2. 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.
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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.”
1
Featured Students: Michaela Ciovacca ‘16
Dillon Peterson ‘16
Kaitlin Pfundstein ‘18
Gretchen Goble ‘16
6. “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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7. 3
“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
8. 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
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9. 5
“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
10. “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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11. 7
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
12. 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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13. 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.”
9
“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
14. 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
10
15. 11
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.”
16. 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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17. “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?
13
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
18. 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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19. 15
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.”
20. 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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21. 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
17
22. 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.”
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23. 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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24. 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
25. 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
26. 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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27. 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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28. “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
