Mohawk Valley Community College students Eaindra (Jen) Aung and Matthew Marvel have been named the 2026 recipients of the MVCC Professional Association Scholarship. This annual $1,000 award recognizes outstanding students currently enrolled at MVCC who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Eaindra (Jen) Aung is a Mathematics and Science major who has excelled academically while being actively
involved on campus and in the community. Born and raised in Burma, she is a first-generation
college student and a passionate advocate for international students. While at MVCC,
Aung has served as President of MVCC’s Lambda Beta Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa
honor society and has participated in the group’s Intergenerational Clean-Up events
and blood drives every semester. She also has volunteered at MVCC’s STEM Fest, the
Alzheimer’s Walk, Utica Zoo Spooktacular, and other events. In the community, she
is a volunteer at The Center’s Clothing Closet, where she helps organize donations,
assists refugees with finding appropriate clothing, and ensures that families receive
what they need. Aung plans to transfer to Binghamton University and pursue a career
in neurosurgery.
Matthew Marvel, a Fire Protection Technology major from Utica, also has excelled in his studies
while being involved on campus and in the community. A first-generation college student
in MVCC’s Educational Opportunity Program, Marvel recently received the Norman R.
McConney Jr. Award for Student Excellence, which recognizes outstanding EOP students
for academic merit and perseverance. He is a member of MVCC’s International Club and
Phi Theta Kappa. Marvel also works as a lifeguard at the MVCC Pool and gives back
to the community as a volunteer member with Frankfort Center Fire, the Utica Karen
Baptist Church, and the Midtown Utica Community Center.
To qualify for the PA Scholarship, a student must have completed at least 30 credit hours at MVCC and have a grade point average 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).