Suffolk’s Silverstein Named Distinguished College Administrator by PTK Honor Society

Sharon Silverstein has been named a Distinguished College Administrator by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. The award recognizes college leaders for their outstanding support of student success.

Sharon Silverstein, the Director of Campus Activities and Student Leadership Development at Suffolk County Community College has been named a Distinguished College Administrator by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. The award recognizes college leaders for their outstanding support of student success.

Silverstein has more than 42 years of higher education experience spanning four states and has been helping students thrive at Suffolk for 23 of those years.

She has served in a variety of regional, national and international capacities for the Association of College Unions International and the National Association of Campus Activities and has volunteered at the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge, an academic bowl for Historically Black Colleges and Institutions for the past 35 years.

In 2011, Silverstein she was awarded the Two-Year College Professional Service Award by the Association of College Union International and in 2012 was recognized by the State University of New York with a Chancellor’s Excellence in Professional Service Award.

Silverstein will be honored at Phi Theta Kappa’s Annual Convention, April 20‐22, 2023, at the Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio.

Source: Suffolk County Community College

Suffolk’s Rutigliano Named PTK Guistwhite Scholar, Selected from Among More Than 4,000 Nationally

Leeanna Rutigliano

Leeanna Rutigliano, a Suffolk County Community College Child Study Education major from Medford, is among fifteen national scholars selected from more than 4,000 nationally to be awarded Phi Theta Kappa’s (PTK) second highest scholarship that includes $5,000 for future studies.

Rutigliano was named a PTK 2021 Guistwhite Scholar based upon academic excellence, leadership accomplishments, and engagement in Phi Theta Kappa programs. In addition to the scholarship, she will also be presented with a commemorative medallion.  The scholarship is named in honor of the late Margaret and Dr. Jack Guistwhite, who established the first transfer scholarship designated exclusively for Phi Theta Kappa members to Florida Atlantic University in 1975.

Leeanna has a 4.0 grade point average and has earned Dean’s List recognition every semester for the last two years; serves as President of Phi Theta Kappa’s Alpha Zeta Nu Chapter; is a Division 1 Finalist Oberndorf Scholar, and member of Suffolk’s College Choir. 

“Leeanna’s academic excellence and community commitment makes her a role model for other students and everyone at Suffolk County Community College,” said interim College President Louis Petrizzo. “All of us at the college are extremely proud of her.” 

“Suffolk County Community College honors students each semester with Phi Theta Kappa recognition.  Our participation in this national organization not only celebrates student scholarship, but assists them in taking their next steps in college transfer and career readiness.  Leeanna is a wonderful example of how that comes to fruition here and I am confident that she will be a model for the elementary school children who she will eventually teach,” concluded Dr. Paul Beaudin, vice president for academic and student affairs.

Earlier this year Rutigliano was named a 2021 Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholar based upon scores she earned in the All-USA Academic Team competition. More than 2,000 students competed for the coveted title and award.  The Coca-Cola Academic Team recognizes high achieving college students who demonstrate academic excellence and intellectual rigor combined with leadership and service that extends their education beyond the classroom to benefit society.

Later this month, Rutigliano will be awarded the prestigious State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. The SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence recognizes students for outstanding achievements and who best demonstrate the integration of SUNY excellence within many aspects of their lives, which must include three of the following: academics, leadership, campus involvement, community service, or the arts. 

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 nations, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.

Source: Suffolk County Community College

The American Dream in 2019: Joan Bolanos Martinez’s ’17 Resolve Before and During His Time at Columbia University

“The American Dream in 2019: Joan Bolanos Martinez’s Resolve Before and During His Time at GS”

February 1, 2019

For one to be met with adversity only makes the accomplishment of one’s goals that much more rewarding. Economics major Joan Bolanos Martinez can back this statement up with his account of a path that started in a small town in Venezuela and has led him to the financial epicenter of the world.

For as long as he can remember, Bolanos Martinez had the urge to leave the small town of Guanare in search of new opportunities. However, for Joan’s father, the notion of family superseded academic opportunity. Initially, his father was hesitant to accept his pursuit of academics so far from home at the Central University of Venezuela.

“It did not matter what subject I studied as long as I was close to my brothers and my family,” Bolanos Martinez said.

However, at the age of 21, and after much disagreement with his parents, he left for Caracas to pursue his education, where he juggled both studying engineering and working to support himself in his new city.

Joan’s most enduring challenge was still awaiting him. In 2007, he was involved in a serious car accident, which left him with a broken leg. Surgery was performed, and unfortunately, led to a major infection that eventually required amputation.

Bolanos Martinez faced impending bankruptcy from his vast medical expenses, but with the assistance of a trusted financial advisor who went above and beyond to help, Bolanos Martinez and his family were saved from economic despair. He credits the work of this financial advisor as being the inspiration that pushed him toward the field of economics.

After his finances were in order, Bolanos Martinez spent two years recovering from his injuries. He attempted to return to studying engineering but found his performance was not where it once was. He knew that he needed a change of pace in order to reignite his academic excellence, and his passion for economics was growing. Upon realizing that English was a skill needed to be successful in the business world, Bolanos Martinez came to the United States and managed to save enough to cover his enrollment in the ESL program at Suffolk County Community College in Selden, New York.

Upon completing the program, he intended on returning home to his motherland. However, an increasingly non-democratic Venezuela compelled Bolanos Martinez’s parents to encourage him to remain in the United States. With an established foothold at Suffolk County Community College, he decided to pursue further education.

“When I decided to make the US my home, I was determined to succeed no matter what obstacles I was about to face,” recalled Bolanos Martinez.

Bolanos Martinez racked up an impressive resume that included leadership work in various organizations, membership in various honor societies, and a GPA of 3.9. Nevertheless, he wanted more.

“I learned about the amazing work that GS does to open opportunities for people like me, who are eager to succeed regardless of the adversities we have faced to truly achieve the American Dream,” Bolanos Martinez said.

Although Bolanos Martinez was excelling in the world of academics, the results of his earlier car accident prevented him from pursuing another passion rooted in his upbringing: soccer. However, in May 2016, the US National Amputee Soccer Team contacted him. He then began an intense series of training to get him in shape for the team and competed in a 2017 tournament in California.

Fast forward a year and Bolanos Martinez’s work ethic and ambitious nature have brought him further success. This past summer, his goals of breaking into the world of finance came to fruition as he made a big impression as an intern in wealth management at J.P. Morgan Chase. Even with starting two weeks behind his peers, Bolanos Martinez rose to the challenge of learning his role at an expedited rate. He credits his work ethic with being the reason that he was the only intern on his team who was invited to a client meeting by a senior banker. He was so successful that the company asked him to return this coming summer in a similar position but with expanded responsibilities.

“After my amputation, I learned that every day counts to achieve my dreams, so I maximize every opportunity to make things happen,” Bolanos Martinez said.

After graduation, he wishes to take both his economic experience in the workforce and academic knowledge of the subject back to his home country in order to help make Venezuela’s future a bit brighter. For this reason, he is now weighing out the idea of obtaining a Ph.D. or MBA in economics.

“All options are on the table,” Bolanos Martinez said.

Source: ©2019 Columbia University

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6/24/19 join us at the  36th Annual Suffolk Community College Foundation Golf Classic

12 Awarded 2018 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence

Theresa Grillo, center, accepts the 2018 Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence from State University of New York Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson, at left. Suffolk County Community College VP for Student Affairs Dr. Christopher Adams is at right. Tri Nguyen, center, accepts the 2018 Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence from State University of New York Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson, at left. Suffolk County Community College VP for Student Affairs Dr. Christopher Adams is at right. Bethany Weniger, center,  accepts the 2018 Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence from State University of New York Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson, at left. Suffolk County Community College VP for Student Affairs Dr. Christopher Adams is at right. Samantha Savvides Kevin Herrera, center, accepts the 2018 Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence from State University of New York Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson, at left. Suffolk County Community College VP for Student Affairs Dr. Christopher Adams is at right. Katelyn O’Brien, center,  accepts the 2018 Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence from State University of New York Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson, at left. Suffolk County Community College VP for Student Affairs Dr. Christopher Adams is at right. Marta Wyszynski, center, accepts the 2018 Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence from State University of New York Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson, at left. Suffolk County Community College VP for Student Affairs Dr. Christopher Adams is at right Felicia Molzon, center, accepts the 2018 Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence from State University of New York Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson, at left. Suffolk County Community College VP for Student Affairs Dr. Christopher Adams is at right. Faiz Shakir, center, accepts the 2018 Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence from State University of New York Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson, at left. Suffolk County Community College VP for Student Affairs Dr. Christopher Adams is at right. Amina Zahid, center,  accepts the 2018 Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence from State University of New York Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson, at left. Suffolk County Community College VP for Student Affairs Dr. Christopher Adams is at right. * not pictured: Alexzandra Mojica, Sarah Feder

State University of New York Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson awarded 12 Suffolk County Community College students with the 2018 Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence at an Albany awards ceremony earlier this month.

“I am extremely proud of our students who have demonstrated academic excellence and are an inspiration to fellow students, our campuses and communities,” said Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Shaun L. McKay.

The Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence was created in 1997 to recognize students who have best demonstrated, and have been recognized for, the integration of academic excellence with accomplishments in the areas of leadership, athletics, community service, creative and performing arts, campus involvement, or career achievement. Each year, SUNY campus presidents establish a selection committee, which reviews the accomplishments of exemplary students. Nominees are then forwarded to the Chancellor’s Office for a second round of review. Finalists are then recommended to the Chancellor to become recipients of the award.

Suffolk’s 2018 Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence recipients:

Bethany Weniger, a Liberal Arts – General Studies major, from Middle Island, with a 3.8 grade point average has earned Dean’s List recognition each semester during the last two years. Bethany serves as managing editor of the Compass Newspaper, is a Get There From Here Scholar, and honors student.

Katelyn O’Brien, a Business Administration major from Greenlawn, with a 3.9 grade point average, has earned Dean’s List recognition every semester during the last two years. Katelyn serves as president of the Business and Accounting Club, vice president of the Student Government, orientation leader and a Get There From Here Scholar.

Kevin Herrera, an Engineering Science major from Riverhead, with a 3.9 grade point average, has earned Dean’s List recognition every semester during the last two years. Kevin serves as a student scribe, peer mentor and a Get There From Here Scholar.

Sarah Feder, a Liberal Arts – Math major, from Commack, with a 3.6 grade point average, has earned Dean’s list recognition and serves as an officer of communications for Phi Theta Kappa. Sarah is an Honors student, Get There From Here Scholar and orientation leader. Sarah is also a catechist for a third grade religion class at Christ the King Church in Commack.

Tri Nguyen, a Liberal Arts General Studies major from Farmingville, with a 3.8 grade point average has earned Dean’s List recognition every semester during the last two years. Tri is a Get There From Here Scholar and Honors student. He serves as an orientation leader, Campus Activities Board Finance Executive and a senator in the Student Government.

Felicia Molzon, a Communications Studies major from Mastic Beach, with a 3.9 grade point average, has earned Dean’s List recognition every semester during the last two years. Felicia serves as president of Phi Theta Kappa, vice president of the Honors Club, and a peer mentor.

 

Marta Wyszynski, a Liberal Arts General Studies major with a 4.0 grade point average has earned Dean’s List recognition every semester during the last two years. Marta serves as vice president of leadership for PTK, and a senator in the Student Government Association.

 

Alexzandra Mojica, a Liberal Arts major from East Meadow, with a 4.0 grade point average has earned Dean’s List recognition every semester during the last two years. Alexzandra serves as president of the Psychology Club, vice president of ALAS, (Association of Latino American Students), and is an Honors student.

Amina Zahid, a Liberal Arts-Biology major from Bay Shore, with a 3.9 grade point average has earned Dean’s List recognition every semester during the last two years. Amina serves as a Peer Mentor, Student Government Association secretary and is an Honors student.

Faiz Shakir, an Accounting Major from Brentwood, with a 3.8 grade point average, has earned Dean’s List recognition every semester during the last two years. Faiz serves as President of Student Government, captain of the Speech and Debate Team, and student representative on the Campus Scholarship Committee.

Samantha Savvides, a Liberal Arts major from Dix Hills, with a 3.7 grade point average, has earned Dean’s List recognition, and is an Honors Student. She serves as a peer mentor, president of Phi Theta Kappa and a member of the Student Government’s Food Service Committee.

Theresa Grillo, a Liberal Arts General Studies major from Kings Park with a 3.8 grade point average has earned Dean’s List recognition every semester during the last two years. Theresa is an Honors student and serves as the program coordinator for Campus Activities Board, peer mentor and editor-in-chief of Cassandra, the literary magazine for the Grant Campus.

Source: Suffolk County Community College

Last revised: 4/16/2018.  For comments contact: The Director of Communications.

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Thirteen from Suffolk County Community College to Receive SUNY Chancellor’s Award

Suffolk County Community College students will be recognized by State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor Nancy Zimpher according to Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Shaun L. McKay who said that 13 of his college’s students will be presented with The Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence on April 5.

“These selected students,” said Dr. McKay, “are perfect examples of the core values of our college — engagement, academic excellence and service to others.”

The award, created in 1997, honors SUNY students who have demonstrated and been recognized for their integration of academic excellence with other aspects of their lives, including leadership, campus involvement, athletics, career achievement, community service or creative and performing arts. Each awardee will be presented with a medallion and certificate from Chancellor Zimpher.

The 2017 Chancellor’s Awards for Student Excellence will take place on Wednesday, April 5th at 2 p.m. at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany.

Each year, SUNY campus presidents establish a selection committee to review the accomplishments of exemplary students. Nominees are then forwarded to the Chancellor’s Office for a second round of review. Finalists are then recommended to the Chancellor to become recipients of the award. Each recipient receives a framed certificate and medallion, which is traditionally worn at commencement.

The Suffolk County Community College award recipients are:

Sean Deery

Sean Deery
Hampton Bays
Business Administration
4.0 GPA
Dean’s List each semester during last two years. Sean serves as President of Phi Theta Kappa, student representative for Tree Campus USA and a Back Yard Garden Group member. He was recently named to Phi Theta Kappa All-State and has been named a  Coca-Cola New Century Scholar.
 

 

Leonard (Lenny) Giambalvo

Leonard (Lenny) Giambalvo
Islip Terrace
Accounting Major
3.7 GPA

Dean’s List each semester during last two years Lenny serves as Executive Financial Chair of Campus Activities Board, An Orientation Leader and a Get There From Here Scholar. He was recently named to Phi Theta Kappa All-State Competition.

 

 

Jaclyn Kletchka

Jaclyn Kletchka
East Islip
Liberal Arts Major
3.8 grade GPA

Dean’s List each semester during last two years Jaclyn serves as President of the Alpha Zeta Nu Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, a Get There From Here Scholar and a member of SCCC’s Honors Program. She was recently named to Phi Theta Kappa All-State Competition.

 

 

Cassidy Whelan

Cassidy Whelan
Center Moriches
Liberal Arts major
3.9 GPA

Dean’s List each semester during last two years. Cassidy serves as student a representative for the concierge desk at the Eastern Campus, a Get There From Here Scholar and is a regular volunteer for the Kent Animal Shelter.

 

 

Lucia Mallozzi

Lucia Mallozzi
Holbrook
Liberal Arts, Geology
3.9 GPA

Dean’s List each semester during last two years. Lucia is President of the Geology Club, an Orientation Leader, and a National Science Foundation – STEM Scholar for 5 consecutive semesters.

 

Tylar Vigliarolo

Tylar Vigliarolo
Nesconset
Business Administration Major
3.8 GPA

Dean’s List each semester during last two years. Tylar serves as President of the Business and Accounting Club, a Senator in the Student Government and a Get There From Here Scholar.

 

 

Jamie Parente
Mt. Sinai
Liberal Arts Major
3.8 GPA
Dean’s List each semester during last two years

Jamie serves as Captain of the Suffolk Softball Team, a member of Phi Theta Kappa, Pi Alpha Sigma and is a 2016 NJCAA Region XV All-Region 1^st Team Athlete.

 

Arif Ariful

Arif Ariful
Ronkonkoma
Accounting Major
4.0 GPA

Dean’s List each semester during last two years. Arif serves as Vice President of the Business and Economics Association, Senator in the Student Government and is a Get There From Here Scholar

 

 

Christopher Chiusa
West Islip
Liberal Arts, Psychology Major
3.8 GPA

Dean’s List each semester during last two years. Chris serves as Vice President of the Student Government, a Peer Mentor and an Actor in the Theatre Club. He is an Honors Student and a member of Phi Theta Kappa.

Joan Uriel Bolanos Martinez
Hempstead
Business Administration Major
3.9 GPA

Dean’s List recognition since fall of 2016. Joan serves as a Senator in the Student Government, a Peer Mentor, and has been accepted as an official player in the U.S. National Amputee Soccer Team.

Anthony Mercurio

Anthony Mercurio
Holtsville
Chemical Dependency Counseling major

Dean’s List each semester during last two years. Anthony serves as President of Phi Theta Kappa, Student Advisory Board member of the CTEA Local Advisory Committee and is a Get There From Here scholar. He was recently named as the Coca-Cola Silver Scholar and is a Guistwhite Scholarship recipient.
 

 

Anthony Sorisi
Hicksville
Accounting Major
4.0 GPA

Dean’s List each semester during last two years. Anthony serves as Co-President of the Honors Club, a Peer Mentor and a SGA Senator and Finance Committee member. He is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and is a Bookkeeping Assistant for the Office of Campus Activities.

Sumayyah Uddin
West Babylon
Liberal Arts Major
4.0 GPA

Dean’s List each semester during last two years. Sumayyah serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Western Student Press, and has previously served as editor-in-chief- of Cassandra Magazine, Secretary of the Woman’s Club and a Peer mentor. She is a member of the Honors Program and Phi Theta Kappa.

Media Contact:
Drew Biondo
631-451-4776
biondodr@sunysuffolk.edu

Source: Suffolk County Community College