Seven Suffolk County Community College students have been awarded the State University of New York’s (SUNY) highest honor, The Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence (CASE).

The seven Suffolk students are recognized for their integration of academic excellence with other aspects of their lives including leadership, campus involvement, community service and the arts (creative or performing).

“We are extremely proud of these exceptional students and their extraordinary achievements,” said Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Edward Bonahue. Suffolk’s students were among 180 students from 61 SUNY campuses to be recognized with the prestigious award.

In a letter to students, SUNY Interim Chancellor Deborah F. Stanley said, “The CASE awardees we honor today exemplify the students who leave incredible legacies behind on their campus communities. These are students who fight, innovate, dream, and achieve. They are students who never fail to try their best and have proven that their best is extraordinary.”

The Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence was created in 1997. This year, CASE includes five Student Veteran Service Awards in addition to special honors for overcoming the odds, mental health, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Nathan Gardner, U.S. Air Force
Special Award Winner, Military Service
Suffolk Community College
Holbrook, NY
Business Administration

Nathan Gardner enlisted in the United States Air Force at the age of 18 and served as a nuclear weapons security specialist from 2008 to 2012. A business administration major from Holbrook. Nathan has a 3.8 GPA and earned Dean’s List recognition for the past three semesters. He is a member of the Honors Program, PTK, and Alpha Beta Gamma, serves as president of the Students Veterans Association, and is a VA work study student.

Sabrina Arocho
Shirley, NY
Liberal Arts

Sabrina Arocho, a liberal arts major from Shirley, has a 3.9 GPA and earned Dean’s List recognition every semester for the last two years. Sabrina serves as president of the Student Government Association, president of the Honors Club, and secretary/treasurer of the Criminal Justice Club.

Elida Blanco-Buitron
Smithtown, NY
Radio & TV Production

Elida C. Blanco-Buitron, a Radio and TV production major from Smithtown, has a 3.7 GPA and earned Dean’s List recognition each semester for the last two years. Elida serves as a senator of the Student Government Association, peer mentor, Campus Activities Board member, and a Get There from Here Scholar.

Armando Escobar Castillo
Brentwood, NY
Information Technology

Armando Escobar Castillo, an information technology major from Brentwood, has a 3.9 GPA and has earned Dean’s List recognition every semester for the last two years. Armando serves as founder and president of the Global Connections Club, director of student organizations for the Student Government Association, and a peer mentor.

Jasmin Martins Abade
Sayville, NY
Business Administration

Jasmin Martins Abade, a business administration major from Sayville, has a 4.0 GPA and has earned Dean’s List recognition every semester for the last two years. Jasmin serves as president of the PTK’s Alpha Zeta Nu Chapter, vice president of NY Region PTK, an orientation leader, and a Get There from Here Scholar.

Rosena Petit Homme
Bayshore, NY
Psychology

Rosena Petit Homme, a liberal arts major focusing on psychology, is from Bayshore, has a 3.9 GPA, and has earned Dean’s List recognition. Rosena serves as vice president of the Global Connections Club, vice president of Suffolk’s Book Club, a senator in the Student Government Association, and a member of the Campus Activities Board.

Daniel Canavin

Port Jefferson, NY
Liberal Arts

Daniel Canavin, a liberal arts major from Port Jefferson has a 4.0 GPA and has earned Dean’s List Recognition every semester for the last two years. Daniel serves as president of Phi Theta Kappa’s Alpha Zeta Nu Chapter, a senator of the Ammerman Campus Student Government Association, and is a Get There from Here Scholar.