Laureate Legacy

Event Background

With a history spanning more than 40 years, The University at Albany Foundation's Citizen Laureate Awards have maintained their original intent, which was to strengthen the ties between the academic and business communities.

Designed to not only honor each year's recipients for their achievements but to inspire others to share their talents to the benefit of community and academia, they continue to recognize and elevate the awareness of civic and academic achievement exemplifying the highest standards of leadership and citizenship.

Held in various landmarks throughout the Capital Region since 1977, the awards have honored outstanding leaders in business and industry, government, and academia for their extraordinary accomplishments. 

Proudly founded by Sorrell E. Chesin, PhD, Alan V. Iselin, and Lewis P. Welch, PhD, all of whom turned an idea into a legacy, the event is now a signature fundraising event for UAlbany students, with proceeds benefiting the important work of The University at Albany Foundation. Established in 1967 to encourage philanthropic support, The Foundation continues to advance the University’s strategic goals and sponsors efforts to build the University’s ties to the community. 
 

Past Citizen Laureates

Over 100 distinguished awardees have been honored over the course of the event's history, and our laureate's efforts continue to transform our Capital Region economically, scientifically, culturally, intellectually, and socially. 

Qualifications for the award remain virtually unchanged. 

• The Academic Laureate Award recognizes individuals for their notable achievements in academia, including teaching, research, scholarship, administration and/or service.
• The Community Laureate Award honors individuals for their impactful and sustained contributions to the community. 

Both must have widely recognized records of achievements which have long-range significance in enhancing the quality of life in our community. Nominations for the awards continue to be limited to the Capital Region. 

Our laureate family’s creativity, teaching, entrepreneurship, research, mentorship, generosity, and friendship have forever transformed our region and our University. We honor those we have lost throughout the years, knowing their legacies live on in many ways.