New administrative director of Student Health and Counseling hits the ground running

It didn't take long for Melinda DuBois to fill her calendar when she started in August as the college's new administrative director of student health and counseling. In addition to the numerous day-to-day responsibilities the job entails, she is multitasking in responding to the arrival of the H1N1 flu virus on campus.

Now, it's even busier.

"The numbers of students with flu-like illness has drastically increased on campus, just like a lot of colleges and universities in the Northeast," says DuBois. "This illness can spread quickly with a vengeance so we remain on high alert to respond with everything we have at our disposal if needed. We've been constantly getting the word out to students and faculty about best ways to prevent the spread of this virus and have had several meetings with county health officials to discuss the situation."

DuBois is in charge of the administration of the college's medical health, mental health and health promotion activities.

"It's been great working with a group of professionals obviously committed to the health and well-being of our students," says DuBois. "Not only do I have the ability to collaborate with them but with others across campus.  I'm constantly learning."

DuBois also has been focusing on alcohol education and recently rolled out the Red Watch Band program on campus, an innovative training program to provide all students with accurate information about the dangers of toxic drinking.

"We continue to educate our students on the dangers of alcohol abuse but through this program are training our students on how to intervene in case of a medical emergency," she says.

DuBois also will continue to work on helping to remove the stigma of counseling and will encourage more integration between counseling and health services.

"Many physical illnesses students present originate with mental conditions and can be effectively treated through counseling," she says. "There is a strong mind-body connection that cannot be ignored. Many physical illnesses originate with emotional conditions and treating the student holistically can effectively treat both."

Dubois joins Geneseo with a strong record of achievement as a health care provider in western New York. At Buffalo Womenservices, she was counseling supervisor and later served as the executive director for 10 years. An active member of the Buffalo community, DuBois is president of the board of directors of Crisis Services and a member of the Rape Crisis Advisory Board.

A graduate of SUNY Buffalo, DuBois earned a bachelor's degree in psychology (magna cum laude) and a master of social work degree with a concentration in families and children.

Find out what to do if you get sick and how to prevent the flu at the health center's Web site.

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 Swashbuckling comedy on the high seas set for the stage

A bumbling band of swashbuckling pirates. Flighty maidens. The very model of a modern major-general. All of the characters of "The Pirates of Penzance" will come to life in the student production of the classic comic operetta Nov. 18 through 22 at the Alice Austin Theatre in the Brodie Fine Arts Center.

The Gilbert and Sullivan operetta has been a hit with audiences since its premiere on Broadway in 1879. Directed by David Munnell, visiting assistant professor of theater, the show mixes modern and period elements to create a unique dramatic world.

"I fully expect our production to not just be fully accessible to contemporary audiences and music lovers, but to families, children and adults of all ages," said Munnell. "It's a terrific evening of humor, romance and pure entertainment."

The Geneseo artistic faculty members involved in the production include Gerard Floriano, musical director and professor of music; Steve  Stubblefield, scenic designer and associate professor of theater; and Crystal Ferrell, costume designer and visiting assistant professor.

Heading the cast are Michelle Geisler '11 as Major General Stanley's daughter Mabel, and Chris Blasting '10 as the pirate apprentice Frederic, the male lead. Playing General Stanley is Lucas Groth '10 and the Pirate King is played by Adam LaSalle. Jake Fine '10 is the lighting designer. MaryElizabeth Kimbark '10 and Lauren Alaimo '11 are choreographers.

If you go: Tickets are $10 for the public, $9 for Geneseo faculty and $8 for Geneseo students and are available by calling the box office at (585) 245-5833 or online. Performances are Nov. 18-22. Wednesday through Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m. The Sunday matinee begins at 2 p.m.

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  KUDOS

• Geneseo alum Jack Langerak ’67 is a producer of an upcoming Geva Theatre Center production of the play “No Child.” The show runs Thursday, Nov. 12 through Nov. 22.
  
  The show provides a glimpse into an urban schoolroom where underachieving students are given the opportunity to achieve through the use of drama. It proves that one passionate person can make a difference. The play has won several awards and was an off-Broadway hit.
  
  Hear more about the show from the actress on Channel 13. Visit Geva for more production information including tickets.
  
  
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UPCOMING EVENTS

Upcoming events ...

• On Thursday, Nov. 5, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., in Brodie 210, there is “An Introduction to Zen Buddhism and Meditation” with Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede of the Rochester Zen Center. Participants will learn about Zen Buddhism and how meditation can enchance your life. It’s sponsored by Asian/Asian American Studies & Programming.
  
  
• On Thursday, Nov. 5, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mary Jemison dining hall, Geneseo Executive Chef Jonna Anne will compete against SUNY Brockport Chef Joe Buttons in a “SUNY Chef Throwdown,” pitting their culinary talents against each other to see whose macaroni and cheese reigns supreme. Audience members get to be taste testers and decide who wins.
  
  
• On Saturday, Nov. 7, at 8 p.m. in Wadsworth Auditorium, the Golden Dragon Acrobats from China will perform juggling, dancing, spinning, contortion and gymnastics. The event is part of the Limelight & Accents Performing Arts Series. Tickets are $6 for Geneseo students, $8 for children 12 years and under, $13 for faculty, staff, alumni and seniors, and $16 for the public. Buy tickets at the Student Association Ticket Office in the College Union or the Kuhl Gymnasium or online.
  
  
• On Tuesday, Nov. 10, and Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., there will be a blood drive in the College Union. Get more information and sign up to donate online.
  
  
• On Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 8 p.m. in Wadsworth Auditorium, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra will perform “A Geneseo Salute to Veterans.” It’s free. Tickets are available in the Campus Scheduling and Special Events Office, Erwin 105, between 8 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. Tickets are also available at the Chanler Insurance Agencies in Geneseo and Avon.
  
  

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 PHOTO GALLERY

 Photo of the week ... Have you taken a photo of campus or a picture that helps tell the story of the Geneseo experience? Send your snapshots to encompass@geneseo.edu.

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• New administrative director of Student Health and Counseling hits the ground running

• Swashbuckling comedy on the high seas set for the stage
  
  
• Asia expert to speak on campus
  
  

• KUDOS
  
  

• Upcoming events

• Photo Gallery

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