you innovate in your professional lives. As the writer Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, 'It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no one can sincerely try to help another without helping themselves.”

TC3 to Add International Studies Program

May 16, 2012

The Tompkins Cortland Community College Board of Trustees has approved the addition of an International Studies associate in science (A.S.) degree program. The program will be sent to SUNY and the New York State Education department for final approval.

The international studies degree program is designed to offer students the opportunity to immerse themselves in global learning, reflecting the College's mission of preparing students for citizenship in a global society. Combining history, political sciences, cultural anthropology, language acquisition, economics, and sociology, students will gain an interdisciplinary liberal arts foundation that also includes a study abroad experience. The program is designed for transfer, with bachelor's degree options including programs at Ithaca College, SUNY Cortland, SUNY Oswego, SUNY Purchase, and Wells College. Students completing their baccalaureate degree will be prepared to pursue careers in a variety of areas, including governmental organizations, international aid, international public policy, and in international business.

TC3 Professor Wins SUNY Chancellor's Award for Internationalization

April 27, 2012

Tompkins Cortland Community College Associate Professor of Nursing Paula Moore has won a 2012-13 SUNY Chancellor's Award for Internationalization for a new internship that complements the College's successful study abroad program in Nicaragua. The award, which is designed to encourage the establishment of new and innovative study abroad programs in less commonly traveled destinations and the exploration of underrepresented academic disciplines in study abroad program, was given to faculty members at five different SUNY campuses. Moore was the lone community college faculty member honored.

"The Chancellor's Award for Internationalization is representative of SUNY's commitment to increasing opportunities for global exposure among our students and faculty," said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher. "Congratulations to each of this year's recipients and to the students and campuses that have contributed to their success."

The award comes with $4,000 to support the program and make the cost more affordable for students. Moore won the award for her proposal International Internship in Health Care Education in Nicaragua, and internship program designed as a follow-up to the established Nicaragua-Healthcare Onsite trip the College has sponsored for nearly twenty years.

"The intention of this project is to create an internship for students who have already participated in the study abroad course and experiential learning in Nicaragua," said Moore. "During the first trip, as part of the Healthcare Onsite program, student nurses are exposed to a culture and health care system very different then their own. Through dialogues with local nurses and assessments of the communities visited they identify health teaching needs," said Moore, who designed the curriculum for the new internship program. "The internship creates an opportunity for students to take the experience of international health work and service learning to the next level. The students come home and create culturally-sensitive teaching modules to be translated into the language of the people of this region. This internship and subsequent journey allows the student to work in a deeper and potentially more meaningful way with community members and leaders."

Students participating in the three-credit internship will live in Nicaragua for three weeks during the winter 2012-13 break between semesters. The new internship program is the latest addition to the growing study abroad program at TC3. The College offered seven different study abroad opportunities during the 2011-12 academic year, up from four the previous year. In addition to Nicaragua, trips were offered to Ireland, Ecuador, Spain, China, Italy, and Colombia, with credit available in a variety of different academic areas.

Rogers Named Regional Athlete of the Week

April 17, 2012

Tompkins Cortland Community College softball player Emilie Rogers (Elmira Free Academy/Elmira) has been named the National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA) Region III Athlete of the Week. Rogers is the second TC3 softball player honored this season; Samijo Scheer was selected April 3.

Rogers earned four wins this week. She pitched a three-hit shutout with ten strikeouts in a five-inning win over Corning Community College on Tuesday and earned a win after four strikeouts in two innings of relief work against Finger Lakes Community College on Thursday. Against nationally-ranked Monroe Community College Saturday, Rogers pitched both ends of the doubleheader. She opened by striking out nine and allowing just two hits in game one and closed the day by striking out six and allowing just three hits in game two.

The sophomore ended the week with an overall record of 8-0 and an ERA of 1.02. As a team TC3 was 18-2 and ranked fifth in the nation.

TC3 to Host Bioenergy Conference

April 13, 2012

Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) is looking to engage the community in a discussion on bioenergy. TC3 is hosting a two-day conference sponsored by a grant from the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) called "Bioenergy Opportunities in Upstate New York." The conference opens on TC3's Dryden campus from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, April 27 and continues on Saturday, April 28 with open houses at various locations in the community. The conference costs $25 for the public, $10 for students, and is free for TC3 students. Friday's breakfast and lunch are included with the registration fee.

"Our aim is to update and educate key stakeholders about the opportunities and challenges concerning the interdependencies between education, agriculture, business, and our region's economic and energy outlook," said conference organizer In Shik Lee, TC3's SUNY GREENS NY program coordinator. The conference will feature bioenergy experts from a variety of areas, including education, non-profit organizations, agriculture, and industry. Part of the focus of the event will be to gather, brainstorm, and disperse information and draft a plan for a bioenergy curriculum proposal at the community college level.

"The collaboration of stakeholders in education, agriculture, and business is the key to the development of a successful bioenergy economy in New York," said Lee. "This conference will be the first step for TC3 to help grow the bioenergy industry in Central New York."

To registration or find more information, visit www.tc3.edu/about_tc3/sustainability.asp, email info@tc3.biz, or phone 844-6586.

Scheer Named Regional Athlete of the Week

April 4, 2012

Tompkins Cortland Community College softball player Samijo Scheer (Corning East H.S./Corning) has been named the National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA) Region III Athlete of the Week. Scheer shares the weekly honor with Mohawk Valley Community College track and field athlete Savannah Boucher.

Sheer had a strong performance in TC3's only doubleheader of the week. Playing at Northampton Community College (Penn.) last Friday, Scheer went a combined 6-for-8 with eight RBI, three runs scored, two doubles, two stolen bases, and a grand slam home run. In one game alone she drove in six runs, tied for the second most ever in a single game by a TC3 player.

For the season Scheer, a sophomore liberal arts and science-general studies major, is batting .500 with a slugging percentage of .842. She has 22 RBI and an on-base percentage of .558.

TC3 Alumni Association Seeks Awards Nominations

March 15, 2012

The TC3 Alumni Association is seeking nominations for two awards – the Distinguished Alumni award and the Community Leadership award. The awards are given to TC3 alumni each year.

The Distinguished Alumni award recognizes those alumni who have distinguished themselves in their career and in service to their communities.

The Community Leadership award honors alumni who have demonstrated exceptional community participation or outreach efforts.

Any community member can nominate a TC3 alum for these awards. Applications can be found at www.TC3.edu in the alumni section. Nominations will be accepted through April 16. Additional information is available by calling 607.844.8222, Ext. 4369 or by e-mail at alumni@TC3.edu.

TC3 Alumni Association Seeks Awards Nominations

March 15, 2012

The TC3 Alumni Association is seeking nominations for two awards – the Distinguished Alumni award and the Community Leadership award. The awards are given to TC3 alumni each year.

The Distinguished Alumni award recognizes those alumni who have distinguished themselves in their career and in service to their communities.

The Community Leadership award honors alumni who have demonstrated exceptional community participation or outreach efforts.

Any community member can nominate a TC3 alum for these awards. Applications can be found at cttestserver1 in the alumni section. Nominations will be accepted through April 16. Additional information is available by calling 607.844.8222, Ext. 4369 or by e-mail at alumni@TC3.edu.

Kinsey Named to Men's Basketball All-Region Team

March 8, 2012

Tompkins Cortland Community College sophomore Jailaan Kinsey (Jamesville-Dewitt H.S./Dewitt) has been voted to the NJCAA Region III men's basketball all-region team. Kinsey, who was voted to the third team, is one of a total of 15 players honored by the coaches from the 17 Division III men's basketball programs in Region III.

Kinsey led TC3 in scoring, averaging 16.6 points per game. In 27 starts, he reached double figures 23 times and netted a season-high 30 points twice (vs. Jefferson CC, 1/12/12 and vs. Onondaga CC, 1/21/12). He was TC3 leader in assists with 110 and was second in steals with 51. He made 45.6% of his shots, including 32.2% from three-point range, and was the team's most prolific free-throw shooter, making 116 out of 158 attempts (73.4%). Kinsey is also a two-time all-conference selection.

It's the fourth time in the last five years TC3 has had a men's basketball player chosen to the all-region team.

Kinsey and Clark Voted to Men's Basketball All-Conference Team

March 6, 2012

Tompkins Cortland Community College sophomores Jailaan Kinsey (Jamesville-Dewitt H.S./Dewitt) and Tyrone Clark (Elmira Free Academy/Elmira) have been named to the Mid-State Athletic Conference Men's Basketball all-conference team. The team consists of ten players, with voting for the all-conference awards done by the coaches from the seven MSAC programs.

Kinsey was voted to the team for the second straight year, receiving the second-most votes this year. He was third in the conference in scoring, averaging 19.3 points per game. He was also third in assists, with 4.5 per game, and in free throw percentage at 80.2%. He was fifth in steals, 2.2 per game, and ninth in three-point field goal percentage at 32.7%.

Clark was seventh in scoring with an average of 14.7 points per game. He was third in steals, 3.5 per game, and fifth in blocked shots, 1.8 per game. He was seventh in free throw percentage at 74.2% and tenth in three-point field goal percentage at 32.5%.

Adams Named All-Conference for Women's Basketball

March 6, 2012

Tompkins Cortland Community College freshman Y-Nasia Adams (Ithaca H.S./Ithaca) has been named to the Mid-State Athletic Conference Women's Basketball all-conference team. She is among ten honored, with voting done by the coaches from the seven MSAC programs.

Adams was ninth in the conference in scoring, averaging 15.2 points per game, and was third in rebounding with 13.1 per game. She had 10 double-doubles in 11 conference games, and was eighth in the MSAC in field goal percentage, making 43.6 of her attempts.

Kinsey Named to Men's Basketball All-Region Team

March 1, 2012

Tompkins Cortland Community College sophomore Jailaan Kinsey (Jamesville-Dewitt H.S./Dewitt) has been voted to the NJCAA Region III men's basketball all-region team. Kinsey, who was voted to the third team, is one of a total of 15 players honored by the coaches from the 17 Division III men's basketball programs in Region III.

Kinsey led TC3 in scoring, averaging 16.6 points per game. In 27 starts, he reached double figures 23 times and netted a season-high 30 points twice (vs. Jefferson CC, 1/12/12 and vs. Onondaga CC, 1/21/12). He was TC3 leader in assists with 110 and was second in steals with 51. He made 45.6% of his shots, including 32.2% from three-point range, and was the team's most prolific free-throw shooter, making 116 out of 158 attempts (73.4%). Kinsey is also a two-time all-conference selection.

It's the fourth time in the last five years TC3 has had a men's basketball player chosen to the all-region team.

Food Drive Delivers for Local Pantry

December 4, 2012

The annual campus-wide food drive kicked off on Thursday, October 25th with a roller skating event held in the Student Center. After that, there was a frenzy of activity including filling purple shopping bags, hauling in cans, bake sales, raffles, CANstruction, donating money in pickle jars and writing checks. In addition to the two truck/van loads delivered the week after Thanksgiving, a few more cartons of food and $1,300 in money was handed over today. Once again we overwhelmed our friends at the Dryden Kitchen Cupboard.

In November, the Cupboard served 1385 individuals. The assistance we provide in helping to feed the hungry in our community is priceless and very much appreciated. Thank you all for your efforts!

Dammi Herath Joins TC3 Board of Trustees

January 19, 2012

Dammi Herath of Ithaca has been appointed to the Tompkins Cortland Community College Board of Trustees. Herath was appointed by the governor's office to a term that expires June 30, 2018. She replaces Beverly Baker, who had served on the board since 1997.

Herath is the executive director of the Women's Opportunity Center, a non-profit organization in Ithaca with the goal of helping individuals with their job search and training goals. Herath has led the Women's Opportunity Center since 1989, and has seen what TC3 can mean to some of the people she serves. "When I was asked to serve on the TC3 board I was excited to be part of a dedicated group that makes a difference in our community by providing people a second chance," said Herath. "A majority of the women we serve at the Women's Opportunity Center come to us with only a high school diploma. TC3 has changed many participants' lives by providing them a great education. "

After obtaining a law degree and working as the executive director of an international research institute in her native Sri Lanka, Herath came to Ithaca in 1980 to further her education at Cornell University. She earned a master's degree in 1984 and her Ph.D. in 1986, both in Adult and Continuing Education. She worked as the assistant director of the Cornell South Asia Program from 1986 to 1988 prior to taking over at the Women's Opportunity Center.

In her 22 years at the Women's Opportunity Center, Herath has often worked closely with TC3 to help her participants. Her connection to the College, however, goes back to when she first arrived in the area, and is more personal than professional. "When I came to Ithaca with my family in 1980 to study at Cornell, TC3 was the only college we could afford for my husband, Wije," she said. Wije earned his degree in hotel technology from TC3 and now the two own and operate Sri Lankan Curry in a Hurry, a food business at the Ithaca Farmers Market since 1990.

Herath is extensively active in the community, already serving as a board member of Tompkins County Workforce and the Cayuga Medical Center. She says she's ready to help the College continue to serve the community. "The final outcomes of both TC3 and the Women's Opportunity Center programs lead low-income families in our community towards their economic independence," she said. Her serving on the TC3 board "is a great match."

The Tompkins Cortland Community College Board of Trustees consists of 10 members, including a student trustee elected by the student body. The governor appoints four trustees, two each from Tompkins and Cortland Counties; the Cortland County Legislature appoints two; and the Tompkins County Legislature appoints three.

Friends of TC3 Honored by Association of Fundraising Professionals

December 5, 2011

Two people with strong ties to Tompkins Cortland Community College have been honored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Finger Lakes Chapter. Arthur Kuckes was named Philanthropist of the Year and Larry Baum was named Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year at the chapter's National Philanthropy Day Luncheon last month. TC3 President Carl Haynes introduced Kuckes at the award ceremony; TC3 Dean of External Relations Bruce Ryan introduced Baum.

Kuckes donated $2 million to TC3 in 2008, the largest single gift in the history of the College. The money was used to establish the "TC3 Pathways" scholarship program, providing greater access to higher education for adults with limited means. Since the initial donation, Kuckes has given another $2 million to the program. In 2009 he was presented with the "Friend of the College" award in recognition of his extraordinary philanthropy. The list of organizations that Kuckes and his wife, Martha Wright, have supported is lengthy, and includes GIAC, Southside Community Center, Ithaca Youth Bureau, Community Arts Partnership, Community School of Music and Art, the History Center, Ithaca Public Education Initiative, Family Reading Partnership, Challenge Industries, Tompkins County Public Library, Tompkins Learning Partners, and the Food Bank of the Southern Tier.

Baum is a longtime board member of the TC3 Foundation, having served as chair since 2009. He co-chaired the Tompkins County Pacesetters committee during the TC3 Foundation's first-ever capital campaign in 2004. He also co-chaired the Tompkins County United Way 2010-11 campaign and is the current chair of the Cayuga Medical Center's board of directors. He is active in the community as a trustee of the Legacy Foundation, Finger Lakes Wine Center and past chair of the Air Service Board of the Tompkins Regional Airport. He has been honored as the Distinguished Citizen of the Year by the Baden Powell Boy Scouts of America, and three times won the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce Key Person of the Year award.

Kuckes and Baum were honored a luncheon held at Celebrations in Ithaca on November 18. Seneca Beverage Corporation was named the Corporate Philanthropist of the Year and Brigid Hubberman was recognized for Outstanding Professional Achievement in Non-Profit Leadership. Ithaca College President Thomas Rochon served as the event's keynote speaker.

Time to Nominate Exceptional Faculty and Staff

October 27, 2011

If a TC3 faculty or staff member has made a difference in your life, now is the time to share your story. The College has issued a call for nominations for the 2011-12 Chancellor's/Trustees' Awards for Excellence.

Nominations are requested for awards in seven different categories:

• Trustees' Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching,
• Chancellor's/Trustees' Award for Excellence in Classified Service,
• Chancellor's/Trustees' Award for Excellence in Faculty Service,
• Chancellor's/Trustees' Award for Excellence in Librarianship,
• Chancellor's/Trustees' Award for Excellence in Professional Service,
• Chancellor's/Trustees' Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities,
• Chancellor's/Trustees' Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Criteria for the awards can be found at /docs/bot/award_nominations.pdf .

If you know someone at the College that fits the criteria, the President's Office would love to hear from you. Send your nominations to Tompkins Cortland Community College, Attn: President's Office, 170 North Street, P.O. Box 139, Dryden, NY 13053 or by e-mail to northrc@TC3.edu. The deadline for nominations is November 11, 2011

Fall Break Hours

October 6, 2011

Tompkins Cortland Community College is observing Fall Break from Friday, October 7 through Tuesday, October 11. On Friday and Monday, all offices will be open and most services (including the athletic center) will be available to students and community members as usual. The exceptions are as follows:

• The Office of Multicultural Services will be closed Friday but open Monday.
• With classes not being held, faculty advisors will be very unlikely to be available in their offices those days.
• The residence halls will remain open throughout the period and the convenience store will operate during its normal hours.
• The meal plan for students in the residence halls will not be available.
• The Health Center and Counseling, Career and Transfer Services will be open for students to schedule appointments, but services will not be available.
• The Child Care Center will be closed.
• On-site tutorial services will not be available, but on-line Net Tutoring will be available.
• Full library services will be available on Friday and Monday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The library will be closed Saturday and Sunday.

Tuesday will be Fall Day, when the College is officially closed to provide all employees an opportunity to participate in a College-wide meeting and sessions on a variety of important initiatives. Offices will be closed and services will not be available (with the exception of on-line tutoring), but the building will be open. The meal plan for residence life students will not be available Tuesday. Athletic teams will meet for practices as scheduled, but other than those activities, the athletic facilities will be closed.

TC3 Holds Public Open House at New Cortland Extension Center

September 12, 2011

Tompkins Cortland Community College will hold a public open house at the new Cortland Extension Center on Friday, September 16 from noon to 5 p.m.

Visitors to the open house at 157 Main Street will be able to tour the facility and learn more about the services available at this location. College officials will be on hand, including representatives from the admission and financial aid offices.

The new extension center features six new classrooms, two of which are computer labs. The classrooms are "smart" classrooms, each equipped with a computer and audio/visual hookup to a pull-down screen, as well as a document camera and DVD console. The center is also home to a new boardroom as well as a large training room.

TC3 Wins $15,000 Grant from the Mildred Faulkner Truman Foundation

August 1, 2011

Tompkins Cortland Community College has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Owego-based Mildred Faulkner Truman Foundation. The money will be used to provide financial assistance to Tioga County residents attending TC3. Since awarding its first grant to TC3 in 1986, the Mildred Faulkner Truman Foundation has provided $422,500 to TC3 students.

All the money from the grant goes directly to students. To be eligible, a student must be a Tioga County resident must maintain a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.0 while enrolled in a degree program, and must demonstrate financial need. Grants range from $400 to $1,000 per year.

The Mildred Faulkner Truman foundation's mission is to practice responsible stewardship of the charitable trust of its benefactress, Mildred Faulkner Truman, by providing worthwhile grants to qualified charitable organizations which enhance and benefit the residents of Tioga County. Truman was born in Owego in 1897, and lived in Owego until her death in 1983. She served as a director of the Owego National Bank as well as the Tioga County Historical Society. Through successful investments, a substantial estate was accumulated, and upon her death, The Foundation was established.

More information on the scholarships created by the Mildred Faulkner Truman grant can be obtained from the TC3 Financial Aid Office at (607) 844-6581.

TC3 Board of Trustees Elect New Officers

July 21, 2011

For the first time in nearly a decade, the Tompkins Cortland Community College Board of Trustees has a new chair. At the Board's annual meeting on July 21, a new slate of officers was elected to one-year terms, topped by Elizabeth Burns as chair of the board. She takes over for Roxann Buck, who served as chair for the past eight years before deciding to not seek re-election to the chair position.

Burns becomes the eighth chair in the history of the TC3 Board of Trustees. She was first appointed a trustee by the governor to represent Cortland County in 2008 and served the past three years as vice chair of the board.

Raymond Schlather was elected the vice chair. He also joined the Board as a governor's appointee in 2008, but representing Tompkins County. This is the first office he has held on the Board of Trustees.

Judy Davison was elected treasurer. Davison has been a trustee since 2007, when she was appointed to the Board by the Cortland County Legislature. She served as assistant treasurer last year.

While Buck is stepping down as chair, she was elected to a position on the board's executive committee. She was originally appointed a trustee by the Tompkins County Board of Representatives in 1990 and was first elected the chair of the Board of Trustees in 2003. Her eight years as chair is second in length only to the original board chairman, Ron Space, who served as chairman of the Board of Trustees for the first ten years the College existed.

Two TC3 staff members also were appointed to positions with Board.

Cathy Northrop was re-appointed clerk of the board. Northrop, assistant to the president, has been clerk since 1996.

Lisa Doran was re-appointed deputy clerk of the board. Doran, assistant to the dean of operations and enrollment management, has been deputy clerk since 1991.

TC3 Moves to New Cortland Extension Center

July 11, 2011

Tompkins Cortland Community College's Cortland Extension Center is moving. The current center at 22 West Court Street will close for good at the end of the day on Wednesday, July 6. After moving on Thursday and Friday, the new center at 157 Main Street will open on Monday, July 18. A formal grand opening celebration and open house are planned for September.

The new TC3 Cortland Extension Center greatly expands the College's ability to serve the community, providing a convenient, centralized space for college credit courses, customized professional training, and business use. "The new extension center allows us to be more responsive to the community's needs," said Martha Hubbard, director of TC3.biz. "Our students will now be able to engage in learning in 'smart classrooms' up-to-date with the latest academic technology, and our business partners will not only have a new, expanded space for on-site customized training, but the center also features a professional board room available for reservation, excellent parking, all in a centralized location."

The new extension center features six new classrooms, two of which are computer labs. The classrooms are "smart" classrooms, each equipped with a computer and audio/visual hookup to a pull-down screen, as well as a document camera and DVD console. "The smart classrooms really bring the full TC3 college classroom experience into Cortland," said Hubbard. "Not only does this allow us to expand our schedule in terms of offerings, but we can also expand the diversity of offerings at the new extension center."

On the business side, the new extension center serves as a potential hub for Cortland-area businesses looking for professional meeting spaces and the customized training that is a specialty of TC3.biz. A new boardroom is available in the center, as well as a large training room. "Customized training, targeted to the specific needs of our local business partners, is really the core of the TC3.biz partnership with Cortland. With new space, we're able to offer an opportunity to Cortland-area employers who don't have adequate training space available, or who seek that 'out-of-the-office' opportunity for training."

Joanne Florino Joins TC3 Board of Trustees

July 7, 2011

Joanne Florino of Ithaca has been appointed to the Tompkins Cortland Community College Board of Trustees. Florino was appointed by the Tompkins County Legislature to a term that expires June 30, 2018. She replaces William Raynor, who had been the longest serving member of the board, having been first appointed in 1984.

Florino is the executive director of the Ithaca-based Triad Foundation, a non-profit philanthropic organization founded by Roy H. Park, Jr. and his children to honor the donor intent of the late Roy Hampton Park. Triad works to continue Park's legacy by making philanthropic investments which reflect his strong core values in the communities in which the Foundation's board members reside, including Tompkins County; Charlotte, NC; and Tampa, FL.

Florino has been with the Triad Foundation since it was created in 2003; prior to that she was the executive director of the Park Foundation from 1996 to 2003. In both roles she has worked with TC3 by managing foundation grants to the College, which helped fuel her desire to join the board of trustees. "I have both a personal and professional interest in strengthening and expanding the College's essential role in local education and economic development," said Florino. In addition to holding an A.B. in history from Georgetown University and an M.A. in history from Cornell University, she is also working towards a certificate in business management at TC3.

By taking classes part time while working full time, Florino has been able to integrate her professional interests into her class work. Those professional experiences have helped with her classes, and will also serve her well as a member of the board of trustees. "I have significant experience with higher education grant making," said Florino, who was a program associate with Atlantic Philanthropies for 11 years before working at the Park and Triad Foundations. "Consequently, I have a long-term familiarity with the challenges facing higher education, particularly with regard to access, financing, and student life." Additionally, she enjoys strong relationships in the local business and higher education communities, including serving as a member of the Cornell University Council Committee for Student and Academic Services.

Florino lives in Ithaca and has two adult sons; Thomas and Andrew. Thomas lives in New York City with his wife, Jeanne Normand, and works in the New York City Mayor's Office of Management and Budget. Andrew lives in Ithaca and works for Better Housing for Tompkins County.

The Tompkins Cortland Community College Board of Trustees consists of 10 members, including a student trustee elected by the student body. The governor appoints four trustees, two each from Tompkins and Cortland Counties; the Cortland County Legislature appoints two; and the Tompkins County Legislature appoints three.