History Success Stories

The value of a 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ· education is evident in personal stories of success told by students and alumni. Read what they have to say about the program and what they gained from their experience.

Madeleine Bartz ’18

Director of the Pathway to Success Program at Genesee Community College

Madeleine Bartz

Madeleine Bartz

As Madeleine Bartz reflects on her own student journey, she is grateful for the opportunities and support she received and now offers to students. “I can provide our students with all the support I was able to receive to be successful on their academic and career journeys.”

She now works as the director of the Pathway to Success Program at Genesee Community College where she oversees intensive support for rural students through academic and career planning and advisement. She looks to her time at 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ· as foundational preparation for her role as an educational leader. “I originally started as an education major at 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ·, and those classes certainly helped my perspective in education today, and the field experiences helped me foster an appreciation for everyone I work with and teach.”

Though Bartz believes 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ· prepared her academically, she also attributes her current success to her participation in the Service Scholars Program. “This program allowed me to engage my passion for helping others and helped me develop connections that were invaluable while working on my master’s degree,” she explained.

While Bartz believes future teachers and instructors will gain a solid foundation in the education program at 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ·, she also encourages all students to connect with their professors. “What made my 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ· experience great were the professors and advisors who provided support and encouragement, so I would encourage students to spend time getting to know their professors.” Ultimately, “they’re here to help you succeed, so take advantage of it!”