Students Receive 2024 SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence

Jefferson Community College is pleased to announce Ashton R. Matthews, Watertown, and Adrian L. Rathbun, Redwood, have received 2024 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. Matthews and Rathbun will be recognized for their achievements at Jefferson’s 60th Commencement Ceremony on May 17, 2024.

Matthews received his Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in business in December. During his time at Jefferson, Matthews actively engaged in a diverse range of extracurricular activities. He served as vice president, then president, of the Business Leadership and Career Skills club, which held Club of the Year accolades two consecutive years. He was a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. Ashton served as a student representative during the College’s accreditation process with Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and demonstrated pride in his alma mater, participating in a photo shoot for college promotional materials. He earned Dean’s List honors and served as a peer tutor in economics, accounting, and business courses, further enriching the learning experience for his fellow students. Matthews also actively collaborated with business faculty at the Greater Watertown North Country (GWNC) Chamber of Commerce, fostering connections with local leaders. Furthermore, Matthews completed a Disney College Program internship in Orlando, Florida. Ashton’s career goal is to work in the finance sector and is currently attending Baruch University, New York City, to earn a bachelor’s degree in finance. 

Rathbun anticipates graduating with his Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Business in May. With a near-perfect GPA, he has earned President’s List honors every semester at Jefferson. Rathbun is actively engaged in campus life, serving as one of six resident assistants in the College’s residence halls, a student ambassador in the Enrollment Services office, and a member of the Jefferson Cast. He is a prominent student leader who has held multiple positions within various campus organizations. He currently serves as treasurer and house manager of the Film and Drama Club, as well as treasurer of the Cannoneer's Cannons Lifting Club, and served as a volunteer at the Jefferson Business Symposium. Furthermore, he is a member of the Business Leadership and Skills Club whereby he actively collaborated with business faculty at the GWNC Chamber of Commerce, fostering connections with local leaders. Beyond campus life, Rathbun is a member of the Watertown Are Boxing Club and volunteers his time at his local church. Rathbun plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business from SUNY Potsdam through the Jefferson Higher Education Center. His career goal is to become an entrepreneur in the childcare field and gain hands-on experience working with youth this summer. 

"This is well-deserved recognition for Ashton and Adrian, and I applaud them for their dedication, leadership, and commitment to academic and extracurricular excellence at Jefferson Community College,” says Daniel J. Dupee, II, President. “They are outstanding representatives of our student body, and I am confident they will accomplish even more successes as they continue their academic journeys.”