SUNY Delhi Student Receives Statewide EOP Award

SUNY Delhi criminal justice major Mavenson Therneus is among a group of exceptional students in SUNY's Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) honored with the 2023 Norman R. McConney, Jr. Award for Student Excellence earlier this week. The recipients were celebrated in Albany, NY, with a ceremony that featured remarks from SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr.

"Congratulations on a well-deserved accolade," the Chancellor said. "The entire SUNY community takes pride in your work and your commitment to success in the face of all challenges and obstacles. I applaud all you've accomplished and highly anticipate your future successes."

Mavenson Therneus of New Windsor, NY, is a first-generation college student recruited to play basketball at SUNY Delhi. At Delhi, he qualified for the EOP program, which provides access, academic support, and financial assistance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

"I was very surprised but grateful to receive this award," said Therneus of the recognition. "I never thought I would get this far in life. I'm happy that I'm able to make my parents and family proud. EOP made it all possible - I wouldn't be here without their encouragement and support."

Therneus has excelled at SUNY Delhi both academically and in athletics, proving those who doubted his ability to succeed in college wrong. He has achieved a 3.0 GPA or higher multiple times while also balancing the demands of being a student-athlete. In basketball, Therneus broke Delhi's all-time scoring record with 1,265 career points, leading the men's basketball team to win its first-ever North Atlantic Conference championship in a historic season this year. He also works as a peer mentor for other EOP students to help them navigate college.

"Mavenson is a stand-up young man and a leader amongst his peers," said SUNY Delhi EOP Counselor Jonathan Annan. "We are beyond proud of Mavenson's continued growth across the board. It has been an honor to work with him and watch him flourish."

Therneus is graduating this spring with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and is looking for employment as an officer in the correctional system. He also hopes to play professional basketball.

To learn more about EOP, visit delhi.edu/eop.