UAlbany Students Who Studied Abroad Earn Chancellor’s Award
ALBANY, N.Y. (May 4, 2026) — The SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence recognizes students for academic achievement, leadership, campus involvement and community service, and this year’s nine UAlbany recipients were recognized on April 27 on a ceremony at the Albany Capital Center.
Two of the recipients' experiences reflect the goals and purpose of the Center for International Education and Global Strategy.
Addison Yang
Paris School of Business (Non-SUNY program), Winter 2024-2025
Addison Yang, of Saugerties, N.Y., is a first-generation college student who pursued a dual major in accounting and business administration, with concentrations in finance as well as information systems and business analytics.
Of his UAlbany career, he says, “My favorite UAlbany memory was the two-week study abroad experience in Paris, where I studied luxury brand management and explored the city with new friends.”
Addison completed a Winter 24-25 program at the Paris School of Business, a non-SUNY program, and will attend New York University to pursue a master’s degree in accounting with the hope of applying his skills in a career focused on solving global issues.
Sophie Coker
London School of Economics through SUNY Binghamton, Summer 2025
Sophie Coker, from Binghamton, N.Y., wanted a college experience that would challenge her while keeping her close to home. She chose UAlbany where she double majored in political science and communication, while taking advantage of the University’s proximity to the state Capitol.
During her work with the Office of Communications and Marketing, she discovered a passion for writing and storytelling. “Being able to explore and write about so many areas of higher education satisfies a craving for learning better than anything else,” she said.
Of the Chancellor's award, she says, “This recognition at the SUNY level reflects my dedication to my campus community and the broader SUNY system.”
Sophie completed a Summer 2025 program at the London School of Economics through SUNY Binghamton and plans to pursue a career in political communications, with the goal of working in Washington, D.C.