Exceptional Students Earn SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence

April 29, 2025

Four outstanding students from Hudson Valley Community College have been named recipients of the prestigious State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. This award is the highest student honor conferred by the SUNY system, recognizing students who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in academics, leadership, campus involvement, and community service.

The honorees will be recognized during a special awards ceremony on Tuesday, April 29 at the Hart Theatre in the Egg in Albany. This year’s recipients are:

Ryan Connors
Business Administration – Clifton Park, NY
Ryan is a student in the Honors College who serves as the elected student representative on the Board of Trustees. He is also vice president of the Student Senate and holds leadership roles in the Entrepreneur and Investment Clubs. A member of Phi Theta Kappa, the National Collegiate Honors Council, and the Northeast Regional Honors Council, Ryan is widely respected on campus for his academic strength as well as his strategic leadership abilities and initiatives to improve student life. He has been instrumental in connecting more students, especially evening students, to vital campus services and opportunities.

Erin Satterlee
Theatre Arts – Schenectady, NY
Erin is being recognized for her dedication to her studies, academic excellence and creative leadership in the Theatre Arts program. Her talents extend across acting, performance, stage management, design and script analysis. Beyond the stage, she has mentored and assisted fellow students, supported faculty members, and contributed significantly to student clubs, including the Theatre Club, Choir Club and Upcoming Filmmakers Club. In recognition of her many contributions, Erin earned her department’s 2023–2024 Award for Academic Excellence in Theatre Arts.

Austin Shulkin
Business Administration – Kinderhook, NY
Austin is a dynamic campus leader and student advocate who serves as Student Senate president. He is also a board member of the Faculty Student Association and co-president of both the Investment and Entrepreneurial Clubs. In addition, Austin founded the Debate Club and represents the student body on the college’s strategic plan and presidential search committees. He is an extraordinary student representative whose work has significantly expanded the reach and impact of the Student Senate. Outside campus, he serves as a volunteer firefighter in his local community and volunteers for numerous community organizations.

Katherine “Katie” Ziegler
Engineering Science – Burnt Hills, NY
Katie is an Honors College student and community advocate who exemplifies compassion and academic excellence. She is an active member of Phi Theta Kappa, the National Collegiate Honors Council, and the Northeast Regional Honors Council. Her commitment to service includes founding a math support group for fellow students, organizing events for students of the Uniquely Abled Academy and volunteering with the Glendale Nursing Home and the Northeastern New York Epilepsy Foundation, where she serves as an ambassador.

“These students represent the very best of Hudson Valley Community College, and we are proud to celebrate their many achievements and promising futures,” said Louis Coplin, Officer in Charge. “Their hard work, leadership, and dedication to others, both at the college and in their greater communities, is truly inspiring.”

For more information, visit the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence website.