Each year a select group of exemplary students from across the SUNY System are honored with the Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. The award, created in 1997, recognizes students who have truly demonstrated academic excellence while integrating it with other aspects of their lives including leadership, campus involvement, athletics, career achievement, community service, creative and performing arts. This year 256 students were honored at a ceremony at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center on April 2. Honoree’s receive a framed certificate as well as a medallion that can be worn at graduation.
In order to receive the Chancellor’s Award students are first nominated by their peers on their respective SUNY campuses. Then a selection committee on each campus reviews the accomplishments of the students and sends their nominations to the Office of the Chancellor for a final review, completed by a committee of campus and administration staff and students using a special rubric.
“Students receiving this award are to be commended for their excellence as role models, artists, scholar athletes, and civic volunteers,” said Chancellor Zimpher. “Their leadership can serve as an inspiration to all SUNY students and a tremendous point of pride for the entire SUNY family. Congratulations to all of the students receiving the 2015 award.”
Being recognized with one of the most prestigious awards within the SUNY System is a great accomplishment. Two recipients gave their perspectives on the award:
“Being chosen as a winner for the Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence has been a very humbling experience. I was astounded by the accomplishments of my peers and could not have been luckier to be in a cohort with such intelligent and devoted individuals. The award will always be a reminder of the amazing opportunities I have been given while enrolled in the SUNY System. I am honored, but more so motivated to continue working towards goals to further myself as a professional,” said Nathaniel Sundholm of University at Buffalo.
And Nicholas Contess of Suffolk County Community College said, “Winning this award means everything to me because it shows that SUNY cares about its students and recognizes the hard work and dedication of its members. Events like this is what makes SUNY the best state school system in the world and what makes me feel so proud to be a part of.”
As is customary with the Chancellor’s Awards, students were given the opportunity to share their stories in a video on the event. This year, students were asked to finish the line of “SUNY is simply the best because…” Their answers can be seen in the video below:
Honors such as the Chancellor’s Award push students to work hard and excel not only in the classroom but other areas that they sincerely care about so they can succeed in school and beyond. Congratulations students!
See the full list of all honorees.
Download the CASE program with biographies of each student.
View photos of all the awardees from the event.
