E-mail this pageSUNY Plattsburgh Students are Full of Promise
Jeannie Valencia '11 - "Scholarships Matter"
Jeannie Valencia, a sophomore from Queens, N.Y., doesn't believe in "downtime."
When pressed, the political science major reveals her busy schedule, which in addition to her academic studies includes serving as an active member of the Educational Opportunity Program, as public relations chair for the campus' black student union, AKEBA, and as treasurer for the History Association. She also leads study groups as a teaching assistant.
"Scholarships matter. They allow students to get one step closer to fulfilling their dreams and aspirations."
And just when you thought there wasnt enough time left in the day, Valencia is contemplating a minor in criminal justice.
As an assistant inthe busy EOP office, Valencia has a stamina that borders the supernatural. Despite the workload and various pressures associated with college life, she radiates a cheerful calm.
"Her personality bubbles over, allowing everyone around her to share her joy," said Dr. Michele Carpentier '77 G'87 CAS'87, director of Student Support Services. "We want to help provide her with every opportunity to have an extraordinary Plattsburgh experience."
Valencia's education is possible thanks in part to the scholarship assistance she receives. This first-generation college student is the recipient of the Sohan Singh Anand Scholarship, named for the father of Aruna Gandhi, assistant director of Student Support Services. Anand strongly believed in education for young women, despite it not being a priority in his native India at the time his daughters were being raised.
"Scholarships matter," says Valencia, who was shocked and excited to receive the Sohan Singh Anand Scholarship. "They allow students to get one step closer to fulfilling their dreams and aspirations."
"I don't think you could find a kid more positive and upbeat than Jeannie," said Carpentier.
Angel Acosta '08 - A Leader on Campus and in the Classroom
Growing up in New York City, Angel Acosta '08 had big dreams.
""I imagined traveling the world, learning different languages and meeting people from different cultures. I imagined becoming a leader and even thought about making films that captured the human condition in ways that inspired people to act," he said recently. "These dreams are now closer to reality after my four years at SUNY Plattsburgh."
Grabbing the Bull by the Horns
Since day one, Acosta has worked hard to realize his dreams at the college by studying abroad on three continents, spending a summer at film school and serving as a student ambassador and resident assistant; last year he was also elected president of the Student Association.
"Philanthropy helps students like me to compete in a globalized world"
"I could see the impact I could have in this community. I decided to continue to get involved and grew as a leader every step of the way. I ran for SA president to challenge my leadership skills and bring my energy, ideas and commitment to serve students," said Acosta.
True to his word, during his tenure as SA president, he has helped expand quality, safe, extracurricular opportunities for students, organized a get-out-the-vote campaign and encouraged student participation in campus-wide decisions. Acosta collaborates with anyone interested in improving the "Plattsburgh experience."
A Home Away from Home
His leadership style is decidedly familial.
"Being far from home, campus became my home," Acosta said. "I am a very family-oriented individual, so I went about building upon that sense of family on campus."
This anthropology major with a minor in French has also worked hard in the classroom alongside excellent and accomplished faculty.
"I think some would be surprised to know the quality of our faculty," Acosta said. "Ranging from people like Richard Robbins, Mark Cohen, Nancy Elwess and many others who are renowned in the international arena, we have a great group of successful professors."
Graduation Isn't the End
As a senior, he can now see the light at the end of the undergraduate tunnel. Reflecting on the fact that he will soon be a member of the Plattsburgh Alumni Association, he understands the need to stay engaged and involved after graduation. In fact, he recently shared his personal story in a letter to alumni, encouraging them to support the college by making a gift to the Plattsburgh Fund.
Betty Lavoie '10 - Scholarships Provide Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
This past spring, senior Elizabeth "Betty" Lavoie was asked to address a crowd who gathered to mark the launch of the North Country Scholarship program. Lavoie understands the importance of scholarships since she is a recipient of one herself.
Faculty, staff, alumni and representatives from area businesses heard firsthand about the value of a SUNY Plattsburgh education. They also learned how scholarships can impact students' experience in areas beyond the classroom.
"The research that I have done here will aid me in any field I choose to pursue in the future and in graduate school"
Scholarships Make the Impossible, Possible
"I have opportunities to attend scientific conferences across the country and those expenses have to come out of my pocket," Lavoie said. "Without my scholarships to help pay for tuition, I probably wouldn't be able to afford to go and have those experiences."
Her research and attendance at such conferences has garnered many awards and accolades. This year she attended the National Association of Biology Teachers conference and received the best poster award. Last year, she also won second place for her research at the North Country Regional Sigma Xi conference where she competed against students from Cornell, Yale, and Boston University. She plans to travel to two more national and one international conference this academic year.
Faculty-Student Research Opportunities Abound
This research opportunity was made possible by her mentors, specifically, Dr. Nancy Elwess, professor of biology and SUNY Distinguished Professor of Anthropology Dr. Mark Cohen. Cohen traveled to Central America in the 1980s, and, with permission from the government, excavated over 500 Maya skeletons. Those ancient bones were brought back to SUNY Plattsburgh for study.
The opportunity for faculty and student research was greatly enhanced when Cohen and Elwess reached across disciplines; the Maya bones in the anthropology department could now be studied with a newly acquired DNA sequencer in the biology department. Lavoie is one of the students who has had the benefit of working directly on the project.
To those who know Lavoie, it comes as no surprise that her goal is to become a biology professor. After all, it's in her genes; her mother, Dr. Kathleen Lavoie is a microbiologist, a professor of biology and the dean of the college of arts and sciences at SUNY Plattsburgh.
Genetics aside, Betty Lavoie has cultivated this love of biology since her earliest days. The result is an infectious enthusiasm for all things biology. She is steadfastly pursuing a bachelor's degree in biology with minors in chemistry and archaeology.
"Betty has a wonderful love for science as well as a tremendous amount of respect for the research process," said Elwess of her understudy. "She understands the nature of science and as a result, welcomes the challenges that come with it."
Academic Quality, Supportive Environment Foster Student Achievement
"I have learned so much from the highly qualified and supportive faculty and staff here," Lavoie said.
Little did she know that her research opportunities would lead her to become the foremost expert on the analyzing and sequencing of the mitochondrial control region of ancient Maya DNA. "How many students can say they are the expert in their field?" said Lavoie. With characteristic humor she added, "I'm the only one in that field, but it does not diminish the fact that I am number one!"
Contact Information
For more information about SUNY Plattsburgh's Bright With Promise campaign, please contact:
Anne Whitmore Hansen
Executive Director, Plattsburgh College Foundation
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Office: Hawkins Hall 109
Phone: (518) 564-2090
E-mail: anne.hansen@plattsburgh.edu