University at Albany

After a highly competitive election cycle, the University at Albany's Communication Department is proud to announce that Alexandra Stankus has been elected as the Graduate Student Representative for the Human Communication and Technology Division at the National Communication Association. According to The National Communication Association's (NCA) website, "The Human Communication and Technology division (HCTD) of the National Communication Association (NCA) promotes the research and study of the intersection between human communication and technology. The division is concerned with the broad spectrum of issues relevant to the field of human communication and technology. HCTD welcomes both quantitative and qualitative work that focuses on different areas of connection to, interaction with, and development of technology as a phenomena of human communication." Stankus's election reflects her commitment to research, leadership, and service within the field of communication where she will partner with other dedicated professional volunteers on their universal mission to advance communication scholarship, teaching and practice.

The Acker-Newman Fellowship is a prestigious entrepreneurship program within the Massry School of Business designed for MBA and business students. It supports students who aim to launch new startups or collaborate with existing ones across two academic semesters. Fellowship winner Shookofeh Beyranvand's startup covers the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters. Beyranvand was selected among many applicants for her entrepreneurial initiative and interdisciplinary background. Under the mentorship of Professor Heidi Knoblauch, she is currently working on a health-tech startup idea that applies AI to improve healthcare data management and compliance. Beyranvand's academic background in allied health sciences has strongly shaped her passion for developing business solutions that address inefficiencies in healthcare systems. The fellowship allows her to combine business training with medical knowledge to create innovative, impact-driven products. The University at Albany's Massry School of Business congratulates Shookofeh Beyranvand on her incredible, professional achievement.

Shookofeh Beyranvand was selected for the Fall 2025 cohort of the RISE Fellowship. The RISE Fellowship is a highly competitive entrepreneurship and innovation program at the University at Albany that empowers student-led startups to grow from idea to market. RISE supports eight student startups each semester, helping them connect academic research with real-world business impact. Shookofeh joined a startup as a product and business strategist to strengthen its business foundation. While the team had solid technical and academic capabilities, they needed guidance in business development. During his time at the startup, Shookofeh has conducted extensive customer discovery interviews, developed a complete business plan, and designed the go-to-market strategy. He coached the team in preparing and delivering a compelling investor pitch that led them to compete for the RISE investment prize valued at several tens of thousands of dollars.

Since September 2025, Shookofeh Beyranvand has served as the Product Manager of AI at Caldarium, a growing AI startup that develops intelligent data-cleaning and optimization tools for healthcare organizations, including hospitals, clinics and insurance companies. She currently works on a seven-member technical team on building an AI-driven product that automatically cleans, standardizes and organizes complex healthcare data, making it ready for analysis and decision-making. Once the data is prepared, customized AI models are deployed to generate performance insights and key KPIs for each organization. In her role, Beyranvand defines product features, aligns the business and technical sides of development, sets strategic goals and ensures the company stays ahead of its competitors. She is also involved in research and product design, and has learned to communicate fluently with the engineers by understanding technical AI concepts such as data schemas, API integration and model validation.

Air Force Major General Michael Bank, the commander of the New York Air National Guard, announces the recent promotion of members of the New York Air National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

The Spellman Awards for Community Service recognizes African, Latino, Asian/Pacific Islander and Native American heritage students at the University at Albany who have made notable efforts to enhance the quality of life for the University community. The Award for Outstanding Community Service is presented to students or organizations who meet one or more of the following criteria: Have demonstrated unselfish involvement in efforts to improve the quality of campus life; Dedicated considerable time and energy to worthwhile projects that benefit others; Identified by student peers, faculty and administrators as an individual or group which has consistently given of themselves to improve the University community. The program and the awards are named in honor and memory of Seth Spellman, Jr., past dean of the University's School of Social Welfare, serving until 1980. He was also a professor and past chair of the Department of Africana Studies, which he helped establish in 1969. In 1984, Spellman was awarded the rank of Distinguished Service Professor by the SUNY Board of Trustees for personifying excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership and community service.

The Ada Craig Walker Award is given to a graduating undergraduate senior woman who "in judgment of the faculty best typifies the ideals of the University." Students who have received this award possess at least a 3.0 GPA and receive a scholarship of $2,000. The award was established in 1940 by Captain William John Walker in memory of his mother, Ada Craig Walker, class of 1871. The President's Awards for Leadership recognize and reward undergraduate and graduate students, as well as organizations that have made signficant contributions to enhance the quality of life at the University at Albany. Recipients have demonstrated a variety of accomplishments including extraordinary leadership, service, academic achievement and involvement within the University community.

The Dean's Letter of Commendation at the University at Albany recognizes the outstanding academic achievements of part-time undergraduate students. To qualify for the Dean's Letter of Commendation, students must earn a grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 or higher in their first semester of study and a GPA of 3.50 or higher in subsequent semesters.

Philip Rosero, a Business Administration Major and Finance/Management Concentration student at the University at Albany Massry School of Business, was selected to share his story on Amazon Prime's series, The College Tour. Hosted by Alex Boylan, the show provides a look into campus life through the perspectives of current students. In his segment, Philip offers a glimpse into his journey at Massry and in UAlbany's Army ROTC program. His narrative captures the ambition and determination that brought him from his hometown Masbate, Philippines to UAlbany, highlighting the university's global reach and role as a home for students from every corner of the world. During his appearance, Philip detailed the multifaceted experiences that have defined his college career. He spoke about his dedication as an ROTC cadet, where he develops the discipline and leadership skills essential for a future in military service. Furthermore, Philip showcased his academic growth since joining Massry, illustrating how the program has equipped him with the knowledge to excel. His story is a testament to UAlbany's commitment to fostering diverse talents and providing transformative opportunities for leadership, academic excellence and personal achievement.

The Dean's Letter of Commendation at the University at Albany recognizes the outstanding academic achievements of part-time undergraduate students. To qualify for the Dean's Letter of Commendation, students must earn a grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 or higher in their first semester of study and a GPA of 3.50 or higher in subsequent semesters.

The Dean's List at the University at Albany recognizes the outstanding academic achievements of full-time undergraduate students. To qualify for the Dean's List, students must earn a grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 or higher in their first semester of study and a GPA of 3.50 or higher in subsequent semesters.

Air Force Major General Michael Bank, the commander of the New York Air National Guard, announces the recent promotion of members of the New York Air National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

The America East Conference Presidential Scholars award recognizes student-athletes who earned a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher and earned their undergraduate degree in the year of the award. In addition to registering a 3.75 GPA for their college career, award winners must have received their undergraduate degree in the academic year in which they are honored and have attended their institution for a minimum of two years. The Presidential Scholar-Athlete Award program started during 2013-14 academic year. More than 1,000 student-athletes have been honored as part of the program since its inception.

The Sustainability Leadership Award recognizes a graduate or undergraduate student who contributes to the advancement of environmental, economic, and social sustainability within the UAlbany campus and surrounding community. This student will have demonstrated a leadership role in raising awareness and increasing campus involvement in advancing sustainability. The President's Awards for Leadership recognize and reward undergraduate and graduate students, as well as organizations that have made signficant contributions to enhance the quality of life at the University at Albany. Recipients have demonstrated a variety of accomplishments including extraordinary leadership, service, academic achievement and involvement within the University community.

The Athletes and Recreation Leadership Award recognizes athletes who participate in Division 1 sports, intramurals, or club sports whose leadership has transcended their sport. Recipients will have made invaluable contributions to their team, achieved academic distinction, or have made significant contributions to our university and its surrounding community. The President's Awards for Leadership recognize and reward undergraduate and graduate students, as well as organizations that have made signficant contributions to enhance the quality of life at the University at Albany. Recipients have demonstrated a variety of accomplishments including extraordinary leadership, service, academic achievement and involvement within the University community.

The Fraternity & Sorority Leadership Award is given to sorority and fraternity members and organizations who have contributed to their chapter, the Greek system, and the University. Through strong leadership and valuable service, these students and organizations have exemplified the ideals of brother and sisterhood and have worked to further develop Greek life at the University at Albany. The President's Awards for Leadership recognize and reward undergraduate and graduate students, as well as organizations that have made signficant contributions to enhance the quality of life at the University at Albany. Recipients have demonstrated a variety of accomplishments including extraordinary leadership, service, academic achievement and involvement within the University community.

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

The Diversity and Inclusion Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated leadership in increasing the University's commitment to diversity and inclusion. This includes, but is not limited to, promoting appreciation of individual differences and working with others to find common ground. The President's Awards for Leadership recognize and reward undergraduate and graduate students, as well as organizations that have made signficant contributions to enhance the quality of life at the University at Albany. Recipients have demonstrated a variety of accomplishments including extraordinary leadership, service, academic achievement and involvement within the University community.

The Women's Outstanding Leadership Award is given to a student who has demonstrated significant leadership and commitment to improving the quality of life for women at the University at Albany. The President's Awards for Leadership recognize and reward undergraduate and graduate students, as well as organizations that have made signficant contributions to enhance the quality of life at the University at Albany. Recipients have demonstrated a variety of accomplishments including extraordinary leadership, service, academic achievement and involvement within the University community.

The Christine A. Bouchard School Spirit Award was established in honor of Christine A. Bouchard by her colleagues and friends, on the occasion of her retirement as Vice President for Student Affairs at the University at Albany. The purpose of this award is to recognize undergraduate students who best exemplifies and promotes school spirit. The President's Awards for Leadership recognize and reward undergraduate and graduate students, as well as organizations that have made significant contributions to enhance the quality of life at the University at Albany. Recipients have demonstrated a variety of accomplishments including extraordinary leadership, service, academic achievement and involvement within the University community.

The Jonathan Whyte-Dixon Memorial Scholarship recognizes UAlbany students who best exemplify Jonathan Whyte-Dixon's school spirit, meaningful involvement within the UAlbany community, leadership on campus and overall enthusiasm and passion. A track and field athlete who was a member of the graduating class of 2016, Whyte-Dixon became heavily involved with extra-curricular activities within the UAlbany community and never stopped. He provided significant leadership to the Orientation Office, Residential Life, Gender & Sexuality Resource Center and Liberty Partnerships Program. Whyte-Dixon tragically and unexpectedly passed away from cardiac arrest while playing basketball with family on July 4, 2018 at the age of 25. He was a giver and volunteered his time to help others, where he even skipped his own graduation in order to go to Haiti and teach students. Whyte-Dixon's enthusiasm and passion for changes in education and social justice left a print everywhere he went. The award includes a scholarship of $1,500 for student recipients. The President's Awards for Leadership recognize and reward undergraduate and graduate students, as well as organizations that have made significant contributions to enhance the quality of life at the University at Albany. Recipients have demonstrated a variety of accomplishments including extraordinary leadership, service, academic achievement and involvement within the University community.

The Community Service Leadership Award recognizes students who most clearly evidence a service ethic in their citizenship. Students will have demonstrated unselfish involvement at UAlbany or in the surrounding community as they strive to better an aspect of society by dedicating considerable time to worthwhile projects that benefit others. The President's Awards for Leadership recognize and reward undergraduate and graduate students, as well as organizations that have made significant contributions to enhance the quality of life at the University at Albany. Recipients have demonstrated a variety of accomplishments including extraordinary leadership, service, academic achievement and involvement within the University community.

The Distinguished Scholar-Leader Award at UAlbany recognizes and honors graduating undergraduate seniors who best exemplify the scholar-leader-service ideal. Student awardees have demonstrated academic excellence, effective leadership in the University community and a commitment to serving others. Distinguished-Scholar-Leaders have also demonstrated a strong commitment to their academic and intellectual development as evidenced by participation in research or other creative scholarly activity. This award is among the highest conferred upon undergraduates. The President's Awards for Leadership recognize and reward undergraduate and graduate students, as well as organizations that have made significant contributions to enhance the quality of life at the University at Albany. Recipients have demonstrated a variety of accomplishments including extraordinary leadership, service, academic achievement and involvement within the University community.

The Spellman Awards program at the University at Albany was established in 1986 as a way to recognize and acknowledge the academic achievements of UAlbany students of African, Asian, Latino and Native American heritage. The Spellman Award for Academic Achievement is presented annually to scholars who are full-time undergraduates with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above and have been matriculated at the University for a minimum of two consecutive semesters. Top Academic Achievement Award honorees are the highest-ranking male and female recipients of African, Asian/Pacific Islander, Latino and Native American heritage in their class. The program and the awards are named in honor and memory of Seth Spellman, Jr., past dean of the University's School of Social Welfare, serving until 1980. He was also a professor and past chair of the Department of Africana Studies, which he helped establish in 1969. In 1984, Spellman was awarded the rank of Distinguished Service Professor by the SUNY Board of Trustees for personifying excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership and community service.

The UAlbany Great Dane Award is given to any student who has demonstrated leadership in several co-curricular activities or significant leadership in one such activity during the current year. The President's Awards for Leadership recognize and reward undergraduate and graduate students, as well as organizations that have made significant contributions to enhance the quality of life at the University at Albany. Recipients have demonstrated a variety of accomplishments including extraordinary leadership, service, academic achievement and involvement within the University community.

The Spellman QTPOC Leadership Award recognizes students at the University at Albany who provide exemplary leadership in support of the QTPOC community at UAlbany or in the surrounding community, coordinate activities for a student organization in support of LGBTQ+ inclusion, serves in a leadership capacity or functions as a leader in this area, or functions and/or is generally recognized as a role model and effective leader by peers, faculty and staff in regards to advocating for the QTPOC/LGBTQ+ community. The Spellman Awards are named in honor and memory of Seth Spellman, Jr., past dean of the University's School of Social Welfare, serving until 1980. He was also a professor and past chair of the Department of Africana Studies, which he helped establish in 1969. In 1984, Spellman was awarded the rank of Distinguished Service Professor by the SUNY Board of Trustees for personifying excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership and community service.

The Spellman NIA Scholarship Award recognizes students who have exhibited a strong commitment to the University at Albany community through their Outstanding Service and Leadership. The recipients of this scholarship are presented with a monetary award. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 by the end of the previous academic semester. They must also have been full-time students at UAlbany for a minimum of two semesters and be in good judicial standing. The Spellman Awards are named in honor and memory of Seth Spellman, Jr., past dean of the University's School of Social Welfare, serving until 1980. He was also a professor and past chair of the Department of Africana Studies, which he helped establish in 1969. In 1984, Spellman was awarded the rank of Distinguished Service Professor by the SUNY Board of Trustees for personifying excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership and community service.

The Spellman Award for Distinguished Leadership recognizes African, Latino, Asian/Pacific Islander and Native American heritage students at the University at Albany who have made notable efforts to enhance the quality of life for the University community. The Award for Distinguished Leadership is presented to students or organizations who meet one or more of the following criteria: Have served as an appointed, elected or situational student leader; Planned, organized or presented successful activities and programs for a student group, club or organization; Functions and is recognized as a leader and role model by peers, faculty and administrators. The program and the awards are named in honor and memory of Seth Spellman, Jr., past dean of the University's School of Social Welfare, serving until 1980. He was also a professor and past chair of the Department of Africana Studies, which he helped establish in 1969. In 1984, Spellman was awarded the rank of Distinguished Service Professor by the SUNY Board of Trustees for personifying excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership and community service.

The Residential Life Outstanding Achievement Award honors individuals who have continued to strive to improve the quality of life for residence hall students. Recipients have demonstrated exceptional leadership and take an active role within the residence hall system. The President's Awards for Leadership recognize and reward undergraduate and graduate students, as well as organizations that have made significant contributions to enhance the quality of life at the University at Albany. Recipients have demonstrated a variety of accomplishments including extraordinary leadership, service, academic achievement and involvement within the University community.