Mohawk Valley Community College students Alyssa Fitzpatrick and Haf Sar were selected to receive the 2025 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence — the highest honor bestowed upon students by the State University of New York.
This prestigious award recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional achievement throughout their SUNY experience, including excellence in academics, leadership, campus involvement, community service, and the arts. This year, 193 students from 63 SUNY campuses received the award.
Alyssa Fitzpatrick of Copenhagen, N.Y., is a dual major in Photography and Graphic Design with a 4.0 grade point average. Her drive, enthusiasm, and vibrant personality make her a standout on campus. A well-rounded and dedicated student, Fitzpatrick is a member of MVCC’s Women’s Soccer and Basketball Teams, as well as the Photography and Ski clubs. In recognition of her academic success during her freshman year, the NJCAA named Fitzpatrick to the 2023-24 NJCAA All-Academic First Team. She is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa (the international honor society for two-year colleges), has consistently earned President’s List honors, and is a recipient of the Francis A. Wilcox Exceptional Student Scholarship. Beyond the classroom, Fitzpatrick plays an active role in the campus community, often photographing athletic events as she continues to hone her creative skills for her career.
Haf Sar of Utica, N.Y., is a Business Administration major with a 3.46 GPA. Born in Myanmar and raised in Malaysia, Sar brings a global perspective to her education and leadership. As Vice President of Fellowship for Phi Theta Kappa, she fosters connection and collaboration among fellow members. Passionate about social equity, she has conducted research on the challenges women of color face when starting businesses in the U.S. Sar is also an active member of MVCC’s Future Business Leaders of America, earning statewide recognition with a fifth-place finish in the Foundations of Entrepreneurship and sixth place in the Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition at the FBLA State Conference. She plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and aspires to start a business that drives economic growth while promoting opportunities for people of all backgrounds.
“SUNY represents academic excellence, and our students have worked tirelessly to not only excel in their academic studies, but also stepped up as community leaders,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. “Congratulations to this year's CASE awardees who've distinguished themselves amongst their peers through their work ethic, determination, and commitment to their fields of study.”