2020 SUNY Chancellor’s Award Recipients

ALBANY, N.Y. (May 11, 2020) — The University at Albany is proud to have 11 students, including four affiliated with the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy, recognized as recipients of the 2020 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence.

The Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence acknowledges students who have received recognition for distinguished achievements. It is the highest honor bestowed upon a student by the University. This year, 213 students from 64 campuses received this award.

“These student nominees are some of the most exceptional individuals across The State University of New York System,” wrote Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson. “They excel academically and go to great lengths to give back to their campus and its community through their service. Among our more than 415,500 students system wide, these individuals serve as role models through their many roles: academics, athletes, volunteers, and innovators. Their many achievements are a testament to their drive and hard work, which is enhanced by the support of their family, friends, and campus community. Their success is a source of great pride for us all.”

Rockefeller College’s four recipients are Michael Apollo, Katherine Gowing, Alodie Keza, and Max Sevor.

Michael Apollo

New Rochelle, New York
Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity
Through his inquisitiveness and enthusiasm, Michael connected two seemingly divergent disciplines — journalism and homeland security. He found experiential learning rewarding and pursued several opportunities, including post-Hurricane Maria service learning in Puerto Rico; an internship with the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.; research in Taiwan; and an internship at NPR member station WAMC. Additionally, Michael was a contributing writer and photographer for the Albany Student Press, and served as president of University at Albany IAEM.

Katherine Gowing

Houston, Texas
Political Science and Public Policy & Management
Katie Gowing graduated summa cum laude (4.0 GPA) in political science and public policy in two and a half years while simultaneously competing on the UAlbany women’s soccer team. She interned at the Rockefeller Institute of Government, a prestigious public policy think tank, and has earned several awards from the University at Albany and New York State for her accomplishments and research on the politics of reproductive health.

Alodie Keza

Buffalo, New York
Public Policy & Management
Despite experiencing displacement and homelessness at a young age as a refugee, Alodie emerged as a first-generation American, graduating with a bachelor’s degree. During her time at UAlbany, Alodie served in the student government, studied abroad in Cuba, mentored numerous peers, tutored several subjects, and was amongst SUNY’s representatives in a Model EU conference in Brussels. Alodie has also been a recipient of the Spellman Academic Achievement Award and the Initiatives for Women scholarship.

Max Sevor

Brockport, New York
Political Science
Max is a dedicated student leader majoring in political science. Currently pursuing a master’s in public administration, he serves as the aging committee clerk for the New York State Assembly and as a housing manager for Residential Life. Max was elected to the Student Association Senate, where he developed a $25,000 scholarship program. He is also a Purple and Gold Student Ambassador, a brother of Alpha Phi Omega, and received the President’s Award for Leadership.

The Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence was created in 1997 to recognize students who have best demonstrated, and have been recognized for, the integration of academic excellence with accomplishments in the areas of leadership, athletics, community service, creative and performing arts, campus involvement or career achievement.

Each year, SUNY campus presidents establish a selection committee, which reviews the accomplishments of exemplary students. Nominees are then forwarded to the Chancellor’s Office for a second round of review. Finalists are then recommended to the Chancellor to become recipients of the award.