University at Albany

University at Albany students consistently work hard to make an impact on their community - which junior Troy Serao is now being recognized for doing. Serao has been selected as a recipient of the Newman Civic Fellowship for the 2026-2027 cycle. This is the third consecutive year that a UAlbany student has been selected for this honor. University presidents nominate Newman Civic Fellows, and after a rigorous, competitive selection process, they are chosen to represent their campuses among peers across the state. Fellows are selected based on their dedication to community and their impact in the local area. Once chosen, they are connected to a network of young leaders from universities across the nation and are invited to an annual conference, where they network with peers, learn from mentors in a variety of fields and attend workshops and keynote events to build skills they can bring back to their communities. Recipients of the Newman Civic Fellowship can also apply for a $1,500 grant to support community assistance programs and build new initiatives. Serao is a political science major at the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy with a concentration in public law.

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.

A study by the University at Albany's Department of Environmental Health Sciences found that poor and Black older adults in New York state are significantly more likely to live in communities that face higher levels of air pollution, extreme weather events and disaster risk.

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.

Health insurance, in-network providers, deductibles - for many people, understanding the terminology of the U.S. health care system can feel overwhelming. To get help, some are turning to websites and online forums, where they can hear directly from other individuals about their firsthand experience with the health care system. Arissa Spitalny, a PhD student at UAlbany's School of Social Welfare, is analyzing these online posts to better understand the barriers people face within the health care system. Spitalny's work uses Reddit, a popular discussion website where communities called subreddits are created that allow users to post about a particular topic and reply to posts. "Individuals who may not feel comfortable being vulnerable in traditional person-to-person interactions have a space to anonymously voice concerns, ask for advice or even just vent to feel a sense of community and/or support," Spitalny said. "In addition, since Reddit is not a platform intended for research, conversations and interaction are organic, making them particularly useful for researchers like me." Over one million Reddit posts from a subreddit called AskDocs are being examined by Spitalny to better understand how people describe the barriers they face with health care. This subreddit, which describes itself as "for asking specific personal health questions about yourself or family members," was created in 2013 and has over half a million weekly visitors. Spitalny is looking at posts that specifically mention health insurance. "Through this work, I hope to contribute to a better understanding of health care access barriers and the role social work can play in improving care navigation, connecting people to resources and advancing health equity," she said. Spitalny's mentor, Assistant Professor Cheng Ren, focuses on using advanced artificial intelligence (AI) techniques and open-access data. With his guidance, Spitalny created an AI prompt that reviewed the Reddit posts and classified approximately 15,000 of them that mentioned health insurance. The AI was provided with 300 sample posts that were manually reviewed by Spitalny to ensure the system knew how to label and review the posts. "Human coding is much more time-consuming, so AI made it possible to analyze the full dataset efficiently," said Spitalny, who is now in the analysis and writing stage of her study. Over the next year, she will be interpreting patterns in the data collected from Reddit, including race, gender and demographic location to better understand barriers in the health care system. "My Reddit study allows me to look more closely at the lived experiences behind those patterns by examining the support individuals seek online," she said. "In the future, I hope to expand the study beyond insurance posts to examine other health care barriers as well."

Air Force Major General Gary Charlton, 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.

UAlbany junior and biology major Yasvi Sonani at work in a lab at the RNA Institute. Sonani spent the summer studying a particular genetic mutation associated with myotonic dystrophy type 1 as part of the "REU in RNA" program.

The University at Albany welcomes more than 3,500 students to make up the Class of 2030, making it the largest first-year class in UAlbany's history. Approximately 18,000 students are enrolled at the University this year. The incoming class was selected from more than 36,000 applications and represents a 20% increase in first-year enrollment compared with last year. Students in the Class of 2030 come from 40 states and 35 countries, bringing a wide range of backgrounds and experiences to UAlbany. Among the incoming class: More than 1,280 students are from New York City. 558 students are from the Capital District. 512 students are from Long Island. 451 students joined the University's Honors College. In addition to the new freshmen, UAlbany is welcoming more than 1,000 transfer students this fall. "I am delighted to welcome these first-year and transfer students to the University at Albany, and I look forward to all they will accomplish at our university. With innovative new academic programs that are tied to career paths, a holistic approach to student wellbeing, and a commitment to affordability and accessibility, UAlbany is a place where all students can thrive. Our world-class faculty and dedicated staff will nurture this newest class of Great Danes, ensuring they have the resources, opportunities, and support they need to succeed in college and in their careers," said Havidan Rodriguez, President of the University at Albany. After moving into their residence halls, the new Great Danes attended the University's traditional Welcome Week events, introducing new students to the campus community. The week was highlighted by the annual class photo, followed by the University's Convocation by Candlelight Ceremony. The large incoming class reflects strong interest in UAlbany's continued investment in student success. That investment includes an expanding portfolio of academic programs, stronger educational partnerships and enhancements to the student experience.

Air Force Major General Gary Charlton, 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 2026 Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) will bring together more than 6,000 cyclists and 4,000 volunteers on August 1-2 to raise funds for cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. With a fundraising goal of $79 million, the PMC remains the world's most successful single athletic fundraising event. Since 1980, participants have raised more than $1.125 billion, helping accelerate breakthroughs in cancer treatment and bringing hope to patients and families around the globe.

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.

Four members of the University at Albany women's golf team have been named All-American Scholars by the Women's Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) for the 2025-2026 season. The Great Danes recognized with this prestigious academic honor are: Lucia Esteban Callie Taylor Madison Kuratani Jasmine Furstenburg A total of 1,551 women's collegiate golfers across the nation were named to the All-American Scholar Team. The WGCA selection criteria are recognized as some of the most stringent in college athletics. To qualify, student-athletes must: Maintain an overall cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or higher. Remain an amateur and on the team's roster through the conclusion of the season. Play in at least 50% of the college's regularly scheduled competitive rounds through the conference championship. About the WGCA The Women's Golf Coaches Association, founded in 1983, is a non-profit organization representing women's collegiate golf coaches. The WGCA represents over 750 coaches throughout the U.S. and is dedicated to educating, promoting, and recognizing both its members and the student-athletes they represent.

More than 4,200 students in the Class of 2026 were celebrated during UAlbany's Spring commencement festivities. Among the graduates were an estimated 2,610 undergraduates and 1,580 graduate students, including recipients who completed their degrees during summer 2025, fall 2025 as well as winter 2026. The graduates join the ranks of more than 200,000 UAlbany alumni worldwide. The May 2026 graduates includes 20 percent who are first-generation college graduates. Another 1,584 students from the Class of 2026 received master's degrees, doctoral degrees and graduate certificates. The Spring 2026 graduates hail from 28 states and 27 countries. They received degrees in over 100 different majors.

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.

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 University at Albany presented degrees to nearly 4,900 students at the 2026 Commencement ceremonies including Massry School of Business undergraduate and graduate students who were ready to make their mark in the world. Before crossing the commencement stage, these Massry high achievers were honored at the third annual Graduating Student Achievement Awards. The Graduating Student Achievement Awards honored standout students across all Massry programs, from undergraduate marketing to the MBA program. These awards recognize students who demonstrated exceptional work and contributions to Massry over the 2025-2026 academic year. "The Massry School of Business Student Achievement Award recipients represent the best of all that the school has to offer," said Massry Dean Paquita Davis-Friday. "These students excel academically while founding and leading student organizations, competing in and supporting athletics, and volunteering in the community, with some navigating a new country. We couldn't be prouder of them and the example they set, and we look forward to their continued engagement as alumni." As these students join the ranks of UAlbany alumni, they carry forward the Massry School of Business legacy of innovation and leadership. Massry graduates and alumni continue to make an impact across industries, and this year's award winners are no exception. Congratulations to all graduates, with a special round of applause to those honored at the Student Achievement Awards. Your hard work and dedication have laid the foundation for a bright and successful future.

The University at Albany's College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity (CEHC) is proud to announce that its four-person team, the UAlbany Cyber Danes, advanced to the semifinals of the prestigious Atlantic Council Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge. The 15th annual Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge, held in Washington, D.C. in March, was hosted by the Atlantic Council's Cyber Statecraft Initiative in partnership with the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. The Cyber Danes joined 39 teams from universities around the world at the event for two rigorous days of strategy, teamwork and competition, responding to realistic cybersecurity incidents and developing actionable solutions to mitigate evolving crises. The University at Albany congratulates the UAlbany Cyber Danes on their outstanding performance at the 2026 Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge.

University at Albany men's lacrosse student-athletes Silas Richmond and Max Neeson have earned America East weekly awards, the conference announced. Richmond was named the league's Offensive Player of the Week, Neeson was named the Defensive Player of the Week. Richmond continued his tear as one of the best scorers and facilitators in the country. The senior from Delta, British Columbia, scored four goals while adding two assists in UAlbany's 12-9 victory over Vermont. He sits second in the entire country, averaging 5.36 points per game. Neeson had an incredible game against the Catamounts, limiting Vermont's top two goal scorers to just two goals combined. He was the anchor of a defense that kept Vermont to only nine goals, continuing UAlbany's defensive dominance of holding America East opponents to single digits. Neeson himself scored two goals with the long pole, one of which came from 20 yards out, with the other traveling the entire length of the field. The senior from Pottstown, Pennsylvania added two caused turnovers and two ground balls.

The Chancellor's Award recognizes students for academic achievement, leadership, campus involvement and community service. This year's recipients reflect that range and the different ways a UAlbany experience can take shape. Addison Yang, of Saugerties, N.Y., pursued a dual major in accounting and business administration, with concentrations in finance as well as information systems and business analytics. He chose UAlbany for its proximity to home, campus culture and career opportunities, with the support of his family. Yang's interest in business began in high school, where an elective course in financial management first sparked his interest in the field. "My favorite UAlbany memory was the two-week study abroad experience in Paris, where I studied luxury brand management and explored the city with new friends," he said. Yang, a first-generation college student, will attend New York University this fall to pursue a master's degree in accounting and hopes to apply his skills in a career focused on solving global issues.

Seven graduate students from the University at Albany's Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences and Atmospheric Sciences Research Center inspired excitement at the 2026 American Meteorological Society (AMS) Annual Meeting after returning home with first, second and third place awards for oral presentations and poster presentations. The American Meteorological Society is a group of committed, dynamic scientific professionals who work to advance atmospheric sciences, technologies, applications and services to benefit society. Students from UAlbany who attended this year's annual conference prepared and presented research posters and oral expositions to professionals and experts in the weather, water, and climate atmospheric sciences community. Student presentations were judged by research quality and presentation skills and winners were awarded a monetary prize and an award certificate.

University at Albany students attended the 2026 MIT Reality Hack, one of the largest extended reality (XR) hackathons in the world - and took home multiple awards. At the event, participants compete for prizes by building an application using immersive technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality. The Hack was sponsored by companies such as Qualcomm, Meta, Caldwell, Raven Resonance, Petricor, Preview Labs, Quasar Lab, and American Medical Extended Reality Association (AMXRA).

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 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.

World Representatives are first-year students in the Living-Learning Community Program chosen by their Community Assistant and faculty mentor by early October to take on a leadership role and advise First Year Experience with ideas and suggestions. They sit on one of four World RepresentativeSubcommittees that help plan the All World events that take place each spring: Worlds Gone Wild (the L-LC version of the Olympics) and the World Video Awards (the L-LC version of the Oscars), assist with social media and marketing, plan team building and in-service events as well as support and plan activities for FYE's Affinity Groups. Living-Learning Communities are a special opportunity to become engaged at UAlbany by bringing together new students, faculty, student leaders and advisors who create a unique experience around a special interest, such as a major, that helps students become involved and engaged with the campus 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.

The University at Albany is welcoming students back to campus for the start of the Fall 2025 semester, including some 5,482 new Great Danes. More than 2,801 first-year students, from 35,664 applicants, are joining UAlbany's Class of 2029, with 358 students selected to be part of the University's Honors College, and 250 students enrolled as Presidential Scholars. In addition, more than 1,258 transfer students and 1,423 new graduate students are joining the campus community this fall. The Class of 2029 is among the most diverse in University history, with 56.6 percent coming from historically underrepresented groups. Students also hail from 30 different states and 39 countries. The class boasts an overall high school average of 90.2 percent.

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.