Positively Geneseo

OUR MISSION Positively Geneseo was established to

recognize individuals and organizations for their efforts in spreading positivity

across campus. Through this, we emphasize our values of Tradition,

Excellence, Innovation, Community and Integrity.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Faculty & Students

How do you feel you have made a positive impact on the Geneseo campus?

Dr. Kodjo Adabra.....................................................................................P1 Michaela Ciovacca & Dillon Peterson……..........................................…..P2 Kaitlin Pfundstein & Gretchen Goble…..................................................P3

How has your involvement on campus changed your

perspective of Geneseo in a positive way?

Dr. Robert Feissner……………......................................................…………P4 Holly Greco & Alexandra Salerno……..........................................………..P5 Abby Golfo & Mikayla Dibelka………..........................................………….P6

What has been your most memorable moment at

Geneseo?

Donald House…………………………………….............................................…P7 Dan Martin & Gina Suriano..…………...........................................…….....P8 Samantha Vell & Victor Borges…….............................................…………P9

If you could leave one piece of advice to spread positivity, what would it be?

Gabrielle Soethout……………………...........................................…………..P10 Paige O’Connor & Jacob Feldman………...........................................…..P11 Emily Victoria & Tom Kohn………………….............................................P12

What makes you happiest at Geneseo?

Terry Peck & Alexis Mynio.................................................................….P13 Cole Battaglini & Julian Faccibene………............................................…P14 Stephanie Carelli & Kaitlyn DiResta……............................................….P15

Organizations

How do you feel your organization has made a difference on the Geneseo campus?

Dumbledore’s Army……………….…..…..…………….…..…..….……….………..…P16

What is your proudest achievement as an organization? Gajjda Bhangra………..……..……………….…..…..…….……….…..…..………..…..P17

In your own words, what is the purpose of your

organization? Sigma Kappa..…..………………………………….…..…..….…….…..…….……….....P18

How has your organization positively influenced its members? Ultimate Frisbee…………………………….…………….…..…..………….….…….…..P19

What would be your advice for organizations to promote

positivity? Geneseo First Response………......………….…..…..….…….…..…….….…….….P20

Glossary……….…..…..….……….…..…..….……….…..…..….……………..………....P21

Meet The Authors……….…..…..….……….…..…..….……….…..…..………….…..P22

Special Thanks……….…..…..………….…..…..………….…..…..………….…….…..P23

How do you feel you have made a positive impact on the Geneseo

campus?

Dr. Kodjo Adabra French Language Program Coordinator

“Geneseo is a campus where diversity is strongly promoted and I believe that my presence at Geneseo is undeniably a reflection of that policy. Building upon my diverse background, it goes without saying that the kind of courses I teach in the department of languages and literatures allows my students to gain reliable knowledge about unfamiliar cultures and literary corpus, thus arming them with more tools in a their quest for becoming a citizen of the world and escaping the danger of single stories.”

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Featured Students: Michaela Ciovacca ‘16 Dillon Peterson ‘16 Kaitlin Pfundstein ‘18 Gretchen Goble ‘16

“I am a Pathways and AOD advocate, meaning I provide support and referral services to other students. I feel that my most positive impact has come from being a Pathways peer advocate, and not only because I talk with students about the problems and stresses they're experiencing, but also because Pathways continues to teach me things that open my mind and extend my empathy for all humans. Because of Pathways, I have grown to be a kinder and more accepting person, and I think kindness and acceptance can go a long way in terms of having a positive impact.” 

Michaela Ciovacca ‘16 Psychology Pathways, AOD

“If you are positive towards people, they will in turn be positive towards you. Whether it's holding open a door for someone or giving a smile to someone you don't even know, it can have a hugely positive impact on their day. I do these things as well as bring my positive attitude to our Ultimate practices so that everyone can enjoy themselves and the team while also getting better.”

Dillon Peterson ‘16 Economics, Math Minor

Ultimate Frisbee, Juggling Club

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“I hope I've made a positive impact in the connections I've made with people on the Geneseo campus. As an RA and a member of IRC, I have an opportunity everyday to reach out to other students on this campus to try to make their time here as memorable and productive as possible.”

Kaitlin Pfundstein ’18 English Adolescent Ed & Psychology IRC, NRHH

“I feel that I have been able to make connections with underclassmen throughout my time here and serve as a role model to them. I try to be as friendly and welcoming as I can be, so I feel like people feel comfortable coming to me for advice.”

Gretchen Goble ‘16 Biology

Alpha Kappa Phi

How has your involvement on campus changed your perspective of

Geneseo in a positive way?

“I have been involved in projects and activities with many groups outside of the Biology Department. Without exception I have noticed the same things in every group; Geneseo faculty, staff, and students selflessly work to improve the experience of Geneseo students. When I first came to Geneseo, I was happy to be able to work at such a great school. Now, I'm not just happy, I am proud to be a part of the Geneseo Community.”

Dr. Robert Feissner Biology Professor

Featured Students: Holly Greco‘16 Alexandra Salerno ‘16 Abby Golfo ‘16 Mikayla Dibelka ‘16 4

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“My involvement on campus has made Geneseo a dream for me. I cannot express enough how positive and empowering this school is when people come together, work hard, and create something beautiful. Whether that was displayed during my time on the PD Team for WLI or whenever I'm performing in a show, I've felt the dedication and commitment from everyone as well as the absolute love for whatever we were involved with. We can all agree that sometimes Geneseo is a bubble, however I've been able to build the foundation for my entire life from being inspired by positivity at Geneseo and I think that's more important than anything else.”

Alexandra Salerno ‘16 Communication, Musical Theatre Minor

MTC, WLI

“My involvement on campus has really enhanced my experience at Geneseo. Transferring here my junior year, I didn't know if I'd have the opportunities that I would have had if I came in as a freshman. However, I quickly learned that was not the case. Even seniors are encouraged just as much as freshmen to get involved. Everyone wants to be a part of something or find something they are truly passionate about. By joining Alpha Sigma Tau and becoming President of Marketing Club, I learned that earning a position in a club or being an active member of an organization gives you many opportunities. Staying busy on campus is a great way to gain experience, develop skills, and meet new people.”

Holly Greco ‘16 Business Administration, Marketing Minor Marketing Club, AST

“Being involved on campus allowed me to interact with Geneseo in a whole new way. When I first stepped foot on campus, I was nervous about how to navigate the new landscape. I stepped out of my comfort zone and started to take advantage of the opportunities that Geneseo has to offer. I actively sought opportunities to be a part of what makes Geneseo great. By being involved, I was able to connect with so many people and learn so much about the world and myself.”

Abby Golfo ‘16 Communication, Sociology Minor GOLD, GSTV, GLK, Geneseo Athletic Communication

“My involvement on campus has allowed me to connect with others who have shown me new perspectives, opened my eyes to issues that I might not have realized existed, and offered a support system that has helped me through many struggles, whether they knew it or not. This has been an amazing contrast to the competitive academic face of Geneseo that many people see.”

Mikayla Dibelka ‘16 Psychology

Dumbledore’s Army, Stitches

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What has been your most memorable moment at Geneseo?

“I have such a long history with Geneseo. I graduated from Geneseo in 1977. I met my future wife here in 1975. I was a graduate assistant in the Education department in 1980, received my Masters of Education from Geneseo and have been an Adjunct teacher for 16 years now. If I had to pick one moment, it would be my 1st date with my wife.”

Donald House Mathematics Adjunct Professor

Featured Students: Dan Martin ‘16 Gina Suriano ‘16 Samantha Vell ’16 Victor Borges ‘16

Dan Martin ‘16 Economics & International Relations

SA, CAC, RA, GOLD “Last year's Relay for Life. When we turned over the signs with the number of how much we raised. It's just such a surreal experience being able to be on that stage and know that I had a major impact on Geneseo raising over $172,000. It's more than that too though. It was so amazing being apart of a campus that is so dedicated to helping such an amazing cause curing cancer and for us to all come together in those 12 hours and raise so much money, it’s hard to describe in words.”

“My most memorable moment at Geneseo has been participating in the planning of the inaugural festivities to celebrate Dr Battles' inauguration and Geneseo's campus community. I was given the opportunity to be involved in the entire planning process from the beginning, and it was amazing seeing how the entire campus came together to celebrate this momentous occasion in Geneseo's history.”

Gina Suriano’16 Communication & Sociology FSC, APO, It’s On Us

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Samantha Vell ‘16 Childhood with Special Education

Italian Club, String Band, RLK “One of my most memorable moments in Geneseo was an event that I hosted with Italian club. We are a new club on campus, so we are always happy when our visions for events actually come into fruition. We worked with Professor McClure and held an event in his backyard making pizza in his newly built pizza brick oven. With fresh ingredients, innovative recipes, and sunshiny weather, we were sure to have a successful afternoon! This event facilitated conversations between staff and students in a more informal setting and I think it captured the essence of what Geneseo is all about.”

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“I am the president of my acappella group, Emmelodics. Over half of the members of our group either graduated or transferred, so we were left in a position where we had to accept more new members. We were very excited to welcome 10 new members, but I was nervous about the progress we would make this year because of the number of new members. That nervousness quickly disappeared with the hard work of every member of our group. When we first sang an arrangement I wrote and saw the smiles on every single person's face, I knew that I had absolutely nothing to worry about with this incredible group of students that I have the honor of leading.”

Victor Borges ’16 Psychology, Math Minor Emmelodics, NRHH

If you could leave one piece of advice to spread positivity, what

would it be?

Featured Students: Gabrielle Soethout ’17 Paige O’Connor ’16 Jacob Feldman ‘18 Emily Victoria ‘16 Tom Kohn ‘16

“One of my favorite quotes, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle," by Plato summarizes my philosophy on spreading positivity. I think it is especially important to realize everyone has something going on in their life that you may not know about. One of the easiest ways to brighten someone's day is simply to smile at them or ask them how they are doing. People remember the way you make them feel, so by always having a smile on your face even when things gets tough exudes positivity and inspires others to do the same.”

Gabrielle Soethout ‘17 Childhood Special Education & History Cross Country, Tour Guide, CEC

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Jacob Feldman ‘18 Psychology, Cognitive Science Minor

GAAG, Lifeguard

“Never stop smiling. You never know who just needs to see a smile to make their own day better.”

Paige O’Connor ‘16 Business Administration, Psychology Minor Volleyball, GOLD, SHRM, HERO

“My advice would be to pay it forward. The little things count: Hold a door for someone, smile, give a compliment, perform a random act of kindness, or be a friend. Always remember to put yourself in someone else's shoes, you never know what they have had to walk through.”

Tom Kohn ’16 Economics & Math, Political Science Minor Alpha Kappa Psi, WGSU

“The most important piece of advice that I can offer is BE YOURSELF. There's a lot of pressure and preconceived notions weighing on incoming freshmen, but regardless of the pretenses you parade around, you'll eventually get to a point where you realize that you've wasted your own time not being true to yourself. There are so many opportunities here to pursue any multitude of interests, but time is usually a rare commodity amongst busy students. I'd say before you commit yourself to things, make sure you're doing so for reasons consistent with whatever it is you believe is right for you. And the beauty of things is, over four years, that will change.”

Emily Victoria ‘16 Psychology

IRC, RA “Come out of your shell. Open up and talk to that person you sit next to in class everyday. Talk to people in line while waiting for food. You never know who you will meet. These four years go by so quickly, and you really have to take advantage of the time while you can!”

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“The positive environment at Geneseo makes me happy. People are generally pretty happy to be here, whether it's to work or attend school. The students and faculty are respectful and polite and they show their appreciation, which makes my job rewarding.”

Terry Peck Mathematics Department Secretary

What makes you happiest at Geneseo?

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Featured Students: Alexis Mynio ’16 Cole Battaglini ‘16 Julian Faccibene ‘18 Stephanie Carelli ‘17 Kaitlyn DiResta ‘16

“I'm the happiest during the first warm day after winter. The campus comes alive again and everyone's mood completely changes. I love seeing people out on the green and walking around. You're reminded how many people actually go to Geneseo because sometimes it can seem a little lonely during the winter.”

Alexis Mynio ’16 Business Administration, Environmental Studies Minor

ARD, NRGH, CAC, Sigma Kappa, It’s On Us

Julian Faccibene ’18 Biology, Human Development Minor

GFR, Quidditch, AOD “One of my passions in life is working in the Emergency Medical Services. I am a big part of my fire department ambulance company at home in Long Island. Here at Geneseo, I am a big part of the Geneseo First Response. Working for GFR is one of the greatest aspects of Geneseo that makes me happy. I also am happiest spending time with my friends who I love on campus.”

Cole Battaglini ‘16 Political Science & Communication Dumbledore’s Army, GCR “I love the small-community mentality here at Geneseo. By senior year, you feel like you know everyone, both faculty and students. In Geneseo, if one truly makes an effort to stretch beyond one's boundaries and integrate oneself into the community, there is very little sense of "otherness" to be felt when you walk the streets or stroll through the campus. Everyone is part of one big team and we all share in our values, symbols, memories, knowledge base, and community mentality.”

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Kaitlyn DiResta ‘16 Biology, Psychology Minor

Bhangra “My friends here at Geneseo are the main contribution to my happiness. The friends I made in freshman year, and the friends I made through Bhangra are always so supportive of me. They celebrate with me when I make accomplishments, and they boost me up when I'm down.”

Stephanie Carelli ’17 English & Psychology English Club, AAC

“What makes me happiest at Geneseo is having the privilege to meet and interact with such amazing peers on campus. I always see other students taking an extra moment to say hello or to hold the door for someone else, which not only makes the days a little better, but also inspires me to pass on their acts of kindness. In my time spent at Geneseo, there has never been a moment when I felt alone or could not reach out to other students when in need. This campus is filled with some of the most welcoming, caring, and dedicated people I have ever known.”

How do you feel your organization has made a difference on the

Geneseo campus?

“We allow a place for many people to come and have fun, as well as a social network that is available if a student is

struggling with something academically or personally.”

Dumbledore’s Army

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What is your proudest achievement as an organization?

“Our proudest achievement as an organization has been taking this dance we love and

spreading it even further than the SUNY Geneseo campus. We have gone to bhangra

competitions and general dance competitions and have either placed or won many times. We've helped to get the Geneseo name out there and we gladly represent our school.”

Gajjda Bhangra

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In your own words, what is the purpose of your organization?

Sigma Kappa

“Our purpose as is to lead by an example of a sisterhood unlike any other where every sister

is respected, valued and supported. As a premier organization of the Geneseo

community, we will forever embody the enthusiasm that sororities and fraternities should put forth when interacting with one

another and our community.” 18

How has your organization positively influenced its members?

Ultimate Frisbee

“Ultimate carries with it all of the benefits of playing a competitive sport - individuals

learn teamwork, leadership, and work ethic. Most of all, however, the unique

spirit of the ultimate community provides us with a great community experience, in

which we learn the value of true friendship and camaraderie.”

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What would be your advice for organizations to promote

positivity? Geneseo First Response

“Loving what you do will create a positive environment for you to thrive in. If you find

your niche and pursue your passions, you will enjoy every minute of what you do!

Don't be afraid to reach out and explore new options - You'll never know what you might fall in love with if you don't try something

new.” 20

AAC………….………..…….….Academic Affairs Committee AOD……………………....Alcohol and Other Drug Program APO……………………….........................Alpha Phi Omega AST…………………………………………..….Alpha Sigma Tau CAC……………………..……………..Colleges Against Cancer CEC.....……………………Council for Exceptional Children FSC….………………………..................Figure Skating Club GAAG…………………………..Geneseo Area Gaming Group GCR……………………………….Geneseo College Republicans GLK………………………....................Geneseo Late Knight GOLD……………...Geneseo Opportunities for Leadership GSTV………………...…………..Geneseo Student Television HERO………..Higher Education Resource Opportunities IRC…………….………………......…Inter-Residence Council MTC……………………………………….Musical Theatre Club NRHH……………….…...National Residence Hall Honorary RA.....……………………….....................Resident Assistant RLK………………………..…………………….Royal Lady Knights SA……………………………………………Student Association SHRM..………Society for Human Resource Management WLI…..………..……………..Women’s Leadership Institute

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Glossary

Erica Doherty ‘17 Positively Geneseo Programming Intern

Wilson Zhang ‘17 Positively Geneseo Marketing Intern

Meet The Authors

“Working on the Positively Geneseo campaign has allowed me to see and hear the great things that individuals and organizations in Geneseo are doing. I hope that recognizing them for their efforts in making a difference will influence others to do the same. I am proud to be part of the Geneseo community and appreciate all the people who continue to make it an enjoyable experience.”

“Being an intern for the Positively Geneseo Campaign, I have realized positivity is contagious, like a chain reaction. Whether it be an act of kindness or a simple smile , spread it! You might just change someone's life without even knowing it.”

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Our Nominators & Nominees

Keith Walters Photography

Department of Student Life Interns

Divison of Student & Campus Life

Charles “Chip” Matthews

Tiffany Brodner

Lauren Kuski

Dr. Battles

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

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“Positive thinking is more than just a tagline. It changes the way we behave. And I firmly believe that when I am positive, it not

only makes me better, but it also makes those around me better.”

-Harvey Mackay