Sociology major Michelle Dong awarded 2025 Outstanding Senior Award from the Office of Student Affairs

Michelle Dong, a Sociology major and Sociology Honors student with minors in Social Welfare and International Studies, was awarded the 2025 Outstanding Senior Award from the Office of Student Affairs in recognition of her academic excellence, leadership, and service. 

Under the mentorship of Professor Angie Chung, she conducted a senior thesis on support systems for unaccompanied refugee and asylum-seeking youth in the UK, inspired by her study abroad experience in Spain. She demonstrated outstanding leadership through roles such as Vice President of Cultural Connections and NAMI, Lead Albany International Representative, and Secretary of Wishmakers on Campus, which she helped to re-establish.

On campus, she served as a Peer Advisor at the Academic Support Center and Middle Earth, Teaching Assistant for a freshmen multiculturalism course, certified Group Exercise Instructor at Campus Recreation, and was active in programs supporting international and first-year students. Her community work also includes an internship with the SUNY Office of Health & Hospital Affairs and volunteer teaching and youth mentorship in Spain, Greece, England and local refugee support services. Her plans are to pursue graduate studies and future service work in the areas of youth, education, international engagement and holistic wellness.