Keuka College began a Big Brothers Big Sisters program (under the umbrella of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester) on campus in 2004.

Twelve matches were made between Keuka students (“Bigs”) and students attending Penn Yan Elementary and Penn Yan Middle Schools (“Littles”) that first year; 16 matches were created the second year and 33 matches were made last year.

Dean of the Center for Experiential Learning Anne Marie Guthrie largely credits Gail Colaneri, match support specialist with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Greater Rochester, for the success of the program. That’s why she nominated Colaneri and Big Brother Big Sisters of Greater Rochester for the New York State Cooperative and Experiential Education Association’s (NYSCEEA) 2007 Employer of the Year Award.

“Gail goes above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to creating a match between a Big and a Little,” said Guthrie. “Gail spends a great deal of time on the Keuka campus interacting with the Big Brothers Big Sisters student coordinators to make sure each match is well fitted. She is on campus two to three times a week and as needed to monitor and maintain each match. She also spends a great deal of time helping to brainstorm and coordinate activities for the matches.”

For example, when a student conducting a Field Period with the Big Brothers Big Sisters programs decided to have a Halloween party for the matches, Colaneri did what was necessary to bring the student’s idea to fruition.

“Gail stayed late many nights to work with that student to make the Halloween party a real ‘treat’ for all the matches; [the party] was a huge success,” said Guthrie.  

Guthrie’s enthusiasm for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester and Colaneri was shared by NYSCEEA, which awarded BBBS its Employer of the Year Award at a luncheon in Saratoga Springs Oct. 22. 

Guthrie included letters of support—from a Big, a Little, a parent, and a student coordinator—with her nomination.

The Big’s letter of support spoke about what it was like to have a Little Sister and what she took away from the experience.

“I met Sierra [Carey] in October 2005,” said Christy Miller. “We have gone swimming, sledding, ate in the dining hall at Keuka College, went out for ice cream, mini-golf, roller skating, ice skating, had sleepovers, and went to Darien Lake. We have developed a relationship based on trust, respect, and most of all, friendship. 

“Even though I have graduated from Keuka College, I will continue to be a Big Sister to Sierra,” added Miller. “The Big Brothers Big Sisters Program at KeukaCollege has not only taught me how to be a good role model, it has taught me to value and respect children and, most importantly, how to be a great friend.”

The Little’s letter also spoke highly of the match.  

“Christy is like the big sister I never had and I couldn’t ask for anyone better,” said 11-year-old Sierra, who participated in the program for two years. “Christy has always included me in whatever she does; whether it be in her family functions or when she invites me out to play pool in her dorm at Keuka, going to a Halloween party, or spending the day at Darien Lake. Christy and I were meant to be matched as sisters.”

Sierra’s mother agrees.

“Christy has always made Sierra feel as she was one of her friends and not an obligation,” said Shawna Carey. “Their pairing as Big and Little Sisters has given Sierra the opportunity to have someone to look up to, and Christy has been a wonderful mentor. The Big Brothers Big Sisters program has had such a positive impact on Sierra; I truly feel that Christy has made a direct, measurable and lasting impact on my daughter’s life.”

And it’s not just the Big and Little who benefits from the College’s BBBS program. The students who work to coordinate the matches have a lot to gain from the experience.  

“Being student coordinator enabled me to put what I learned in my social work courses into practice,” said Amanda Stanton. “I saw firsthand how economic standing can affect children, how social skills can be developed, and the importance of mentoring.

“I am currently in the social work graduate program at Binghamton University and have secured a highly selective position with the Ameri*Corps for my practicum,” said Stanton. “I am unsure as if this placement would have been possible without the experience I acquired at Keuka College.”

Said Guthrie: “This program exemplifies experiential learning at its best, linking academics, service, community, and alumni with the goal of helping local youth, while promoting the College mission of providing a foundation for a lifetime of learning, service and leadership.”

-- Tanya Cornell-Kestler