Grad and granddad enjoy full-circle moment

Sydney Ross' grandfather began teaching at FLCC shortly after the College was founded.

On May 17, Sydney Ross, like all the FLCC graduates before her, started walking across the stage as a professor read her name.

Someone else was standing with the college president, next to the table stacked with diplomas.

It was her granddad.

Professor Emeritus David Prull, her maternal grandfather, is a Storefront Pioneer. It’s the nickname for faculty, staff and students who were part of FLCC in its early days in downtown Canandaigua. David started teaching science when the College launched full-time, credit bearing classes a year and a half before the moon landing. Nearly six decades later, he was dressed in regalia to congratulate Sydney.

“Growing up, I knew a lot about my grandfather’s role at FLCC. He made me excited about learning, especially in science-related subjects, and was always willing to help me in subjects that he taught,” Sydney said.

Professor Emeritus David Prull greets Sydney Ross with President Robert Nye, right, and Alumni Association President Ethan Fogg nearby. Her next milestone is another graduation, this time from Canandaigua Academy on June 22. Sydney started taking classes through the Early College Scholars and Gemini programs. Both allow high schoolers to start earning college credit as early as 10^th grade. Students who plan carefully and take extra classes are able to get an associate degree before high school graduation. Sydney now transfers to SUNY Binghamton to study biomedical engineering.

“My mom also played a big role in my decision. She attended FLCC as a high school senior to earn college credits, along with my aunt and uncle, so I grew up knowing I’d likely do the same.”

To meet her goal of an early associate degree, Sydney took advantage of academic support centers. 

“My experience at FLCC was fantastic," she said. “I went to the Math Learning Center after every Calculus I and II class to work on my homework, and the tutors and staff there were so helpful. The Incubator was also a huge help. I studied there for my bone practical exam that I had for my human anatomy and physiology class at my home school. Not only are the Math Learning Center, the Write Place, and the Incubator great academic resources, but they are also wonderful communities, too.”

Sydney’s mom is Heather Ross, an FLCC adjunct for 21 years. She teaches Algebra and Introduction to Functions and Introductory Statistics I.

“I always knew that my dad was a great teacher. I would hear from others how they had him as a professor and how much they loved his teaching style,” Heather said. “He has always been able to explain material to others in a way that was easy for them to understand, and I could always see how he enjoyed his job. These are the reasons why I decided I wanted to be a teacher, too. I hope that I have a similar teaching style to my dad and that my students enjoy being in my class.”

Though FLCC employees are allowed to greet an immediate family member at graduation, Heather sought to turn the privilege over to her dad. David’s title as professor emeritus indicates a distinguished career and entitles him to certain perks.

Though he’s not one to make a fuss, David wasn’t going to miss Sydney’s moment. Having retired more than 20 years ago, David visited the Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) with Sydney two days before commencement so he could rehearse his approach to the stage.

“It’s all about her,” he said, beaming.

FLCC President Robert Nye shared their story in his commencement remarks.

“We welcome Professor Prull as he comes full circle in celebrating his granddaughter’s accomplishment at the institution he helped build,” he said.