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

CHANCELLOR’S AWARD forStudent Excellence

April 4, 2013

Dear Students, Family, and Friends,

It is a pleasure and an honor to join you today to recognize

some of the most gifted and talented students within

The State University of New York. The achievements of

these students speak to their hard work and dedication,

as well as the support provided by their families and

friends, while underscoring the vast range of educational

opportunities available across our SUNY system and the

high quality of our faculty and staff.

As we continue to move forward with SUNY’s ambitious strategic plan, The Power of SUNY, we need students like these to exemplify our commitment to revitalizing

New York’s economy and improving the quality of life for all New Yorkers in every

community throughout the state.

The students with us today have combined outstanding academic excellence with

significant contributions to their institutions, their communities, the state, and in some

cases, the world. We are extremely proud of their achievements and look forward to

applauding the impact they will have as they lead and shape the future.

Thank you for joining us today to celebrate these accomplished students.

Sincerely,

Nancy L. ZimpherChancellor

2 Introduction

Events 3

WELCOME

Kevin ReaStudent Trustee and

President of the Student Assembly

REMARKS

Dr. Nancy L. ZimpherChancellor

PRESENTATION OF AWARDS

Student performances for today’s program features Sankofa from The College at Brockport and

The Earthtones from the University at Albany.

RECEPTION IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE CEREMONY

ALFRED STATE COLLEGE

Courtney CardianlDepew, NY | Forensic Science Technology and Biological SciencesCourtney served as president of the StudentSenate. She is one of the founders and vicepresident of Live to Fight, an organizationdedicated to raising cancer awareness, andfundraising for cancer related causes.

Alexander PacificPotsdam, NY | Technology ManagementAlexander serves as late night event coordinator, as intern in a pilot program management, and as student ambassador.

NYS CERAMICS AT ALFRED UNIVERSITY

Stephanie GieraHernando-Ocala, FL | Art History and TheoryStephanie is president of the Art HistoryClub. She established the SHOPTALK LectureSeries highlighting local artists and organizeda community Thanksgiving for students.

Samuel MillerKinsman, OH | Material Science and EngineeringSamuel was on the Vice President AdvisoryCouncil. He is a mentor for students in the“Big Brother” program, and wrote two articlesfor the American Cancer Society.

BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY

Taylor ArluckRego Park, NY | Economics and Philosophy, Politics and Law Taylor was the president of the College Democrats. He was an intern with the NewYork Times, and a contributing columnist with the Binghamton Review, a student runmagazine.

Natalia ChapovalovaPleasantville, NY | PsychologyNatalia was the founder of the national publication, Undergraduate Psychology Review.She is an interpreter for Russian mentalhealth patients at the Mental Health Associ -ation of the Southern Tier, and tutored students in Binghamton’s Educational Opportunity Program.

4 Awardees

ADIRONDACK CC

James CottenGlens Falls, NY | NursingJames’s accomplishments include being therecipient of the Academic Excellence Awardfor Therapeutic Communication, serving asthe student speaker at the nursing programpinning ceremony, as well as serving as the student representative to the NursingProgram.

Mallory McGavinMalta, NY | Liberal Arts and SciencesMallory’s accomplishments include creating a market with organic produce, grown oncampus. She served as the president of the Green Communities Club, and started aweekly program to learn about growing food.

UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY

Samantha ArpinoBrooklyn, NY | Women’s Studies and Communication Samantha served as the director of program-ming for the Student Association, as a housingmanager in the University Apartments, andshe instructed a course in the Women’s Studies Department.

Lauren BaileyEndwell, NY | Political Science and Public HealthLauren’s accomplishments include workingas a student assistant and member of theRockefeller College Dean’s Leadership Council, as well as presenting and publishingher research.

Matthew CurranHauppauge, NY | Public PolicyMatthew served as the director of marketingfor the Student Association, as a Purple andGold Student Ambassador for the Alumni Association, and he is also a member of theHandball Association.

Emily FinneganNiskayuna, NY | Political Science and Globalization StudiesEmily’s accomplishments include being chosen as the 2012 City of Albany TulipQueen, being a member of the Cross CountryTrack and Field team, and senator in the Student Association.

Zachary GriebGoshen, NY | PsychologyZachary is the volunteer co-director of theTae Kwon Do Club for Inner City Kids. He also organized a resume day for psychologymajors in addition to being a member of theintramural soccer team.

Samantha HizaBinghamton, NY | Human BiologySamantha worked as a community assistantfor the World of Sustainability, volunteered atthe Roarke Food Pantry, and served as thepresident of the Optometry Club.

Amaury MunozBrentwood, NY | Public Policy and Political ScienceAmaury’s accomplishments include being selected as a 2012 Thomas R. Pickering Undergraduate Foreign Affairs Fellow, beingthe recognized as one of the 2013 40 Under40 Rising Latino Stars from the HispanicCoalition of New York, and serving as thepresident and founder of the Heart of Justiceorganization dedicated to fighting humantrafficking.

Megan NymanOswego, NY | Public PolicyMegan served as a management assistant for the Department of Residential Life, as anorientation assistant for new student orienta-tion, and as the president of the College Democrats.

Jennifer PollardRexford, NY | Human BiologyJennifer’s accomplishments include beingaccepted to Albany Medical College throughthe early assurance program, conducting research in Tanzania for her senior thesis, as well as volunteering with the Five QuadVolunteer Ambulance Service.

James WisniewskiElmont, NY | Political ScienceJames served as vice president of the ClubBaseball Team. He is a member of the CampusRecreation Club Sports Advisory Council, andthe American Marketing Association.

Awardees 5

Nicholas FleschOntario, NY | MathematicsNicholas is a peer mentor and math tutorwith the Student Learning Center and EOPprogram. He also participated in Habit forHumanity, and he served as a student representative on the selection committee for the Dean for the School of Science andMathematics.

Yuko HashimotoSendai-Miyagi, Japan | DanceYuko was published in an academic journalon Physical Education, Health and SportsSciences in Japan. She created a new studyabroad program “Arts and Culture of Japan,”and for two consecutive years she presenteddance research at the National Dance Educa-tion Organization Conference.

Alexis SchmidtkeNew York, NY | Athletic Training and Exercise ScienceAlexis is a group exercise and personaltrainer, and is involved in intramural sports.She regularly volunteers in the community asa soccer and lacrosse coach with the NiagaraPolice Athletic League.

Amy VanhooftBrockport, NY | MathematicsAmy coauthored a peer-reviewed paper and received Outstanding Poster Award atthe Mathematical Association of AmericaConference. She is the treasurer of theChristian Fellowship/Brother & Sisters inChrist Club, and volunteers on campus and in the community.

BROOME CC

Jennifer CelibertiNewark Valley, NY | Business Administration and AccountingJennifer was a recipient of the George Eastman Young Leader Awards for academicachievement and leadership. She participatedin Adopt-A-Family Winter Magic Program,and was the most valuable player of theNewark Valley Basketball team.

Gwendolyn NievesSidney, NY | Clinical Laboratory TechnicianGwendolyn is the director of environmentalaffairs for the SUNY Student Assembly. Sheis a student assembly senator, and is an assistant in the Admissions Office.

Connor D’AndriaVestal, NY | Industrial and Systems EngineeringConnor is a peer advising leader and residentassistant. He was a community serviceleader for the annual charity auction thatraised thousands of dollars for local flood relief organizations.

William MarsigliaHoltsville, NY | Biochemistry and MusicWilliam was the student representative on the Undergraduate Research Office Imple-mentation Team. He coauthored an article in a peer-reviewed journal, Molecular Pharmacology, and is a Goldwater Scholar-ship recipient.

Qianli MenShanghai, China | AccountingQianli is the co-founder and vice president ofStudent Action in China, a service learningorganization. He is the assistant to the Business Advisor of New York State SmallBusiness Development Center, and was astudent assistant in the Career DevelopmentCenter.

Chelsea ReomeCincinnatus, NY | Human Development and PsychologyChelsea is the director of High Hope CrisisPrevention and Information Hotline. She is anundergraduate teaching and research assis-tant, and interned with the United Way ofBroome County.

Jordyn SuhrWebster, NY | Integrative NeuroscienceJordyn is a member of the American EastConference Volleyball All-American Team.She is a building manager for campus recreation and a research assistant in theBinghamton Mood Disorders Institute.

Megan WatkinsBallston Spa, NY | Mechanical EngineeringMegan was a research intern at the ChineseAcademy of Sciences, Institute of Physics inBeijing. She was the leader of the intramuralsoccer and volleyball teams, and a member of the pep band.

THE COLLEGE AT BROCKPORT

Laura ClarkMarcy, NY | Spanish, Women and Gender StudiesLaura represented Brockport regionally as amember of the Sankofa African Drum andDance Ensemble. She lived in a Mayan villagein Guatemala and taught English, and was aresident assistant for two years.

Hailey WigginsHarpursville, NY | Music IndustryHailey was the student member on the Com-mit to Complete Committee and worked withadministrators to plan a campus wide event.She is president of the college choir, and amember of the Broome Student Ambassadors.

SUNY BUFFALO STATE

Kira BruceBoise, ID | PsychologyKira interned with Erie County Forensic Mental Health Services. She is a member ofthe Women and Gender Book Club, and was a part of the cheerleading squad in BuffaloState’s Athletic department.

Sara CrippsRochester, NY | Music EducationSara was president of Students in Music andorganized events and activities that broughtmusic into the campus and community. Sheorganized a “Battle of the Bands” CannedFood Drive, and was a vocal teacher to 6-9thgraders at Nardin Academy

Ismet MamnoonWilliamsville, NY | Creative StudiesIsmet was a co-founder and program leaderof Camp UpRising, a youth camp. He is alsothe co-founder and program leader of TheBeyonder Academy, an international creativeprogram for children, and he was a facilitatoron Governor Cuomo’s Regional EconomicDevelopment Council.

Paige OttavianoPort Colborne, Ontario, Canada | Business and Marketing EducationPaige served as president of the StudentAthlete Advisory Council, as member on theBuffalo State Task Force, and as tutor at alocal elementary school.

Amanda PrattHolland, NY | Physical Geography and WritingAmanda is an editorial assistant with MiddleStates Geography. She is a wildlife educatorat Hawk Creek Wildlife Center, and a memberof the wilderness adventure club.

SUNY CANTON

Zachary SmithLisbon, NY | Industrial Technology ManagementZachary volunteered to lead and manage theconstruction of a primary school in SouthSudan and started a construction and con-tracting business that he owns and operates.

John PaynePort Moody, NY | Sports ManagementJohn served as the president of the SportsManagement Student Association, the VicePresident of the Student Athlete AdvisoryCommittee, and served on the SustainabilityCouncil in addition to serving on the Inter -collegiate Athletics Board.

CAYUGA CC

Catherine FanningUnion Springs, NY | Geographic Information SystemsCatherine presented as a panelist on “CurrentChallenges and Success: Student VeteranLeaders Speak” and “Boots to Books: Transi-tioning Veterans from Military to College,” andwas selected as a Who’s Who Among Stu-dents in American Universities and Colleges.

Brian KnappWaterloo, NY | Liberal Arts and SciencesBrian served as photographer for the studentnewspaper and member of Phi Theta Kappaand the National Barrel Horse Associationand World Show Qualifier.

SUNY COBLESKILL

Marten Peterson Oswego, NY | BiotechnologyMarten served as captain and instructor ofthe student medical squad and orientationleader. He presented research on geneticallyengineered drought.

Maii ZikryEgypt | CommunicationsMaii served as a resident assistant, presidentof the international club, and delegate forModel United Nations.

6 Awardees

UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO

Jay AminRochester, NY | Biomedical Science and EconomicsJay carried out and presented research forthe FDA, served as academic assistant, andshe served as a tutor on campus.

Maxwell BileschiWebster, NY | Mathematics and Computer ScienceMaxwell’s accomplishments include havingdeveloped and sold proprietary software, inaddition to being recognized for communityservice with the Webster House of HOPE Social Justice Ministry, making Christmasshoeboxes for local housing developments.

Elise BlasingameAtlanta, GA | Social WorkElise founded and developed programming fora female sexuality workshop, re-structuredand revived programming at a local non-profit,and served as president of the Society ofFeminist.

Paul GarmanWebster, NY | Chemical Engineering and MathematicsPaul’s accomplishments include being amember of the Men’s Swimming and DivingTeam, that were Mid-Atlantic Conferencechampions in 2011, being recognized as themost improved swimmer by the Swimmingand Diving Program. He also held severalcompetitive internships at chemical engi-neering firms.

Sourobh GhoshPittsford, NY | Mechanical Engineering and EconomicsSourobh co-founded and served as presidentof the Honors Student Council and served aschief organizer of the Annual Honors recruit-ment Dinner. He presented at “Discovery—An Undergraduate Research Showcase."

Sharlene GreenStaten Island, NY | African American Studies and Political ScienceSharlene served as the co-founder and president of the UB Fight for Power Club,dedicated to student activism and awareness,the class vice president of Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity, and the elected representa-tive for the Ellicott Sixth Ward for Erie County.

Megan KlyczekClarence, NY | Biomedical SciencesMegan completed over 400 hours of commu-nity services, co-authored a research project,and served as member of the rowing team.

Matthew LeibowitzRonkonkoma, NY | Mechanical Engineering andAerospace EngineeringMatthew served as team captain of the AIAAMicrogravity Club and member of Tau BetaPi, and was a Zimmer Award Scholar.

Peter OldaniClymer, NY | Biomedical EngineeringPeter founded and served as president of the Biomedical Engineering Society, foundedan electronics recycling initiative, and volunteered at a church, a hospital, and internationally.

Daniel SalemLiverpool, NY | Chemical EngineeringDaniel served as the co-founder and vicepresident of the Tennis Club in addition tobeing recognized for his community servicewith the Buffalo Public Schools Interdiscipli-nary Science and Engineering Partnershipand the Freshman Colloquium Service Learning Project.

Marlee SrokaLiverpool, NY | MathematicsMarlee founded the “Senior Showcase” forthe Theatre & Dance Department, and wasselected to choreograph for the AmericanCollege Dance Festival and the university’sproduction of “The Threepenny Opera.”

Paul StephanPittsburgh, PA | Social SciencePaul published a climate action plan for theStudent Association and many articles forGeneration Magazine about drug studies, academic dishonesty and mental health, andserved as a teaching assistant for freshmanhonors colloquium.

Lauren StutzmanElma, NY | Chemical EngineeringLauren served as president of Tau Beta Pi andgrant writer for Engineers for a SustainableWorld. She completed a research intern shipon the development of thin film solar cells.

Jessica WaltsNorth Syracuse, NY | Dance and PsychologyJessica served as the assistant to the directorof the Dance Department and as dance edu-cation specialist for Bridging CommunitiesThrough Dance, as well as volunteered forOut of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk.

Awardees 7

COLUMBIA-GREENE CC

James BurnsGermantown, NY | Social ScienceJames served as the student representativeto the campus Board of Trustees, as the vicepresident of the Student Senate, and is therecipient of the 2011-2012 Leader on theHorizon.

Jonathan HalliganCornwallville, NY | Business AdministrationJonathan served as captain of the Men’sBasketball and Men’s Baseball teams, as astudent ambassador for the Office of Admission, and he was also recognized asthe 2012 Male Student Athlete of the Year.

CORNELL-AGRICULTURE & LIFE SCIENCES

Sarah Ashley MacLeanEscondido, CA | Natural ResourcesSarah is the founder and president of theBirding Club. She won best student presenta-tion at an international science conference,and went to the United Arab Emirates as a finalist in an art contest.

Ava RyanBrooklyn, NY | Agricultural SciencesAva has made substantial contributions to thecommunity through the Cornell CooperativeExtension. She is a sustainability coordinatorwith Cornell Dining, and is a compost educa-tor with the CCE Master Composter TrainingProgram.

CORNELL-HUMAN ECOLOGY

Carlie ArbaughElverson, PA | Human Biology, Health, and SocietyCarlie is a research assistant for the Divisionof Natural Sciences, and created her own internship, which she used at Sisterhood Mobilized for AIDS/HIV Research & Treatmentin NYC.

Alice CopeCosta Mesa, CA | Policy Analysis and ManagementAlice co-authored an article that was pre-sented at a national conference. She is research assistant in the Policy Analysis and Management Lab, and was the VarsityVolleyball service chair.

CORNELL-INDUSTRIAL & LABOR RELATIONS

Shane SeppinniRocklin, CA | Industrial and Labor RelationsShane is an editorial columnist and boardmember for the Cornell Daily Sun. He was aHansard Scholar at the London School ofEconomics, and did a Grassroots Researchand Advocacy Movement in India.

CORNELL-VETERINARY MEDICINE

Melissa AndritzHanacroix, NY | Veterinary MedicineMelissa was the senior delegate to the National Student American Veterinary Medical Association. She is a student super-visor at the campus Wildlife Clinic, and was ateaching assistant at the Summer College.

Dana PeirceIthaca, NY | Veterinary MedicineDana was the co-director of the SouthsideHealthy Pet Clinic, a bi-weekly student runclinic for pets of economically disadvantagedfamilies. She is the vice president of the Sur-gery Club, and active in competitive rowing.

CORNING CC

Matthew KellySparta, NY | Computer Information ScienceMatthew is the voting student representativeto the Corning Community College Board ofTrustees. He served as student representa-tive when Senator Gillibrand visited campus,and volunteered with the Salvation Army.

Danielle StamppCorning, NY | MathematicsDanielle is a lab assistant for General BiologyI & II. She is a student disability tutor and volunteers with the Corning-Painted PostSmall Fry Football League.

SUNY CORTLAND

Erik BurrowsCicero, NY | Political ScienceErik was awarded the Atlantis Mobility Fellowship for study of public administrationand policy at Manchester Metropolitan Uni-versity in the United Kingdom. He is the president of the golf club, and was a firstyear experience teaching assistant.

Jessica EvansHamburg, NY | Physical EducationJessica served as captain of the Swimmingand Diving Team, and president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. Sheregularly volunteers in the community.

Kristen GuercioSmithtown, NY | Adolescent EducationKristen is the captain of the volleyball team,and was selected as the national player of theweek twice. She has volunteered with theToys for Tots program and “Girls Day Out”

Lima StaffordGrenada | Physical EducationLima served as the president of the CaribbeanStudent Association, as a resident assistant,and served as a student teaching assistant inthe Physical Education Department.

SUNY DELHI

Meghan WallaceRoxbury, NY | Liberal Arts and SciencesMeghan served as the treasurer for the Campus Voice Club, she spearheaded the“Operation Christmas Child” campus-widedonation program, and she served as studentcoordinator at the O’Connor Center for Community Engagement.

Satoshi YamamotoFukoka, Japan | Business AdministrationSatoshi’s accomplishments include being the recipient of the Student Life CitizenshipAward, serving as an orientation leader forincoming Japanese students, and being recognized for her community service workas Community Service Leader of Excellence.

SUNY DOWNSTATE MEDICAL CENTER

Amirfarbod YazdanyarBrooklyn, NY | Molecular and Cellular BiologyAmirfarbod authored three peer reviewedjournal articles and a book chapter, served as president of the graduate school studentcouncil, and volunteered at Kings CountyHospital.

Mary ZengRochester, NY | MedicineMary served as a member of Alpha OmegaAlpha and College of Medicine AdmissionsCommittee, and visiting student researcherfor the National Institute of Mental Health.

DUTCHESS CC

Kayla DelBiondoHopewell Junction, NY | Liberal Arts and SciencesKayla served as student ambassador, asModel United Nations delegate, and has participated in a field study looking at NativeAmerican culture in the American Southwest.

Amy FuerstPleasant Valley, NY | Human ServicesAmy is the vice president of the HumanServices Club. She is a New York State certified rape crisis counselor, and shehelped organize and participate in a “Out ofthe Darkness” community walk to benefit theAmerican Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Lauren MolellaMillbrook, NY | ScienceLauren was a Model United Nations delegate.She is an anti-bullying leader with Rachel’sChallenge, a series of student empoweringprograms, and she volunteers regularly atcampus events.

Tristan ZukowskiPoughkeepsie, NY | Adolescent EducationTristan received the Model United NationOutstanding Position Paper Award. He is alongsword instructor, and creator and de-signer of custom fencing jackets that areused for practices and tournaments.

EMPIRE STATE COLLEGE

Sean CoffmanBarberton, OH | Social Theory, Social Structureand ChangeSean is a published journalist for the HighPlains Reader. He is a volunteer leader in humanitarian and response organizations asa marketing and advertising designer, and heis the Vice Chair of Cass Clay Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters.

Michele Cooper Liverpool, NY | Communication and WritingMichele wrote two comprehensive trainingmanuals and curriculums on the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. She createda not-for-profit company to build and manageall aspects of a 2.5 million community iceskating facility and she earned a gold medalat the U.S. Adult National Figuring SkatingChampionships.

Travis KuhnsJamestown, NY | Literary StudiesTravis is a published creative and non-fictionwriter. He is a public relations guide with theNational Association of Rocketry Chapter,and he volunteers in different activities in thecommunity.

Jeannie LockwoodJohnstown, NY | Labor StudiesJeannie was the first United States Interna-tional Brotherhood of Electrical Workers ap-prentice selected to attend a one month onthe job exchange program in London. She isan instructor at Non-Traditional Employmentfor Women, a non-profit working to bringwomen into higher paying jobs, and sheserved as class representative.

Lisa MichaelsRotterdam, NY | English EducationLisa was the recipient of the Dean’s Medalfrom the School for Graduate Studies andwas a teaching assistant at Farnsworth Middle School. She is an editor of the NewYork State Reading Associations’ quarterlynewsletter The Empire Reading Scene.

Jason TorreanoSyracuse, NY | Liberal StudiesJason founded Inkululeko, a non-profit organ-ization in Grahamstown, South Africa. He is arecipient of the Spirit of Syracuse BehavioralHealthcare Award, and the Graduate DiversityFellowship.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND FORESTRY

Aislinn BrackmanSyracuse, NY | Paper EngineeringAislinn is the president of the UndergraduateStudent Association. She is a teaching assistant for Principals of Mass and EnergyBalance, and she regularly volunteers andserves on the Board of Directors of The VeraHouse, a non-profit that supports people affected by domestic and sexual abuse.

Eugene LawSyracuse, NY | Environmental Resources EngineeringEugene is student representative to the campus Board of Trustees. He is a liaison tothe Syracuse University's Student Associa-tion, promoting campus students interests,and he served as orientation leader.

ERIE CC

Michael BalonOrchard Park, NY | Information TechnologiesMichael will be graduating with an AAS in only12 months. He volunteers with the Sisters ofMercy with computer questions and otherneeds, and he provides sound servicesthroughout Erie County for musicians andlocal municipalities.

David BrummerCheektowaga, NY | Liberal Arts and SciencesDavid is a student ambassador. He regularlyvolunteers at the Buffalo Psychiatric Center,and teaches guitar and piano to children withdisabilities.

Samuel KochLackawanna, NY | Business AdministrationSamuel received the Student of the YearAwards from the Pathways Department. He received SUNY Emerging Leader Award,and he is the student representative of thetransportation committee.

James McKeehanLancaster, NY | Architecture and Construction TechnologyJames is the student representative on theArchitectural Advisory Board. He createdplans and drawings that were presented tothe Lancaster Town Board, and was selectedas a team leader for Earth Day activities.

Crystal Rea MurnoBuffalo, NY | NursingCrystal is president of the Nursing Club andSunday School teacher. She participated inthe Leadership Symposium led by the SUNYStudent Trustee.

Vicky SickauEden, NY | BusinessVicky is the first female member of the EdenVolunteer Fire Department. She is an Englishtutor on campus, and has had three poemspublished in ECC’s Images.

8 Awardees

Awardees 9

FARMINGDALE STATE COLLEGE

Christie DeeksMalverne, NY | Dental HygieneChristie is the treasurer of the Student’s ofthe American Dental Hygienist Association.She volunteers with Give Kids a Smile eventproviding free oral healthcare exams to children from the community and withAutism Speaks.

Jessica MicallefSmithtown, NY | Professional CommunicationsJessica is the assistant editor for Lilith Feminist Magazine. She received the MatherHospital Junior Volunteer Award for loggingover 300 hours community service and sheheld two internships.

Tara PollaWantagh, NY | NursingTara is a member of the board for NursingHonor Society. She is a campus tutor and spenttime in Breezy Point helping homeowners recover from the effects of Hurricane Sandy.

FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Augusta FallettaIslip, NY | Advertising and Marketing CommunicationAugusta is the vice president of programmingfor the Student Association. She is a residentassistant and is a published editorial writer atStyleCaster Media.

Brittany HarrisEdison, NJ | Technical DesignBrittany was the Student Association’s firstvice president. She is a resident assistantand is a co-chair and committee member ofDance-A-Thon, a charitable organization.

Nicole LordenPeabody, MA | International Trade and MarketingNicole is president of the International TradeAssociation. She was the executive boardtreasurer for the Student Association andwas selected by the International Trade and Marketing Department to research and co-author Cotton Import-Export Manual.

Julia SinelnikovaBrooklyn, NY | Fine ArtsJulia is the lead organizer in Urban Studio,FIT’s club for fine arts and public arts. She was a leader and active volunteer incommunity art associations in Brooklyn andBushwick, and served as a chief/co-curatorfor over ten exhibits.

Anubhuti SwarupNew York, NY | Advertising Marketing CommunicationsAnubhuti served as president and vice president of alumni affairs in the Student Association. She was the founder of the FITStudent Alumni Shadowing Program.

Madeline ThompsonNew York, NY | Fashion Merchandising ManagementMadeline is a member of the Faith and Fellowship Club and brought members ofFalling Whistles, to FIT to discuss protests for peace in the Congo. She is a writer forW27, a student newspaper.

FINGER LAKES CC

Julie BrooksHolley, NY | Athletic TrainingJulie is a member of the basketball, soccer,and track & field teams. She was selected torepresent FLCC in the PTK All USA Scholar-ship competition, and she helped organizethe Honoring Heroes at Hickory Ridge GolfTournament.

Tami CocuzziMacedon, NY | Graphic Design and Business AdministrationTami is the vice president of the FLCC artclub. She is a peer tutor at The Write Placeand was honored with the Rochester AreaCollege’s Continuing Education OutstandingAdult Student Award.

SUNY FREDONIA

Rachael CocciaVictor, NY | Public RelationsRachael is the host and associate producer of Aqua Kids, a national children’s televisionshow, and is the host and scriptwriter forThe Raphy Report, a student interest web series. She has volunteered for Relay for Lifeand Up ‘Til Dawn.

Hannah DelanskyEast Amherst, NY | Childhood Inclusive EducationHannah is a student teacher and steeringcommittee member as candidate in the Fredonia-Hamburg Program, and is a co-founder and secretary for campus Rotaract.She also was a teaching assistant for EthicalLeadership and Experienced Leadershipcourses.

Maxwell DeNiesEast Aurora, NY | BiologyMaxwell was a recipient of the NFS summerfellowship to perform research at MarquetteUniversity; publication of his work is pending.He was president of the Men’s VolleyballClub, and he regularly volunteers as a duetviolist at Elma United Methodist Church.

Sarah FicarroOswego, NY | Communication Disorders and SciencesSarah is the captain of the Women’s VarsitySwimming and Diving Team, and has partici-pated in various community service projectswhile on the team. She is a six time NCAA All-American Diver and Academic All-American.

FULTON-MONTGOMERY CC

Santa PumpuraBalozi, Latvia | Business AdministrationSanta is the treasurer of the Student Govern-ment Association. He is a volunteer in the tutoring lab, and was selected to participatein the SUNY 6-year program with a professorfrom the college.

Aaron WhiteBroadalbin, NY | Electrical Engineering TechnologyAaron is President of the Student Govern-ment Association. He was a recipient of theAdvanced Technological Education Award forExcellence from the National Science Foun-dation, and he is a volunteer firefighter withthe Broadalbin-Kennyetto Fire Association.

GENESEE CC

Samantha CallisherBatavia, NY | Fashion Merchandising ManagementSamantha is president of the Distributive Education Club of America. She was chosento mentor under Maria Pesin Vice Presidentat S. Rothchild & Co. and volunteers with theGenesee Council on Alcohol and SubstanceAbuse Fashion Show.

Suzanne SmithGeneva, NY | Communication and Media ArtsSuzanne is a self-published author of a memoir/inspirational novel for those with obstacles to overcome when faced with cancer. She was appointed VP of Marketingfor the GCC Multicultural CommunicationsClub and is a cancer coach at the RoswellPark Cancer Institute.

Samantha VogtWest Seneca, NY | Fashion Merchandising ManagementSamantha is the student trustee on the campus Board of Trustees. She was a producer of a bridal fashion show, and a resident assistant for the College Village.

SUNY GENESEO

Jessica CarlJohnson City, NY | Childhood and Special EducationJessica is an award winning vocalist. Shehas received the Geneseo Opportunities forLeadership Development Emerald, Silver, andBronze certification, and she is a member ofCircle K International.

Olivia DerellaWest Nyack, NY | PsychologyOlivia was the head research assistant onsibling and peer research project and shepresented the research findings at an inter-national conference. She is the president of Student Eliminating Ableism through Advocacy.

Melissa GrahamOrchard Park, NY | BiologyMelissa was awarded the Community Advo-cates Ambassadorship in Community Servicegrant. She was the captain of the Women’sBasketball team and is a resident assistant.

Delfin IglesiaBranchburg, NY | BiologyDelfin participated in a summer abroad research program with The National Instituteof Health at The University of the Philippines.He was the organizer of multiple programs inthemed residence halls and campus-wide ondiversity education and he is a member of thejazz band and Bhangra Dance Team.

HERKIMER COUNTY CC

Abby BlackTurin, NY | Social ScienceAbby is the team captain of the Women’sSoftball Team and is a first team All-American,All-Region, and All-Conference selection.She did an internship with the Lewis CountyOpportunities non-profit agency and workedwith low income families providing them with food, clothing, and other household necessities.

Shane DelameterArkville, NY | Physical TherapyShane is president of the Physical TherapyAssistant Club. He was the assistant headcoach for Little League Baseball and volun-teers at different campus events.

HUDSON VALLEY CC

Devin BradyBallston Lake, NY | Business AdministrationDevin was freshman class senator in HVCC’sstudent senate. She participated in the DisneyCollege Internship Program, and volunteeredwith the entrepreneur and senate with Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.

Eugene CorcioneAlbany, NY | Business AdministrationEugene is a board member on the FacultyStudent Association. He is the vice presidentof the Student Senate, and he was a Hurri-cane Sandy relief volunteer with FEMA onStaten Island.

Fatima HussainTroy, NY | Individual StudiesFatima was a participant in the National College Media Convention. She is presidentof the campus chapter of Phi Theta Kappa,and she was a member of the EnvironmentalSustainability Committee.

Zachary PearsonGhent, NY | Computer Aided DraftingZachary is currently a 4-H leader and has received awards for his service. He is a tourguide and tutor on campus.

Robert SpainAlbany, NY | Civil Engineering TechnologyRobert is an honor guard with Patriot Flight,a community group whose mission is to bringsurviving WWII veterans to see the memorialbuilt to honor their service and sacrifice. He is a contributing author with the campusnewspaper, Threads, and is a volunteer firefighter.

Matthew WhalenTroy, NY | Business AdministrationMatthew is the senior class senator on theStudent Senate. He was nationally certifiedas a student leader by The National Centerfor Student Leadership and is a member ofthe Safety Committee.

10 Awardees

JAMESTOWN CC

Brittany BraceJamestown, NY | Physical Education StudiesBrittany is co-captain of the Women’s Volleyball Team, and she was named WNYACAll-Conference 1st team. She volunteers atlocal elementary schools through the YWCAof Jamestown.

Danelle TurneyJamestown, NY | Social ScienceDanelle is president of the Jamestown Community College Phi Theta Kappa chapter.She is a member of the swimming and divingteam and was named to the NJCAA AllAmerican Team.

JEFFERSON CC

Cassandra DavisLufkin, NY | Human ServicesCassandra is the chair of the Budget & Finance Committee for the Student Govern-ment. She was honored with a Certificate of Appreciation from the U.S. Army for hercontributions to Family Readiness Groups,and she is a certified rape crisis advocate.

Erich HorethWatertown, NY | General ScienceErich was a participant in the HowardHughes Biomedical Research Program. Hewas the Phi Theta Kappa representative atthe NYS Regional PTK Conference, and he is a peer tutor.

MARITIME COLLEGE

Martin BrownNew Hope, PA | Naval ArchitectureMartin enlisted in the United States Navy as anaval aviator. He was honored as a memberof the Capital One Academic All-DistrictFootball Team, and is the Alpha CompanyCommander, leading and mentoring 25 underclass Midshipmen.

Daniel McDonaldNew Hope, PA | Naval ArchitectureDaniel was the co-captain of the OffshoreSailing Team, the vice president of the Blue & Gold Society, and supported volunteer activities in the local community.

Awardees 11

MOHAWK VALLEY CC

Andrew PlattCamden, NY | Engineering ScienceAndrew is a member of the Engineering Science Club. He is a math and chemistrytutor, and a member of the Food ServiceCommittee.

Carlos PulquerioBoonville, NY | BiologyCarlos is the president of the Student Congress. He is an active member on theprogram board, and has participated in numerous community events such as the Intergenerational Clean Up, American HeartRun, and Hurricane Sandy Relief work.

Pawser SoeUtica, NY | International StudiesPawser is an orientation leader for traditionaland returning adult students. She is active inthe International and Women in Science Clubs,and she is involved in community organiza-tions such as the American Red Cross andNew York State Migrant Education Program.

MONROE CC

Alexandra Gilbert-SchragRochester, NY | General StudiesAlexandra is the vice president of the Student Association. She is co-captain of the Dance Team, and she organized the Lollypop Farm fundraiser.

James GutowskiRochester, NY | Business and EconomicsJames is captain of the Men’s Baseball Team.He is an aide in the Athletic Department, andassists with baseball campus teaching youngchildren the basics of the game.

Elizabeth KennedyFairport, NY | ChemistryElizabeth is president of the campus chapterof Phi Theta Kappa. She was awarded theChancellor’s Educational Pipeline BiomedicalResearch Award and is a regular volunteerwith Foodlink restocking and distributingfood to people in need.

Christopher MorrisRochester, NY | Liberal Arts and SciencesChristopher is the vice president of the campus chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. He is an investigative writer with the school news-paper Monroe Doctrine, and he created anaward winning short documentary film.

Amy MyerJohnsonburg, NY | NursingAmy is the president of the Student NursesAssociation. She facilitated “Welcome Day”for first year incoming nursing students andshe volunteers with Compeer of Rochester,working with adults with mental illness.

Chelsea ReedRochester, NY | General StudiesChelsea assists the Office of Student Life andLeadership Development in facilitating newstudent and family orientation. She is a peermentor and resident assistant.

MORRISVILLE STATE COLLEGE

Cora MasonSilver Spring, NY | Agricultural Business DevelopmentCora served as representative at the NewYork Farm Days in Washington D.C., was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa, and participated in the Northeast Regional Inter-collegiate Dairy Challenge.

Hai NguyenHo Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Architectural Studies and DesignHai’s accomplishments include serving as president of the American Institute of Architecture Students and member of PhiTheta Kappa, as well as placing first and third in the NYS Mathematics Association of Two-Year Colleges Competition.

NASSAU CC

Anil AdhikariLevittown, NY | EnginerringAnil is the vice president for the campuschapter of Phi Theta Kappa. He is the secre-tary of the South Asian Student Associationand placed second in the New York StateMathematics Associations of Two-Year Colleges Competition.

Joy AdlerHicksville, NY | MusicJoy is a soloist and section leader in the Nassau Community College Chorus. She isvice president in two campus clubs and secretary in another, and she is a volunteertutor in Music Theory.

Jean ChenWestbury, NY | Liberal Arts and SciencesJean is vice president of the Student Government Association, chair of the Election Review Board, and a student orientation leader.

Janelle ClausenWantagh, NY | Liberal Arts and SciencesJanelle served as the interim editor-in-chief,features editor, and copy editor of the studentnewspaper Vignette. She participated in theannual breast cancer awareness walk andexpo, and was praised by NCC’s Blood DriveTask Force for her coverage of the event.

Jennie EagleBrooklyn, NY | Liberal Arts and SciencesJennie is president of the Achilles Club. She is a performer in The Third Street MusicSchool settlement, and is a member of thecampus chapter of Phi Theta Kappa.

Sandra GarciaJericho, NY | Fashion Buying and MerchandisingSandra is president of the Fashion Club. Shevolunteered with her church to help out afterHurricane Sandy to assist people who werein need and was the promotional stylist forthe campus Prom Boutique.

Jennifer JacksValley Stream, NY | Hotel Technology AdministrationJennifer opened her own jewelry businessand raised funds for her local community.She regularly devotes time working with children who have developmental disabilities,and is a Disney campus representative.

Logan KenneyLong Beach, NY | Liberal Arts and SciencesLogan is president and chair of the StudentGovernment Association. She is an orientationleader, and is an Assistant Youth Leader ather church leading discussions and teaching.

Kathleen LeeHicksville, NY | Social WorkKathleen is a student orientation leader. She is a youth soccer and softball coach andregularly volunteers to mentor at Long IslandYouth Mentoring.

Pierre MombeleurEast Meadow, NY | Math and SciencePierre is president of Haraya, the Pan-Africanstudent organization on campus. He is thetreasurer of the Student Government Associ-ation and has received many awards for academic and leadership excellence.

12 Awardees

Megan MurphyMineola, NY | CommunicationsMegan is the writer and editor of the sportsection for Vignette, the student newspaper,is a starter on the Women’s Volleyball Team,and a recipient of the Student ActivitiesAward.

Desiret NuesiBaldwin, NY | Liberal Arts and SciencesDesiret is the president of Baldwin’s WomenChoir. She is a student orientation leader and a regular volunteer with Nassau CountyDepartment of Health, where she is involvedwith the HIV/Aids Awareness Program.

Brittany ThomasBaldwin, NY | Business AdministrationBrittany is an academic senator in the Student Government Association. She is the vice president and choreographer of theHip-Hop Urban Dance Team, and she is anorientation leader.

SUNY NEW PALTZ

Faith HassellEast Meadow, NY | Industrial and Organizational PsychologyFaith is the president of campus chapter ofUp ‘Til Dawn, raising awareness and fundingfor St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.She has been a resident assistant for threeyears, and is the founder and student directorof the handbell and flute choir.

Kimberly LeporeStandfordville, NY | PsychologyKimberly published an article and presentedit at a national conference, is the captain ofthe Women’s Field Hockey team, and a regularvolunteer at the local Humane Society.

Destiny Denise SaldivarWashington Heights | PsychologyDestiny was the co-founder and vice president of Impact Sensual Dance Team.She is a resident assistant and peer mentorto first-year students in the Educational Opportunity Program.

Marissa StephaniDeer Park, NY | Interpersonal-Intercultural CommunicationMarissa’s case study placed first in theNortheast Affiliate of College & UniversityResidence Halls in December 2012. She is both a resident assistant and campus ambassador.

Chelsea StokesLong Island, NY | EnglishChelsea is the station manager and talk showhost at WFNP New Paltz Radio and held twosummer internships at Harvard and ColumbiaUniversities as a resident assistant for highschool programs.

NIAGARA COUNTY CC

Alexandra GancazBarker, NY | Liberal Arts and SciencesAlexandra served as the president of theTutor Club, the secretary of the Student Senate, in addition to serving as an orienta-tion leader for incoming students.

Kensia RussellAppleton, NY | MusicKensia’s accomplishments include being recognized for her community service withthe Music Ministry Team, Kids for Christ, andthe Buffalo City Mission, in addition to teach-ing piano and voice lessons.

Charitie BruningLockport, NY | Liberal Arts and SciencesCharitie’s accomplishments include being the recipient of the 2011 Leader of the YearAward from the Lockport Family YMCA forover one-thousand hours of community service, serving as a Day Camp Counselorfor the YMCA, and being a member of theNCCC Teacher Education Club for aspiringteachers.

NORTH COUNTRY CC

Kaylan ShortChamplain, NY | Criminal JusticeKaylan served as the secretary of the StudentGovernment Association, and as the captainof the Cross Country Team, in addition tobeing the recipient of multiple athletic recog-nitions, including North Country Athlete ofthe Year and Academic NJCAA All American.

COLLEGE AT ONEONTA

Emily HunterCooperstown, NY | HistoryEmily served as the treasurer of the HistoryClub, she moderated at the CooperstownSymposium on Baseball and American Culture, and she has been recognized twicewith Oneonta’s Best and Brightest Award.

Dylan NealisDelhi, NY | EnglishDylan published an article that is forthcomingin The Thomas Wolfe Review, will presentanother paper at the 35th Thomas Wolfe Society Conference and was an active participant in Oneonta’s Ghana Learn andServe Program.

ONONDAGA CC

Benjamin CleetonPittsfield, NY | PhotographyBenjamin published photographs and wrotean article on the Legend’s Series of Jazz inthe student newspaper, The Lazer. He camein 2nd place in the student art show for digi-tal photographs, and volunteers with MediaUnit, a non-profit youth acting group.

Sophie JacksonMarcellus, NY | Childhood EducationSophie is a member of the Women’s Softballand Soccer Teams. She received 2nd All Region and All Conference for softball andsoccer and was nominated to serve as thestudent trustee on the campus Board ofTrustees.

Jenna JohnsonEffingham, IL | Business AdministrationJenna served as the captain of the Women’sBasketball Team and received an honorablemention for her participation in the Women’sBasketball All-Tournament Team from theMid-Atlantic Conference, and she is a regularvolunteer with the Otisco Fire Department.

Sarah RadfordCicero, NY | Business AdministrationSarah is president of the Student Associationand the campus chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success as wellas regularly volunteers at the local SalvationArmy serving food to the homeless.

Garrett SissonSchenectady, NY | HumanitiesGarrett served as a student representative onthe Presidential Search Committee. He is thecaptain of the Men’s Basketball Team and amember of Phi Theta Kappa.

Sheralyn WellmanSyracuse, NY | MusicSheralyn is a member of Phi Theta Kappa.She placed 3rd in a musical awards competi-tion, and was the assistant stage manager forSyracuse Opera’s performance of “Tosca.”

Awardees 13

COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY

Antonio ChirumboloPittsburgh, PA | OptometryAntonio served as a senior member on theCore Leadership Team and Business and Finance Journalist on optometrystudents.com,the head tutor for academics and clinicalskills in optometry, and has been recognizedfor his work with the Special Olympics as avision screener.

Irene TranParsippany, NJ | OptometryIrene completed a research project in a ten-week period through the National Eye Institute summer fellowship and presented a lecture and poster on it and she ranked inthe top three of her class.

ORANGE COUNTY CC

Molly McNeetyMiddleton, NY | Liberal Arts and SciencesMolly served as the founder and president ofthe English Club, she was an intern on the2013 Presidential Inaugural Campaign, andshe was the organizer of campus voter registration drive.

Nicholas ZazziNewburgh, NY | EconomicsNicholas served as the president of Alpha Nu Chi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, as an invited voting member of the Honors Advi-sory Board, and as a peer mentor for newstudents enrolled in the Honors Program.

SUNY OSWEGO

Elizabeth CanfieldOswego, NY | MusicElizabeth was selected to participate in asummer piano study at the University ofCincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.She performed Mozart’s Double Piano Con-certo with the College Community Orchestra,an was selected to perform for the openingof Laveck Concert Series.

Evangeline CanfieldOswego, NY | MusicEvangeline was selected to perform at theSUNY-wide Faculty Senate Plenary Show-case. She volunteers as a piano instructorand accompanist performer with young pianists in the Central New York community,and she participated in an intensive study ofthe Art of the Piano summer program.

Barbara CiceronBrooklyn, NY | Political Science and Communication StudiesBarbara secured a grant and coordinated acampus-wide Women’s Conference focusedon sexual assault and domestic violence. She is the director of programming in theStudent Association and did a service learning experience in New Orleans.

Adam SzymaniakMarcellus, NY | BiochemistryAdam worked on four major research projects and submitted a publication to Microwave. He presented his work at five regional or national conferences and received numerous awards.

Jon WhitelawHuntsville, Ontario | Adolescence EducationJon is a two time captain of the Men’s IceHockey Team. He was named SUNYACRookie of the Year and First Team ALL-SUNYAC, and has reached the Frozen Fourevery season he has played on the team.

SUNY PLATTSBURGH

Rory CarrollPlattsburgh, NY | BiologyRory is the founding president of the WildlifeClub. He had his work published in a peer reviewed undergraduate research journal,and completed an internship with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center in Forest Ecology.

Michelle HaynesPlattsburgh, NY | Art History and English LiteratureMichelle presented a poster of her seniorthesis at a national conference of the Paleopathology Association. She was selected as the Winter CommencementSpeaker through a competitive process, andvolunteered with three separate organiza-tions in Israel.

Mackenzie KilkearyPlattsburgh, NY | BiologyMackenzie conducted DNA research on Maya skeletons that led to presentations at anational conference for the National Associa-tion of Biology Teachers and NortheastSigma Research Xi Research Symposium.She is the co-founder of Uke-A-Dooks aukulele club that teaches students how toplay the instrument.

Timothy Maggio Palmyra, NY | Public RelationsTimothy is the film director for Cardinal Public Relations, a student-run public relationsfirm established within the major. He is thepresident of Omicron Delta Kappa, NationalLeadership Honor Society, and served in various public relations internships.

SUNY POTSDAM

Tanasia BettsBrooklyn, NY | SociologyTanasia’s accomplishments include being therecipient of the Phenomenal Woman Leader-ship Award from the Center for Diversity, theWhelly Woman’s Leadership Scholarship, andshe also served as a Reachout Crisis Hotlinevolunteer.

Celina FurmanNorwich, NY | PsychologyCelina’s accomplishments include being selected as a student presenter at the campus 2012 Leadership Conference, as wellas serving as vice president and academicchair for Alpha Delta Kappa and as the president of Psi Chi.

Katelyn KornsaSault St. Marie, Ontario | BiologyKatelyn served as captain of the Women’sHockey Team and she has also been recog-nized for her commitment to the communitywith her service at the Out of the DarknessWalk for suicide, in addition to her involve-ment with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program and the Special Olympics.

PURCHASE COLLEGE

Christina BlankenshipExcelsior, MN | Liberal Arts and SciencesChristina is the president of the Student Government Association. She is a StudentLife Assistant for the Office of Student Lifeand Community Partnerships, and recipientof the Longman’s Publisher’s Awards forwriting excellence.

Michael ClarkCanton, OH | DanceMichael served as the elected student repre-sentative to the dean and director for the2013 Dance Conservatory, he teaches jazzdance classes at the Camp Mariah for under-privileged children, and he performed withmodern dance company Dance Heighbothomat different venues across the country.

14 Awardees

Amy CrehoreNew York, NY | Literature and Creative WritingAmy coordinated Multilingual Night to raisefunds for the Japan Tsunami Relief Organiza-tion. She was the recipient of the DianaReutershan Epstein Prize in Services to theHumanities, and had her poetry and shortstories published in three literary magazines.

ROCKLAND CC

Jordan Zuber-BanksPomona, NY | Liberal Arts and SciencesJordan served as the president of the DebateTeam, as well as the vice president of schol-arship for the Alpha Phi Sigma chapter of PhiTheta Kappa, and he served as the coach forthe Saint Joseph Regional High School MockTrial Team.

Mohammed ZaidSana’a, Yemen | Chemical EngineeringMohammed served as the group leader forthe “Best for Haiti” solar panel purificationsystem project, he managed the discountcards project for the Student GovernmentAssociation, and he volunteered as a mathand physics tutor.

Navid SafaieSuffern, NY | EngineeringNavid served as the president of the StudentGovernment Association, as well as the vicepresident of leadership for the campus chap-ter of Phi Theta Kappa, in addition to servingas a student tutor.

Melissa DimatarisNorthvale, NJ | Performing ArtsMelissa served as the vice president of theCampus Players and she was also recog-nized for her contributions to the PerformingArts with her performance at Radio CityMusic Hall as well as singing the NationalAnthem at a New York Rangers game atMadison Square Garden.

Kechan St. ClairBrooklyn, NY | Computer Information SystemsKechan served as the vice president of theWomen in Computers Club, in addition tobeing nominated and accepted as a mentorfor her peers and serving as a computer programming volunteer at her church whereshe teaches children basic computing skills.

SCHENECTADY COUNTY CC

Kenette WebsterBronx, NY | Tourism and Hospitality ManagementKenette served as the secretary for the Hospitality Club, she had extensive commu-nity service with the YMCA’s Food Pantryand Community Meals Program, and she alsoassisted as a new student orientation as avolunteer and ambassador.

John DonahueBillerica, MA | Human Services, Humanities and Social SciencesJohn served as the president of the StudentGovernment Association and the vice presi-dent of the campus chapter of the StudentVeterans of America, as well as serving as acommunity youth leader for the Boy Scoutsof America and Clifton Park Youth HockeyLeague.

Rebekah KimbleScotia, NY | Humanities and Social SciencesRebekah’s accomplishments include being arecognized volunteer with the Capital DistrictYouth for Christ Teen Parent Mentoring Pro-gram and as a peer tutor; she also served asthe honor secretary of the SchenectadyCounty 4-H Club.

STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY

Saira AfzalNanuet, NY | Political ScienceSaira’s served as a peer educator, studentambassador, and trained and hired new orientation leaders as an orientation teamleader.

Katherine ChuWoodside, NY | Political Science and HistoryKatherine was the co-founder and secretaryof the Stony Brook Speech and Debate Society, she served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the UndergraduateStudent Government, and she was a recipientof the Presidential Merit Scholarship.

Robert DragoBrooklyn, NY | Political ScienceRobert served as a resident assistant, a staff assistant in the Office of the Dean ofStudents, and he served as staff captain forthe Tabler Center for Arts, Culture and Humanities.

Kirolos IbrahimCollege Point, NY | BiochemistryKirolos’ accomplishments include serving asa cancer researcher in the Ojima Laboratory,serving as a volunteer tutor for EOP studentsin chemistry and biology, and he was also arecipient of a URECA Fellowship.

Rachel JaffeNorth Potomac, MD | English and Environmental HumanitiesRachel served as executive manager andcontributor for the Spoke the Thunder literarymagazine, and as a tutor in the writing center.She has also been recognized for her contri-butions to science for her honors thesis.

Daniel JonesFarmingville, NY | Mechanical EngineeringDaniel served as the president and suspen-sion design leader of the Stony Brook Motorsports Team, he interned at Polaris Industries, Inc., and he was inducted into Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society and Pi Tau Sigma Mechanical EngineeringHonor Society.

Steven LicardiWest Islip, NY | Psychology and PhilosophySteven’s accomplishments include being the recipient of the Stony Brook UniversityAlumni Association Dean’s Choice Award andScholarship, volunteering in New Orleans,LA, as part of the Alternative Spring Breakoutreach program, and presenting and defending his paper “The Mind of God and theTeleological Argument for God’s Existence."

Briana LocieroShoreham, NY | PhilosophyBriana served as a peer educator and leaderas a part of the peer education. She alsoserved as an EMT-B for the Port JeffersonVolunteer Ambulance Service, and was amember of the Student Health AdvisoryCommittee.

Karthik RaoWestborough, MA | BiologyKarthik served as the principle drum major of the Stony Brook Marching Band, he wasthe Homecoming King, and he served as theco-director of the Philippine United StudentOrganization Modern Dance Crew.

Awardees 15

Joan RosenthalHauppauge, NY | HistoryJoan’s accomplishments include being amember of the 2013 Teach for AmericaCorps, she is a regular volunteer at Parentsfor Megan’s Law and Suffolk County CrimeVictims Center, and she presented researchat the 2012 Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities symposium.

Samuel RosnerYonkers, NY | BiologySamuel served as the president of the National Residence Hall Honorary. He received the Top 10 Programming Award atthe North East Affiliate of College and Uni-versity Residence Halls Regional Conferenceand was a recipient of the SUNY EmergingLeader Award.

Michael SaccomannoGarrison, NY | ChemistryMichael’s accomplishments include servingas the president of the Catholic Campus Ministry. He is an assistant lifeguard withNYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and HistoricPreservation, and was teaching assistant forGeneral Chemistry.

Kevin SackelPlainview, NY | Mathematics and PhysicsKevin’s accomplishments include being recognized as a Churchill Scholar, serving as the president of the Math Club, and repre-senting Stony Brook at the Stars of StonyBrook Gala.

Alexandra SantiagoRocky Point, NY | Environmental Studies and Environmental HumanitiesAlexandra’s accomplishments include servingas 2011 Power Shift co-coordinator advocat-ing for clean energy economy and a sustain-able future in Washington D.C., supporting adeveloping Honduran community though theGlobal Water Brigades Volunteer Expedition,and she was selected for the Jewish Founda-tion for Education of Women SUNY Interna-tional Relations & Global Affairs Two-YearInternship and Scholarship.

SUFFOLK COUNTY CC

Priscila QuirozHampton Bays, NY | Criminal JusticePriscila served as the president of the Honors Club, as the secretary of the campuschapter of Phi Theta Kappa, and volunteeredat the Southampton Animal Shelter assistingwith adoptions.

Man ZhangCentereach, NY | Engineering ScienceMan served as the vice president of the AsianCulture Club; he served as a student tutor forthe Math Learning Center; and he was recog-nized for his volunteer work with patients atthe Stony Brook Medical Center.

Luis ZambranoBrentwood, NY | Liberal Arts and SciencesLuis served as the secretary of the HonorsClub, recognized for his volunteer work withthe campus blood drive and volunteered histime with the annual Thanksgiving Dinnerswith the Grant Campus Food Pantry.

Jennifer SheridanKings Park, NY | Liberal Arts & SciencesJennifer served as the vice president of fellowship for the campus chapter of PhiTheta Kappa as well as public relations chairfor the Honors Club; in addition, she servedas a peer mentor.

Thalia OlayaEast Hampton, NY | Criminal JusticeThalia served as the president of the campuschapter of the Phi Theta Kappa, volunteeredat the domestic violence agency, and conducted fundraisers to support variousnot-for-profit organizations.

Anthony MangualBrentwood, NY | AccountingAnthony served as the student member on the campus Board of Trustees, as thepresident of the Business Club, and is beingrecognized for moderating the Men LeadersPaving Paths for Young Men Conference.

Maria KovalBellport, NY | Business AdministrationMaria served as the president of the Business& Accounting Club; she was a volunteer withthe Boys & Girls Club of Bellport; and theBellport Animal Hospital.

Deirdre KeenSelden, NY | Visual ArtsDeirdre served as the executive recruitmentcoordinator for the Campus Activities Board,as a building manager for the Babylon StudentCenter, and as assistant to the director of theMaurice N. Flecker Memorial Gallery.

Robert GrisafiSmithtown, NY | Liberal Arts and SciencesRobert served as the president of the HonorsClub, as a senator in the Ammerman CampusStudent Government Association, and he hasbeen recognized for his regular volunteerwork with Habitat for Humanity.

Steven AgnostakiosSelden, NY | Construction TechnologySteven served as the vice president of service for his campus’s Phi Theta Kappachapter and has been recognized for his involvement the Book Recycling Program,campus-wide green recycling program, aswell as the Macy’s Make A Wish Fundraiser.

Matthew MayersPort Jefferson Station, NY | Liberal Arts and SciencesMatthew served as vice president of the MathClub, volunteered in the emergency room atthe Mather Hospital, and is a recipient of thePresident’s Award for Volunteer Service.

Chris PetrosinoDix Hills, NY | NursingChris’ accomplishments include founding anot-for-profit business known as Coffeecare,Ltd., serving as the co-president of the GrantCampus Nursing Club, as well as serving as the president and co-president of the Nassau-Suffolk chapter of the Autism Society of America.

SULLIVAN COUNTY CC

Jennifer ConwayNewburgh, NY | Criminal JusticeJennifer served as the president of the Student Association; she also served as avolunteer at the local Humane Society, aswell as publishing an article which she presented at a national conference.

Evangelia FitzpatrickParksville, NY | Nursing and Liberal Arts and SciencesEvangelia’s accomplishments include teach-ing and assisting music students at LibertyHigh School, working with children with dis-abilities at the Frost Valley YMCA Camp, andas well as being recognized for her commu-nity service through the Youth Association ofthe Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church.

16 Awardees

SUNYIT

Sarah LaFontClinton, NY | Psychology and Community and Behavioral HealthSarah is the president of the Psychology &Sociology Club. She volunteers with the local Humane Society and is doing researchon bulling.

Kelli McArdellBaldwinsville, NY | Civil Engineering TechnologyKelli served as a student ambassador andtour guide. She is the founder of the LadiesNight Out student group, and was chair of theclub funding board.

TOMPKINS CORTLAND CC

Sara Moreno LopezNew York, NY | Business Administration and International BusinessSara served as a resident assistant; she alsoserved as an office assistant in the Office ofGlobal Studies, and participated in the annualcampus Leadership Retreat.

Ignacio SaldanaStaten Island, NY | Liberal Arts and SciencesIgnacio served as the president of the StudentGovernment Association and student repre-sentative to the Faculty Student Association;he received the President’s Award for Highest Academic Honors and was inductedinto Phi Theta Kappa.

SUNY ULSTER

Jesse HicksUlster Park, NY | Business AdministrationJesse served as a community college repre-sentative to the SUNY Student Assembly, as the president of the campus chapter of the American Marketing Association, and asthe president of the Student Government Organization.

Ethan BurwellKingston, NY | Liberal Arts and SciencesEthan served as the secretary and treasurerof the Student Government Organization, as a student admissions ambassador, and asvideographer, editor and participant in the admissions recruitment video.

UPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY

Sean BardenettSyracuse, NY | Physical TherapySean’s accomplishments include serving as the lead investigator on Physical Therapyresearch that was accepted for the Mid-Atlantic Regional Chapter of the AmericanCollege of Sports Medicine Conference, volunteering with youth at the SouthwestCommunity Center, and he was the recipientof the National Association of Division III Athletic Administration Johnsten’s Commu-nity Service Award.

Samuel SchuelerCamillus, NY | MedicineSamuel served as the president of the Student Government Association, as the editor and co-founder of the Upstate of MindMagazine, as well as serving as the presidentof Community Outreach & Preventative Education Program.

WESTCHESTER CC

Linda PuciWermelskirchen, Germany | Liberal Arts and SciencesLinda served as an orientation leader and peeradvisor, the president of the InternationalFriendship Club, is an Honors student.

Vitor GranjaBrazil | Liberal Arts and SciencesVitor served as a regional officer of Phi ThetaKappa as the vice president of the New YorkSouthern District; he created a scientific research poster which he presented at theMcNair Conference; and he served as thesecretary of the Student Government Association.

Neish DawkinsJamaica | Electrical EngineeringNeish served as the student member of thecampus Board of Trustees, the productionmanager and a staff writer for the collegenewspaper, Viking News, and an orientationleader and peer advisor.

Kristen ScudieriHolmes, NY | Liberal Arts and SciencesKristen served as the editor-in-chief of thecollege newspaper, Viking News, she servedas an orientation leader and peer advisor;and she was recognized as a Kathryn W.Davis Global Community Scholar.

Taje ChampagnieSpringfield, MA | Liberal Arts and SciencesTaje served as the president of the StudentGovernment Association, as well as an orien-tation leader and peer advisor, and he is amember of the college Honors Program.

Drayvon CarmichaelYonkers, NY | Business AdministrationDrayvon served as the president of the GlobalBusiness Leadership Club, the vice chair ofthe Student Government Association Consti-tution Committee, orientation leader, andpeer advisor.

Lauren BorchertCortland Manor, NY | Business AdministrationLauren served as the director of public relations for the Student Government Associ-ation; she was an orientation coordinator for the Orientation Leader/Peer Advisor Program, and was a student representative tothe Perkins Grant Advisory Board.

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 243 students from each of the 62 institutions within The StateUniversity of New York. Recipients of this year’s award have an overall grade pointaverage of 3.8 and records of significant contributions to their campuses and communities.

Each recipient will receive a framed certificate and a medallion that may be wornat commencement.

Congratulations to this year’s awardees!

CH

ANCELLOR’S AW

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STUDENT EXCELLEN

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

CHANCELLOR’S AWARDfor Student Excellence