Mohawk Valley Community College students Devin Cool and Hanadi Tajir were selected as the 2023 recipients of the MVCC Professional Association Scholarship, an annual award of $1,000 that recognizes deserving students currently enrolled at MVCC.

Cool, of Frankfort, is a Metal Fabrication major preparing for a career in metallurgy and materials science. While at MVCC, Cool has excelled academically. He was named to the President’s List and volunteered to help other students through tutoring. 

Tajir, of Utica, is majoring in Liberal Arts & Sciences: Mathematics and Science with an emphasis in Biology and plans to continue her education to eventually become a surgeon. Tajir has excelled in her studies while being actively involved on campus. She serves as the student trustee on MVCC’s Board of Trustees, president of MVCC’s Lambda Beta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa; PTK New York regional president; treasurer of MVCC’s Student Congress; and a member of the Drama Club and Muslim Student Association. She also participated in MVCC’s Student Leadership Academy, was a member of the Track & Field Team, and was a biology and chemistry tutor in the Learning Commons. 

To qualify for the PA Scholarship, a student must have completed at least 30 credit hours at MVCC and have a GPA of at least 3.00. Applicants also must write and submit a 500-word essay on the importance of labor unions in American society or the value of a community college education. 

About the MVCC Professional Association

The Mohawk Valley Community College Professional Association (PA) is the sole collective bargaining agent representing the faculty and non-administrative professional staff of Mohawk Valley Community College. United for excellence in education, the PA is affiliated on the state level with New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) and on the national level with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).