SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence
The SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence acknowledges students for outstanding achievements that have demonstrated the integration of SUNY excellence within many aspects of their lives in areas such as academics, campus involvement, community service, or the arts. It is the highest honor bestowed upon a student by the University.
Congratulations to this year's award recipients!

Jannet Baires is a Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement Technology major with a Sociology minor, achieving a 3.83 GPA. She’s a first-generation college student and a RAM Program scholar who is committed to advancing justice and contributing to social research. Jannet has distinguished herself through her research, leadership in data collection and analysis, and campus involvement. She independently conceptualized and launched a body-worn camera research project examining police-public interactions using publicly available video footage.

Bryan Cox is a first-generation college student majoring in Architectural Engineering Technology and Construction Management with a minor in Economics. He is a Dean’s List student who serves as a TRIO peer mentor, lead peer advisor, TA, and peer tutor. Bryan has guided first-generation and neurodiverse students with confidence and empathy. His approach fosters welcoming and inclusive environments where students feel seen, supported, and empowered. He also led a first-place team in the ASC Region 1 Design-Build Competition, demonstrating leadership, and showcasing his design capabilities and commitment to excellence within an industry-sponsored, real-world context.

Raymond Howard is an Aviation Administration major and student-athlete who maintains a 3.97 GPA. As a four-year member and captain of the golf team, Raymond has been named to the Skyline Conference’s academic honor roll each season and been recognized to the All-Sportsmanship Team. He currently serves in the United States Air Force, 103rd Rescue Squadron, and is known for his leadership, discipline and integrity. As president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Raymond has led numerous community service initiatives. His ability to organize and inspire others to engage with the broader community promotes a culture of giving back and making a meaningful difference.

Natasha Jones is a Business Analytics major with a Cybersecurity minor. She has demonstrated exceptional dedication to her education while navigating a range of personal and academic challenges that have shaped her resilience and determination. After taking a gap year, she was able to graduate in just three years while maintaining a high GPA. She has served as a TRIO support squad mentor and the TRIO Leadership Council president for the past two years. Natasha is a member of the President’s Student Leadership Council, a group of exceptional student leaders who exemplify academic excellence, campus engagement, and commitment to the mission and values of FSC. She is vice president of the Student Government Association, the Afro Caribbean Club, and the Stampede Club. She is a co-founder of the American Sign Language Club and volunteers at the Mill Neck Manor School for the deaf.

Joseph Rodriguez is a creative and dedicated student who graduated with a 3.88 GPA and made a meaningful impact within the Professional Communications Department. During his final semester at FSC, Joseph conducted a qualitative research study on how videoconferencing fits into the Interaction Model of Communication, with a focus on identifying the origin points of exhaustion unique to virtual meetings, commonly referred to as “Zoom Fatigue.” He runs his own photography business, and supported classmates by sharing his photography skills and assisting with professional headshots. As a U.S. Army veteran, he brought leadership, discipline, and real-world experience into the classroom, enriching collaboration and discussion. His initiative and professionalism support his success in graduate studies.
