For Immediate Release December 9, 2008

Contact:
David Irwin
Media Relations Manager
(585) 245-5516
irwin@geneseo.edu

Iris Banister Named to SUNY Geneseo College Council

GENESEO, N.Y. –  New York Gov. David Paterson recently appointed well-known Rochester community leader Iris Banister to SUNY Geneseo’s College Council.  The 11-member panel advises senior college administrators on a variety of higher education matters and provides guidance on problem-solving expertise beyond the campus community.  Banister’s term extends through June of 2015.

“Iris Banister has generously immersed herself in the Rochester community in a number of ways and has the respect of community members and leaders at all levels,” said Geneseo President Christopher C. Dahl.  “Her work on parent-child relations has been particularly commendable and we are pleased and honored to have her on our College Council.  Geneseo will benefit greatly from her years of experience in education and her dedication to community service.”

Banister is executive director of the Rochester Surround Care Community Corp., launched in 2005 by the Rochester City School District to advocate for children, families and communities in northeast Rochester.  She previously had been executive director of Wilson Commencement Park, a transitional housing and support services program.

Banister is a 38-year resident of Rochester and a graduate of SUNY Geneseo, where she obtained a master’s degree in education.  She served the Rochester School District in various capacities for 32 years, including time as an elementary school teacher, reading specialist and guidance counselor.  She has earned numerous awards and recognitions including the City of Rochester Pioneer Award; the Mayor’s Renaissance Award – Outstanding Educator; MLK Achievement Award for Civic Engagement; the New York State Humanitarian Award; and the Rochester mayor’s Unsung Heroes Award.  She is a doctoral student at the University of Rochester in human development-counseling, an accomplished author and motivational speaker.