EOP Student, Paige Schultz, Receives 2023 Norman R. McConney, Jr., Award for Student Excellence

Jefferson Community College (JCC) is pleased to announce that Paige M. Schultz, Watertown, received the State University of New York (SUNY) 2023 Norman R. McConney, Jr. Award for Student Excellence bestowed to an Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) student who demonstrates academic excellence and strength in overcoming significant personal obstacles. Schultz is one of forty-six award recipients. She anticipates graduating from JCC in May 2023 with her associate degree in humanities and social sciences, concentration in psychology. 

The Norman R. McConney, Jr. Award was established in memory of Norman R. McConney, Jr. (1946-2016), who graduated from the University at Albany and served as Assistant Dean for Special Programs at SUNY, as well as the long-time Chief of Staff for Buffalo Assemblyman Arthur O. Eve. McConney, along with Professor Emeritus Dr. Allen Ballard, played a pivotal role in the founding of the statewide Educational Opportunity Program. To date, EOP has served more than 80,000 New Yorkers from underprivileged backgrounds. 

“When SUNY was founded 75 years ago, the mission was to create an educational environment where all are welcome. For over 50 years, SUNY’s Educational Opportunity Program has worked to make that a reality by helping students, many of whom are the first in their family to go to college, access higher education and see their degrees to completion," said SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. “When I visit our campuses, I am continuously awed and inspired by the dedicated, hardworking EOP students I meet. EOP is a ticket to upward mobility for New York students, which is why I am honored to recognize these students who stand as role models demonstrating what is possible. With the financial support of New York State, and the resources provided at SUNY campuses, New Yorkers have an opportunity to further their education. My congratulations to each awardee for taking that step to go to college and succeed."

Schultz, the first in her family to attend college, anticipates graduating from JCC in May 2023 with her associate degree in humanities and social sciences, concentration in psychology. During her time at JCC, she joined Tau Xi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the National Society of Leadership and Success. She was named to President’s List and Dean’s List every semester at JCC and chose to participate in the College’s optional Honors Program for which she is a two time featured student of the month. Schultz is the recipient of the 2022 Outstanding Educational Opportunity Program Ambassador Award and was featured in JCC’s “Humans of Jefferson” series on social media. Furthermore, Paige served as a student ambassador in Enrollment Services offering assistance to prospective and current students as well as campus visitors.  

JCC EOP students honored with the Norman R. McConney, Jr. Award include Daniel J. Rowbottom, Warren, Ohio (2019), Rodman A. Marte, Manhattan (2020), Natasha Richardson, Clayton (2021) and Paige M. Schultz (2022). JCC’s EOP has served 235 students since its inception in 2016.