Student Awards and Competitions
Learn about and apply for the following student awards and competitions.
President's Medal for Outstanding Student and SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence
Call for Nominations: Undergraduate and Graduate President’s Medal for Outstanding Student and SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence
Members of the campus community are invited to submit nominations for the following student awards:
President's Medal for Outstanding Undergraduate Student
One undergraduate student will be awarded the President’s Medal for Outstanding Undergraduate Student, which is the highest honor awarded to a student by Buffalo State University. This award is given to a student who, through use of their natural talents and acquired skills, has demonstrated a commitment toward meeting the goals of higher education as set forth in the university’s mission statement. The recipients will deliver the student address at Commencement. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 is required for consideration for this award.
President's Medal for Outstanding Graduate Student
One graduate student will be awarded the President’s Medal for Outstanding Graduate Student, which is the highest honor awarded to a student by Buffalo State University. This award is given to a student who, through use of their natural talents and acquired skills, has demonstrated a commitment toward meeting the goals of higher education as set forth in the university’s mission statement. The recipients will deliver the student address at Commencement. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 is required for consideration for this award.
SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence
The Chancellor’s Award is the highest honor bestowed by SUNY upon a student with special achievement in at least THREE of the following areas: Academic Excellence, Leadership, Campus Involvement, Community Service, or the Arts. Examples of achievements and accomplishments to consider may include, but are not limited to, athletics, advocacy, military service, student government, teaching and service positions, involvement in clubs and organizations, volunteer work, and research experience. These students may have already received recognition from campus, local, state, national, or international organizations and we would like you to include that information in the nomination process.
Nomination Procedure
Nominations are being sought for both awards. Students must be nominated by a faculty or staff member at Buffalo State University. Candidates must have demonstrated the qualities recognized by each award. Selection criteria are similar for each award; however, to be considered for the President’s Medal, a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 is required. A student may be nominated for either or both awards.
Selection Criteria for Both Awards
Academic Excellence: Documented via grade point average, honors received, rank in class, research, and other scholarly projects.
Arts: Accomplishments and contributions in your particular discipline, If you are a performer, artist, craftsperson, or similar.
Citizenship: As measured by community service, the quality of extracurricular activities, and/or involvement in professional organizations.
Campus Involvement: As measured by significant accomplishments, contributions, or experiences in campus involvement while a student at Buffalo State.
Athletics: for the nominee who is an athlete, coach, etc., describe accomplishments in the particular sport(s).
Leadership/Creativity: Documented local, state, national, or international recognition for excellence (e.g., recipient of major national scholarships or athletic awards, or recognition by national and international associations and honor societies).
Career Achievement (including career preparation): significant accomplishments or experiences as a pre-professional, professional, or in career achievement while a student at Buffalo State. This can include internships, co-ops, accomplishments in student chapters of professional organizations, etc.
Military Service: Awards, decorations, or special recognitions
For graduate students: Documented by activities related to the discipline of graduate degree program or other university service leadership in a professional organization, or community outreach activities related to the field of study.
Deadline
Nominations and supporting documentation can be submitted electronically by email to Stacy Erokwu at erokwusc@buffalostate.edu, or dropped off to Cleveland Hall 513 by 4:00 p.m. Monday, December 16, 2024.
Students should submit their portfolio in a single PDF or a hard copy in a binder and be sure to also email the 3 required Word documents alongside the portfolio (Information Form, Personal Statement, and Resume and/or curriculum vitae). Please contact Student Affairs with any questions regarding the submission process.
Those with questions or concerns regarding the application process are encouraged to call Stacy Erokwu at extension 4704 or email erokwusc@buffalostate.edu.
*Information will be verified with the Registrar's Office.