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Buckton resident receives Shining Star Award at SUNY Potsdam

Posted 4/18/11

POTSDAM -- The State University of New York at Potsdam's Student Support Services program hosted its annual student awards reception and ceremony on March 30 in Harvey D. Thatcher Hall. A total of …

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Buckton resident receives Shining Star Award at SUNY Potsdam

Posted

POTSDAM -- The State University of New York at Potsdam's Student Support Services program hosted its annual student awards reception and ceremony on March 30 in Harvey D. Thatcher Hall.

A total of 102 SUNY Potsdam students were honored for their academic achievements during the Fall 2010 semester. Among those recognized was Leonard Nesbit, an adult learner and a resident of Buckton, who received the Shining Star Award, Student Support Service's most prestigious accolade.

The Shining Star Award is presented annually to the senior that best epitomizes the SSS credo of "commitment to excellence." Nesbit, a psychology major, was presented with this award in recognition of his dedication and diligence toward achieving his degree. He is receiving his Bachelor of the Arts in May, and he plans to enter the work force immediately after graduation.

In addition to Nesbit's honor, special acknowledgement was given to 23 students who achieved the President's List and to 17 students who made the Dean's List during the Fall 2010 semester. Also recognized for their outstanding work with SSS participants were 13 peer tutors and three peer mentors.

Nominated by SSS participants for their significant and positive contributions to student success, nine faculty members received the SSS Students' Choice Award. The recipients were Dr. Marta Albert, assistant professor of literacy education; Ray Bowdish, instructional support technician of biology; Dr. Walter Conley, professor of biology; Dr. Timothy Gordinier, assistant professor of politics; Dr. Karen Johnson-Weiner, professor of anthropology; Dr. Maurice Kenny, writer-in-residence in the Department of English and Communication; Dr. Blair Madore, associate professor of mathematics; Dr. Nasser Malit, assistant professor of anthropology, and Dr. Michael Rygel, assistant professor of geology.

Honored speaker Dr. Richard Del Guidice, professor emeritus and politics and Bridges Program students' advisor, provided special remarks. He encouraged the students in attendance to apply themselves rigorously to their academic studies, to enroll in courses outside their major, and most importantly, to pursue a career in a field for which they have a real passion.

At SUNY Potsdam, Student Support Services serves 200 eligible students throughout each year and provides the academic and personal support necessary to help eligible students remain in college and reach graduation. SSS is a TRIO program funded by the U.S. Education Department.