JCC Student Receives 2021 Norman R. McConney , Jr. Award for EOP Student Excellence

Jefferson Community College (JCC) is pleased to announce that Natasha Richardson (right), Clayton, received the 2021 Norman R. McConney, Jr. Award for Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Student Excellence from the State University of New York (SUNY). Richardson is one of forty-five award recipients. She graduated from JCC in December 2021 with her associate degree in human services. 

Now in its third year, the Norman R. McConney, Jr. Award for EOP Student Excellence recognizes outstanding SUNY EOP students for their academic excellence and strength in overcoming significant personal obstacles. The award is bestowed in memory of Norman R. McConney, Jr. (1946-2016), a graduate of the University at Albany and former assistant dean for special programs at SUNY and long-time Chief of Staff for Buffalo Assemblyman Arthur O. Eve. Together with the work of Professor Emeritus Dr. Allen Ballard who played a key role in developing an open admissions program for underrepresented students in the City University of New York which led to the launch of the statewide Educational Opportunity Program. To date, EOP has served more than 78,000 New Yorkers from underprivileged backgrounds. 

During her time at JCC, Richardson was dedicated to her academics and, despite Covid-19 setbacks, demonstrated resilience and strove for success. She was named to the Dean’s List and was bestowed the spring 2021 and fall 2021 Academic Excellence Honor from EOP. Passionate about providing food security, Richardson served as intern at the JCC food pantry for five months. Her career goal is to work with emotional support animals in an outdoor program.  

SUNY Interim Chancellor Deborah F. Stanley says, "The students we celebrate today have their own story on how they got to SUNY, but they are unified by their incredible perseverance in pursuit of their academic dreams. Despite personal hardships, these individuals are driving forward to change the world. My congratulations to this year's awardees and their families both on and off campus, and our humble thanks for the visionary work of former Assembly Deputy Speaker Eve, Mr. McConney, and Dr. Ballard."

Recipients of the Norman R. McConney, Jr. Award from JCC include Daniel J. Rowbottom, Warren, Ohio (2019), Rodman A. Marte, Manhattan (2020), and Natasha Richardson, Clayton (2021).  

JCC’s EOP has served 235 students since its inception 2016.