Saint Rose honors students for academic achievement at 2023 Honors Convocation

Saint Rose recognized more than 100 students for their distinguished academic achievement at the Honors Convocation held on April 29 in Picotte Recital Hall. President Marcia White, joined by the deans of the four schools and many other faculty and administrators, presented the awards to the students. Students were also recognized for their induction into various academic honors societies. “Today, we pause to celebrate the hard work, perseverance, achievement, and excellence of our students, with emphasis on our seniors who are completing very successful academic careers at The College of Saint Rose,” said Dr. Margaret McLane, provost and vice president for academic affairs, at the weekend ceremony.

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

This award is presented to the outstanding members of each class who have achieved the highest cumulative grade-point average (GPA)

Class of 2024

• Alexandra L. Kirk, Early Childhood and Childhood Education Birth – Grade 6

Class of 2025

• Madison Puppolo, Criminal Justice Behavior and Law

Class of 2026

• Erica M. Lefebvre, Forensic Psychology

SPECIAL AWARDS

Saint Rose of Lima Awards
These awards, given to a four-year student and a transfer student, are presented to graduating seniors in recognition of the highest academic achievement during study at the College.

Awardees:

Four-Year Student: Erica C. Nestor, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Transfer Student: Joseph D. Asprion, English Adolescence Education/Special Education BA/MSED (Dual Degree)

Biagiotti-Burton Endowed Award
This award is given to History and Political Science majors who are selected for their courage, honesty, and community involvement.

Awardee: Scott Jones

Clayton Trag Rock & Roll Rebel Annual Scholarship
This award is given to a junior Music major who is a talented rock and roll, jazz, or blues musician with financial need and a 3.5 GPA in Music courses.

Awardee: Penelope Rose Sierra

Gariba Abdul-Korah Memorial Award
This award, named for our late colleague Dr. Gariba Abdul-Korah, goes to the student with the broadest international perspective. This might include study abroad, service with an international agency/organization, study of an international problem, or plans to attend graduate school in international politics, law, or history.

The Honorable Loretta A. Preska Endowed Award
This award is presented to a student who meets the following criteria: First preference given to an undergraduate student planning to attend law school, who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement. Second preference will be given to an undergraduate student majoring in the sciences, who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement.

Awardee: Jacob Scofield

Jack Fragomeni Memorial Music Award
The award is presented to a junior guitar student who has shown the most improvement since his or her first year. Recipients are selected by the Music faculty. The award is named in honor of the late Jack Fragomeni, a jazz guitarist and part-time Music Department faculty member for 25 years.

Awardee: Edgar Cebada

Robert Sheehan Music Scholar Award
This award is presented to a sophomore or junior vocal or keyboard music student, who, as determined by the Music faculty, has exhibited outstanding dedication to the department and exceptional progress and promise in Music, from academic and applied performance perspectives. The award is made possible by friends and family of J. Robert Sheehan, former chair of the College’s Music department, in recognition of his many years of service.

Awardee: Skyler J. Stabin

Michael D. Normandin Innovative Computing Technology Award

This award is presented to a full-time undergraduate or graduate student majoring in Computer Information systems or Music Industry. The recipient need not be an academic achiever, but a student who demonstrates ambition, enthusiasm, and creativity in computer use to solve a problem. It is named for Michael D. Normandin ’87, who has decades of real-world computer technology leadership and experience.

Awardee: Catharina Oswald

Sister Patricia Kane Writing Award in Journalism

This award, named for the founder of The College of Saint Rose journalism program, is presented to a Communications major. Students are invited to submit pieces of journalism that meet the following criteria: compelling, accurate writing that adheres to standard journalistic convention and foregrounds the student’s ability to source a story and deliver accurate information in a timely fashion.

Awardee: Abigail Bravo

Sister Rita Agnes Casey, CSJ Endowed Music Award

This award is presented to a female senior Music major who has demonstrated commitment to continuing music studies It is given in honor of Sister Rita Agnes Casey, one of the College’s founders and chair of the Music department from its inception in 1920 until 1957.

Awardee: Grace E. Sayward

Senior Writing Award
The honoree is selected from a group of candidates who submitted three anonymous writing samples to judges from outside the College community.

Awardee: Cassandra Contreras

James J. Carr III Award for Business Beyond the Classroom
This award honors students who have at least a 3.0 GPA and have distinguished themselves outside the classroom in an internship, field study, or faculty-directed research. It was established in 2013 in the memory of James J. Carr III, a pioneer of the restaurant boom in downtown Albany.

Awardee: Jordan Araya

William and Camille Ruggiero ’37 Endowed Honors Internship Award
This award was established in 2011 to honor William and Camille Ruggerio, who were deeply interested in business and in many aspects of giving back to their communities. This award supports students participating in the Honors Internship Program in the summer between junior and senior year.

Awardees: Nicholas Hoffman, Max Bergman, Hunter Zeh, August Jorius, Zachary Gamache,

Hailey Wood

Dr. Anne Toolan Rowley Endowed Award
This award recognizes a graduate student who demonstrates outstanding scholarship and exemplary service to children and adults with communication needs in language and literacy, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

Awardee: Makayla Hulett

Joyce Coon Memorial Award
This award is presented to a graduate student in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program who has demonstrated academic excellence in the area of adult neurogenic communication disorders and swallowing and, also, has demonstrated the personal qualities exemplified by Joyce Coon – compassion, caring, and collaboration. It was established in memory of Coon, who received her bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Saint Rose in 2004 and who had been pursuing her graduate degree in the program.

Awardee: Samantha Manchino

Dr. Huey C. Bogan Award for Creativity in Teaching
This award recognizes an outstanding graduate student who exemplifies the qualities of Dr. Bogan, including academic excellence, creativity, and passion for education. Dr. Bogan, a Childhood Education professor at Saint Rose for 16 years, passed away in 2009.

Awardee: Jonathan Kline

Dr. Mark Ylvisaker Memorial Award
This award is presented to an outstanding undergraduate or graduate student who exemplifies the qualities of Dr. Ylvisaker: a love of and great aptitude in learning and scholarship, innovative and successful efforts in helping others to communicate, and a genuineness and warmth that is evident to all.

Awardee: Alexandra Cinquanta

The Michael Welshhaun Memorial Award
This award recognizes a Communications Sciences and Disorders student who has used technology to improve the communication ability of someone with complex communication challenges.

Awardee: Brooke Cornwall

American Institute of Chemists Award
This national program honors outstanding seniors majoring in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Biochemistry. The award is presented on the basis of “a demonstrated record of ability, leadership, and professional promise.

Awardee: Faith Borkowski

General Chemistry Award

This award is presented to the best student or students in general Chemistry at the College. Award criteria include GPA and motivation for and interest in Chemistry.

Awardees: Kaelah Carter, Joanna Forrest

Donna L. Reittinger Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Psychological Research
This award recognizes a senior-level student graduating in December or May of the academic year PSY 498 is taken. Students must have completed all of PSY 498 successfully. Eligible students must have at least a 3.0 GPA in psychology and an overall GPA of 3.0.

Awardee: Matthew J. Gerson

Marie Chirico Bello ’48 Award
This award is presented to a full-time undergraduate Science major who shares Marie Chirico Bello’s passion for science, demonstrated through high academic achievement. It was established in 2011 in honor of the 85th birthday of Marie Chirico Bello ’48, who majored in Biology and minored in Chemistry.

Awardee: Madeline Yeung

Sister Noel Marie Cronin Excellence in Mathematics Award

This award is presented to a senior mathematics major who has met specific academic criteria and who has demonstrated originality, creativity, initiative, and integration of knowledge in course work.

Awardee: Kelli DeSalvatore

Sister Theresa Wysolmerski, CSJ, Award for Excellence in Biology
This award is presented to an outstanding full-time undergraduate Biology, Biology: Adolescence Education, Medical Technology, Biology/Cytotechnology, or Childhood Education (Biology concentration) major who meets specific academic criteria and has demonstrated academic excellence, breadth of interest, and general social concern.

Awardee: Kaley Roberts

Senior Class Scholar – Athlete Award
This award is presented to one male and one female student who fit the following criteria: has attended The College of Saint Rose for at least four semesters, been a member of a varsity sport for at least two seasons, including their senior, be a graduating senior or enrolled in a combined program and successfully completed the undergraduate portion, and have the highest cumulative GPA (minimum of 3.5). Awardees are selected by the Athletics Department in conjunction with the faculty liaison to the Athletics Department.

Awardees: Madison Chandler, Dominic Meola

Mary P. VanDerzee Memorial Award
This award is presented to a sophomore or junior (in any degree program) who is registered with the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities. A minimum 3.00 GPA is required, and applicants must complete an application (includes a 200-300 word essay).

Awardee: Danai Cirigliano

Dr. Megan E. Cartier Award
This award, named for our late colleague Megan E. Cartier, Ph.D., goes to a senior or graduate student who has studied Special Education with an overall GPA of 3.5 or greater and whose contributions to the community carry on the spirit of Dr. Cartier by demonstrating a passion for advocacy, engagement in social justice, and support of individuals.

Awardee: Morgan Rounds

Michael D. Normandin Innovative Computing Technology Award
This award is presented to a full-time undergraduate or graduate student majoring in Computer Information systems or Music Industry. The recipient need not be an academic achiever, but a student who demonstrates ambition, enthusiasm, and creativity in computer use to solve a problem. It is named for Michael D. Normandin ’87, who has decades of real-world computer technology leadership and experience.

Awardee: Catharina Oswald

Sister Rosaleen Gilroy, CSJ History-Political Science Award

This award honors the graduating senior carrying the highest cumulative GPA in the History-Political Science major.

Awardee: Izzy Mero

Taylor P. Farnsworth Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to a communications major and is named in honor of Farnsworth, an outstanding young communications alum who passed away in 2019.

Awardee: Mia Quick

OUTSTANDING SENIOR AWARDS

The award recognizes graduating seniors who have at least a 3.5 GPA and who meet other criteria specified by the department faculty in which they study.

School of Arts and Humanities

• Michaela Frisbee, Samuel Kondraki, Communications
• Angelina Mandell, Samantha Ryan, English
• Izzy Mero, History and Political Science
• Andrew Joseph Bruck, Alexis Nicole Cummings, Madeline Sharkey, Music Education
• Grace Sayward, Music Performance
• Kaylee Julia Boerner, John Guthrie Brouillette, Norrece Jonathan Dowell, Sharon Hong , Riley Thomas O’Lena, Matthew Francis Maiorano, Corinne Sara Pelkie, Devin Anthony Walker, Mykaela Chantelle Worthem, Music Industry
• Mitra Korkmaz, Political Science
• Michaela Fay, Social Studies: Adolescence Education/Special Education

Huether School of Business

• Nicholas A. Espeut, Accounting
• Carmen Orlet Da Costa, Business Administration/Management
• Johanna Campbell, Business Administration/Small Business and Entrepreneurship
• Louis Gendron, Business Administration/Sports Management
• Meenakshi Coondiah, Finance
• Logan Simms, Financial Planning
• Tobey Seaburg, Human Resource Management
• Samuel Provencher, Management/Entrepreneurship
• Justin Baisy, Management/Human Resource Management
• Brooke Ross, Management/Leadership and Management Skills
• Emmie Gilmore, Eric Romero Gomez, Management/Sports Management
• Payton O’Hara, Marketing
• Shelbie M. Jenkins, Sales
• Mateo Narciso Jimenez, Business Administration BS/MBA (Dual Degree)

Thelma P. Lally School of Education

• Madison E. Chandler, Alexa Hurlburt, Childhood Education/Special Education
• Nate Johnson, Erika Nestor, Communication Sciences and Disorders
• Hosanna Grace Davis, Julia Greco, Early Childhood Education/Childhood Education B-6
• Caterina Burns, Inclusive Early Childhood Education

School of Mathematics and Sciences

• Samah Alharbi, Biology
• Angel Decker, Biochemistry
• Liam Nguyen, Computer Science
• Anita Sanchez Garcia, Annelise Marie Willis, Criminal Justice, Behavior and Law
• Tatiana D. Joachim, Forensic Psychology
• Nicholas Lyford, Elizabeth Morrow, Sophia Schaub, Forensic Science
• Aidan C. Sullivan, BA, Psychology
• Nick Koenig, BS, Psychology
• Dezarae T. Hall, Olivia R. Valent, Psychology, Clinical/Counseling Concentration
• Matthew J. Gerson, Psychology, Research Honors Concentration
• Naomi Post, Public Health
• Mekkel Styno, Social Work

OUTSTANDING GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS

Huether School of Business

• Jackson X Cavardoni, Rachael M Devernoe, Raj Dontireddy, Karsen Nicole Hallas, Megan A Mayer, Jordan Araya, MBA
• Laura E. Grippin, Accounting
  Hunter Zeh, BS/MBA Business Administration with a Finance Concentration
• Dominic Meola, BS/MBA, Financial Planning
• Jordan Araya, MB

Thelma P. Lally School of Education

• Kelli DeSalvatore, John Hart, Adolescence Education Initial Certification
• Laura Borrelli, Adolescence Education/Special Education: English (BA/MSED)
• John Sanseverino, Adolescence Education/Special Education: Social Studies (BA/MSED)
• Alexis Chavez, Charlotte Dion-Gaarde, Childhood Education/Special Education 1-6
• Mariah Perdomo, Jason White, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Emily Brynes, Holly Reedy, Communication Sciences and Disorders
• Jack Angerame, CJ Ruckert, Curriculum and Instruction
• Erin Nagy, Isabelle Rulison, Early Childhood/Childhood Education B-6
• Kristina Marshall, Lyndsay Stein, Educational Leadership/School Building Leader (CAS)
• Nicole Arcuri, Educational Leadership/School District Business Leader (CAS)
• Grace Lang, Educational Psychology
• Liliana Battbulli, Samantha Lindeman, Cassidy Smith, Literacy B-12
• Gabbi Warren, Jessica Staiger, School Counseling
• Kristin Wade, School Psychology
• Julia LeVan, Special Education 1-6
• Allison Wickham, Special Education/Adolescence Education 7-12
• Emily LeClair, Special Education Professional
• Jennifer Facteau, Special Education

Mathematics and Sciences

• Jeffrey Louie, Computer Science
• Brittney L. Decker, Elena Dochak, Alexis Till, Social Work
• Kara Lewis, Social Work

HONOR SOCIETIES INDUCTEES

Honor Societies are national or international organizations who recognize students for academic excellence usually within a specific academic discipline.  Each one has its own set of requirements for membership.  Separate induction ceremonies are held by each of the individual Honor Societies.

Delta Delta Epsilon

International Honor Society in Forensic Science

Moderator: Dr. Sara Alvaro, Associate Professor of Chemistry

• Faith Borkowksi
• Nicholas Lyford
• Elizabeth Morrow
• Sophia Schaub

Kappa Delta Pi

International Honor Society in Education

Co-Moderators: Dr. Kristi Fragnoli, Professor of Teacher Education and Dr. Jennifer Suriano, Assistant Professor of Teacher Education

• Alexis Averill
• Alyssa Baldizon
• Emily Brady
• Ayana Butler
• Vanessa Chonou
• Danai Cirigliano
• Olivia DeGraw
• Alicia Diaz
• Anna Doren
• Thomas Hoffay
• Ashley Isabella
• Sydney Jones
• Catherine LaBarge
• Danielle Laval
• Hannah LeFevre
• Erin Mackey
• Justine Marotta
• Erin Hagy
• Lauren Pestuglicci
• Caitlin Pusz
• Sean Rickert
• Charles Romano
• Andrew Sweet
• Jada Wesenberg
• Allison Wickham
• Madison Wolfe

Phi Alpha

International Honor Society in Social Work

Moderator: Dr. Donna Van Alst, Assistant Professor of Social Work

BSW Inductees:

• Julia Curley
• Ashley Kozlovich
• Laura Uribe
• Jackie Wayman

MSSW Inductees:

• Darcy Andrushko
• Brittney Decker
• Elena Dochak
• Breana Doherty
• Isabella Franzese
• Jess Gruss
• Yolanda Johnson
• Kara Lewis
• Melina Lisosky
• Megan Mastrodomenico
• Madeleine O’Rourke
• Isabella Serafini
• Alex Smaldone
• Alexis Till

Sigma Tau Delta

International English Honor Society

Moderator: Dr. May Caroline Chan, Associate Professor of English

• Lauren Bartlett
• Emma Carter
• Olivia DeGraw
• Amanda Finelli
• Madelin Glasser
• Joslyn Keezer
• Laura Knowlton
• Hessem Loayza-Ladcani
• Angelina Mandell
• Samantha Ryan
• MyAsia Wiggins

Sigma Xi

The Scientific Research Honor Society

Moderator: Dr. Brad Bauer, Associate Professor of Chemistry

• Marialuisa Berghela
• Ryan Gainor 

Tau Sigma

National Honor Society for Transfer Students

Moderator:  Michael Richter, Coordinator of Education Advising/Placement Center

• Isabella Camacho
• Hannah Elizabeth Itskov
• Brianna Pearson
• Tresaliana Batchelder
• Megan Elizabeth Charnews
• Denise F. Edwards
• Jessica Lovato
• Savanah Torebka
• Hannah Briggs