E-mail this pageMeet Our Fall 2007 Presidential Scholars
40% of SUNY Plattsburgh freshmen receive merit scholarships, but our Presidential Scholars are the cream of the crop. For the Fall 2007 semester, 12 of our best students were selected to receive our prestigious, full-tuition Presidential Scholarship. Here are their stories.
Jessica Bakeman
Hometown: Rochester, NY
High School: Aquinas Institute of Rochester
Major: Double major in English
and Theatre
Extracurricular Activities: Theatre, Choir, Private Voice Lessons, Editor of the school newspaper, Swimming, Soccer, Recruitment, Big Brother/Big Sister, National Honors Society, Tutoring
Awards/Honors: National Honor Roll, Who's Who Among American High School Students, Award for Outstanding Achievement in Creative Writing, President's Award for Educational Excellence, Award for Outstanding Dedication to Vocal Music, Award for Outstanding Achievement in Journalism
Why did you choose SUNY Plattsburgh?
I chose Plattsburgh State because of that famous "feeling" a prospective student should supposedly get the second he or she walks onto the "right" campus. I visited Plattsburgh with very little intent to go there - I was worried about the distance, even about the cold! But, let me tell you, I found nothing but warmth.
Are there any memorable or exciting experiences that have had a significant influence on you?
There are so many! Specifically, there is a summer program that I had the honor with which to be involved - a theatre conservatory program at an outstanding regional theatre where I live. My involvement with that extraordinary group of people catapulted me onto a never-ending journey to find who I am, and a beautifully intricate search for truth..
What excites you most about college? What makes you nervous?
I am excited to really have a place where I can grow. I need to branch out and realize my potential. And I am excited to have the opportunity to take more specialized classes! I am very much looking forward to meeting new people. I am nervous about being far away from home.
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
I am proud to say that the newspaper at my high school, The Maroon and White, was dead, and I resurrected it! The newspaper had been in and out of print and was circulating, at most, two issues a year. I took over my junior year, and by senior year, we had 20 staff members, and put out ten issues!
If you could only bring one personal item with you to campus this fall, what would it be? Why?
If this personal item can be something other than a necessity for life, I would say without a doubt my copy of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare. Within those pages, I can find all of the advice, wisdom and entertainment that I might need.
Abhishek Bhattacharyya
Hometown: Calcutta, India
High School: National Public School, Bangalore, India
Major: Economics
Extracurricular Activities: Cricket, Model UN, Debate, Quiz etc.
Awards/Honors: Presidential Award
Why did you choose Plattsburgh State?
I found Plattsburgh State while surfing the net. The combination of a great location plus high ratings drew me in. The entertaining interview for the Presidential Award also played a part in my choosing Plattsburgh State!
Are there any memorable or exciting experiences that have had a significant influence on you?
Moving from Germany to India at the age of ten left a lasting impact, as I had practically no knowledge of my motherland (I even spoke English with a slight German accent!), and was stranded without even basic Hindi knowledge. I eventually learned and adapted to my country's culture and ways, which were so different from those of Western Europe. Over time, I grew to love, respect, and take pride in those differences.
What excites you most about college? What makes you nervous?
I am excited by a new country, a new system, new friends, new teachers, new languages (American English vs. Indian English!?!). I am nervous, to a small extent, with all of the above. Plus not being with my family.
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
This summer, I was on vacation in Kashmir. At Sonamarg, I trudged 3000 feet up a glacier all alone without equipment (not even a sweater - I was freezing!) and against the better advice of the locals. I finally reached the waterfall at the top of the snowline and was able to look down on the vast valley below. I stood at the thinnest edge of the permanent snow-bridge where the waterfalls became the gushing river. That was a very proud moment!
If you could only bring one personal item with you to campus this fall, what would it be? Why?
I would bring my family album because I'll REALLY miss them when they are half a world away.
Mandi Curtis
Hometown: Massena, NY
High School: Massena Central High School
Major: Social Work
Extracurricular Activities: Spanish National Honor Society, National Honor Society
Awards/Honors: Graduating with Honors, Daughters of the American Revolution Award, Critical Writing Award
Why did you choose Plattsburgh State?
Because of the high quality of education and its reasonable cost, and of course just as much for the diverse community and the central location. The campus and the people managed to make me feel at home and keep me curious all at once, and I have no doubt that the college can accommodate my disability.
Are there any memorable or exciting experiences that have had a significant influence on you?
Last year, I spent a summer in Massachusetts at the Carroll Center for the Blind, and that was almost like a preview of college life for me. I think that helped open my eyes to the fact that there was a world outside of my tiny town, and set me up for everything I'm planning to do so far.
What excites you most about college? What makes you nervous?
The chance to meet new people, learn new things, and to experience life where there's actually life to be experienced. The thing that most makes me nervous is getting around more on my own in such a new place, but I'm not all that worried.
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
Honestly, I'm just proud of getting as far as I have. I know that sounds kind of strange, but really, I'm proud that I keep finding new ways to beat different challenges.
If you could only bring one personal item with you to campus this fall, what would it be? Why?
My laptop. It would - and will - be everything for me: a place to store and work on assignments, the means of how I keep connected with friends who are attending other colleges, and my access to music and world events.
Frances Ercolano
Hometown: Latham, NY
High School: Shaker High School
Major: Newspaper Journalism
Extracurricular Activities: Singing, writing, dancing, camping
Awards/Honors: National Honor Society, President of the school newspaper
Why did you choose Plattsburgh State?
Mainly because it seemed like a good place to start. This whole education ordeal is going to be a long one, and Plattsburgh seemed like a good place to start. Plattsburgh State offered benefits other schools couldn't, not to mention it helps that the Psychology and Art departments are phenomenal!
Are there any memorable or exciting experiences that have had a significant influence on you?
Traveling to Italy and Germany was a wonderful life-changing experience. This trip strengthened my Catholic faith and culturally enlightened me.
What excites you most about college? What makes you nervous?
To me, meeting new people and taking new interesting courses is the most exciting thing about college life. I am terrified of college food!
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
My proudest accomplishment to date was winning a national creative writing contest. I won a laptop computer and many movie tickets for writing a prose piece about the Jamestown colony.
If you could only bring one personal item with you to campus this fall, what would it be? Why?
I would bring my laptop because it is my most prized possession, and I am protective of it. It contains all of my interests including writing, music, and being connected to the outside world.
Emily Kinnear
Hometown: Walton, NY
High School: Walton Central School
Major: Undeclared
Extracurricular Activities: National Honor Society, Varsity Tennis, Model United Nations, and Varsity Volleyball
Awards/Honors: Scholastic Achievement Awards, Scholar Athlete Recognition, Walton Academic Booster Club Awards, Athlete of the Week, and National Honor Society Scholarship Nomination
Why did you choose Plattsburgh State?
I decided to go to Plattsburgh because I love the location. It's close to my family and I enjoy the numerous outdoor activities that the college offers. I also like the extra curricular activities such as the alternative break program. When I visited the campus, I felt at home.
Are there any memorable or exciting experiences that have had a significant influence on you?
The Big Buddy/Little Buddy program in my community has had an enormous impact on me. It was wonderful and extremely rewarding to be able to communicate and connect with young children.
What excites you most about college? What makes you nervous?
I'm excited about the new opportunities for education and travel. I'm a little nervous about being on my own for the first time.
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
My proudest accomplishment was winning the Section 4, Class C/D Doubles Championship for tennis.
If you could only bring one personal item with you to campus this fall, what would it be? Why?
I'd bring my black lab, Cora. It's going to be hard not being able to have pets!
Tory K. Long
Hometown: Barnesville, OH
High School: Beallsville High School
Major: Political Science
Extracurricular Activities: Marching Band, Literary Magazine Editor, Field Hockey, Soccer, Drama Club
Awards/Honors: Kiwanas International Scholar, National Honor Society, National Honor Roll, National Society of High School Scholars, Honor Roll
Why did you choose Plattsburgh State?
This was a school I had in mind for about 5 years. When I visited last summer, I found that I loved the location, the people were friendly, there were many courses to choose from, and being in the SUNY system makes for more study abroad opportunities. Plus, it's a good distance from home so hopefully I'll grow up a little!
Are there any memorable or exciting experiences that have had a significant influence on you?
For my freshman year of high school, I attended a school in my hometown for international students and students from other states. I learned a lot about other cultures, was able to temporarily escape small town life and become active in a lot of courses and extracurricular activities that were not available at my hometown high school. My experience at this school also helped me to decide my minor for college, which is Spanish.
What excites you most about college? What makes you nervous?
I'm excited about the chance to get a new perspective on life, have more opportunities, improve my life, and study in a different atmosphere. I'm excited about all there is to do in college. That's what also worries me. Maybe there's too much to do. That can get confusing.
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
To me, every accomplishment brings the same satisfaction. There are no big or small accomplishments. I take things day by day. If I get my pie baked for the bake sale on time or if I win a Nobel Prize, the feeling will be much the same. Of course, one comes with more bragging rights, but that's another story!
If you could only bring one personal item with you to campus this fall, what would it be? Why?
I couldn't leave home without my favorite mug. It's chipped, cracked and worn, but that only proves how much I love it. My mom bought it for me at the grocery store for fifty cents one day and I've used it ever since. It holds tea, cereal, rice, noodles, EVERYTHING. I'll use it till it falls apart and then I'll superglue the pieces back together.
Jonna Reamer
Hometown: East Berne, NY
High School: Guilderland High School
Major: Math Adolescence Education
Extracurricular Activities: Choir and orchestra
Awards/Honors: Kristen Ricci orchestra scholarship and choir award for 2007
Why did you choose Plattsburgh State?
It was one of the few SUNY schools with my major.
Are there any memorable or exciting experiences that have had a significant influence on you?
Going to Prague last year to sing was very memorable.
What excites you most about college? What makes you nervous?
I am excited about being on my own and choosing my own courses and meeting new people. I'm slightly nervous about the food.
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
My proudest accomplishment was performing Carmina Burana with the Czech national orchestra in a professional concert in Prague.
If you could only bring one personal item with you to campus this fall, what would it be? Why?
My small travel sized pillow (with case of course) because I've had it since I was 6 months old and it's like a good luck charm.
Emily Riley
Hometown: Massena, NY
High School: Massena High School
Major: Nursing
Extracurricular Activities: Soccer
Awards/Honors: National Honor Society and International Baccalaureate Society
Why did you choose Plattsburgh State?
I chose Plattsburgh because of the location, nursing program, and soccer team.
Are there any memorable or exciting experiences that have had a significant influence on you?
Working my summer job at Dairy Queen was very memorable.
What excites you most about college? What makes you nervous?
I'm excited about the new level of independence and nervous about missing my family.
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
I am proudest of being a three sport athlete.
If you could only bring one personal item with you to campus this fall, what would it be? Why?
I would bring my soccer blanket because it holds memories of my sister, friends, and our soccer season.
Jennifer Tynan
Hometown: Massena, NY
High School: Massena High School
Major: Nursing
Extracurricular Activities: Softball, Competitive Dance team, Drama Club, French Club, Harmonettes (select girls' singing group)
Awards/Honors: National Honor Society, International Baccalaureate Society, Who's Who Among American High School Students
Why did you choose Plattsburgh State?
I wanted somewhere not too big but not too small and that wasn't too far from home. Receiving the Presidential Scholarship was a big factor in my decision. Also, I knew some of my IB credits would transfer and would help me out in the long run.
Are there any memorable or exciting experiences that have had a significant influence on you?
I traveled to France in the spring with a group of students from my high school.
What excites you most about college? What makes you nervous?
I'm excited about being on my own and nervous about being homesick and procrastinating, which is one of my worst habits!
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
My proudest accomplishment was completing the most challenging academic program at my school (IB diploma) while still continuing activities that I love (dance, theatre, singing).
If you could only bring one personal item with you to campus this fall, what would it be? Why?
I would bring a picture of my family so that I don't get too homesick.
Erica Olmstead
Hometown: Chazy, NY
High School: Peru Central School
Major: Psychology
/Art minor
Extracurricular Activities: National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Gay Straight Alliance, Strand Vocal Band, and Reality Check
Awards/Honors: High Honors, Top 10% of class, 3rd Place Lake Placid Juried Art Show, Keynote Speaker at HCATT Tobacco Summit
Why did you choose Plattsburgh State?
Well besides the non-existent tuition, I've heard so many great things from friends who attend Plattsburgh. I've also heard the Psychology, Art, and English programs are ALL great. I figured I couldn't lose!
Are there any memorable or exciting experiences that have had a significant influence on you?
Through Reality Check (a teen led movement against the tobacco industry), I've been given the opportunity to travel and speak in many places. I've been given the chance to really be a leader and also learn the importance of standing up despite opposition. After you have spoken in front of 500 people, you can't be afraid of much!
What excites you most about college? What makes you nervous?
I'm mostly excited to start paving my way in the world and just living!
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
I'm most proud of starting my school's Gay Straight Alliance because despite opposition we've made a difference!
If you could only bring one personal item with you to campus this fall, what would it be? Why?
My guitar!! Because it's my child! Or my dog Scooter (yes, he's a personal item) because he's the light of my life.
Daniel Viau
Hometown: Brewerton, NY
High School: Central Square
Major: Philosophy
Extracurricular Activities: The Absolute Truth newspaper, Foreign Language Club
Why did you choose Plattsburgh State?
I chose Plattsburgh because of the academics, location, and uniformly positive hearsay.
Are there any memorable or exciting experiences that have had a significant influence on you?
I went to Paris over last summer, which was a life changing experience.
What excites you most about college? What makes you nervous?
I am excited by the freedom and stimulation that accompanies college. I am never scared!
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
My proudest accomplishment is my own studies.
If you could only bring one personal item with you to campus this fall, what would it be? Why?
My guitar. It is the best combination of my two favorite things, music and myself.
Contact Information
For more information about scholarships at SUNY Plattsburgh, please contact:
Richard Higgins, Director of Admissions
Plattsburgh State
101 Broad St., Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Phone: (518) 564-2040
Toll-Free: (888) 673-0012
Fax: (518) 564-2045
E-mail: admissions@plattsburgh.edu