Different Paths, One Honor: UAlbany Students Earn Chancellor’s Award
ALBANY, N.Y. (April 24, 2026) — For nine University at Albany students, the path to the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence didn’t follow a single blueprint.
Some came from the Capital Region, others from different parts of New York. Still others arrived from halfway across the world. Some came in with a clear sense of direction, while others found it along the way. What connects them is how they used their time at UAlbany: building community, taking chances and, in many cases, stepping into opportunities they didn’t initially see for themselves.
The Chancellor’s Award recognizes students for academic achievement, leadership, campus involvement and community service. This year’s recipients reflect that range and the different ways a UAlbany experience can take shape.
They will be recognized April 27 at a ceremony at the Albany Capital Center.
Maurice Burbridge
A Bronx native, Maurice Burbridge chose UAlbany in part for its distance — far enough to grow independently, but close enough to return home when needed. Four years later, he says trusting that instinct paid off.
A communication major with minors in film studies and journalism, Burbridge didn’t arrive with a clear career plan. Instead, the first-generation student discovered his interests over time, first through a love of film, then through a growing passion for writing and interviewing artists.
What defined his experience, he said, were the people who saw something in him before he did.
“Professors recognized my potential well before I did,” he said, along with peers who helped open doors, including opportunities to represent the Albany Student Press at events like South by Southwest.
After graduation, he hopes to continue telling stories through journalism, wherever that path leads.
“It’s symbolic of one of my life’s many missions: to make my loved ones proud.”
Sophie Coker
Sophie Coker grew up in Binghamton and came to UAlbany knowing she wanted a college experience that would challenge her while keeping her close to home.
She double majored in political science and communication, drawn in part by the University’s proximity to the state Capitol and its emphasis on engaging with a wide range of perspectives.
Her time on campus was shaped by hands-on experience, particularly her work with the Office of Communications and Marketing, where 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.
Coker plans to pursue a career in political communications, with the goal of working in Washington, D.C.
“This recognition at the SUNY level reflects my dedication to my campus community and the broader SUNY system.”
Halimah Lawson
Halimah Lawson, who is from Hewlett, N.Y., and grew up in both New Jersey and Long Island, came to UAlbany with a clear goal: to build a path toward a career in law and public service.
A criminal justice major with minors in political science and law and philosophy, she was drawn to the University’s location in the state capital and the opportunities it provides for students interested in government.
As a first-generation college student, the decision carried additional weight, both for her and her family.
Her most defining experience came through the New York State Senate Undergraduate Session Assistants Program, where she was elected Majority Leader during a simulated legislative session.
“Watching my peers succeed reinforced my belief that leadership is about preparation, care and helping others grow,” she said.
She plans to spend the next year working and preparing for law school.
Massa Masri
Massa Masri, originally from Damascus, Syria, came to UAlbany after moving to the United States as a teenager.
She majored in biology with a minor in business, combining an interest in science with a broader goal of improving access to healthcare.
“I felt like it’s my mission to help others,” she said.
Her time at UAlbany included research, leadership in student organizations and quieter moments, like studying by the campus fountain.
The first person in her family to pursue a degree in medicine, Masri plans to attend medical school and eventually open her own clinic or hospital.
“It’s a reminder to keep doing what is meaningful and believing that success will follow.”
Sean Millington
A Troy native, Sean Millington grew up just 20 minutes from campus and was drawn to UAlbany’s political science program and its location in the state capital.
A first generation student, Millington graduated in December and is already working in Albany Mayor Dorcey Applyrs’ office, focusing on attracting and retaining young people in the city.
Millington said his time at UAlbany was defined by experiential learning, especially internships that allowed him to engage directly with government.
“It was there that I really feel like I grew into someone who could work and thrive as a professional,” he said.
Dominique Platt
Dominique Platt was born in Portland Parish, Jamaica, on the island’s northeast coast, before moving to the United States as a teenager and enrolling at UAlbany. He later moved with his family to the Kingston and St. Andrew region, the capital of Jamaica.
A chemistry major with a concentration in forensic chemistry, he was driven by a long-standing curiosity about how the world works.
“I was always fascinated by the ‘why’ of the universe,” he said.
His experience extended beyond the classroom into research, student organizations and performances on stage, where he found community across campus.
After graduation, Platt plans to pursue a PhD in analytical chemistry, with the long-term goal of returning to Jamaica to build a forensic institute for the Caribbean.
Senbahavalli (Raji) Ramasamy
Senbahavalli “Raji” Ramasamy, of Guilderland chose UAlbany both for its familiarity and it's opportunites.
A biology major with minors in leadership and chemistry, she pursued a pre-med path while also focusing on service and community engagement.
A member of UAlbany's Honors College, some of Ramasamy's most meaningful experience came through the Five Quad Volunteer Ambulance Service.
“Some of my closest, lifelong friendships were built during long shifts, high-pressure calls and shared moments of growth,” she said.
After graduating with honors, she plans to take a gap year working in a clinical setting before applying to medical school.
Sanaa Woodley
Sanaa Woodley was born and raised in the Bronx and chose UAlbany for the balance it offered — independence, but still close enough to home.
She majored in political science and sociology, with a minor in Africana studies, driven by a desire to better understand injustice and create change.
“Understanding injustice was no longer enough — I needed the tools to confront it,” she said.
A first-generation student, Woodley said navigating college largely on her own pushed her to become more independent and disciplined.
“Walking across that stage means more than just earning a degree,” she said. “It’s a reflection of my parents’ sacrifices, their hard work, and everything they poured into me.”
She graduated in December and plans to attend law school.
Addison Yang
Addison Yang, of Saugerties, N.Y., pursued a dual major in accounting and business administration, with concentrations in finance as well as information systems and business analytics.
He chose UAlbany for its proximity to home, campus culture and career opportunities, with the support of his family.
Yang’s interest in business began in high school, where an elective course in financial management first sparked his interest in the field.
“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,” he said.
Yang, a first-generation college student, will attend New York University this fall to pursue a master’s degree in accounting and hopes to apply his skills in a career focused on solving global issues.