Jeremy Cooney

The story of why, when, how you decided to move here (or stay here): I grew up in the city of Rochester and attended public schools (School of the Arts) and then went on to pursue my bachelors degree from Hobart College in Geneva, NY. After graduating I returned to the city to intern for Rochester Mayor Bill Johnson and then started full-time work for Congresswoman Louise Slaughter as her personal aide. During my tenure with the Congresswoman I became quite involved with our community by serving on non-profit boards, volunteering in my church, and organizing young professionals within the ROC City Coalition. I now work for my alma mater (Hobart) in development and commute to Geneva from my loft in downtown Rochester. Presently I serve as the Chair of the ROC City Coalition and Co-chair of the Kennedy Council.

Where you went to undergraduate college / graduate school: Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY

Degree(s) you earned: Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy Studies (Honors)
 
Where you work now and your job title: Manager for Campaign Leadership, Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Where do you live? Michaels Stern Lofts, Downtown
 
What do you like about life in Rochester? Rochester is the best mid-size city with a small village feel to it. We have world class artistic and cultural opportunities - but we can get tickets at a reasonable price. We have wonderful countryside landscapes - but also hip urban venues...the good thing? We can get to both without traffic problems and within 20 minutes! Most importantly, Rochester is a friendly city - from a passing "hello" in Wegmans to the charitable support of our community's many philanthropic causes.
 
What do you do for fun? I get involved -- I serve on non-profit and community boards, I fund raise for local political candidates, I attend RPO concerts, and I enjoy a great time in the city's entertainment districts.
 
What would you tell a college student (who is trying to decide where to live after graduation) about what life is like here post-college? Do you want to live in an amazing loft or actually buy your first home without eating Ramen Noodles every night? Do you want to actually be able to afford fine dining or cultural events? Do you want a place where you really can make a meaningful difference by volunteering for a community organization? Do you want easy access to the best grocery chain in the nation? Do you want a huge variety of stores and restaurants both national chains and local shops? Do you want to experience four distinct climate seasons? Do you want a place that generations of people have chosen to live? Then you want Rochester, NY.
 
What's the best first step to making friends and finding your way around? Get involved! Join the office softball league, attend a social event with Rochester Young Professionals, volunteer with the Clean Sweep program, or just check out the many festivals around Monroe County. You'll easily meet the great people that make Rochester one giant "neighborhood."
[Posted in 2007]