Genesee Community College held their 51st Commencement at the Call Arena on Sunday afternoon.
Dr. Lesli Myers-Small, a well known educator who is currently the superintendent for the Brockport Central School District presented the Commencement Address.
Dr. Myers-Small earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Counseling and Human Development from the University of Rochester, a second Master’s degree in Urban Educational Administration and a Doctorate of Education in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher College. Throughout her career, Dr. Myers-Small has designed and conducted workshops and presentations for students of all ages encouraging each of them to use their creative abilities and talents to succeed. Dr. Myers-Small has also received many prestigious honors that reflect her dedication to education and the community, including the Rochester Business Journal 40 Under 40, St. John Fisher Distinguished Alumni Award and Urban League of Rochester Educator Award. Additionally, she was named a 2016 Athena Award finalist.
Julie Carasone, a Reporter/Photographer for Video News Service was also one of the graduates today.
Julie graduated with an Associates in Applied Science for Human Services. She is planning on attending a four year school to continue on and become a counselor for sexual assault victims.
“Originally I planned on being a Marketing major, then my job switched to where I am now in the medical field teaching about social competency and health literacy working with different agencies in the area,” says Carasone.
Julie started at GCC 29 years ago and then started raising a family. She decided to continue school again 10 years ago, then she was diagnosed with an aggressive type of cancer and had to drop out of college to take care of herself.
Two years ago she decided to go back to GCC to finish school.
“It feels really good, I feel very proud of what I have accomplished. I don’t give myself a lot of credit sometimes and am very self doubting, but was able to do it. I put in the work and I’m just very happy and relieved.”
Julie says she plans to get her Doctorate by the time she is 55.