Alfred State student Yesenia Lezama-Aguilar was one of 50 SUNY EOP students honored with the Norman R. McConney, Jr. Award for Student Excellence
From Alfred State College,
Alfred State student Yesenia Lezama-Aguilar was one of 50 SUNY EOP students honored with the Norman R. McConney, Jr. Award for Student Excellence. The award, now celebrating its sixth class of awardees, recognizes outstanding EOP students for their academic merit and strength in overcoming significant personal obstacles throughout their lives.
Lezama-Aguilar, who graduated in December with a degree in Game & Interactive Design along with a minor in Interior Design, is honored to be recognized with this honor. “I feel seen and acknowledged. I was never one to vocalize how difficult the past couple years in college were, but having my hard work pay off to this extent and to be selected for this award, it feels more special and genuine that my EOP family vouched for me and made me feel deserving of it.”
“During my time at Alfred, I have learned that discipline is your best friend. Tracking your priorities and holding yourself accountable is what will earn you everything you are looking for and more. Everyone is given the same opportunity, what matters is what you do with it.”
The honor is named in memory of Norman R. McConney, Jr. (1946–2016), a graduate of the University at Albany and former assistant dean for special programs at SUNY. McConney, alongside former Assembly Deputy Speaker Arthur O. Eve, helped create the EOP as a statewide program.
Educational Opportunity Program Counselor Nadine Shardlow is incredibly proud of Lezama-Aguilar. “Although I became director toward the end of Yesenia’s college career, having had conversations with her EOP Academic Counselor, Shelby Aquilina, I can attest to the fact that there was no better choice for this award. We are incredibly proud of Yesenia and cannot wait to watch what she accomplishes next.”
“I am constantly reminded of the profound impact SUNY’s Educational Opportunity Program has had on countless lives. The stories, triumphs, and unwavering determination of SUNY’s EOP students serve as beacons of hope and inspiration for future generations of students,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King. “At SUNY, we are immensely grateful for the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the Legislature who continue to support this transformative program that ensures students not only start but have the support to complete their degrees.”
Lezama-Aguilar shared the following advice to her fellow classmates. “Get the hard stuff out the way so you can enjoy the good even more. By maintaining order and being strict on sustaining your goals, you will find that you enjoy your free time so much more. Keep your friends close but keep yourself even closer!”
Since its inception in 1967, the EOP has provided access, academic support, and supplemental financial assistance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. In its 58-year history, the EOP has served more than 85,000 students and evolved into one of the country’s most successful college access programs.
About Norman R. McConney, Jr.
SUNY awards Educational Opportunity Program students for their academic achievements in honor of Norman R. McConney, Jr. due to his legacy of public service, which encompassed several statewide initiatives to benefit underrepresented New Yorkers, including programs to prepare minority high school students for careers in the sciences and medicine and scholarships for students underrepresented in the licensed professions. Mr. McConney is also credited with helping found the Black and Puerto Rican Legislative Caucus, which later became the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus.
