Alfred State President Dr. Steven Mauro and Cokely offered welcome addresses prior to inviting the deans of each of the three schools to present the Dean’s Awards for Academic Excellence. Matthew Giardini (Allegany, NY - Building Trades) and Owen Smolinski (Buffalo, NY - Welding Technology) were the recipients for the School of Applied Technology, Brianna Cash (Homer, NY - Accounting) and Andrew Waag (Cassadaga, NY - Information Technology) were honored for the School of Architecture, Management & Engineering Technology, and Dylyn Bailey (Andover, NY - Biological Sciences) and Lauren Franey (Derby, NY - Forensic Science) were selected for the School of Arts and Sciences.
Cokely returned to the stage and awarded Keagan Grim (Hilton, NY - Electrical Construction & Maintenance Electrician) with the Provost’s Award for Academic Excellence.
Vice President for Student and Employee Affairs Dr. Gregory Sammons honored Katelyn James (Akron, NY - Business Administration) and Colin Thompson (Webster, NY - Architecture) for their Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. Read more about the Chancellor’s Award.
Dr. Sammons also honored Halimat Akanbi (Ozone Park, NY - Construction Management) with the inaugural Patricia K. Fogarty Former College Chair, Endowed Award. During her time at Alfred State, Akanbi has worked to build community through service. She is the longest standing member of the Civic Advocate Team and has acted as a thoughtful, caring, and impactful member throughout her time within the Center for Civic Leadership.
Lilith Holmes (Sodus, NY – Nursing) was awarded the Paul Buckman Memorial Award. The award is given to a graduating resident assistant who has demonstrated excellence in job performance and academic achievement. Holmes has spent her time at Alfred State developing into a well-rounded individual. She is a member of numerous clubs, served as an orientation leader, a member of the campus activities board, and is the Executive Vice President of Student Senate.
Chair of the College Council Ronald Nasca awarded a trio of Pioneers with the Leadership through Civic Engagement Award. Nicholas Barrett (Avoca, NY - Technology Management), Alyssa Burdick (Valley Falls, NY - Forensic Science), and Ethan Kuhn (Holley, NY - Forensic Science) were honored for their work on civic engagement initiatives during their time at Alfred State.
Student Senate President Kaytlinn Cattrell awarded Mark Bloxsom, associate professor and department chair of the Business Department, and Jennifer Ross, lecturer in the Physical and Life Sciences Department with the Student Advocate Award. This award is given to college employees that have gone above and beyond to help students be successful at Alfred State College.
Dr. Mauro closed the ceremony by presenting the Excellence in Faculty Advising Awards. Megan Clark (Assistant Professor Nursing), Nicholas Ford (Instructor Civil Engineering Technology), and Greg Cook (Instructor Electrical, Machine Tool, and Welding) were honored for going above and beyond to positively impact a student’s college experience.
Students from each of the three schools were honored for their academic achievements. Alfred State will honor the Class of 2024 at Commencement on Saturday, May 11.
