The Twenty - Five Things That Made Genesee County Famous
Number 19
Genesee Community College
In the early 1960s, the Genesee County Board of Supervisors conducted a study about the possibility of building a community college in Genesee County, and determined the enrollment would never be more than 75 students.
Unsatisfied with the results, in 1963 the Batavia Area Jaycees established another study committee to look at the possibility.
The Jaycees' study found: 
1. A community desire for a two year college
2. The need for a community college
3. The financial ability to support the college
4. Favorable economic growth in the region
5. Population Increase
6. A sufficient student population for a college
The Jaycees and the Citizen’s Committee had a well-organized public campaign which led to a resolution by the County Board of Supervisors to submit the proposal for a two-year college to a voter referendum in November 1965. The public voted “yes” by a 7,730 to 6,670 margin.
Classes at Genesee Community College opened on September 27, 1967 in the former Valu Store on West Main Street. The first class was made up of 378 full-time and 243 part-time students.
In March 1969, funding was approved for a permanent campus on what is now College Road. College officials broke ground on the new $11 million 254-acre campus on September 27, 1969, and it was dedicated on April 16, 1972.
Over the 40 year history of the school, there have been many expansions including the Stuart Steiner Theatre & Center for the Arts (1991), the Conable Technology Building (2000), and the Wolcott J Humphrey III Student Union (2006).
Currently, the school educates 6,500 full and part-time students and offers 58 different Associate Degrees and Certificate Programs at its six campus centers in four counties.
How does GCC Make Genesee County Famous?
Everyday, tens of thousands of people pass the college because the campus is on property adjacent to the New York State Thruway. It is where a network of more than 17,000 alumni got their educational or professional start and it has produced leading members in their respective fields
Genesee Community College has become one of the most highly respected community colleges in the nation. The academic opportunities offered have drawn in students from not only all over New York State, but the world.
The Genesee Community College athletic teams consist of six men’s and five women’s teams. They have won numerous Western New York Athletic Conference championships, have been nationally ranked, and have appeared in national tournaments.
The BEST Center at Genesee Community College is one of the leading resources for business and industry in the region. The center provides training, consulting, conference facilities, online courses, and specialty job skill training and certification.
Genesee Community College Website
Great Pictures From the GCC Website
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