CHANCELLOR’S AWARDfor Student Excellence

Empire State Plaza Convention Center | Albany, New York | www.suny.edu

APRIL 2, 2015

April 2, 2015

Dear Students, Family, Faculty, and Friends,

It is my pleasure to welcome you all to recognize some

of the most gifted and talented students at SUNY. The

achievements of these students reflect their impressive

hard work and dedication, as well as the support provided

by their families and friends and SUNY’s world-class faculty.

The State University of New York is proud to be not only

the largest comprehensive public university system in the nation but also New York’s

leading economic driver and partner in creating better opportunities and a better quality

of life for all New Yorkers. SUNY’s relationship with its communities in every part of the

state is so important to our state’s vibrancy — and it is exceptional students like those

we are honoring today who will be instrumental in building a better, stronger, healthier

New York in the years to come.

The students we recognize today have combined outstanding academic excellence with

significant contributions to their institutions and communities. We are extremely proud

of their achievements, and I know I can speak on behalf of the entire State University of

New York system when I congratulate each of you on your distinguished achievements

and wish you the best of luck in the years to come.

With best wishes,

Nancy L. Zimpher

Chancellor

2 Introduction

Events 3

WELCOME

Lori A. MouldStudent Trustee and

President of the Student Assembly

REMARKS

Dr. Nancy L. ZimpherChancellor

PRESENTATION OF AWARDS

RECEPTION IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE CEREMONY

ALFRED STATE COLLEGE

Jessica BaierGreece, NYBaking and Pastry Production and ManagementJessica was a member of the National All-Academic Team, and was active in NYS Skills USA. She received campus and US Collegiate Athletic Association awards for her achievements on the women’s soccer team.

Tyler RibbleElmira, NYBusiness AdministrationTyler received a Samuel A. Student SenateLeadership Scholarship. She served as orientation coordinator, and was active in thePi Rho Zeta fraternity. She was involved incampus performing arts, the swim team, andcommunity Relay for Life fundraising events.

NYS CERAMICS AT ALFRED UNIVERSITY

Joanna CarrollRochester, NYArt & DesignJoanna received the Dean’s Scholarship, was in the Honor’s Program, and served asdirector and co-director of the Turner GallerySchool of Art and Design. Joanna was aprominent participant in community art exhibitions and shows.

Dianne MattarEast Amherst, NYCeramic EngineeringDianne received the Scholes Scholar Awardand the Award for Ceramic Engineering andMaterial Science. She was a graduate of theWomen’s Leadership Academy and the GaryHorowitz Leadership program. She served as president of the college ski club.

BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY

Jennifer BertolloKinnelon, NJPsychologyJennifer was a member of the InternationalHonor Society in Psychology, served as atutor in the Student Athlete Success Centerand the Career Development Center. Sheworked as a research assistant in two labsand presented research at a state-wide conference.

4 Awardees

SUNY ADIRONDACK

Madison PaquinQueensbury, NYLiberal ArtsMadison was on the dean’s list for four consecutive semesters and served as captainfor Relay for Life events. In 2014, she finishedfirst in the nation for digs/sets in Volleyball.

Daniel RobertsHadley, NYLiberal ArtsDaniel received the Senator Roy MacDonaldScholarship, the Tri-County Council of Vietnam Era Veterans, and Gold Star Motherscholarships. He served as a student trusteefor five semesters and received the Senator of the Year Award.

UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY

Francis AgyemangBronx, NYHuman BiologyFrancis has been the recipient of numerousacademic awards and scholarships. He wasthe founder of organizations that provided educational necessities to children in impoverished African Countries. He was active in the Student Association and in several campus service-oriented organizations.

Rose AvellinoFayetteville, NYPublic PolicyRose served as director of community engagement and outreach for the Student Association. She founded and served as president for UA Alive (A Life is ValuableEnough) and served as treasurer of UAlbany’scircle of Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society.

Derek EllisGlenville, NYCriminal Justice and SociologyDerek served as director of academic affairsfor the Student Association as well as founding president of Kappa Alpha Pi Co-EdPre-Law Fraternity. Derek also served aspresident of UAlbany’s circle of Omicron DeltaKappa National Leadership Honor Society.

Peter HooleyHahndorf, South AustraliaJournalism and PsychologyPeter has earned various athletic distinctionsincluding the America East Co-Scholar Athlete of the Year, was co-captain of theAmerica East Champion basketball team andwas named America East Most OutstandingPlayer. He was very active in fundraisingwork for cancer treatment and research.

Frank MotaNew York, NYBiologyFrank was recipient of the 2014 SUNY Research Foundation Science, Technology,Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Research Fellowship. He served as a residentadvisor with the Summer Research Program.He received a full scholarship to attend Hofstra North Shore–LIJ School of Medicine.

Kelsey O'LearyArlington, MABiology and PsychologyKelsey received the 2013 SUNY ResearchFoundation Science, Technology, Engineering,and Mathematics (STEM) Research Fellowship. She served as lab manager at the University at Albany McNay BehavioralNeuroscience Lab and presented at theNYCAP Research Alliance Symposium.

Stephane Owusu-SarpongValley Stream, NYBiologyStephane was a recipient of the Ben SmithScience Scholar scholarship, the Dr. SpellmanAchievement Award and was on the dean’slist for several semesters. She was a tutor andfundraiser for campus medical and scienceorganizations. She was an active member ofthe campus volunteer ambulance service.

Lee StantonGreenwood Lake, NYPolitical ScienceLee received numerous awards for academicachievement, served in several senior officer roles in the Student Association, and was very active in community service organizations. He founded Project READ, an organization that created weekly readingprograms for children.

Fathima Najwa Zarook Altamont, NYAccounting and BusinessNajwa was a recipient of the Dr. SpellmanAchievement Award, and the Women’s Outstanding Leadership Award. She served asa Purple and Gold Ambassador, president ofthe Dean’s Leadership Council in the Schoolof Business, and secretary of Albany Busi-ness Leaders Emerging (ABLE) organization.

Jamie ZienoNorwich, NYPolitical ScienceJamie was a member of the Pi Sigma AlphaPolitical Science Honor Society, and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Hewas active in the Student Association servingin community outreach, and voter registrationprojects. He held senior positions in the College Democrats of New York and coordinated a statewide convention.

Awardees 5

Dali Lu-GrobeSouth Salem, NYManagementDali was a recipient of the Ernstrom Scholarship from the School of Management.She won a prestigious international grant that focused on elimination of e-waste and computer literacy. She volunteered at the Entrepreneurship Start-Up project.

Justin MulvaneyBaldwinsville, NYEconomics and MathematicsJustin was a recipient of the Department Excellence in Economics award and is amember of Phi Beta Kappa. Justin foundedand served as president of the Student MusicAssociation. He also served as a lead tutor for University Tutoring Services.

Stephanie SheintulBaldwin, NYPhilosophy and Philosophy, Politics and LawStephanie was the 2014 recipient of the PellPrize for best honors thesis in her major. She served as a field manager for GrassrootsCampaign, and played clarinet in the Binghamton University Wind Symphony.

THE COLLEGE AT BROCKPORT

Riley BauerCortland, NYComputer Science and MathematicsRiley received scholarship awards and academic recognition for his work in computer science; he has conducted researchat an NSF program, and co-authored a paperbased on that work. He was active in the Student Government, and campus and community music groups.

Daniela BulosBronx, NYPsychologyDaniela is a member of the Women’s StudiesHonor Society, received the SUNY EmergingLeader Award, was awarded the Campus Action Project Grant from the American Association of University Women, and received the NASPA Rising Star Award.

Elise CadeChurchville, NYChemistry and BiologyElise published articles in the Journal ofChemical and Engineering Data, presented research over six times at various conventions, and held honors peer mentor position for three years. She served as president of the Student Association.

Mohammad BishawiPoughkeepsie, NYAccounting, Philosophy, Politics & LawMohammad received the President’s Awardfor Undergraduate Student Excellence, hewas on the dean’s list numerous times andhas been a resident assistant for four years.He served on the student conduct board andwas a student volunteer at the Tioga LearningCenter.

Joshua CohenYorktown Heights, NYBioengineeringJoshua is a recipient of the President’s Award for Undergraduate Student Excellence.He has conducted research in four labs andpresented at national research conferences.He has also been on the varsity crew team for three years.

Leah FerentinosBinghamton, NYEnglish, General Literature and RhetoricLeah has conducted research and presentedat a national conference on the topic of AIDS.She is also the 2013 and 2014 recipient of theJoel D. Robinson Memorial Scholarship inrecognition of her community service in theBinghamton area.

Raymond FutiaDelmar, NYCell and Molecular BiologyRaymond conducted independent research asa Binghamton Summer Scholar and presentedat a national conference. He taught hands-onscience to Binghamton area grade school children and served as the program directorfor the campus radio station.

Luis GonzalezNew York, NYGeographyLuis is a member of three national honor societies, participated in numerous researchprojects and co-authored a book chapter. Heserved as head mentor for the Black StudentUnion program that mentored incarceratedyouth.

Don GreenbergTeaneck, NJManagement Finance, Computer Science, andMathematical SciencesDon is a member of an honor society in international computing sciences, and in theBeta Gamma Sigma business honor society.He served on the campus judicial board, thecampus life advisory board, and the campusConvocations Committee.

Ryan HutchingsCanandaigua, NYPsychologyRyan co-authored scholarly articles and haspresented at local and national conferences,received grants to fund lab research, and was a two-time recipient of the Herbert Fink Scholarship and two-time finalist forPsychology Department Scholar Award.

Rachel MaloneFairport, NYNursingRachel was the recipient of the SUNY Chancellor's Scholar Athlete Award. She wasa four-time All-American in Cross Countryand Track & Field, led many community service efforts for the Track and Field team.

SUNY BROOME COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Michelle BrunschmidEndwell, NYIndividual StudiesMichelle served on the executive board of PhiTheta Kappa, was on the president’s list andwas a regular volunteer at the local HumaneSociety.

Ashley CableEndwell, NYIndividual StudiesAshley was on the president's and dean's list,served as vice president of service for PhiTheta Kappa, and volunteered at Wilson Hospital, Occupation Therapy Department.

Spencer Nagle Windsor, NYLiberal ArtsSpencer served as president of the college'sPhi Theta Kappa Chapter, received NJCAARegion Three All-Region Team HonorableMention for Men's Soccer, and was named tothe president's list four times.

SUNY BUFFALO STATE

Diamond BriggsBronx, NYSociologyDiamond was a member of the college’sMuriel A. Howard Honors Program and RonaldE. McNair Scholars Program. She served as aresident assistant and first-year mentor andtutor for the Educational Opportunity Program(EOP).

Megan PszonakEden, NYNursingMegan worked on research projects that will be submitted for publication. She was selected as one of four student performers toplay in a Buffalo community event. She was avolunteer leader for the Wyldlife ministry.

Christopher ReinhardtMount Kisco, NYBiological Sciences and ChemistryChristopher was published in the Journal ofthe American Chemical Society and presentedat three conferences. He worked as an Interdisciplinary Science and EngineeringPartnership mentor and intern in the BuffaloPublic Schools.

Chelsea ReinhardtClarence, NYEnglish and Health & Human ServicesChelsea was a student coordinator in the UBLibraries. She was an intern at the Kensingtonand Chelsea Youth Offending Team in London,England, and trained for and ran twomarathons.

Nathaniel SundholmBrooklyn, NYCommunicative Disorders & SciencesNathanial was a student ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences, served as president of the Student Association ofSpeech and Hearing. He was principle investigator on a study about vocal fatigue and language production.

Mackenzie WardClarence, NYComputer Science and MathematicsMackenzie was a resident advisor for theHonors College Shared Interest Housing Program, and served as president and vicepresident of the Institute of Electrical andElectronics Engineers. He also served as ateaching assistant the Honors College and the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.

Chelsea WheelerOrchard Park, NYPsychologyChelsea was the undergraduate research assistant for the Global Health Initiative inUB’s School of Public Health. In addition, sheparticipated in two separate service trips tothe Dominican Republic, and volunteered formore than 1,500 hours with the high schoolministry, Young Life Buffalo South.

6 Awardees

Chelsea DavidsonNorth Syracuse, NYElementary/Exceptional EducationChelsea was a member of the SUNY All-Academic Team for cross-country, indoor, and outdoor track and field and served on theStudent Athlete Advisory Committee. She was inducted into Kappa Delta Pi, a nationaleducation honor society.

Stephanie KahnFairport, NYDietetics & Metals and Jewelry DesignStephanie was a member of the college’sMuriel A. Howard Honors Program and servedfor four years as a resident assistant. She volunteered as the nutrition education coordinator for the Priscilla Project, servingpregnant refugee women.

Amy MarciniakLackawanna, NYChildhood EducationAmy was awarded the Norma Payne Scholarship, and received the Kappa Delta Piacademic honors award. She was active inclubs and organizations that served areaschools and worked to promote literacy inBuffalo schools.

James MartinBrooklyn, NYForensic ChemistryJames was a member of the college’s MurielA. Howard Honors Program and Ronald E.McNair Scholars Program. He was awardedthe 2014 Mentor of the Year award for his volunteer work and received the Best Presenter Award at Michigan State University’s 2014 Summer Research Opportunities Program.

UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO

Matthew EldredRochester, NYLawMatthew served as executive editor of theBuffalo Law Review, and is ranked in the top 5 percent of the 200 members of the UB LawSchool’s Class of 2015. In addition, he is a lawclerk/first-year associate at Harris BeachPLLC.

Sara-Ann FoxSyracuse, NYBiomedical ScienceSara-Ann discovered unique haplotypes of the MUC7 gene, and will publish her findings.She served as a summer youth enrichmentspecialist for the Say YES to Education program. She was Captain of UB’s Division Iwomen’s rowing team.

Ryan HauserCheektowaga, NYBusiness Administration and PsychologyRyan is the founder of his own business, ResearchU, and led a school playground construction project in Ecuador. He has beenaccepted as a Yale Silver Scholar.

Karin HsiehWebster, NYBiomedical Science and PhilosophyKarin is the third author of a scientific paper published in the American Journal of Physiology. She received the Mary C. WhitmanScholarship from the Department of Philosophy. She served as senator of the UB Student Association.

Tara KaczorowskiAmherst, NYSpecial EducationTara is president of the Department of Learning and Instruction’s Graduate StudentAssociation and founder/treasurer of the UB student chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children. She is the author ofthree publications, and received a grant tosupport her dissertation research.

Elizabeth LakotaPort Byron, NYPharmacy Practice and Pharmaceutical SciencesElizabeth received the Daniel H. Murray Professional Development Award. In addition, she has presented at four national and international conferences, and served aspresident of the Student Society of HealthSystems Pharmacists.

Chams MballoDakar, SenegalMechanical & Aerospace EngineeringChams is the co-founder of an SAT preparatory program, served as a tutor, counselor and mentor for war refugees andunderprivileged students in Buffalo and wasas an undergraduate teaching assistant forApplied Mathematics and Dynamics. He is the recipient of a grant to pursue research.

John O'BrienWestbury, NYEnglish and Urban & Public Policy StudiesJohn worked with the University Heights ToolLibrary on the ReTree the District project. Heserved as an assistant manager with BuffaloBikeshare, and interned in the offices of Sen.Charles Schumer and Rep. Brian Higgins.

Awardees 7

Jennifer WhittakerFrewsburg, NYUrban and Regional PlanningJennifer conducted research on the role oflocal government in facilitating sustainablefood systems and healthy communities. Sheco-authored an article on the first regionalfood systems plan for the Buffalo region dedicated to ensuring healthy food, viablefarms and a prosperous Buffalo Niagara region.

SUNY CANTON

Pierre NzuahYaoundé, CameroonElectrical TechnologyPierre is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, TauAlpha Pi and Golden Key international honorsocieties. He has won numerous academicand civic awards during his four years atSUNY Canton.

Danielle St-DenisMassena, NYVeterinary TechnologyDanielle is a licensed veterinary technicianand a former president of the student Veterinary Technician Association. She’s amember of the Golden Key International HonorSociety and volunteered at the Massena Humane Society and worked at SUNY Canton’s Newell Veterinary Technology Center.

CAYUGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Brittany AndroskoWeedsport, NYBiologyBrittany was in the College Honors program,was a member and secretary of Phi ThetaKappa. She is a College Reading & LearningAssociate Certified Math Tutor at the Centerfor Academic Success.

Dakota MarshallAuburn, NYLiberal Arts and ScienceDakota is the recipient of the New York State Engineering Technology AssociationScholarship and is also the President andTreasurer of the CCC Engineering Tech Club.He was the Vice-President of the StudentGovernment Association.

CLINTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Brielle CerneCadyville, NYLiberal ArtsBrielle was vice president of the HonorScholar’s Association and was active in theSUNY Oswego Orchestra while attendingClinton Community College. She was active infundraising events that benefited communityorganizations.

Mary-Ali TaftMorrisonville, NYLiberal ArtsMary-Ali was Salutatorian at the December2014 graduation, secretary of Phi Theta Kappaat Clinton Community College and studentrepresentative on the Judicial Board.

SUNY COBLESKILL

Kristi ConfortinEast Meadow, NYWildlife ManagementKristi was recognized as Outstanding WildlifeManagement Student of the Year, conductedbat research with the North American Societyfor Bat Research, and the NYS Department ofEnvironmental Conservation. She was seniorcaptain of the Women’s Cross Country Teamand has won three consecutive NEAC Conference Championships.

Emma TinerRichmondville, NYCommunication in TechnologyEmma served as president of Phi Theta Kappa and Epsilon Pi Tau Honor Societies.She received the SUNY Chancellor's Phi ThetaKappa Honor Society All State AcademicTeam Award and Editor's Choice Award. Shewon first prize for a poem published in TeenInk Magazine.

COLUMBIA-GREENE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Marion CoyneRound Top, NYNursingMarion served as president of the AlphaSigma Lambda Honor Society, was listed onthe president’s list for academic achievementfor five consecutive semesters and volunteered as a tutor for nursing students.She was an active member of the Health Promotion Club.

Nathan IsslerValatie, NYIndividual StudiesNathan was a recipient of the campus President’s Scholarship, served on the baseball team as Tri-Captain and on the college sports council. He received the Chancellor’s Scholar Athlete Award.

CORNELL-AGRICULTURE & LIFE SCIENCES

Alexa BakkerHolland, MIScience of Natural and Environment SystemsAlexa was the recipient of the Hunter R. Rawlings III Cornell Presidential ResearchScholar and selected for participation in an FDA research project. She served as president of the Society for Natural Resources Conservation.

Aaron MatchHarrisburg, PAAtmospheric ScienceAaron was the recipient of the NationalOceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationAward and the Barry Goldwater Scholarship.He co-founded a community Project Greenhouse and is published in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society.

Maia VernacchiaSan Luis Obispo, CAFood ScienceMaia was recipient of multiple Institute of Food Technologists Undergraduate Scholarships, served as team captain for theVarsity Gymnastic Team. She also served aswriter and copy editor for Spoon University.

CORNELL-HUMAN ECOLOGY

Emily ClarkFayetteville, NYPolicy Analysis and ManagementEmily was a member of the National Societyof Collegiate Scholars, received the NYSScholarship for Academic Excellence, andwas on the dean’s list for five consecutive semesters. She was a recipient of theScholastics Photography Portfolio Gold Keyaward. She was co-founder of the CornellYoung Life Collegiate Chapter.

Owen Lee-ParkEllicott City, MDHuman Biology, Health and SocietyOwen was recipient of the Barist FamilyScholarship, the Donald and Prescott MillerScholarship, and was on the dean’s list forseven consecutive semesters. He was president of a student publication that featured the literary and artistic works of theinmates at the Auburn Correctional Facility.He was co-chair of a volunteer group thatprovided laugh therapy at community agenciesthat served children and the elderly.

CORNELL-INDUSTRIAL & LABOR RELATIONS

Atticus DeProspoGoshen, NYIndustrial & Labor RelationsAtticus served as a member of the VarsityMen’s Soccer Team, as president and founderof Cornell Ally, and was a resident advisor. He was active in community work that servedLGBT youth.

Rachel Harmon Champaign, ILIndustrial & Labor RelationsRachel was selected as a Rhodes Scholar anda Public Service Center Scholar. She servedas a teaching assist for the Cornell Prison Education Program.

CORNELL-VETERINARY MEDICINE

Katherine BibiKatonah, NYVeterinary MedicineKatherine served as founder and president of the CVM Dance Collective, was founder and general board chair for the Initiative forPersonal and Professional Enrichment, andserved as a student representative on theNew York State Veterinary Medical Society.

Patrick SatchellMilford, NEVeterinary MedicinePatrick served as the class of 2015 representative for four years, co-founded the CVM Initiative for Personal and Professional Enrichment, and volunteered on the CVM Peer Support Network.

CORNING COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Andrea GridleyCanton, NYLiberal Arts & SciencesAndrea was a recipient of the Bonne GlickmanMemorial Scholarship, and was on the president’s list for academic achievement.She served as a lab assistant, tutor, and volunteer at the Elmira Corning Astronomical.

SUNY CORTLAND

Davon ClarkeMiddletown, NYChildhood Education & SpanishDavon was honored for academics and bestpractices with Cortland’s Urban Recruitmentof Educators (C.U.R.E) Award. He was vicepresident of the Black Student Union and wasa recipient of the Unity Champion Award.

Boyan CoxBinghamton, NYChildhood EducationBoyan presided over the Educational Opportunity Program Executive Board and delivered remarks at Academic Convocationin 2012. She served as a teaching assistant,resident assistant and president of the wellness-oriented FIT Club.

Sarah KellyWatervilet, NYSpanish & Communication StudiesSarah led college orientation efforts and excelled in internships across every campus division. She earned the Irmgard MechlenburgTaylor Award, and is a member of the PhiKappa Phi Honor Society.

Rebecca StudinIthaca, NYSport Management & SpanishThe National College Golf Association namedRebecca a three-time Academic All-American.She has co-chaired an annual charity golftournament to support the local communityand tutored children at an orphanage in CostaRica.

SUNY DELHI

Patricia EberhardMillbrook, NYVeterinary Science Technology Patricia served as a peer mentor for the Veterinary Science Technology program. She served as a volunteer at the Heart of theCatskills Humane Society and was mentor tothe freshman class in the Veterinary ScienceTechnology program.

John NolisNichols, NYMechatronics Design John served as president of Tri-Atelier, a construction management fraternity, was captain and NJCAA Academic All-Americanfor cross country, indoor, and outdoor trackteams, and as co-founder and president of the Health and Fitness Club.

SUNY DOWNSTATE MEDICAL CENTER

Katherine FischerBrooklyn, NYMedicineKatherine served as vice president of theAlpha Omega Alpha National Medical HonorSociety. She obtained Urology Residency atthe prestigious Hospital of the University ofPennsylvania and participated in researchwhich resulted in two submissions to academic journals

Isaac NaggarBrookline, MAMedicineIsaac received awards and scholarships forexcellence in research. He authored severalacademic papers and a book chapter, as wellas a patent for a medical device. He served asa tutor and mentor to high school studentsand was an active contributor to many in hisreligious community.

DUTCHESS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Emily AvisRed Hook, NYLiberal Arts and ScienceEmily was a member of the Eleanor RooseveltCommunity College Emerging Leaders Program. She served as president of theChristian Fellowship Club and as associatejustice for the Student Government Association.

Abdullah KinanPoughkeepsie, NYLiberal Arts and ScienceAbdullah served as president pro tempore of the Student Government Association. He was a member of the Eleanor Roosevelt Community College Emerging Leaders Program and served as a representative onthe National Model United Nation.

Una KittelPoughkeepsie, NYLiberal Arts and ScienceUna served as chair of charters & by-lawscommittee for the Student Government Association, as a representative on the National Model United Nation, and as internand continuing correspondent at UC Magazine.

8 Awardees

Awardees 9

Zoe KozmaPoughkeepsie, NYLiberal Arts and ScienceZoe served as president of the Student Government Association, was in the honorsprogram in Liberal Arts and Humanities, andwas a member of the Eleanor Roosevelt Community College Emerging Leaders Program.

Heather PolgreanLagrangeville, NYLiberal Arts and ScienceHeather served as president of the Phi ThetaKappa International Honor Society, was an All USA Candidate for Phi Theta Kappa, andwas a member of the Eleanor Roosevelt Community College Emerging Leaders Program.

EMPIRE STATE COLLEGE

Dwight AndersonEnglewoods Cliffs, NJLabor Studies Dwight served as the first African-AmericanIBEW (International Brotherhood of ElectricalWorkers) Local 3 “A” Division NegotiatingCommittee Chairperson, co-founded a scholarship and mentoring program at CUNY and participated as a delegate to the International Labor Organization.

Laura DreyerNew York, NYArt Laura was awarded scholarships for academic excellence. She planned events and activities to raise awareness about Brazilianmusic. She volunteered at charitable eventsfor the elderly, and participated in benefit concerts to raise money for music education.

Tamla HtooLiverpool, NYAmerican Sign Language Tamla served as a leader of the SyracuseDeaf Refugee Community and received recognition for her work with the deaf refugeecommunity in Syracuse. She served as leaderof mission trips to Thailand and Burma.

Edward Shevlin IIIRockaway Park, NYIrish and Irish American Studies Edward was twice awarded a Fulbright Scholarship for Irish Language Summer Studyand he has been the recipient of the ThomasManton Award given by the New York CityCouncil. He received the Distinguished Service Award from the NYC Department of Sanitation.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND FORESTRY

Peter ConnellOceanside, NYEnvironmental Resources EngineeringPeter served as president of the Undergraduate Student Association. He wasactive in student leadership and was a studentrepresentative on the ESF College FoundationBoard of Directors and the ESF Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Kristy NorthrupMarmora, NJEnvironmental Science & ChemistryKristy is a participant in the ESF Honors Program and was president of the ESF MusicSociety. She served on the National ResourceConservation Science Earth Team, and participated in a sub-aqueous soil survey effort in the central-coastal region of New Jersey.

ERIE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Lylia AlkhatibCheektowaga, NYEntrepreneurshipLylia was on the dean’s list, served as a campus tour guide, student ambassador, andserved as facilitator for Celebrate ECC. Sheserved as a volunteer with WNY’s PreciousPaws.

Kevin BarnesPhiladelphia, PAMental Health and Substance AbuseKevin was a Hank Pirowski and MichaelWashousky Memorial Scholarship recipient,served as an academic mentor, a volunteerfootball coach and youth minister at a community church.

Sorren CookeCheektowaga, NYCriminal JusticeSorren was on the dean’s list, received theJason R. Yoder Memorial Scholarship, servedas a student ambassador, and performed volunteer work with Buffalo’s family-focusedGateway Longview. He published articles inThe Buffalo News.

Terrin HarrisBuffalo, NYDental HygieneTerrin was on the dean’s list, served as student ambassador, and campus tour guide.Terrin served as facilitator of both ECC’s OpenHouse and New Student Orientations, andparticipated in the college’s annual Pet SupplyDrive and Give Kids a Smile Day.

Aaron LewisFort Myers, FLBusiness AdministrationAaron has served as a student ambassador,vice president of the Student Government Association, is a Phi Theta Kappa member,and was enrolled in ECC’s Honors Program.

Derek ReimerBuffalo, NYOffice Management and AdministrationDerek is a U.S. Army combat veteran who served as the Student Government Association president and ECC’s Board ofTrustees’ student trustee. He also volunteeredwith the Wounded Warrior Project, and is amember of Phi Theta Kappa.

FARMINGDALE STATE COLLEGE

Elizabeth CalventeMassapequa, NYBiologyElizabeth was named Veteran of the Year byStudent Veterans of America (U.S. Navy). Shecreated a veteran-to-veteran tutoring system,and was president of the campus VeteransClub.

John CampbellMelville, NYBioscienceJohn won four different scholarships in 2014,while working as a Peer Tutor to chemistryand biology students. As an EMT he also won the Top Responder award from his localvolunteer fire department.

Kristen RanaldoCommack, NYDental HygieneKristen is a member of the Phi Theta KappaHonor Society, and received an honor societyscholarship for academic excellence. Shewas also a top performer on the college’sWomen’s Lacrosse team, which won its conference championship in 2014.

Vianna ReyesFarmingdale, NYBusiness ManagementVianna was a member of the Golden KeyHonor Society, and the Sigma Beta DeltaBusiness Honor Society. She was presidentof the Student Government, and was the campus delegate to the SUNY Student Assembly.

Shannon VollmerWest Islip, NYApplied MathematicsShannon presented at the Mathematics Association of American. She has been anactive member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island, and volunteered with an organization in her community that servedchildren with special needs.

FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Micaela BurkePhoenix, NYAdvertising and Marketing CommunicationsMicaela served as the chair of the campus-wide Student Affairs Committee and the vicepresident of the FIT Student Association forResidential Life. As a resident assistant, sheserved as the president of the Residence HallCommunity Council.

Matar CohenNew York, NYAdvertising DesignMatar won a Best Advertising Campaignaward by Spotify and received a full-page article about her artistic achievements at aleading newspaper. She won Best App Concept Award by the Media Design Club andpublished an article on a leading advertisingagency’s website.

Estefania Garcia-CorreaNew York, NYInternational Trade and MarketingAs president of the Latin American StudentAssociation, Estefania organized the LatinAmerican Musical Celebration, which wassupported by a grant from the FIT DiversityCouncil. She was also the international London and Paris fashion week correspondent for The Source magazine.

Emilee KossClarence Center, NYTextile/Surface DesignEmilee re-instated the Textile and Surface Design Club, served as its president for thepast two years. She won the Textile/SurfaceDesign Adobe Illustrator class competition,and her designs will be printed and sold inThe City Quilter’s Shop.

Elizabeth PulosBrooklyn, NYInternational Trade and MarketingElizabeth was awarded three InternationalTrade and Marketing Scholarships. Sheserved as president of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Club, and she co-authored the Open SUNY Textbook GoodCorporation, Bad Corporation: CSR in theGlobal Economy.

Wen ZhaoHurstville, NSW, AustraliaTextile Development and MarketingWen served as president of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Coloristsat FIT. She won of the 2015 YMA GeoffreyBeene Scholarship Competition. She servedas a member of the 2013 Future Retail Challenge Student Competition at the WorldRetail Congress in Paris.

FINGER LAKES COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Haley PasqualeLivonia, NYLiberal Arts & ScienceHaley received an Honors Certificate. Sheserved as president of Leader Corps, a clubdedicated to serving the student body in activities that build leadership skills, and was senior success assistance with the TRiO Grant.

SUNY FREDONIA

Kaitlyn CrossanDunkirk, NYBiologyKaitlyn performed research at the Universityof Rochester’s Strong Children’s ResearchCenter Summer Scholars Program and wasaccepted into the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. She was a member ofthe Women’s Softball Team and participated in Fredonia’s Honors Program.

Meghan DevineClarence, NYCommunication-Audio & Radio Communication-Media ManagementMeghan was general manager of FredoniaRadio Systems and nominated for two Intercollegiate Broadcasting System awards.She served as captain of the Track and FieldTeam for two years, and was also involvedwith Habitat for Humanity and the Move-InCrew.

Courtney LoiaconoSt. James, NYEnglish & Interdisciplinary Studies-Women’s andGender StudiesCourtney served as an intern at U.S. SenatorKirsten Gillibrand’s Buffalo office, was president of the Women’s Student Union, and a winner in the Rosa Parks ScholarshipCompetition. She was also a tutor in the university’s Learning Center and a mentor for FredLEADS.

10 Awardees

FULTON-MONTGOMERY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Sonali KumarAmsterdam, NYCriminal JusticeSonali served as Student Government Association Treasurer, Peer Tutor Club Treasurer and Club Senator, and the StudentRepresentative on the Fulmont College Association Board of Directors. She receivedthe Fulmont Association of College EducatorsScholarship.

Leanne MercadanteLatham, NYDigital CommunicationLeanne served as Student Government Association Senator for the Graphic Arts and Photography Club and the Club’s VicePresident. She created graphic designs formany clubs and functions on campus and her artwork was selected for display in the Spring 2014 Student Art Show.

GENESEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Ryan CooperAkron, NYAccountingRyan served as president of Phi Theta Kappaand as an orientation leader and student ambassador. He won a resume contest.

Ami CornellPittsford, NYFashion Business MerchandisingAmi served as the student trustee on thecampus Board of Trustees and as an orientation leader and student ambassador.She also served as assistant to the directorfor the Annual Fashion Show.

Maryssa PeirickBatavia, NYBiotechnologyMaryssa served as a member on the Sustainability and EcoFest Committees and a member of the Genesee County Bike LookTrail Project. She won the Spirit Award in the NYS Business Plan Competition.

SUNY GENESEO

Chelsea ButkowskiTonawanda, NYCommunication & Art HistoryChelsea wrote the top paper for the EasternCommunication Association James C. McCroskey and Virginia P. Richmond Undergraduate Scholars Conference, founderof the annual Geneseo Dance-a-thon for theArts and served as feature editor, art & entertainment editor and editor-in-chief of the student newspaper.

Awardees 11

Jack CaradonnaMarkham, OntarioBiologyJack was the captain of the men’s ice hockeyteam for the past two seasons, has been a recipient of SUNY Athletic ConferenceAwards for outstanding academic and athleticperformance. He volunteered at an Ontariohospital doing research in the Surgical Oncology department.

Gordon LyonsAmherst, NYAccountingGordon was named 2014 Capital One Academic All-American, has received numerous awards as an outstanding scholar-athlete and was named Division III BasketballPlayer-of-the-Year. He was an elected member of the Phi Eta Sigma National HonorSociety for academic achievement.

Michael YeeClifton Park, NYPhilosophy & SociologyMichael founded the Phi Alpha Delta Pre-lawfraternity, was named a Presidential Scholarand organized free LSAT preparation coursesfor Geneseo students and members of thecommunity.

HERKIMER COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Korey BunalRome, NYLiberal Arts SciencesKorey is an honors student and a member ofPhi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She played on the 2013-14 women’s basketball team andthe 2014 national runner-up softball team. She served as a volunteer in community organizations providing meals to the elderly.

Rhiannon SteeleLittle Falls, NYTravel & TourismRhiannon was a member of Phi Theta KappaHonor Society, was a student ambassador,served as president of the Herkimer CollegeTravel Club, and was on the swim team. Shealso completed an internship at the Utica Zoowhere she helped coordinate special events.

HUDSON VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

My'Asia ColonCohoes, NYIndividual StudiesMy’Asia served as a freshman senator andvice president of the Student Senate, was active in the college’s Black and Latino Student Union. She established the Cheerleading Club and Pep Squad.

Grace HarrisonHudson, NYIndividual StudiesGrace served as president of the StudentSenate and served on the college Board ofTrustees. She represented the college at theNational Conference on Student Leadershipand obtained leadership certification.

Nathalie McNairSchodack Landing, NYComputer Information SystemsNathalie served as secretary of the StudentSenate and as a member of the women’s soccer and women’s golf teams. She was thefounder of the Web Design, Development andProgramming Club, and was a board memberof the Faculty Student Association.

Alison WimmerTroy, NYPhysical Education StudiesAlison served as a board member of the Faculty Student Association and as vice president of the Physical Education MajorsClub. She was on the women’s soccer teamand received the Region III Academic Awardfor student athletes with the highest academic average.

JAMESTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Shannon GunnellFalconer, NYOccupational TherapyShannon was the Captain of the VolleyballTeam, won the Freshman Scholar AthleteAward, and was selected as a WNYAC All-Conference 1st Team member in the NJCAADivision III Conference.

Sierra RoseCuba, NYCriminal JusticeSierra served as president of Phi Theta Kappa,was an officer in the Criminal Justice Club,and worked as a peer mentor and CertifiedCollege Reading and Learning AssociationLevel I tutor.

SUNY JEFFERSON

Danielle ScottWatertown, NYBusiness AdministrationDanielle served as president of Student Government and as student representative on the Faculty Student Association board ofdirectors. She is a member of the Phi ThetaKappa Honor Society and National Society of Leadership and Success.

Mikayla WarrenChaumont, NYMathematics and ScienceMikayla served as the student leader of Jefferson’s CORE (Campus Orientation andRegistration Educators) student staff andserved as secretary for the dance club. Shevolunteered for the Center for CommunityStudies, Super Science Saturday, and National Science Week.

MARITIME COLLEGE

Marissa CastellanoMohegan Lake, NYMarine TransportationMarissa was the chief navigator aboard thecollege training vessel, managed a team thatplanned a voyage to various ports in the NorthAtlantic. She served as a Learning Centertutor and assistant to the campus’ LicensingDirector.

Charles Scott KuhnNorth Babylon, NYMarine Business and CommerceCharles served as regimental commander. He also served as the lead tutor and assistantcoordinator of the Learning Center. He was onthe Admiral’s list for academic achievementseven times.

MOHAWK VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Elizabeth BrighamWhitesboro, NYGraphic DesignElizabeth received several academic honorsincluding the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Scholarship, the President’s List, and theNorthern Vice President of the Phi ThetaKappa New York Region. She was an ambassador for the art programs and received recognition in Signature Magazine.

Melanie CarlsonRamsen, NYGeneral StudiesMelanie received the MVCC Foundation’sPresidential Scholarship, is in the Phi ThetaKappa Honor Society and the Honors Program. She was captain of the MVCC’s Region 3 Tournament-winning women’s soccer team, and has participated in the Boilermaker 15K Road Race.

12 Awardees

Jennifer RothrockBoonville, NYBusinessJennifer received the President’s ListAchievement Award for three consecutive semesters. She served as secretary andtreasurer for the Returning Adult Student Association, and was elected the vice president of service for the Lambda Betachapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Devin SonneBarneveld, NYChemistryDevin received the President’s List Achievement Award. She served as president of Student Congress, founded the Sustainability Club and the Women in Scienceand Engineering club. She was active in theMath Club, was the Program Board, and waspresident of the Music Appreciation Club.

MONROE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Bethany FletcherWebster, NYDental HygieneBethany was on the Dean’s List since fall2012. She founded the MCC Spirit Committee,worked as a resident assistant and receivedthe Spring 2014 Programming Award.

Paulette HallRochester, NYHuman ServicesPaulette served as treasurer of the HonorableWomen Club and participated in several outreach events. She is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the Peer Assistant Network, and an ordained deacon of the Unity Fellowship Church.

Ekaterina JonesCanandaigua, NYLiberal ArtsEkaterina was vice president of Phi ThetaKappa and chairperson of the Honors in Action Project of her chapter. She was a delegate on Model United Nation Team andserved as student trustee for MCC’s Board of Trustees.

Michael KlugoHorseheads, NYHospitality ManagementMichael served as co-president of the TravelClub and was a resident assistant. He wasawarded MCC’s Athlete of the Week, the Region lll Athlete of the Week in 2014, andthree All American titles as a swimmer.

Rosalyn LoukRush, NYBiotechnologyRosalyn is a member of Phi Theta Kappa andthe MCC Honors Institute. She was named Region lll Swimming Regional ChampionshipsMVP in 2014 and is certified in CPR/AED, first aid, and as a lifeguard with the AmericanRed Cross.

Sarah LoveBuffalo, NYAddictions CounselingSarah was a peer leader in the Damon CityCampus First Year Experience Program and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa. She hasworked on numerous Rochester inner citycommunity projects and was certified as acrisis pregnancy counselor.

Sawinee SachdevBangkok, ThailandLiberal ArtsSawinee is a member of Phi Theta Kappa,served as Honors in Action chair and as aresident assistant. She was chosen to present at the Northeast Regional HonorsConference and at the MCC Scholars Day program on her research about sex trafficking.

Lacey ThomasRochester, NYHealth StudiesLacey is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and served as editor of MCC’s Cabbages andKings literary and arts magazine. She servedon the Creative Writing Committee and wonseveral awards including the John H. KochScholarship and the National Student LiteraryCompetition.

Staci WilliamsRochester, NYHuman ServicesStaci was vice president of the Human Services Club at MCC and a peer leader onthe Damon City Campus. She was selected to represent the student population on the Diversity Council and mentors with WomenHelping Girls.

Zhihao YunGansu, ChinaBusiness AdministrationZhihao is a member of Phi Theta Kappa,served as vice president of the College Project. He has been awarded the Phi ThetaKappa Global Leaders of Promise Scholarshipand Most Distinguished Chapter Officer.

MORRISVILLE STATE COLLEGE

Gilroy AlvarezBronx, NYBusiness AdministrationGilroy was a member of the men’s soccerteam, two-time captain and two-time NEACAll-Conference Selection. He served as acampus tutor/mentor and campus ambassador, and he was selected twice for the New York Model Senate Project.

Shannon GreeneSauquoit, NYHorticulture, Greenhouse ManagementShannon was a leader in the creation and design of the college’s Living Green Wall,served as a teaching assistant and was selected to participate in a campus panel onGenetically Modified Organisms. She startedthe Sauquoit Valley Youth Community Gardenand was an American Youth Soccer Organization coach in her community.

SUNY NASSAU

Priscilla BraakOceanside, NYNursingPriscilla was the co-founder of RejoicingSpirits Ministry. She founded the JusticeLeague, a mentoring organization for youth.She was nominated for the Phi Theta KappaAll-USA Community College Academic Team.

Peter BrancheSeaford, NYMultidisciplinary StudiesPeter served as president of the campuschapter of the Phi Theta Kappa National HonorSociety, served as a senator in the StudentGovernment Association, and the treasurer of the Pre-Law Club.

Hugo ConchaNew Hyde Park, NYHotel and Restaurant TechnologyHugo founded the Nutrition Club, was a newstudent orientation leader, and was a longtimevolunteer at Happiness is Camping – a campfor children with cancer.

Stacy EbbyEast Meadow, NYLiberal ArtsStacy was the president of the ProgrammingBoard, was a student lobbyist for NassauCommunity College at the local and state government levels, and was a new studentorientation leader.

Awardees 13

Chantal EvansJamaica, NYLiberal ArtsChantal was the treasurer of the Speech andDebate Team and won awards in regional andnational competitions. She has been theowner of an e-commerce web site, and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa.

Victor HillergrenWestbury, NYLiberal ArtsVictor was the news editor and a writer forthe student newspaper, the “Vignette”, andwas an All-USA Team Nominee for Phi ThetaKappa. Additionally, he served as a fundraiserand marathon runner for Team for Kids, acharity that promotes healthy lifestyles.

Krystal HollandHempstead, NYCommunication ArtsKrystal was the president of the TransferClub, was a volunteer coach of the UniondaleSchool District PAL Swimming Team andAqua Club, and was the Head Lifeguard of the Uniondale Community District.

Lisa LayHewlett, NYEnglishLisa was a writer for student newspaper, the“Vignette,” and the school’s literary magazine,“Luna”. She was an active member of theWriting Club and the Environmental Club, andregularly performed her music and poetry atcommunity events.

Candace LopezFarmingdale, NYLiberal ArtsCandace served as president of the StudentGovernment Association, was a member ofthe Board of Directors of the Faculty StudentAssociation, Inc., and was a student memberof the College’s Academic Senate. She received the “Long Island’s Best” award foryoung artists for three consecutive years.

Sarah NolanOceanside, NYMedia-CommunicationsSarah was president and founder of the Communications Honor Society, Sigma ChiEta. She volunteered as a conversation partner in the Language Immersion Programfor non-native English speakers, and was an intern at News 12 Long Island.

Paul OddoMassapequa, NYLiberal ArtsPaul served as vice president of the CollegeChapter of Student Veterans of America, andfounded the NCC Veterans Textbook Library.He volunteered many times at the College’sDays of Service.

Wei-Chieh TsengCarle Place, NYLiberal ArtsWei-Chieh Tseng served as president of the Asian-American Club and the Vice President of the Biology Club. He performedinternationally as a violinist with the WorldCivic Orchestra.

Sarah TurkiewBethpage, NYMusicSarah has been acknowledged as a highly accomplished saxophonist with numerousperformances in a wide variety of venues.She performed at music events on a regularbasis to raise awareness of autism and forother worthy charities in communities onLong Island.

SUNY NEW PALTZ

Fatima IsmailRed Hook, NYMathFatima served as a research aide for the Research Foundation for the State Universityof New York. She was a member of the SUNYAC All-Academic Team and the Commissioner’s List and has been acknowledged for her contributions in Dr. David Clark’s Real Analysis textbook.

Anne JacobsNew Rochelle, NYCommunication & Media and Media ManagementAnne served as the NPC-TV station manager,the College's student-run television station,and was president of the Phi Phi Chapter ofAlpha Epsilon Phi Sorority. She completed internships at The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and VH-1.

Brittany NobleSchenectady, NYEarly Childhood & Childhood Education B-6Brittany served as a student ambassador andtour guide for undergraduate admissions. She served as a participant of the College’sAlternative Spring Break Program and was aRegional Investigative Judicial Council TeamMember for the Kappa Delta Phi National Affiliated Sorority.

Alyssa StockMorris Plains, NJAdolescent Education in Earth ScienceAlyssa was a member of the National HonorSociety of the Earth Sciences. She served ascaptain of the College’s field hockey team andwas recognized as member of the NationalField Hockey Coaches Association NCAA IIINorth Atlantic Region First Team.

Miriam WardRye, NYHistory and Digital Media ProductionMiriam was awarded competitive scholarships from the New York Women in Communications Foundation, Meredith Corporation, Broadcast Education Associationand National Association of Broadcasters.She held internships at The Rachel MaddowShow, Thirteen WNEPT, Meredith Corporation,New York Women in Communications Foundation, among others, and was a presenter at the CUNY Graduate School Medieval History Conference.

NIAGARA COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Brigitte ArnetBlasdell, NYNursingBrigitte served as the Student-Faculty Curriculum Liaison for the Student NursesAssociation. She volunteered for Locks ofLove since 2002, and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and the Student Nurse Association.

Emma-Lee Gray-BlasczienskiFulton, NYAnimal ManagementEmma-Lee served as president of the Resident Hall Association, vice president of the Student Programming Board, leader of the fall 2014 Orientation Committee, volunteered for Bald for Bucks and the Cancer Awareness Relay for Life, and servedas a member of the Zoo Crew.

Olivia SpitzerLockport, NYHuman ServicesOlivia served as president of the Student Programming Board and student trustee of the Student Senate and Board of Trustees,volunteered for Locks of Love, Western NewYork Developmental Disabilities Services Organization, Weinberg Nursing Home, and the Niagara County Community CollegeFoundation 5K Run.

14 Awardees

NORTH COUNTRY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Courtney BoyeaChateaugay, NYIndividual StudiesCourtney served as the captain of thewomen’s soccer team and was a member ofthe basketball and softball teams. She was therecipient of the 2014 Outstanding Math Awardand recognized by Rotarians for providingService above Self.

Jedediah BrownSaranac Lake, NYWilderness Recreation LeadershipJedediah was a member of Phi Theta Kappaand was recognized for his experience as aneducator in the environmental and wildernessfield. He designed a volunteer internship program for the Wilderness Recreation Leadership department. In addition he tutoredstudents in psychology courses.

OLD WESTBURY

Yuvraj SinghValley Stream, NYBiological SciencesYuvraj served as vice president and public relations officer of the Science Club, co-authored a scientific research paper, and volunteered as a tutor and mentor for the Honors College.

Melody TomlinsonManhasset, NYEnglishMelody was a writing consultant in the WritingCenter, published six pieces in Harmonia, theCreative Writing Journal and Discordia, theScholarly Journal. She volunteered at a localchurch.

SUNY ONEONTA

John Anthony BarnasVerplanck, NYMusicJohn Anthony received two grants to studyorchestral conducting and comparative analysis of classical composers, won anaward for residence hall programming, and was chosen to perform an original composition at New Music Focus week.

Colton CoxWashingtonville, NYEnglishColton served as managing editor of Art &Scope Literary Magazine, and chaired the NewCritics Literature and Composition Conferencein 2013 and 2014. He was the first recipient ofthe college’s English Department Scholarshipand won an Alumni Association Scholarshipand Wellman Scholarship.

Marvin RodriguezGreenport, NYComputer ScienceMarvin interned at the White House Initiativeon Educational Excellence and participated inthe SUNY Brain Summer Scholars Program.He received the Susan Sutton Smith StudentAward for Academic Excellence, RichardSiegfried Student Scholar Award, and theBest & Brightest Award, and is a member of the Chi Alpha Epsilon and Phi Eta Sigmanational honor societies.

ONONDAGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Karim Abdel-RazekPort Said, EgyptArchitectural TechnologyKarim has been on the president’s list eachsemester, served as an honors program student ambassador, and worked as a docentat Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil WarNational Endowment for the Humanities traveling exhibit.

Sai AungYangon, MyanmarBusiness AdministrationSai served as the vice president of the Student Association, student advisor for the Learning Center Student Advisory Council, and peer connector, helping students register for classes.

Bertina BaileyMarathon, NYCriminal Justice and HumanitiesBertina was on the President’s List, served asa resident assistant, and received the StudentLeader of the Semester Award.

Alena CerroLiverpool, NYElectronic Media CommunicationAlena served as vice president for public relations for the Alpha Sigma Zeta chapter ofthe Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, was anhonors program student ambassador andcommittee student representative. She was anintern at the External Relations and Marketing& New Media departments.

Robert Greg FreitagSyracuse, NYHospitality ManagementGreg was medaled at the Empire State Gamesand has been accepted to compete in twoevents at the National Senior Games in Minneapolis. He has been recognized for high academic achievement.

Gregory GuevaraWeedsport, NYLiberal Arts & SciencesGreg served as president of Alpha Sigma Zeta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, presented an Organic Chemistry Environmental Research project at the Green Works Expo,and organized a fundraiser for a pediatriccancer charity.

COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY

Kathleen AbarrHope Valley, RIOptometryKathleen served as vice president and fellowof the student chapter of the American Academy of Optometry. She was the first author on a poster presentation at the organization’s annual meeting in 2014 and a member of the International OptometricHonor Society, Beta Sigma Kappa.

Rima BakhruEdison, NJOptometryRima served as Student Council president andas a teacher and mentor for CSTEP students.As a volunteer she conducted eye exams athomeless shelters as part of NYSEE 20/20,and at the Special Olympics event. Rima organized a month-long diabetes awarenesscampaign for the community.

SUNY ORANGE

Moriah BrockMiddletown, NYEngineering ScienceMoriah is president of SUNY Orange’s Middletown campus Student Senate, was amember of the College’s Honors program andserved as a tutor in the Math Lab and Library.

Shane LadenChester, NYLiberal ArtsShane served as president of the College’sVeterans Club, was elected as a member of the Student Senate and served on the College’s Veterans’ Task Force investigating additional ways in which SUNY Orange couldintegrate and support veterans.

Awardees 15

Matthew RomanoNewburgh, NYBusiness AdministrationMatthew served as president of the Newburghcampus Student Senate and treasurer of thesecretary to the campus Board of Activities.He presented research papers at College andregional conferences, and volunteered thelocal Humane Society.

SUNY OSWEGO

Dianora De MarcoBronx, NYAccountingDianora served as president of the Student Investment Club, was on the team for the 2013College Fed Challenge and served on theSchool of Business Student Advisory Board.She and her sorority established a fundraiserfor an Oswego boy with a rare cancer.

Joshua DrakeFulton, NYBiologyJoshua served as president of the Habitat forHumanity Club, was a volunteer with MentorOswego, Head Start and Oswego Hospital. He received college grants for work in evolutionary genetics and presented scholarlyposters at a symposium.

Molly MatottLiverpool, NYMeteorologyMolly served as Chief Meteorologist at thestudent station, WTOP-TV. She coordinatedresearch for a multi-university lake-effectstudy and appeared on the Weather Channelwith Al Roker. She was A Meteorology Clubofficer and peer tutor, she was active in theDel Sarte dance club.

David OwensCato, NYStudio ArtDavid presented a solo show at the Auburn’sSchweinfurth Memorial Art Center. He was acartoonist for the student newspaper, was achurch volunteer, and founder of a companyto accept freelance work.

Eyub YegenSchwaebisch Gmuend, GermanyFinance and Applied Mathematical Economics Eyub has presented his research internationally, including China and Dubai;published articles in peer-reviewed journals;and has been a SUNY Big Data Fellow andpresident of the Turkish Culture Club, International Student Association, FinancialManagement Association and Future AlumniNetwork Advisory Board.

SUNY PLATTSBURGH

Franco FigueroaTorreon, MexicoLatin American StudiesFranco was designated head delegate to the2015 Washington, D.C. Model Organization ofAmerican States, served as president of theSUNY Plattsburgh Inter-Fraternity Counciland as an intern for Aaron Woolf, the 2014Democratic candidate for Congress.

Yessenia FunesUniondale, NYJournalism, Magazine and Environmental StudiesYessena served as editor-in-chief of theaward-winning in-flight magazine, DoNorth:Touring the Adirondack Coast, and presentedat the College Media Association NationalConference, was selected to participate in theNew York Times Student Journalism Institute,and has been a contributing writer for USAToday College, Yes! Magazine and the GristOrganization.

Abigayle PloetzEden, NYMusic and TheaterAbigayle has studied abroad at Florence University of the Arts representing the SUNYsystem abroad, was selected to perform andcompete for the Irene Ryan Scholarship at theKennedy Center American College TheaterFestival, and served as an intern at theSpringville Center for the Arts.

Natalie SpiessSharon Springs, NYPolitical Science & Gender and Women’s StudiesNatalie served as president for the Center forWomyn’s Concerns, served as chief organizerfor the annual Take Back the Night rally andmarch for campus and community membersfor the last three years, and served as an intern in Washington, D.C. at EMILY’s List, thenation’s largest political action committee andresource for women in democratic politics.

SUNY POLY

Jenjira HtooUtica, NYInformation Design & Technology Jenjira helped found a regional student groupthat helped refugees begin new lives in Uticaand organizes activities to promote peace andunderstanding between cultures. She was invited to be a guest lecturer at Webster University to speak on war and conflict inBurma.

Jeffrey ReedBroadalbin, NYElectrical Engineering Technology Jeffrey coordinated student mentors for a series of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) workshops for innercity, elementary school children. He worked to develop a nonprofit organization to promoteeffective recycling of e-waste in NYS.

SUNY POTSDAM

Gregory ShillingNew Windsor, NYMusic EducationGregory wrote, produced and performed original music to raise awareness and fundsfor various charities through his Keep Livin’Project, named after a song he wrote for hissister. He has raised funds for the SynovialSarcoma Research Fund, and created a new“Mr. and Ms. Universe-ity” contest, whichraised funds for SUNY Potsdam’s GreatestNeeds Fund.

Brady TurnerPotsdam, NYSpeech Communications & HistoryA dedicated admissions ambassador, Bradyhas led more than 50 tours on campus, servedas the food and hospitality chair for Relay forLife. He assisted the student conduct office asan intern, where he studied trends in alcoholviolations.

Bailey WeigelEast Amherst, NYBusiness AdministrationBailey is a recipient of the Mount EmmonsScholarship. She was captain of the Women’sBasketball Team and was a member of theWomen’s Lacrosse Team, wherein she was anAll-Conference Selection and honored withthe Chancellor’s Scholar Athlete Award.

PURCHASE COLLEGE

Steven BrownNew York, NYArts Management James served as a Campus Outreach Internfor the Office of Community Engagement aswell as a Resident Assistant. He received the Gilman Scholarship and became a StudyAbroad Advocate. He received the ACT Award for Excellence and Student InitiativeScholarship.

16 Awardees

Anna KrolFreeport, NYLatin American Studies and SociologyAnna served as captain of the swim team.She was presented with the Outstanding Junior in Sociology Award for a strong academic record. She volunteered to providecare and companionship to terminally ill patients with Hospice of Westchester. She excels at her sport by serving as Captain ofthe Purchase Swim Team.

Tyler MadellBuffalo, NYEnvironmental Studies and Political ScienceTyler conducted research on the politicalmovements that brought about NYS frackingban and has been invited to present at a National Conference. He served as PSGA Director of the Broken Spokes Bike Shop and he served 10 weeks in Costa Rica as aTropical Ecology Field Research Assistant.

SUNY ROCKLAND

Aaminah AleemSpring Valley, NYMathematics and ScienceAaminah served as a member of the DiversityCouncil Committee. She earned induction intoPhi Theta Kappa and the National Society forCollegiate Scholars, and interned more than140 hours at Good Samaritan Hospital.

Patricia McEniryChestnut Ridge, NYLiberal Arts and Criminal JusticePatricia established the Veterans TextbookLending Library on campus. She was inductedinto the SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society and the Speech National Honor Society and received nine awards for academic success and leadership, includingthe Criminal Justice Certificate of Achievement in Academic Excellence.

Ellen MutterPiermont, NYMathematicsEllen conducted research at Stony Brook University on a neurological condition while at Rockland Community College, studied at the University of Cambridge’s ShakespeareSummer School, and served as president ofthe Gay Straight Alliance on campus.

SCHENECTADY COUNTY CC

Sean CochraneSchenectady, NYHuman Services & Chemical Dependency Counseling Sean served as president of the VeteransClub, was a student mentor, and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.He has volunteered as a basketball coachwith the Boys and Girls Club.

Casey FrankowskiEast Greenbush, NYLiberal Arts Casey was a member of the Women’s BowlingTeam - NJCAA National Champions, wasawarded All-American status by the NationalJunior College Bowling Coaches Association.She was a member of Phi Theta Kappa HonorSociety, served as a member of the StudentAffairs Committee, and participated in WorldYouth Day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY

Cassandra DixStanwick, NYBiochemistryCassandra was a teaching assistant, won twoAmerica East Championships with the tennisteam and was named to the America EastConference All-Academic Team.

Jheison GiraldoBrentwood, NYBiochemistryJheison was a teaching assistant and adancer in the Stony Brook PerformanceDance Ensemble and served as a member ofthe Undergraduate Biochemistry Society. He also worked as an emergency medicaltechnician in the busiest district for Emergency Medical Services on Long Island.

Shannon GroganEastampton, NJCoastal Environmental StudiesShannon was a two-year captain of the NCAA Division I women’s soccer team and was on the America East ConferenceWomen’s Soccer All-Academic Team. Shealso served as a student ambassador.

Qurat-ul-ain GulamhusseinLevittown, NYPsychologyQurat-ul-ain was the recipient of a BenjaminA. Gilman International Scholarship and aURECA (Undergraduate Research & CreativeActivities) Summer Fellowship. She receiveda President’s Volunteer Service Award fromthe National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

Julia JosephPelham, NYBiochemistryJulia served as vice president of PACE (Planning to Achieve Collegiate Excellence)and editor-in-chief of Stony Brook Young Investigators Review. She also was the recipient of a Rockefeller University SummerUndergraduate Research Fellowship Award.

Jaclyn LattanzaPort Jefferson Station, NYJournalismJaclyn was a Golden Key International Honour Society Scholarship recipient, served as a student ambassador and wasvoted Homecoming Queen of 2014.

James LeonardGreenport, NYBiologyJames was awarded a $10,000 LivestrongCommunity Impact Project Grant and foundedthe Stony Brook chapter of Camp Kesem, asummer camp for children who have had aparent with cancer. He also served as a student ambassador.

Jay LoomisStony Brook, NYMusicJay was the recipient of the Angela & DexterBailey Award – URECA (Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities) Summer Research Grant and an Arthur S. Lambert Memorial Scholarship for music. In addition,he was a presenter and performer at a StonyBrook University TEDx event.

Marina MestresMedford, NJChemical and Molecular EngineeringMarina was named to the Academic HonorRoll of the Intercollegiate Women’s LacrosseCoaches Association and elected captain ofthe Women’s Lacrosse Division I Program.She was a member of the American Instituteof Chemical Engineers.

Janagan NaahanathanRichmond Hill, NYBiologyJanagan was a teaching assistant and a participant in the URECA (Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities) Explorationsin STEM program. He organized and participated in medical and educational volunteer programs at a Sri Lanka refugeecamp.

Awardees 17

Sanat PatelNew York, NYBiochemistry & PhilosophySanat served as vice president of the Biochemistry Society and volunteered morethan 600 hours of service as an AmeriCorpsEducation Award Program participant. In addition, he was a pediatric anesthesiology intern with Children’s Hospital of NY-Presbyterian.

Matthew SaccoMassapequa, NYEnglish & PhilosophyMatthew was a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and the founder and president of SUFA (Students United forAction). He also was the founder of the LightUp the Dark peer education campaign, whichfocused on sexual assault awareness and prevention.

Olivia SanchezBaldwin, NYPsychology & Italian StudiesOlivia was named a JFEW-SUNY Global Affairs and International Relations Scholarand served as the founding secretary andpresident of the Stand Up Charter AgainstBullying and Homophobia. She also was selected for an internship at the CarnegieCouncil for Ethics in International Affairs.

Eric SpeakmanNapier, New ZealandBusiness Management & EconomicsEric was named a two-time America East individual champion in cross-country, was the recipient of an Outstanding AcademicAchievement Award and a Chancellor’sScholar Athletic Award. He also was themen’s school record holder for the indoor mile and outdoor 1500m.

SUFFOLK COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Melissa BurmesterEast Moriches, NYAmerican Sign Language StudiesMelissa served as vice president for the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and was a Get There From Here Scholar. She was a recipient of the Coca-Cola Leaders of PromiseAward administered by Phi Theta Kappa.

Nicholas ContessSmithtown, NYBusiness AdministrationNicholas is a Phi Theta Kappa All-New YorkRecipient, served as president of the AlphaZeta Nu Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and was recognized by Alpha Zeta Nu as a distinguished member. Nicholas has earneddean’s list recognition for overall academicachievement.

Steven CurcioPatchogue, NYLiberal Arts Steven is a Phi Theta Kappa All-New York Recipient, served as a senator of the StudentGovernment and event coordinator of theCommunity Service Club. He helped organizethe College’s first spirit week and representedthe student body at various political and legislative meetings.

Brianna DiPaolaBayshore, NYLiberal Arts & SciencesBrianna was a Get There From Here Scholar,was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and was arecipient of the Fischer Scholarship, and theService and Leadership Award for the TheatreClub.

Larissa EllermanSayville, NYLiberal Arts Larissa was captain of the Women’s Basketball Team, volunteered as a tutor, helping students with calculus and physics.She represented Suffolk County CommunityCollege’s Intramural programs through various fundraising events.

Julie HeitlebandPatchogue, NYLiberal Arts & Sciences and Paralegal StudiesJulie was a Get There From Here Scholar,served as campus orientation leader and peermentor. She was a member of the College’sEquestrian Team and volunteered at IslandVeterinary Hospital of Coram.

Brittany ImproteLynbrook, NYBaking and Pastry ArtsBrittany is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and has earned Dean’s List Recognition forthree consecutive semesters. Brittany interned with an experienced pastry chef at a well-known café in Florence, Italy.

Carmeline Jean-FrancoisBrentwood, NYLiberal ArtsCarmeline was a Get There From HereScholar and served as president of theAfrican American Student Union. She represented the student body at various political and legislative meetings. She workedas a Student Aide in the College’s Advisingand Testing Office.

Victoria LohwasserFarmingdale, NYLiberal Arts & SciencesVictoria, a member of Phi Theta Kappa,earned dean’s list recognition for three consecutive semesters. She was Editor-in-Chief of the Western Student Press andserved as Sigma Kappa Delta Historian.

Satoko MatthewsEast Patchogue, NYCulinary ArtsSatoko, a Phi Theta Kappa All-New York Recipient, was president of the Culinary andBaking Arts Club and served as a senator inthe Student Government Association. Shewas captain of the Knowledge Bowling Teamand was a member of the American CulinaryFederation.

Raymond PageSayville, NYLiberal ArtsRaymond was editor-in-chief for the CompassNews and a former 2-term Vice President ofFellowship, Phi Theta Kappa (Alpha Zeta NuChapter). He also served as the AmmermanCampus Liaison of the Academic IntegrityCommittee.

Emily RooneyWest Islip, NYLiberal Arts & SciencesEmily, a Phi Theta Kappa All-New York recipient, was in the College Honors Program,served as president of Phi Theta Kappa: AlphaDelta Gamma Chapter, and was a recipient ofthe Presidential Transfer Scholarship, Stay onLong Island Initiative (SoLII).

Tricia WildmanHuntington, NYLiberal Arts & SciencesTricia, a Phi Theta Kappa All-New York Recipient, served as senator on the StudentEngagement Committee, was vice president ofScholarship for Phi Theta Kappa. She was aPeer Mentor and planned the College’s firstSpirit Week.

SUNY SULLIVAN

Anna DexheimerWoodborne, NYPsychologyAnna served as secretary of the PsychologyClub and received the Student GovernmentAssociation Club Award for her participationin the Psychology Club. She serves as a squadcrew member for the Neversink Ambulance.

18 Awardees

TOMPKINS CORTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Nola BoothIthaca, NYLiberal Arts and SciencesNola organized a fundraiser, Walk AgainstHunger, raised money for the Ithaca KitchenCupboard. She received the President’s Citation, the College’s most selective academic recognition. She also earned aprestigious Bartels Science Illustration Internship at Cornell University’s Lab of Ornithology.

Margaret CarletonIthaca, NYInternational StudiesMargaret founded the TC3 Intercultural Club, to offer a place for students to learnabout new places, new people, and new perspectives. She received a President’s Citation and is a member of Phi Theta Kappaand presented a peer-to-peer workshop for professional college tutors.

Amy MooreDryden, NYNursingAmy was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and served as co-president of the College’schapter. She organized a roadside cleanupevent and served as a member of the PantherWelcome Crew in support of the College’s orientation program.

SUNY ULSTER

Lindsey DuganKerhonkson, NYBusiness AdministrationLindsey served as an association director ofthe Student Government Organization and attended SUNY Ulster tuition free as a CollegeScholar for her rank in the top 10% of her highschool graduating class. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and was an intern in the Admissions Office in the Digital MediaAmbassadors Program.

Brody MaloneySaugerties, NYHumanities & Social Science - Early & ChildhoodEducation B-6Brody was on the Baseball and BasketballTeams, volunteered as an Assistant BasketballCoach for the Saugerties Athletic Association.He is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and hasbeen named to both the President’s andDean’s Lists for his academic achievements.

UPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY

Thomas FranzonSyracuse, NYMedicineThomas served as president of the AlphaOmega Alpha medical honor society, was avoting member of the College of Medicine Admissions Committee, and was inducted in to the Gold Humanism honor society. He received the first place award at the New YorkCollege of Physicians Poster Competition.

Samuel MackenzieSyracuse, NYMedicine & NeuroscienceSamuel served as the sole student representative to the American Medical Association board of trustees. He receivedthe National Research Service Award as well as the Combining Clinical and Research Careers in Neuroscience Symposium Travel Award.

SUNY WESTCHESTER

Kyria AhoWhite Plains, NYBusiness AdministrationKyria was an Honors student, studied at Cambridge University in England during aspecial summer program and was named tothe position of Phi Theta Kappa Vice Presidentof the New York Southern District. She was aKathryn W. Davis Global Scholar and earned afull scholarship.

Thomas CobbCortlandt Manor, NYLiberal Arts and SciencesThomas was the president of the StudentGovernment Association and served as anorientation coordinator. He served as treasurer of the college’s Making A DifferenceClub, which was involved with service andcivic responsibility projects.

Craig CodellaNew Rochelle, NYLiberal Arts & HumanitiesCraig served as the president of the Westchester Events Board, and served as Orientation Leader/Peer Advisor. He was aparticipant in the Clinton Global Universitywhich involved projects to address pressingchallenges in contemporary society.

Emily EliseoValhalla, NYBusiness AdministrationEmily was an Honors Program student, received a Key Award, the college’s highesthonor for contributions to student life. She was also the President of the Entrepreneurship and Networking Club.

Gregory GaafarYonkers, NYLiberal Arts Gregory was a member of the college’s Boardof Trustees. He volunteered at a local soupkitchen and served as an orientation leaderand peer advisor.

Jason IsoliniLake Peekskill, NYVisual ArtsJason was named A Chi Alpha Epsilon HonorSociety member. He created and facilitatedthe Build-a-Board skateboarding program forelementary school students, and his artworkwas selected for display at a SUNY art show.

Santiago Leon MartinezCroton on Hudson, NYBusiness AdministrationSantiago Leon was a participant in the highlyselective Commit to Change Leadership Series, and was vice president of the PhiTheta Kappa Honors Society’s College Project, which involved working with the college administration on a special outreachproject to former students.

Nicole RobertsonGarrison, NYRadiologic TechnologyNicole served as the vice president of the Student Government Association. She was a Kathryn W. Davis Global Scholar, served as New York State representative to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists Student Leadership Development Program.

Sakile StephensonMount Vernon, NYLiberal ArtsSakile served as secretary of the StudentGovernment Association, was a member ofthe Honors Program, and volunteered with the Larchmont Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

The Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence

The Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence was created to recognize studentswho have best demonstrated and been recognized for the integration of academicexcellence with accomplishments in the areas of leadership, campus involvement,athletics, community service, creative and performing arts, or career achievement.

Each campus president established a selection committee, which reviewed exemplary members of their college communities who are graduating this year.Nominees were forwarded to the Chancellor’s Office for a second round of review,and finalists were recommended to the Chancellor to become recipients of theChancellor’s Award for Student Excellence.

This year, we honor 256 students from each of the 64 institutions within The State University of New York. Recipients of this year’s award have an overallgrade point average of 3.7 and records of significant contributions to their campuses and communities.

Each recipient receives a certificate and a medallion that may be worn at commencement.

Congratulations to this year’s awardees!

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Empire State Plaza Convention Center | Albany, New York | www.suny.edu

CHANCELLOR’S AWARDfor Student Excellence