Three Onondaga Community College students have been chosen to receive the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence.
Each year SUNY recognizes students for outstanding achievements that demonstrate the integration of SUNY excellence within many aspects of their lives in areas such as academics, leadership, campus involvement, community service, or the arts. This is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon any SUNY student.
OCC's three honorees are:
Vanessa Esposito
Vanessa is a first-generation college student who came to OCC after earning a bachelor's degree at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where she was also captain of the swimming team and qualified for the Canadian Olympic Trials. She decided she wanted to pursue a health-related career after attending an open house at SUNY Upstate Medical University, where she was advised to enroll at OCC. During her two years on campus, she earned degrees in Mathematics & Science, and Health Sciences, was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, tutored fellow students in biology, chemistry, psychology, statistics, physics, and math, and participated in paid research opportunities at local four-year institutions. She plans to continue her education at SUNY Upstate Medical University.
Katie Morgan
Katie is a mother of three girls, all of whom earned degrees at OCC. Two years ago, Katie decided she needed a career change and enrolled in OCC's Human Services degree program. While maintaining a perfect 4.0 grade point average, she earned membership in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and became a member of the Student Advisory Board of OCC's School of Health, Wellness & Human Services. She works with adults with disabilities as a direct support professional through Advocates, Incorporated. She plans to pursue bachelor's and master's degree online with SUNY Plattsburgh.
Alicia Oberlender
Alicia is a graduate of West Genesee High School who served as the Student Trustee on OCC’s Board of Trustees, a Student Ambassador who gave tours to prospective students, a Meg O’Connell Social Justice Scholar, President of the American Sign Language Club, a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, a crew leader for Micron Chip Camp, participated in the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars program, received the prestigious Pinnacle Award from OCC, and was selected to serve on the National Grid Foundation Youth Advisory Council. She earned degrees in Mathematics & Science, and American Sign Language. She plans to continue her education at the National Institute for the Deaf.
All three students will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Albany April 27.
