For Immediate Release
May 4, 2026

Eight from SUNY Suffolk Recognized with Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence

: Several Suffolk County Community College students were recognized with the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. Students are pictured with SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. and Dr. Patty Munsch, Vice President for Student Affairs at Suffolk County Community College. For hi-res images, visit: https://photos.app.goo.gl/FsSGqYYxrSZGX6Bk6

Eight Suffolk County Community College students have received the State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence, the system’s highest honor for students.

The award recognizes students for outstanding achievements across academics, leadership, diversity, equity, inclusion and justice, campus involvement, civic engagement and service, research and development, and creative and performing arts.

“We take immense pride in the remarkable accomplishments of these outstanding students,” said Edward Bonahue, president of Suffolk County Community College. “These are students who are engaged in their home and college communities; they innovate, dream and achieve. Their dedication and exceptional efforts underscore their extraordinary potential.”

Award recipients:

Genevieve Burrell, of Calverton, a sociology major, maintains a 4.0 GPA and has earned dean’s list recognition every semester for the past two years. She serves as president of the Creative Writing Club, vice president of Phi Theta Kappa and a peer mentor and Get There From Here scholar. She is a PTK Coca-Cola Academic Team member.

Muhammad Fahad Butt, of Lake Grove, a computer science major, maintains a 3.9 GPA with consistent dean’s list recognition. He serves as vice president of fellowship for Phi Theta Kappa, secretary of the Muslim Student Association and a TRIO tutor, and has demonstrated leadership as a Suffolk County Community College team leader at Stony Brook University’s hackathon. He has also been named a 2026 Hites Scholar and will receive a $7,500 scholarship to support his bachelor’s degree studies.

Caelan LaPrelle, of Northport, a marine biology major, holds a 3.7 GPA and is a Get There From Here scholar. Caelan serves as president of the Campus Activities Board, acting president of the Honors Club and a peer mentor. Caelan is also a recipient of the Emerging Student Leader Award and a PTK Coca-Cola Academic Team member.

Ivanna Moreno, of Brentwood, a radio and television major, holds a 3.8 GPA and has earned dean’s list recognition. She serves as vice president of public relations for Phi Theta Kappa, mentors students in the Broadcasters Club and tutors in the World Language Lab. She also produced an original documentary exploring Caribbean identity and sociopolitical issues. Ivanna is a member of the PTK All–New York State Team.

Jazel Negron, of East Northport, a business administration major, maintains a 4.0 GPA with consistent dean’s list recognition. She serves as program coordinator for the Campus Activities Board, a peer mentor, an orientation leader and vice president of fellowship for Phi Theta Kappa.

Zander Pott, of Centereach, a psychology major, maintains a 4.0 GPA and has earned dean’s list recognition for the past two years. He serves as vice president of service for Phi Theta Kappa and is an honors student, peer mentor, orientation leader and TRIO tutor.

Amelia Sivilli, of Bay Shore, a liberal arts major, maintains a 4.0 GPA and has earned dean’s list recognition every semester for the past two years. She has served as secretary of the Business and Accounting Club, executive secretary of the Student Government Association and director of campus life and college committees. She is also active in Phi Theta Kappa and Pi Alpha Sigma.

William Yeamans, of Mount Sinai, an adolescent education–English major, holds a 3.6 GPA and has earned dean’s list recognition every semester for the past two years. He serves as president of the Society of Writers and editor-in-chief of Perspectives Literary Magazine. He is a PTK Coca-Cola Academic Team member.

About Suffolk County Community College

Suffolk County Community College is the largest, most comprehensive community college in the State University of New York (SUNY) system, enrolling more than 26,000 students in over 100 degree and certificate programs. With approximately 145,000 alumni, Suffolk County Community College is dedicated to meeting the demands of regional employers. The college has built an extensive track record of successfully training and educating its students through pathways from high school to college and into careers.