Herkimer College student honored with 2020 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence
Kristen Purcell, of Sauquoit, NY, is one of 213 recipients from across the state to be honored by the State University of New York with the 2020 Chancellor’s Award for Excellence. Purcell is a December 2019 graduate of Herkimer County Community College with an Associate in Science degree in general studies.
Purcell earned academic honors each semester and completed the College’s Honors Program. She was also the captain of the Generals women’s soccer team and earned numerous awards, including Collegiate Scholar Athlete of the Year, United Soccer Coaches First Team Scholar All American, NJCAA Player of the Week, United Soccer Coaches Player of the Week, NJCAA First Team All American, First Team All Region, and First Team All Conference. Purcell’s community involvement has included a Broadway Utica internship, serving as assistant director for Sauquoit Valley’s drama production, and coaching youth soccer.
Purcell is continuing her education at SUNY Purchase with a double major in theatre and performance and arts management. She is also a member of the SUNY Purchase women’s soccer team.
“SUNY’s Chancellor’s Award for Excellence winners are the champions of their campuses, each showing a tireless devotion to their academics and extracurricular pursuits, as well as their care for their fellow students as mentors and leaders,” said SUNY Chancellor Kristina Johnson. “They are inspiring, and I have high expectations for how they will contribute to our society as we rebound from this current pandemic that separates us today.”
Purcell was recognized for the award at the 52nd annual Herkimer College Commencement, which was held virtually due to social distancing restrictions.