University at Albany

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 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.

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 Outstanding Senior Award recognizes undergraduate seniors who have contributed greatly to the University at Albany during the course of their undergraduate careers. Their leadership has been demostrated at the University level or in more than one organization. The 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. Receipients will have demonstrated a variety of accomplishments, including extraordinary leadership, service, academic achievement and involvement within the University community.

The Winter 2025 I-Corps @ UAlbany cohort wrapped up with 5 teams completing a total of 71 interviews over 3.5 weeks. Universities represented in this cohort were UAlbany, Hofstra University, Arizona State University and The Graduate Center of CUNY, representing q variety of fields including: Emergency Preparedness and Management, Public Health, Psychology, Speech Language Pathology and Material Sciences. UAlbany graduate student Mahsa Goodarzi was a member of the ProActive team, led by Dr. DeeDee Bennett Gayle. Heather Duncan, also a UAlbany graduate student, was the lead for the M&D Science team.

11 UAlbany students were selected for the 2025 University at Albany's Research and Innovators Startup Exchange (RISE) Fellowship program, which seeks to inspire students - particularly international students and students from underrepresented groups - to pursue careers driven by STEM research. In a selective process, researchers pitched their projects to students, who then submitted match requests to participating researchers. The RISE cohort of selected student fellows work with one of six research teams conducting customer discovery, developing business plans and creating pitch decks over the course of 8 weeks. The first four weeks of the fellowship is focused on customer discovery through UAlbany's NSF Innovation I-Corps program. Fellows also learn about STEM-based academic research projects and explore business strategies to reduce the risks of commercializing that research. Through this practical educational experience, participants engage in the innovation and commercialization processes related to real STEM-based research projects. The program culminates in a demo day, where teams will present their pitches. Selected fellows will also receive a stipend as part of the program, made possible by a UAlbany Strategic Allocation of Resources (StAR) Grant awarded to the Office of Economic Development, Entrepreneurship and Industry Partnerships (OEDEIP). The UAlbany Innovation Center's Research and Innovators Startup Exchange (RISE) is a collaborative entrepreneurship program that takes research from concept to commercialization. RISE matches researchers with students, and students with researchers, to create entrepreneurship teams that bring research-driven innovations to the commercial market. While the Innovation Center - a business incubator located inside the University at Albany's Emerging Technology and Entrepreneurship Complex (ETEC) building - provides all the resources and guidance RISE teams need to succeed.

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.

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.

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 University at Albany's Student Achievement Awards recognizes outstanding students who have demonstrated excellence in scholarship, leadership, and dedication to their field of study. This honor celebrates individuals who have gone above and beyond in their academic pursuits, contributed positively to their department and served as an inspiration to their peers. Recipients are selected based on their academic performance, innovative thinking, commitment to growth and embodiment of the school's values. By presenting this award, University at Albany's Massry School of Business aim to motivate students to strive for excellence in their disciplines, acknowledge hard work and encourage a culture of achievement and ambition.

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 National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Foundation (NCEMSF) presented UAlbany's Five Quad students four national awards at their 2025 Conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Five Quad's first award was a recertification as a "Heart Safe Campus." Some requirements of this certification included offering cardiac arrest training and quality improvement initiatives, holding public CPR and AED training for the community and having early access to advanced care. They also received the "Striving for Excellence" recertification. To earn this award, organizations must meet certain standards such as delivery of care, training and continuing education of employees and volunteers and service to the community. A third recognition was the "CPR Save" award, which was given to a Five Quad crew that responded to a cardiac arrest on campus and was able to resuscitate the patient back to a normal heartbeat. The Gold Tier as an "EMS Ready Campus" was the final award Five Quad earned. Five Quad is a New York State-certified ambulance agency operated by UAlbany students. The agency provides emergency services to the Uptown Campus, along with Albany and Guilderland communities within a five-mile radius, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, during the fall and spring semesters. Student volunteers serve as CPR-certified ambulance attendants, emergency vehicle operators and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). While also being on standby at events such as athletics, concerts and graduation. Five Quad Volunteer Ambulance Service has been proudly serving the University at Albany, as well as the Albany and Guilderland communities, since 1973. Founded in 1993, the National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Foundation (NCEMSF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to scholarship, research and to creating a safer, healthier environment on college and university campuses through the support, promotion, and advocacy of campus-based emergency medical services. The Foundation is committed to the advancement of existing response groups and assisting in the development of new response groups.

The University at Albany women's rowing team made history this spring, competing in the program's first ever regatta - The Knecht Cup. The Great Danes had two boats competing, both advancing to race in final events. The Knecht Cup Regatta honors the memory of William J. Knecht and his passion for the sport of rowing. Every year, the Knecht Cup invites colleges from across the country to compete in a 3-day event.

University at Albany Men's Lacrosse Freshman goalkeeper Brady Smith was named the America East Tournament's Most Outstanding Player. In the Championship Game, the rookie made 13 saves while allowing just seven goals. He also allowed just seven goals in the Semifinals against UMBC, making nine saves. Joining Smith on the America East's All-Championship Team was Silas Richmond, Max Neeson, and Jacob Smith. Smith brings his extensive experience from 91 Wolfpack where he played with Long Island for 10 years and Bayport Blue Point High School where he played three years of varsity lacrosse and varsity football. He also has high school accolates from 2023-2024 in both lacrosse and football. His high school background highlights include: all-division in lacrosse and all-county and champion titles in both lacrosse and football before joining UAlbany in fall 2024.

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.

Jeesoo Jung, a PhD student in the School of Social Welfare at the University at Albany's College of Integrated Health Sciences, recently published an article in the British Journal of Social Work that assessed factors that influence how likely individuals are to prepare for disasters, including pandemics and natural disasters like hurricanes.

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 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 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 Cybersecurity Senior Capstone Project Partnership with TIAA Best-in-Class award recognizes exceptional contributions to the development of Incident Response and Data Loss Prevention plans. An outstanding collaboration with Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA) cybersecurity professionals distinguished top performers to receive the Best-in-Class award. The Cybersecurity Senior Capstone Course is designed in a mixed asynchronous/synchronous format to combine a student's university skills and knowledge with a real-world scenario, empowering them to work directly with an industry partner to gain professional experience prior to graduation. The students log a total of 120 project hours before presenting their data loss prevention and incident response plan to industry partners at the end of the semester.

The Semiconductor and Microelectronics Leadership Program is an initiative from the College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering to support high school and transfer students interested in semiconductor and microelectronics professions and provides scholars with a one-time, $5,000 award. This scholarship is funded through the Northeast Regional Defense Technology Hub, or NORDTECH, a $40 million consortium of academics, private sector chip companies and the Department of Defense. NORDTECH was established under the $52 billion U.S. CHIPS and Science Act. Through UAlbany's partnership with NY CREATES and industry leaders at the Albany NanoTech Complex, scholarship recipients also gain direct knowledge of the industry and its practices by participating in monthly activities. Students explore career opportunities, professional organizations, and they gain hands-on experiences and professional connections in semiconductors and electronics as they prepare for careers in these innovative, world-changing tech fields.

The Unsung Hero award recognizes a UAlbany department, student, student group, faculty or staff member who has made outstanding contributions to LGBTQ+ initiatives on campus or in the broader community. UAlbany has seen a large increase in resources and awareness of LGBTQ+ issues and strives to recognize and remember those who have contributed to this success. Lavender Celebration recognizes LGBTQ+ and allied students completing their bachelor's, master's or PhD degree who contribute to the LGBTQ+ community. Participating graduates are encouraged to invite friends, allies and family as they receive a rainbow tassel, hear from LGBTQ+ and allied alumni, meet fellow graduates and are received by LGBTQ+ faculty and allies.

The Cybersecurity Senior Capstone Project Partnership with TIAA Best-in-Class award recognizes exceptional contributions to the development of Incident Response and Data Loss Prevention plans. An outstanding collaboration with Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA) cybersecurity professionals distinguished top performers to receive the Best-in-Class award. The Cybersecurity Senior Capstone Course is designed in a mixed asynchronous/synchronous format to combine a student's university skills and knowledge with a real-world scenario, empowering them to work directly with an industry partner to gain professional experience prior to graduation. The students log a total of 120 project hours before presenting their data loss prevention and incident response plan to industry partners at the end of the semester.