Two SUNY Delhi Students Receive SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence 2024

Two SUNY Delhi students received the prestigious 2024 SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence this year. In an awards ceremony held April 11 in Albany, NY, Delhi's Marissa Lombardi and Daniel Luna were among a group of 193 high-achieving students from 62 campuses to be recognized with the award, honoring their outstanding accomplishments in areas such as academics, leadership, diversity, equity, inclusion and justice, campus involvement, community service, research and development, and the arts. Created in 1997, the Chancellor's Award is the highest honor bestowed upon a student by the State University of New York (SUNY).

"It is with deep admiration that I commend you all for your work to elevate your communities, inspire your peers, and shape a better tomorrow," said SUNY Chancellor John B. King. Jr. "Your dedication and achievements are a testament to your unwavering commitment and determination. The SUNY community is extremely proud of your accomplishments, your ambition, and the incredible individuals you have become."

"By excelling in their academic studies and devoting themselves to service and leadership, Marissa and Daniel epitomize the highest values of a SUNY Delhi education," said Dr. Mary Bonderoff, acting president at SUNY Delhi. "They each have left a lasting imprint on our campus community, and I'm excited to see how far their drive and determination will take them in the future."

Marissa Lombardi of Goshen, NY, is a standout student in the Culinary Arts Management BBA program at SUNY Delhi, graduating this spring. Marissa played a leading role in a community project to create locally sourced tomato sauce for 11 school districts. A three-season student-athlete in cross country and track and field, she set a new school record for the 10,000-meter race. While being exceptionally active on campus and also working as a resident assistant, Marissa consistently makes the Dean's List and has received awards for leadership and community service. Her passion for service and commitment to excellence are an inspiration to all. After graduation, Marissa will be entering her fourth season as part of the LEGOLAND New York Resort culinary team. She also plans to pursue a master's degree in culinary arts education to share the art and joy of cooking with others.

Daniel Luna of Bronx, NY, is graduating with a BBA in Human Resource Management from SUNY Delhi this spring. An Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) student from the Bronx, Daniel has fully embraced the college environment, emerging as a respected leader through his involvement as a resident assistant, EOP peer mentor, SUNY EOP ambassador, and HelpDesk student employee. Daniel successfully balances his many responsibilities with academics and excels in his program with a consistently impressive GPA. Known for his kind demeanor and reliability, he strives to further his skills and impact through networking and professional development while continuing to give back and serve others. Once he graduates, Daniel looks forward to gaining work experience in human resources in New York City and later advancing to a management position.

Enrolling over 3,000 students, SUNY Delhi's hands-on approach to teaching and learning includes over 60 academic programs in specialized areas, including applied technologies, nursing, hospitality, veterinary sciences, applied sciences, business, and liberal arts and sciences. SUNY Delhi offers certificates, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, as well as master's degrees both on campus and online.

To learn more about the Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence, visit suny.edu.