Two Local Students Honored with SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence

Herkimer County Community College students Brendan Murphy, of Whitesboro, NY, and Emma Vanderwerken, of Frankfort, NY, have been awarded the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence.
A senior Business Administration major, Murphy is an honors student, having been named to the Dean’s List, as well as the President’s List. He is very active on campus serving as president of Student Government Association, student representative on the Board of Trustees as well as a student ambassador and peer tutor. Murphy is also a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Vanderwerken is a senior Human Services major enrolled in the Honors Program. She serves as president of Herkimer College’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and president of the Human Services Club. She has been named to the President’s List and Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges.

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 State University of New York.

“It is a wonderful accomplishment for Brendan and Emma to be honored with the SUNY Chancellor’s Award,” said Herkimer College President Cathleen C. McColgin. “I applaud them not only for their academic achievements, but also for their service and commitment to our campus and community.”

“I am immensely proud of these students, who have demonstrated academic excellence and dedication to enriching their campuses and communities,” said SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson. “From research publications in industry journals to volunteering in hospitals and local clinics to holding leadership roles at their institutions, I am inspired by each student we recognize today. Congratulations to all of the students receiving this year’s award.”

The award ceremony took place on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at the Albany Capital Center in Albany, NY.

Photo 1: Pictured from left is SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson, Brendan Murphy and Herkimer College Dean of Students Matthew Hawes.

 Photo 2: Pictured from left is SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson, Emma Vanderwerken and Herkimer College Dean of Students Matthew Hawes.