University at Albany

The Best-In-Class Award is a special recognition from the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) for a top research poster that exemplifies a student's excellence in the field of Cybersecurity. The biannual CEHC Showcase offers the public and university community an array of interactive displays, innovative research, and poster presentations created by hundreds of undergraduate and graduate CEHC students, each highlighting the breadth of the college's disciplines in cybersecurity, emergency preparedness, homeland security, informatics, intelligence analysis, school library and software development.

World Ambassadors are sophomores who participated in a Living-Learning Community at the University at Albany in 2023-24. They connect with first-year students over the summer to answer new students' questions about life at UAlbany and assist the Community Assistant throughout the fall semester. 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.

World Diplomats are juniors who develop and lead engagement and community service opportunities for several Living-Learning Communities at the University at Albany. They also administratively support student engagement events. Living-Learning Communities at UAlbany bring together new students, faculty, student leaders and advisors who create a unique experience that helps students become involved and engaged with the campus community.

The University at Albany is welcoming students back to campus for the start of the Fall 2024 semester, including some 5,430 new Great Danes. More than 2,800 first-year students, from 32,320 applicants, are joining UAlbany's Class of 2028, with 223 students selected to be part of the University's Honors College, and 226 students enrolled as Presidential Scholars. In addition, more than 1,000 transfer students, including about 200 transfers from the College of Saint Rose, and 1,630 new graduate students are joining the campus community this fall. The Class of 2028 is among the most diverse in University history, with 55.6 percent coming from historically underrepresented groups. Students also hail from 23 different states and 33 countries. The class boasts an overall high school average of 90.3 percent.

Community Assistants are seniors or graduate students (often alumni of L-LCs) with a background that matches the Living-Learning Community. They host weekly events and activities for the first-year students to connect with them socially and academically. They assist first year students with their transition into their college experience and consequentially play a role in student persistence and retention.

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 Eindhoven Semicon Summer School is designed to offer students a comprehensive program in the semiconductor industry, covering everything from equipment and devices to circuits, systems and applications, delivered by top specialists from a wide range of leading semiconductor companies and knowledge institutions. The summer school also includes team activities with professors from the Eindhoven University of Technology as well as discussions led by industry executives from two of the top semiconductor manufacturing and design companies in the world, the Dutch firms ASML and NXP. Arranged through a partnership between New York State and the government of the Netherlands to advance shared goals for the future of semiconductor manufacturing, the program provides sponsorship for up to five SUNY students to attend the four-day summer school.

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 Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) at the University at Albany provides a unique opportunity for qualified undergraduate students to conduct research and to explore new areas of science and engineering. The program provides unparalleled opportunities for students to: Enhance their academic skills, learning, and success Make intellectual and creative contributions to an academic discipline Learn about a specific field or career and develop competencies for future success Collaborate with faculty, staff, and students by exploring completely new areas of nanotechnology, science and engineering

More than 4,650 students in the Class of 2024 were celebrated during UAlbany's 180th commencement festivities. Among the graduates were an estimated 2,934 undergraduates and 1,719 graduate students, including recipients who completed their degrees during summer 2023, fall 2023 as well as winter 2024. The graduates join the ranks of mor ethan 200,000 UAlbany alumni worldwide. "For 180 years - since 1844 - UAlbany has been turning talented, driven students into globally engaged citizens. This year's class is no exception," UAlbany President Havidan Rodriguez told the graduates. "Yes, we know, you are graduating into an imperfect world. But all of the things that make this class uniquely special - your resilience, your values, your empathy, your thirst for understanding - will serve you well as you work toward greatness." An estimated 2,934 undergraduates from the Class of 2024 received degrees (including summer 2023, fall 2023 and winter 2024). The May 2024 graduates includes 34 percent who are first-generation college graduates and 27 who are veterans. The undergraduate degree recipients range in age from 19 to 68, with an average age of 23. Women make up 55 percent of the class. The graduates hail from 21 states and 27 countries. They received degrees in 55 different majors. Another 1,719 students from the Class of 2024 received master's degrees, doctoral degrees and graduate certificates, with 1,047 receiving their degrees in May. These graduate students come from 18 states and 37 nations. The average age of the graduate degree recipients is 28, with the oldest graduate student set to receive a doctoral degree at age 71, and the youngest receiving a master's degree at age 20. Among them are nine veterans.

The State University of New York Climate Corps Internship Program consists of paid summer internships offering immersive work experience in research and policy at state agencies with environmental and sustainability missions. Selection is based on applicants' demonstrated interest in sustainability careers and potential for leadership and innovation, with a preference for students from disadvantaged communities as designated by the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, and students facing related barriers to obtaining an internship experience. Climate Corps interns work with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the Department of Public Services (DPS), the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the Office of General Services (OGS), the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), or SUNY System Administration. Empire State Development is funding the $500,000 program.

The 2024 Academic All-District Women's At-Large Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators (CSC), recognize the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances in the athletic realm and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All-America program separately recognizes honorees in four divisions - NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and NAIA.

The Veteran/Military Leadership Award recognizes a student veteran who has been involved on campus or in the local community, and/or has contributed to the success of other student veterans. The recipient must be a past or present member of the U.S. Armed Forces. 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

Team Harsh Environment Sensing successfully completed UAlbany's Regional I-Corps Short Course in the Summer of 2023, earning a recommendation for the National I-Corps Team award. In April of 2024, Team Harsh Environment Sensing successfully completed the National I-Corps program, earning a $50,000 award. The Entrepreneurial Lead was Sahyadri Anil Patil, with Dr. Mengbing Huang acting as Technical Lead.

The I AM FIRST GEN Scholarship was established to aid underrepresented college students in paying for their post-secondary education. It recognizes students whose parent/guardian has not been awarded a bachelor's degree or higher. Students also submit a video essay on how their experiences have added to the campus culture and enriched the student body. This award typically carries a scholarship of $500. 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 Social Justice Leadership Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a passion for social justice and played a leadership role in advancing initiatives related to advancing social change and promoting equity and inclusion. This award includes scholarships of $700. 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 Justice Award honors a student whose commitment to the principles of fairness and equity has helped to foster justice at the University. This person promotes the appreciation of individual differences and works together to find and express common ground. Recipients will have made distinct contributions toward achieving these ideals. 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 University Governance Leadership Award recognizes students who have provided important leadership to the campus by taking an active role relative to policy matters of student government and the University. 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 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 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.

The Interfaith Center Award is given to an individual whose record of accomplishments reflects significant contributions to The Interfaith Center and the University at Albany. The award acknowledges a student who has made laudable efforts to further interfaith understanding and to promote the spiritual growth of members of The Interfaith Center 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 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 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 Returning Woman Award recognizes a student who serves as a positive role model for returning women. The recipient will have demonstrated her exceptional leadership skills through participation in campus activities and personal success in facing the challenges of pursuing her educational goals as a non-traditional student. 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 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 Great Dane Ambassadors Award recognizes students who have performed exceptionally well and demonstrated leadership in their study abroad experience, succeeding academically, making many new friends and creating a very positive impression at the host institution. 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 Juneteenth Scholarship was established by UAlbany alumni Bria McKiver, MA '20 and Jorge Chacon '19 following the spring 2020 Black Lives Matter rallies against racism and systemic inequalities. Named for a long-celebrated day of liberation and legacy in the African-American community, The Juneteenth Scholarship provides vital support to UAlbany students while promoting values of diversity and inclusion on-campus and is awarded annually through the President's Leadership Awards. Student recipients have earned at least a 3.0 GPA in any major. The award includes a scholarship for $500. 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.

Established by the family and friends of Rod Hart, an accomplished administrator at UAlbany for many years, the Rod and Carolyn Hart Memorial Award is given to an undergraduate student who has demonstrated academic achievement and who has made a difference on the UAlbany campus by organizing benefit drives for charitable causes and/or demonstrated leadership within a campus organization that serves the good of the University community. The award carries a scholarship of $500. 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.