Alumni

GCI Alumni Spotlight: Emily Ruiz
GCI Alumni graphic featuring Emily Ruiz, nursing student (2016–2018), with wedding photo. 

Emily Ruiz enrolled in the Medical Career Foundations program at Genesee Career Institute in 2016 as a junior. While she built essential skills in medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology, and emergency procedures, she also met her husband. They got married in 2023, moved to Florida, and recently welcomed their son into the world. GCI does more than prepare you for a successful career – it opens pathways to meaningful relationships, whether it’s a friend, spouse, or mentor. 

In 2017, Emily enrolled in the Advanced Nursing program, where she developed a strong passion and fascination for the medical field. After wrapping up her time at GCI, Emily attended Saginaw Valley State University and earned her bachelor’s degree in exercise science. These steps fully prepared her for her current career as a Physical Therapy Office Manager, equipping her with both administrative expertise and a deep understanding of patient diagnoses and care. In her role, Emily keeps daily operations running smoothly while serving as a key connection between patients, providers, and insurance partners by managing scheduling, verifying coverage, and building strong, trust-based relationships with patients to ensure they feel supported from their first visit to their last. 

When asked what piece of advice she would give current GCI students, Emily responded, “I would encourage all students to fully immerse themselves in the experience and opportunity to attend GCI. Even if they end up realizing it’s not the career path they want, that experience and learning gained so early in their education is wonderful.” 

We are incredibly proud to celebrate Emily as a GCI alumna. Her journey is a powerful reflection of how GCI programs go beyond career preparation by empowering students with the skills, confidence, and connections that lead to lifelong success.

GCI Alumni Spotlight: Mason DePottey

GCI Alumni Spotlight: Mason DePottey Mason DePottey attended Genesee Career Institute from 2019–2021, where he completed the Welding Program. Today, Mason is giving back to the field that helped shape his future as he is a high school welding instructor while also running his own welding and fabrication business. Reflecting on his time at GCI, Mason credits the program and his instructors with preparing him for real-world success. “Mr. Loney and Mr. Middleton provided exceptional preparation for nearly every real-world welding scenario I have encountered,” he shared. The mentorship didn’t end after graduation. Mason now serves on the welding advisory board, and Mr. Loney continues to be a trusted source of guidance in both his teaching and professional welding career. When asked what advice he would give current GCI students, Mason emphasized the importance of fully embracing the opportunity. “Do not take the program for granted. Without the training and mentorship I received through Mr. Loney and the welding program, I would not be where I am today.” Some of Mason’s favorite memories from GCI include competing in welding competitions and meeting his wife. His journey is a powerful example of how GCI programs prepare students not just for careers, but for lifelong success.

Mason DePottey attended Genesee Career Institute from 2019–2021, where he completed the Welding Program. Today, Mason is giving back to the field that helped shape his future as he is a high school welding instructor while also running his own welding and fabrication business.

Reflecting on his time at GCI, Mason credits the program and his instructors with preparing him for real-world success. “Mr. Loney and Mr. Middleton provided exceptional preparation for nearly every real-world welding scenario I have encountered,” he shared. The mentorship didn’t end after graduation. Mason now serves on the welding advisory board, and Mr. Loney continues to be a trusted source of guidance in both his teaching and professional welding career.

When asked what advice he would give current GCI students, Mason emphasized the importance of fully embracing the opportunity. “Do not take the program for granted. Without the training and mentorship I received through Mr. Loney and the welding program, I would not be where I am today.”

Some of Mason’s favorite memories from GCI include competing in welding competitions and meeting his wife. His journey is a powerful example of how GCI programs prepare students not just for careers, but for lifelong success.

Website by SchoolMessenger Presence. © 2026 SchoolMessenger Corporation. All rights reserved. | Notice of Nondiscrimination | Accessibility Notice