Eleven UAlbany Students Win Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence

Eleven students from the University at Albany are among 249 SUNY students across the state honored by Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher as recipients of the 2011 Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence.

From left, Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher, Chancellor's Award recipient and UAlbany student Rukayatu Tijani, and UAlbany President George M. Philip.

The Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence was created 14 years ago to recognize students who have best demonstrated their ability to integrate academic excellence with accomplishments in leadership, athletics, community service, creative and performing arts or career achievement. The average grade point average (GPA) for all recipients this year is 3.8.

"These students are proven leaders, athletes, artists, community servants, and much more," said Zimpher. "They represent the future of our state and are perfect examples of The Power of SUNY."

"This prestigious award recognizes those students in the graduating class who have demonstrated the highest levels of academic excellence and made significant contributions to excellence during their undergraduate experience," said University at Albany President George M. Philip. "This award is a tribute to their hard work and commitment to excellence during their undergraduate experience."

The following UAlbany students are recipients of the 2011 Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence:

• Nicole Branchini, Slingerlands, N.Y.

• Hillary Closs, Roscoe, N.Y.

• Carolyn Frantz, Marcy, N.Y.

• Sara Ganetis, Jamesport, N.Y.

• Chinthaka Jayawardena, Albany, N.Y.

• Patrick Lawrence, Cropseyville, N.Y.

• Cynthia Mellen, Albany, N.Y.

• Leah Rotella, Middle Island, N.Y.

• Rukayatu Tijani, Brooklyn, N.Y.

• Justin Wax Jacobs, Jamaica, N.Y.

• Melinda White, Albany, N.Y.

The awards were presented by Chancellor Zimpher at the Empire State Plaza on April 5.

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