SUNY Canton News

A member of the SUNY Canton College Activities Board and a dedicated student worker were both selected as recipients of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence.

Britney G. Livingston, a liberal arts major from Lisbon and Kenneth A. Burwell, a bachelor of science – nursing major, from Canton both recently received this award in person from SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher.

“The students we honor today have taken full advantage of the academic and extracurricular programs that SUNY provides both in the classroom and in the community,” said Zimpher.

Livingston was recognized for her ongoing commitment to the College and extensive support of the Student Activities Offices programs. She is the vice president for the SUNY Canton chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, a recipient of two scholarships created by Distinguished Alumnus John L. Halford of Gouverneur and a recipient of the Perry Family Scholarship.

“Britney is an excellent student,” said Patrick LaPierre, an associate professor of history, who has worked with Livingston in the past. “She takes her work seriously and she displays traits that bode well for her future success. She is an active steward of her educational future. She represents the Chancellor’s Award with distinction.”

Additionally, she is a representative for the Student Government Association, a member of SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy’s Student Ambassador committee, a member of the Intercollegiate Athletics Board, and has been an orientation leader. She’s made both the deans’ and president’s list for her academic success.

Burwell was recognized for his academic excellence and his work with several departments and offices on campus. He is a member of SUNY Canton’s chapter of the Golden Key Honor Society for four-year students, has worked with the College’s Upward Bound program, and is a student assistant in the Davis Health Center.

“Kenny has proven his dedication by spending many hours organizing, arranging, and assisting with our education outreach programs,” said Patricia Todd, director of the Davis Health Center. “The students love it! He does whatever it takes to make the programs a success.”

He is also a member of the St. Lawrence Area Poets and a red belt in Tang So Do, a Korean martial arts program. He has made the president’s list for his outstanding academic success.

The Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence acknowledges students who have successfully demonstrated integrating academic excellence with leadership, campus involvement, community service, the arts, athletics, and career achievement.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Manager, or call 315/386-7527.

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Two SUNY Canton soccer team captains from Lowville won Chancellor’s Awards for Student Excellence.

State University of New York Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher recognized Justin C. Martin, an alternative and renewable energy systems student, and Angeline D. Waryasz, a veterinary science technology student, for their outstanding academic achievement and involvement at the College

SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher, SUNY Canton Women’s Soccer Captain Angeline D. Waryasz of Lowville, and Vice President for Student Affairs Molly A. Mott.

“These students are proven leaders, athletes, artists, community servants, and much more,” Zimpher said. “They represent the future of our state and are perfect examples of The Power of SUNY. I congratulate all of the students receiving recognition and thank them for the positive impact each of them has had on SUNY and the communities we serve.”

Martin has been a math tutor for three years, a member of the alternative and renewable energy club, served on the College’s Intercollegiate Athletic Board and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. He was recognized as a Daktronics-NAIA scholar athlete, and an NAIA honorable mention All-American, and was the outstanding scholar athlete in men’s soccer this year.

SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher, SUNY Canton Men’s Soccer Captain Justin C. Martin of Lowville, and Vice President for Student Affairs Molly A. Mott.

“Justin is upbeat and friendly,” said Daniel J. Gagliardi, associate professor of mathematics. “He is also well organized and has a tremendous work ethic. He is generous with his knowledge and is always willing to help his peers.”

In soccer, he played 61 games and had one goal and one assist. Martin was part of the team’s strong defensive line that only allowed 2.4 goals per game during his career.

Waryasz has been recognized as a member of the All-Sunrise Conference women’s soccer team during both of her years at the College and this year was named the outstanding scholar athlete in women’s soccer by the conference. She’s worked as a peer tutor and has volunteered to help Canton community members clean their homes and lawns each spring. She’s made the president’s list for her outstanding grades for three consecutive semesters, and received an honorable mention acknowledgement during the College’s annual Scholarly Activities Celebration.

“Angie is a fantastic student, a great player, and a wonderful teammate,” said Kate Thomas-Moody, head women’s soccer coach. “She works as tirelessly in the classroom as she does on the soccer field. She has a great work ethic and I’m certain that she is going to be very successful after SUNY Canton.”

She scored 19 goals and had 13 assists and played 35 games during her two years at the College.

The Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence is awarded annually to both a bachelor’s and associate degree student from SUNY Canton.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Coordinator, or call 315/386-7528.

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Two SUNY Canton students have received the prestigious SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence.

Julie Vander Wiel

Julie Vander Wiel, a Legal Studies major from Malone, and Amy Dufore, a Criminal Investigations major from Norfolk, were selected to receive the esteemed award. SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy joined the students in Albany as they personally received their ceremonial medallion and certificate from SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher.

“These students are proven leaders, athletes, artists, community servants and much more,” Zimpher said. “Congratulations to all of the students receiving today’s award and thank you all for your genuine dedication to student excellence.”

Vander Wiel maintained excellent grades while volunteering, participating in athletics, and holding leadership positions within the SUNY Canton community. She has been captain of the women’s basketball team for three years, is a student-representative on the College’s Intercollegiate Athletic Board, and has served as the secretary and treasurer for the Student Athletic Advisory Committee. Vander Wiel has been recognized by the NAIA’s Sunrise Conference as an Outstanding Scholar Athlete for achieving the highest grade point average in the conference. She worked as a tutor to her fellow classmates, volunteered at a New York City soup kitchen, and participated in Make a Difference Day. She currently works as a legal intern at Lekki, Hill, Duprey, and Bhatt Law Firm, and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. Vander Wiel received the Alden C. Chadwick Endowed Scholarship from the SUNY Canton Foundation.

Amy Dufore

Dufore is finishing up her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Investigation after graduating from SUNY Canton in 2009 with an associate degree in Criminal Justice. In 2008, she was a team captain for the women’s cross country team and was vice president of the Beta Psi Delta Chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association Lambda Alpha Epsilon Honor Society. In 2009, she was the vice president for the Omega Upsilon chapter of the Alpha Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society. She also helped her program promote the DVD release of Max Payne, by orchestrating a simulated crime scene and an educational presentation for international members of the media in New York City. Dufore earned resident assistant of the year award and published works in Grasse Roots, the College’s literary magazine. She has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and helped members of the Thousand Island Girl Scout Council earn their forensic science badges. She won one of the SUNY Canton Foundation’s Canino Awards at last year’s Honors Convocation and a scholarship through the St. Lawrence County Sherriff’s Department.

Both Vander Wiel and Dufore will be graduating with a bachelor’s degree at SUNY Canton’s 102^nd Commencement Ceremony on May 22.

The Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence was created 13 years ago to recognize students who have best demonstrated the integration of academic excellence with accomplishments in the areas of leadership, athletics, community service, creative and performing arts, or career achievement. The average Grade Point Average (GPA) for all recipients this year is 3.8.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Coordinator, or call 315/386-7528.

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SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence

An Estonian immigrant who learned English as her third language and a North Country native who is earning her second SUNY Canton degree both received the State University of New York Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence.

Alissa Jatsenti, an Accounting major, and Sindy Afriat, a Criminal Investigation major recently traveled to Albany with SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy to receive their awards. Both students underwent a rigorous three-part process that evaluates their academic, artistic, and athletic performance, in addition to their individual service to the community.

“I’m extremely proud of our Chancellor’s Award recipients,” Kennedy said. “They have proven that they are not only among the best scholars at SUNY Canton, but also among the top students in the entire SUNY System.”

Jatsenti immigrated to the North Country after graduating from high school in her hometown of Tallinn, Estonia, and now resides in Canton. This year she was a student leader in the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program and helped moderate to low-income families prepare their taxes free of charge. Jatsenti is a passionate photographer who submitted her work to the SUNY-wide “Best of SUNY Art Exhibition” in Albany. She is also member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. Jatsenti is the 2009 recipient of the Clarkson Transfer Scholarship and plans to continue on to earn her Certified Public Accountant’s license.

Alissa Jatsenti, a SUNY Canton Accounting major from Estonia who resides in Canton received a SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. Jatsenti took a macro photo (above) of the award medallion that she will wear with her to Commencement on May 16.

“I’ve gained priceless experience through interaction with the Canton community,” she said. “It has been an extremely educating and delightful experience, which will greatly help me work and live in America after I finish the immigration process. I feel very grateful for everything SUNY Canton has taught me.”

Afriat has maintained excellent grades while working full-time, demonstrating her tireless commitment to her education. She returned to SUNY Canton after graduating with her associate degree in 2007 to work on her bachelor’s degree in the four-year Criminal Investigation program. Afriat is the President of the Omega Upsilon chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma, the honor society for Criminal Investigation students. She has received numerous SUNY Canton Foundation scholarships, including the Grasse River Scholarship, the Rachael M. Bagley Scholarship, and two Canino Awards for Academic Excellence, and the Flora Bertram Geller Scholarship. She is also the vice president of the Zen Do Kai karate club and secretary of the Criminal Justice Association.

“Working full-time and maintaining high grades hasn’t always been easy,” Afriat said. “I’m very proud that I’m graduating with the highest grade point average in the Criminal Investigation program.”

Sindy Afriat a SUNY Canton Criminal Investigation major from Chase Mills received a SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. Pictured are (l to r) SUNY Vice Chancellor and Officer-In-Charge John J. O’Connor, Afriat, and SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy.

Through her club and student organization involvement, Sindy has participated in several community service projects, including a First-Frost AIDS Walk/Run at the Thompson Park Zoo in Watertown.

Both Jatsenti and Afriat will be graduating at SUNY Canton’s 101^st Commencement Ceremony on May 16.

SUNY Canton offers a wide variety of career-driven bachelor’s, associate, and certificate programs, as well as three master’s degrees in conjunction with SUNYIT, Utica. Most of SUNY Canton’s new four-year programs are designed so students can take them on-campus, online, or both. SUNY Canton OnLine features more than 100 courses online each semester. The College’s athletic teams belong to the NAIA’s Sunrise Conference, enabling students to compete in their respective sports for four years.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Coordinator, or call 315/386-7528.

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A future doctor and an upcoming educator are both recipients of the 2007 Associate Level Outstanding Graduate award at SUNY Canton.

Further highlighting their outstanding academic success, Tiffany Dailey, an Early Childhood student from Chase Mills, and Mbaye Diop, a Liberal Arts and Sciences: General Studies student from New York City, were also both recipients of the 2007 Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence.

STUDENT EXCELLENCE – Pictured are (l to r) SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy, Tiffany Dailey, an Early Childhood student from Chase Mills, and SUNY Chancellor John R. Ryan. Dailey was recently honored for her academic success.

Both students will receive their Associate Level Outstanding Graduate award at SUNY Canton’s 99th Commencement Ceremony.

“The Chancellor’s Award for Excellence is given to the best and the brightest students across the SUNY System,” said Ryan. “I commend the campus presidents and their faculty and staff for discovering and enhancing student excellence throughout the year.”

Kennedy said. “Given Tiffany’s and Mbaye’s exemplary personal characteristics and academic standards, I feel they are among our finest graduates ever SUNY Canton and truly fit the description of Outstanding Graduates. I know that their motivation and determination will help them to succeed and continue to make a difference in their respective communities whether here in the North Country or even on another continent. ”

Dailey comes to class everyday after working a midnight shift with United Cerebral Palsy. “Tiffany is a responsible and highly respected student,” said Early Childhood Program Director Maureen Maiocco. “She is articulate and enthusiastic. She has a genuine interest in her education and it is quite evident that she has a passion for teaching. ”

Dailey is a recipient of the Garnett M. Lawrence Scholarship through the SUNY Canton Foundation, has received accolades for her high grades within the Early Childhood program, and is the secretary of the Early Childhood Club. She is the vice president of leadership in her honor society and has received a Character Development award for upholding the college’s Campus Creed.

Chancellor Ryan also awarded Dailey for making Phi Theta Kappa Second Team all-academic status.

CHANCELLOR’S AWARD – Pictured are (l to r) SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy, Mbaye Diop, a Liberal Arts and Sciences: General Studies student from New York City, and SUNY Chancellor John R. Ryan. Diop was recently honored for his academic success.

Diop is a native of Senegal, Africa, and moved to New York City in 2003. He plans on earning his bachelor’s and his medical doctorate degrees, then moving back to Africa to practice medicine in his hometown. “I believe that by doing my medical studies in the United States I will have the opportunity to use the latest technology and instruments, making me a more effective doctor than I would be if I studied in Africa,” Diop said.

Diop said he chose to attend SUNY Canton because it is quieter and less distracting than the city.

“Mbaye realizes the added value of conceptual understanding as compared to straight memorization,” Professor of Biology Kenneth Erickson pointed out. “His critical thinking skills are very developed and he responds well to a challenge. Mbaye is at his best when the material is most difficult.”

He has received both the Henning Keeler Scholarship and the Charles W. Johnson Scholarship through the SUNY Canton Foundation. He was also nominated for the national Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship. He is the president of the college’s science club and is the vice president of scholarship within his honor society.

The Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence was created to recognize students who have best demonstrated, and been recognized for, the integration of academic excellence with accomplishments in the areas of leadership, athletics, community service, creative and performing arts or career achievement.

The Outstanding Graduate Award is presented annually to the top student or students in two- and four-year programs at SUNY Canton. Among the many criteria for this award are high grades and active participation in extra-curricular activities.

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