JAMES LILLIN
Staff Writer
The Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence is one of the highest academic honors that can be received by a student attending a SUNY institution. This year, Fredonia has nominated three students to receive the award: senior biology major Zachary Eklum, senior public relations and Spanish major Maria Gordon and senior molecular genetics and psychology major Rebecca Hartling.
“The awards are SUNY-wide,” said President Virginia Horvath, “and when looking for nominees we value a high GPA, but it’s also important that they demonstrate leadership in many other areas.”
Although the three nominees are virtually guaranteed to receive the award, they do first need to be approved by the Chancellor after looking over their records and accomplishments.
“In all the years I’ve been here we’ve never had somebody turned down at the SUNY level,” said Horvath, “but it’s not official until SUNY approves it.”
All three nominees represent different facets of Fredonia, and have remarkable achievements in many different fields.
“It was a huge honor to be nominated for the award,” said Gordon. “I’ve been very busy over the past four years. There have been moments when it just seems like there isn’t enough time in the day, but it’s ultimately been a good challenge for me.”
Gordon is currently an intern with the Study Abroad office, and has been the captain of the varsity women’s soccer team for two years, but places her time studying abroad as most important to her.
“When looking back at my time on Fredonia I think my biggest accomplishment was my time studying abroad in Chile,” said Gordon. “Traveling on my own, living with a host family, and being surrounded by Spanish all the time was amazing, and I made some great personal discoveries there.”
Zachary Eklum looks forward to spending his next few years at SUNY’s Upstate Medical University, and hopes to continue to pursue medicine.
“I plan on practicing medicine in a rural area like Chautauqua County after graduating medical school and completing a medical residency,” said Eklum.
Eklum has many fond memories at Fredonia, particularly meeting Bill Nye, but is especially grateful to the faculty that helped him get to where he is today.
“My academic advisor, Dr. [Theodore] Lee, has offered superb guidance along my path to acceptance into medical school,” said Eklum. “Drs. [Scott] Medler and [Catherine] Creeley were very helpful to my lab skills by allowing me to tackle interesting research questions in their research labs. Many other faculty members have assisted me in various disciples as well. I truly appreciate their assistance to me in my endeavors.”
Rebecca Hartling was surprised to find out she had been nominated, but was also very grateful.
“I was honestly shocked at first because I never thought I would be nominated,” said Hartling. “I’m very humbled for even being considered.”
Hartling is particularly fond of her time working with the National Biological Honors Society, Tri Beta.
“I’m definitely proudest of the scientific writing workshops I helped to create through Tri Beta,” said Hartling. “I got the chance to work with some amazing people and it was great to see that the work we were doing was really actually helping the students.”
Hartling will also be attending medical school after graduation, although she has not decided on where yet.
All three nominees, if confirmed, will be given a special medal to wear during graduation, and will be asked to stand in recognition of their accomplishments.