2026 Student Excellence Awards

Courtney Bish It is my distinct honor to welcome our honorees and their family and friends to this page where we showcase the accomplishments of members of our campus community. The Student Excellence Awards began more than 10 years ago to showcase the amazing service, commitment, teamwork, persistence, grit, and campus involvement our students possess. Many of these students have overcome great obstacles in the path to earning their degree, and have shown tremendous perseverance and determination in continuing to pursue advanced learning. I am incredibly proud of each and every student featured below and their accomplishments. They wholeheartedly embody what’s best about SUNY Canton.

Among the students recognized here are trailblazers, philanthropists, leaders, and scholars of the highest order. These students have received glowing nominations from their peers, their faculty, and administrative staff who have recognized the excellent work they have done on our campus and in their communities.

I’d like to also thank the Student Excellence Awards Committee: a tireless group of individuals from across campus who reviewed, analyzed, and debated on hundreds of applications for these awards, and were able to come to a consensus on the honorees. I wouldn’t be able to honor all of these amazing students without your collaborative work.

I extend my most sincere congratulations to our award recipients on their tremendous achievements and look forward to all they accomplish as they complete their education at SUNY Canton and beyond.

Courtney Battista Bish
Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students

View The 2026 Award Ceremony Recording

SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence

The Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence honors State University of New York students who have best demonstrated their integration of academic excellence with other aspects of their lives, which may include leadership, campus involvement, athletics, career achievement, community service or creative and performing arts. View previous recipients of this award.

Natalie Baxter

Health & Fitness Promotion

Richard Haller

Technological Communication

Outstanding Graduate - Baccalaureate

Each year, SUNY Canton honors an outstanding graduate in a Baccalaureate degree program. Nominees for this award are judged on scholarship, personality, and contribution to the community. Students presented with this award have a GPA of 3.50 or higher, have been at SUNY Canton for at least one year, and are eligible to graduate with their baccalaureate degree. View previous recipients of this award.

Sydney Valiquette

Forensic Criminology

Outstanding Graduate - Associate

Each year, SUNY Canton honors an outstanding graduate in an Associate degree program. Nominees for this award are judged on scholarship, personality, and contribution to the community. Students presented with this award have a GPA of 3.50 or higher, have been at SUNY Canton for at least one year, and are eligible to graduate with their associates degree. View previous recipients of this award.

Allison Bickford

Physical Therapist Assistant

Excellence In Student Life Award

The Excellence in Student Life Award is given out annually to individuals or Groups whose actions have positively and forever impacted and inspired Student Life at SUNY Canton through their campus involvement, commitment to excellence, mentorship, guidance, and leadership.View previous recipients of this award.

Renzi Food Pantry

Student Emergency Fund

David R. Maynard Award

Maynard Each year we present a student with the David R. Maynard Student Activities Award, an award given to a student who has contributed significantly to the campus community and student activities. David was a member of the class of 1986 who died in a motorcycle accident shortly after graduation. David was highly involved on campus in clubs, Greek Life, and intramurals, and was revered for his skill as a student leader. This award is given in his honor, and as a testament to his truly influential presence at SUNY Canton. The recipient of the award must demonstrate superior citizenship and outstanding leadership, as well generously devote their time to student activities. View previous recipients of this award.

Lydia Austin

Graphic and Multimedia Design

Guiding Light Award

The Guiding Light Award, formerly known as the Northstar Award, is a student-selected award given each year to one SUNY Canton employee who has made remarkable contributions to the college and has gone above and beyond to assist students in reaching their full potential. View previous recipients of this award.

Dr. Daniel N. McLane

Lecturer - Business & Liberal Arts

Acts of Service Award

These awards are given in recognition of students who have demonstrated acts of service worthy of campus recognition and are in good academic standing. This is the first year for this award.

Madison N. Bigelow

Health Care Management

Anastazia Graham

Forensic Criminology

Julie Frances Muriel Herron

Criminal & Forensic Investigation

Wynter Langlois

Physical Therapist Assistant

Community Connection Award

These awards recognize individuals, organizations, or businesses who provide impactful collaborations which strengthen community engagement at SUNY Canton through innovative initiatives, programs, or supportive measures. This is the first year for this award.

Tristen Bellinger

Technological Communications

Sydney Iyana Ervin

Health & Fitness Promotion

Kenneth Lakin III

Management

Natasha Keppis

Criminal & Forensic Investigation

Jaden Ivan Muniz

Veterinary Science Technology

Phoenix Award

The Phoenix is a mythical being that has become a symbol of rebirth and renewal. This award is given in recognition of students who have persisted through personal or academic challenges and have gone on to find success while enrolled at SUNY Canton.View previous recipients.

Logan Allen

Sports Management

Salvador Diaz

Health & Fitness Promotion

Emily Ann Fanning

Management

Joshua Kubik

Health & Fitness Promotion

Gavin Emmanuel Mallette

Engineering Science

Brittany McGregor

Applied Psychology

Abigail Rice

Health Care Management

Nico Santos

Cybersecurity

Everyone is Welcome Here

These awards are given in recognition of students who exemplify our campus ethos of "Everyone is Welcome Here" through acts of kindness, inclusivity, and caring. This is the first year for this award.