Valedictorian: Sydney Coddington, BA '21

A member of UAlbany's cross country and track teams, political science major Sydney Coddington is Rockefeller College's 2021 Valedictorian.

Name: Sydney Coddington
Hometown: Bronxville, NY
Major: Political Science
Minor: Philosophy
Awards: Valedictorian of the Political Science Department and Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy

What activities were you involved in during your time at UAlbany and Rockefeller College?

During my time here at UAlbany I have been a member of the women’s cross country and track teams. Outside of academics, these teams have been at the heart of my life, my experience, and my focus while at Albany.

What were some highlight experiences of your undergraduate career?

Some highlight experiences during my undergraduate career have been the relationships and learning I have gained from my professors. My professors have really shaped me today as well as my future, and I am so grateful. Also, winning conference championships with my team has been an incredibly humbling and amazing experience.

What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?

I am most proud of the relationships I’ve made with my professors, the work I have done for my classes, and my accomplishments on the track. If I had to pick one, it would be the work I have done for my classes. I am quite proud of my final papers these last two semesters.

What is next for you after graduation?

After graduation, I will hopefully be working as a research assistant to one of my philosophy professors, working as an assistant in a law firm, and pursuing a one-year masters here at UAlbany in philosophy. I will also be running cross country and track for another year!