Two Jefferson Students Receive Prestigious Chancellor’s Awards – Tony Jin and Ben Ramer

Jefferson Community College (JCC) proudly announces that Tony Jin of Adams and Ben Ramer of Watertown have been selected as recipients of the prestigious 2026 State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor’s Awards for Student Excellence. 

This honor, established in 1997, is bestowed upon students who have best demonstrated and been recognized for the integration of academic excellence with accomplishments in the areas of leadership, athletics, community service, creative and performing arts or career achievement. 

Jin (left), a dual major in Mathematics and Natural Sciences, is graduating from Jefferson with two Associate in Science (A.S.) degrees. A Jeff-Can Scholar, Jin earned a tuition-free first year at Jefferson by graduating in the top 15% of his high school class. Furthermore, he began college with 18 credits on his transcript by completing college-level courses at South Jefferson High School through JCC's EDGE concurrent enrollment program. He holds a 3.97 GPA and has been named to the President’s List every semester. As a first-generation college student, Jin immersed himself in both academic and experiential learning. He contributed to the lab sciences department as a work-study student, supported peers as a chemistry tutor, and strengthened his skills through participation in the Collegiate Science & Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) and TRIO. He received the 2025 Student Life Outstanding First Year Student award. A member of Jefferson’s optional Honors Program, Jin was recognized as a featured Honor’s Program student for the month of May 2026. Jin is a member of the Engineering Club, volunteered during National Chemistry Week. Graduating debt-free, Jin anticipates continuing his education with post-graduation plans still being explored. He aspires to a career in chemistry education or the broader chemistry field. 

Ramer graduated with an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Sports Management from Jefferson in December 2025. He held a 4.0 GPA and was named to President’s List every semester.  With a strong record of leadership, service, and civic engagement, Ramer served as president of Jefferson’s Tau Xi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society for 2-year community colleges and the Business Club as well as vice president of the Student Government Association (SGA). As vice president of SGA, he actively engaged in his role to effectively represent student voices at both the campus and SUNY levels. He is the recipient of a Phi Theta Kappa Coca-Cola Scholarship, the 2024 Student Life Outstanding First-Year Student award, the 2025 Outstanding Student Government Assembly Member Award, and a 2026 ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge Award. Additionally during his time at Jefferson, Ramer spearheaded a holiday gift drive for underserved youth. He transferred to SUNY Cortland to pursue a bachelor’s degree in his field.    

“This well-earned recognition reflects the exceptional dedication, leadership, and commitment that Tony and Ben consistently demonstrated at Jefferson Community College,” says Daniel J. Dupee, II, President. “They embody the spirit of academic and extracurricular excellence that defines our student community. I am proud of their accomplishments and confident they will achieve even greater success in the future.”

Jin and Ramer will be recognized for their achievements at Jefferson’s 62nd Commencement Ceremony on May 15, 2026.