On April 26, a virtual rendition of the Annual Student Leadership Awards Ceremony recognized a number of graduating seniors for their outstanding achievements at SUNY Brockport. Shay Gauthier, Lindsay Ball, Serenity Lovett, and Morgan Sherwood have received the college’s highest honors.

The Class of 2021 will continue its celebrations at in-person Grad Walks on May 17, 18, and 19 and a virtual Commencement ceremony on May 22. See details.

Presidents Citation Award

The college’s highest award recognizes a graduating senior who has demonstrated outstanding scholastic merit (a GPA of at least 3.75), a strong record of co-curricular activities, significant contributions to the college and community, and evidence of professional promise.

Shay Gauthier

Gauthier holds a 3.9 GPA as a journalism and broadcasting major with a concentration in multimedia journalism and minor in political science. Beyond her studies, she served in various positions for WBSU 89.1 The Point, receiving eight national and state awards. She was also an active member of Delta College, a peer mentor (2019), Delta College Student Association vice president, a Delta Diplomat, and a singer in several campus music groups. Her hard work and dedication to her studies and co-curricular activities earned her many recognitions, including the George Rich Philanthropy Award, the William and Betty Doyle Communications Scholarship, the Michael Cravotta Media and Communications Scholarship, and the Phyllis McEwen Prize.

Post-grad plans:

Gauthier will move to New York City to further her career as a journalist, continuing to be a voice for mental health advocacy, racial injustice, and issues surrounding the LGBTQIA+ community. She may also attend graduate school or law school.

Graduate Distinguished Scholar Award

This award recognizes an exceptional graduate student with a record of outstanding academic work and scholarship. To be considered for the award, a nominee must be a graduating master’s level student with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.85 and outstanding scholarship or creative activity in their field of study.

Lindsay Ball

Lindsay Ball is completing a master’s degree in adapted physical education with a 4.0 GPA. She previously completed two bachelor’s degrees in physical education teacher education and psychology with a minor in rehabilitation services. Lindsay has participated in various organizations on campus and worked as a fitness center attendant, group exercise instructor, and with membership services at Campus Recreation. A paralympic athlete and Camp Abilities coach, Lindsay competed with the Paralympic Ski Team at the 2014 Winter Paralympics. She also served as a board member, secretary, and current president of Maine Organization of Blind Athletic and Leadership Education in Augusta, ME, and was inducted into the Maine Ski Hall of Fame in 2019. Lindsay has notably worked on various research and scholarly projects based around physical education for students with visual impairments.

Post-grad plans:

Ball will start a doctoral program at Old Dominion University in adapted physical education in the fall. Her career aspirations are to teach adapted physical education at the post-secondary level and to continue to conduct research in the areas of physical education, physical activity, and self-determination for individuals with visual impairments.

Marion Schrank Student Leadership Award

This award is the pinnacle of student leadership awards at SUNY Brockport that recognizes an outstanding student who demonstrates scholastic achievement, exemplary leadership, and a commitment to the college through leadership in a student organization and/or student employment. Applicants must demonstrate a record of exemplary leadership, scholastic achievement, and commitment to the college community through various modes of involvement, including campus organizations, leadership positions, peer mentorship, engaged learning, and community service. Recipients of this award exemplify integrity and civility, demonstrating a commitment to citizenship and the creation of an inclusive Brockport community.

Serenity Lovett

Lovett will graduate with a degree in organizational communication. She currently serves as an intern in the Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, a Resident Assistant, a peer mentor with the Academic Success Center, an admissions ambassador, an Orientation Leader, and a holder of the Green Leadership Certificate in the Leadership Development Program. Lovett is the current president of the Women of Color Empowerment Club, which she founded in 2018. The club’s mission is to unite, inspire, and empower young women across campus. In her work as club founder and president, she has found a passion for advocacy and leadership and has been able to bring awareness to many issues facing students of color.

Post-grad plans:

Before continuing her educational journey, Lovett will work as an admissions advisor for Monroe Community College, travel, and explore her passions and interests.

SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence

The Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence acknowledges students who have achieved excellence. We seek nominations of students who have best demonstrated and been recognized for their integration of academic excellence with other aspects of their lives, which may include: leadership, community service, arts (creative or performing), athletics, and/or career achievement. It is the highest honor bestowed upon a student by the college.

Shay Gauthier & Morgan Sherwood

Sherwood is an Honors College student majoring in mathematics with certifications in adolescent and special education. She holds a 3.98 GPA and has been actively involved on campus as the co-coordinator of the Honors Peer Mentor Program, president of the Honors Club, Green & Gold Ambassador, a mathematics tutor, and a community volunteer. Sherwood has earned several academic awards, including the Alpha Chi Honors Society Scholarship, the Betty J. Watson Scholarship, the John and Kathleen Halstead Scholarship, and the Interdisciplinary Award in Mathematics Scholarship. She has also received a Green Leadership Certificate in the Leadership Development Program.

Post-grad plans:

Sherwood plans to work in higher education in either admissions or advisement and looks forward to supporting future generations of students. In the fall, she will begin working toward her master’s degree in adolescent mathematics education at Brockport.