University at Albany

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.

The International Student Leadership Award recognizes an international undergraduate and graduate student whose efforts and involvement have enhanced the lives of international students and/or the University community. 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 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 Five Quad Award is for an exceptional member of the University at Albany's student-run 24/7 volunteer ambulance service. 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 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 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 UAlbany Fund Award recognizes a student caller who, through outreach to parents and alumni, is an exceptional representative of the university and has been successful in obtaining the private support that is critical to UAlbany's success. 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 Project SHAPE Award is for a student volunteer in recognition of exceptional performance, commitment and service as a valuable member of the Project SHAPE: Sexual Health & Peer Education program. 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 Middle Earth Award recognizes an exceptional member of the Middle Earth Peer Assistance Program. Middle Earth offers critical peer assistance services to UAlbany students - especially during evenings and on weekends, when other support services are harder to access. Student volunteers are trained by mental health professionals to help their peers address the common concerns many college students face. 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 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.

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.

This award is presented to a graduating student who demonstrates a commitment of exceptional time and energy volunteering for CEHC to help improve the experiences of peers, future students, and the broader CEHC community.

This award is presented to a graduating student who demonstrates a commitment of exceptional time and energy volunteering for CEHC to help improve the experiences of peers, future students, and the broader.

The Great Dane Academic Leadership Award recognizes student leadership in academic settings. Students will have showcased outstanding academic achievement in the classroom, research laboratories and other research settings and through internships. 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 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 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 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.

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 Phi Beta Kappa Society honors the best and brightest liberal arts and sciences undergraduates from 293 top schools across the nation through a highly selective, merit-based invitation process. Founded in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa is recognized as America's most prestigious academic honor society. The Phi Beta Kappa chapter at the University at Albany, Alpha Alpha of New York, was founded in 1974 through the effort of History Professor DeWitt Ellinwood and a University Committee. Not long after, a group of dedicated UAlbany Phi Beta Kappa members at the University at Albany endowed a fund to award a prize to the highest-ranking graduating member of the Alpha Alpha chapter of New York. The founders included M.E. Grenander, James W. Corbett, Helen and Bernard Horowitz, Catherine Newbold, Kendall A. Birr, Jarka and Grayce Burian, and Mary Goggin.

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 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.

Five teams from UAlbany have successfully completed the National Science Foundation's Innovation Corps (I-Corps) program during the recently completed winter cohort. The teams, comprised of individuals from diverse backgrounds, participated in the intensive 3.5-week session, with three teams distinguishing themselves by completing 20 or more interviews during the program. The teams include six UAlbany students. The National Science Foundation's Innovation Corps (I-Corps) program uses experiential education to help researchers gain valuable insight into entrepreneurship, starting a business, or exploring current industry challenges. The I-Corps Program @ UAlbany helps researchers (1) explore the market need for their work, (2) fund the development of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), and (3) strengthen the commercialization plan of their next grant application. The cohort was led by Kelly Reardon-Sleicher, Program Director, Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University at Albany and Micah Kotch, Partner of Blackthorn Ventures. Reardon-Sleicher leads the NSF I-Corps program at UAlbany and has more than 16 years of entrepreneurial education experience. Kotch is a seasoned instructor for the national NSF I-Corps program and a startup founder with over two decades of experience in industry and venture development and growth. A selection of standout teams from the winter cohort are: 1. Team KBS: Comprising three UAlbany students, Team KBS developed a table-top tensile tester, improving accessibility to a previously expensive and unwieldy tool used in academic training labs. 2. Team HaptiMed: Innovating in the medical field, Team HaptiMed created a haptic-enhanced laser stylus, enhancing tactile feedback for dentists and other practitioners during dental procedures. 3. Team ACES Group: ACES Group developed smart surfaces capable of bouncing high-frequency radio wave signals, enabling communication even in scenarios with no direct line of sight. Successful teams earn eligibility to apply for the National I-Corps program, marking a significant milestone in their entrepreneurial journey. Other notable participants in the cohort include Team Augacero, Team Warning Project, and Team Nemesys Insights, each contributing valuable innovations to their respective fields.

UAlbany students Michelle Leon Vasquez, Tyler Jardine and Kelvin Cai are getting a first-hand look at how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to improve the lives of individuals. They are working side-by-side with the University's Center for Technology in Government (CTG UAlbany) to assist the city of Schenectady in monitoring the use of city assets.

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.

Eight UAlbany students have been recognized with the Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence, the highest award the State University of New York bestows upon a student. Nearly 200 scholars across the 64-campus system were selected to receive awards this year, which acknowledge students for outstanding achievements and excellence within academics, leadership, campus involvement, community service and the arts. Chancellor John B. King, Jr. presented winners with a medallion at an awards ceremony on April 11 at the Albany Capital Center. UAlbany President Havidan Rodriguez and Vice President for Student Affairs Michael Christakis were also in attendance to congratulate students.