Muhammad Fahad Butt, a computer science major carrying a 3.9 GPA, has been named a 2026 Hites Scholar and will receive a $7,500 scholarship to support his baccalaureate studies.
Butt, of Lake Grove, has earned Dean’s List honors each semester for the past two years and serves as vice president of fellowship for the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, secretary of the Muslim Student Association, and as a tutor with TRIO Student Support Services, where he supports fellow students in achieving academic success.
“I am incredibly honored to be named a Hites Scholar,” Butt said in a statement. “This recognition reflects the support I’ve received from my professors, mentors and peers at Suffolk. It motivates me to continue striving for excellence as I pursue my goals in computer science and make a meaningful impact in my community.”
The Hites Transfer Scholarship is awarded to members of Phi Theta Kappa who are preparing to transfer to a bachelor’s degree-granting institution. Selected from more than 3,000 applicants nationwide, recipients are recognized for their academic achievement, leadership, and engagement in both college and community activities.
Additionally, six other Suffolk students – including Nicole Leach and William Yeamans from the Ammerman campus – were also recognized in April for their academic achievement, leadership and community service by Phi Theta Kappa.
Four students from the Eastern and Michael J. Grant campuses took home a variety of awards.
“We are incredibly proud of the achievements of these students, who embody the spirit of academic excellence and community service,” Suffolk President Edward Bonahue said. “Their hard work, leadership, and dedication to their communities exemplify the very best of what Suffolk County Community College stands for.”
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation recognizes students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and a strong commitment to service. Administered by PTK, the program awards each scholar a $1,300 scholarship and a commemorative medallion.
Butt’s fellow Ammerman campus honorees include:
- William Yeamans of Mount Sinai, an adolescent education and English major, was named a PTK All-State member and a Coca-Cola Scholar. Yeamans holds a 3.6 GPA and is the president of the Society of Writers and editor-in-chief of Perspectives Literary Magazine.
- Nicole Leach of Holbrook, a healthcare studies major, earned PTK All-State honors. With a 3.8 GPA, Leach serves as a peer mentor, an orientation leader, a Campus Activities Board leader, and an active volunteer at the campus food pantry.
