SUNY Broome student Michael Stastny is among the 100 State University of New York (SUNY) students who have been awarded the SUNY Chancellor’s Undergraduate Scholarship.
This award grants up to $5,000 to help eligible students graduating with an Associates or Graduate Degree continue their education at one of the 64 SUNY campuses. The Chancellor’s Undergraduate Scholarships and Graduate Fellowships will support up to two students from each nominating college. Eligible students are those who maintained a GPA of 3.3 or higher who are either graduates of SUNY’s community colleges who choose to pursue a bachelors degree at a SUNY college or university, or students graduating with a bachelors who will stay with SUNY to receive a graduate degree.
“We are immensely proud to recognize these exceptional students from across SUNY who have worked tirelessly to excel in their fields of study,” said SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson. “Their recognition today as the winners of the Chancellor’s Graduate Scholarship Award will no doubt inspire countless other students to pursue their educational path at SUNY, and in turn we will continue to provide access and opportunities to invest in tomorrow’s innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders.”
About Michael:
Michael Statsny is a local student who will graduate with the class of 2020. He majored in Liberal Arts & Sciences Science – A.S. with a focus on Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior. He plans to transfer to Binghamton University for a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and then pursue a Master’s in Science Education and a Ph.D. in Ecology & Evolution. His ultimate career goal is to teach at the college level as a Biology professor. “I truly love the tight knit atmosphere of small institutions/community colleges and having experienced the superb faculty & opportunities Broome has to offer,” says Micheal “I can see myself returning here to teach someday.”
Having always been fascinated by the natural world, it is where he would set his academic focus. “My imagination ran wild with a curiosity for wildlife – the weird and wonderful, the beautiful yet deadly.” The curiosity soon became a passion, Mike explains. He hopes to take this passion and travel the world, see wildlife in their natural habitat with his own eyes, and experience the atmosphere of their native territory.
Mike says his experience at SUNY Broome helped guide him to academic success and to realize his passion for the natural world could translate into a career. “Broome knocked me out of my high school daze,” Mike explains, “it helped me realize that passion and enjoying your chosen field of study is far more important than following a crowd…SUNY Broome helped me connect with phenomenal faculty, opportunity, and a great transition into college life.”
His hard work and dedication paid off, and in his senior year, he learned about the SUNY Chancellor’s Undergraduate scholarship opportunity from his Academic Advisor and instructor, Dr. Richard Firenze. He was then nominated for the award by Dr. Michelle Snyder, Dean of STEM.
“Michael Stastny is the dream student. He is dedicated, organized, and enthusiastic. Michael arrived on campus every day around 6 am and did not depart until after 6 pm,” said Dr. Richard F. Firenze, SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor and chairperson of the Biology department. “He is more than deserving of this most prestigious award.”
To Dr. Richard Firenze & Dr. Tracy Curtis, Mike says, “From the bottom of my heart, Thank You! From in the classroom to out in the field, working with you is what made my time at Broome worthwhile and beyond memorable. You’ve inspired me daily and better prepared me for my path ahead. You will forever hold a special place in my heart.”
To his classmates and prospective students, he offers these words “Never Say “No” to adventure, always say “Yes.”
Congratulations on all your success and a job well done!
#SUNYCC #SUNYBroome #StayNearGoFar
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