Barbara Hamlin retires from FLCC Board of Trustees

Barbara Hamlin retires from the FLCC Board of Trustees after more than a decade of service.

Barbara Hamlin

The Finger Lakes Community College Board of Trustees adopted a resolution in August honoring departing member Barbara Hamlin, who has served the College for more than a decade.

The board acknowledged her role in offering guidance based on her experience as a community leader and for her support of new initiatives at the College.

“It has been a distinct privilege to serve with Trustee Barbara Hamlin,” said FLCC President Robert Nye. “Her vision, drive and desire to learn about and support our faculty, staff and students was truly inspiring, and we will miss her presence at FLCC.”

“Barb was a conscientious and insightful board member,” added Joan Geise, current chair of the FLCC Board of Trustees. “She has helped enrich the FLCC community with her unwavering support of the College. Thank you, Barb.”

Hamlin served as board secretary for two years (2014-15 and 2018-19) and vice chair for three years (2015-2018). She also served on the board of the FLCC Association, the nonprofit that provides auxiliary services, including housing and childcare.

“I think the Suites are a huge bright spot for FLCC,” she said, referring to the Suites at Laker Landing, a 350-bed residence hall.

Hamlin also worked on fundraising initiatives for the FLCC Child Care Center, open to FLCC employees and students as well as the general public.

She was pleased by the launch of Dinner at Julia restaurant nights, a series of Fridays during the fall semester when the public can enjoy gourmet meals prepared by culinary arts students. “Julia is a wonderful initiative. It has helped FLCC become better known in the greater Canandaigua community,” she added.

Hamlin developed her knowledge of the Canandaigua community and its needs during 12 years on the Canandaigua City Council from January 1976 through December 1987. During her tenure, the city developed the five-year capital spending plan, developed a street and sidewalk replacement program, and obtained a federal Housing and Urban Development grant to redevelop the central business district.

Hamlin was the first-ever development director for Bristol Valley Productions’ summer theatre, where she secured the organization’s first grant from the state Council on the Arts and increased membership and annual revenue. Her success led to local positions in fundraising for the Arts for Greater Rochester and WXXI Public Broadcasting, followed by a move out of the area to work for the Metropolitan Opera Association, National Audubon Society and the PBS’ flagship television station in New York City, WNET.

Returning to Canandaigua in 2002, Hamlin served nine years on the Wood Library Board of Trustees. During her tenure, she was president of the board and served as co-chair of the $4 million campaign to renovate and expand the library, enabling it to serve more patrons and expand programs.

In 2012, Hamlin joined the FLCC Board of Trustees. During her tenure, the college redeveloped the Geneva Campus Center and opened the FLCC Viticulture and Wine Center in Geneva and the Sands Family Center for Allied Health in Canandaigua.