News Archive

Brendan Merhab

Brendan Merhab, a psychology major with a minor in philosophy, applied for an Alpha Chi National Honors Society Sledge/Benedict fellowship to pursue graduate training this Fall—either a PhD in neuroscience at Upstate Medical University or a Master’s in marriage and family therapy (LMFT) elsewhere, with the long-term goal of integrating research and clinical practice.

Rachel Kinsey

Rachel Kinsey, a senior majoring in social work and women & gender studies, applied for an Alpha Chi National Honors Society Sledge/Benedict fellowship to support her graduate study in social work at Binghamton University starting this Fall.

Gavin Miller

Gavin Miller, a senior majoring in political science with a minor in economics, applied for the Harry S. Truman Scholarship, the premier federally funded graduate fellowship for aspiring public service leaders.

Makayla Seidle-Beach

Makayla Seidle-Beach, a double major in political science and international studies with minors in African American studies and dance, applied for a Marshall Scholarship to fund two master’s programs in the United Kingdom after graduation. 

Rylie DelVecchio

Rylie DelVecchio, a double major in social work and sociology, applied for a Fulbright grant to pursue an independent research project in Bulgaria.

Katie Henion

Katie Henion, currently pursuing her MSW, applied for a Fulbright grant to complete an independent research project in the Netherlands. 

Senior Spotlight: Brady Guy

Brady Guy is a recent graduate of the Honors College at SUNY Brockport, where he completed a B.S. in Social Studies Adolescence Education. 

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Afeez Hazzan

Dr. Afeez A. Hazzan, an accomplished academic with a background in biology, health policy, and research methodology, served as Associate Director of SUNY Brockport’s Honors College before becoming Chair of the Department of Healthcare Studies in Fall 2025. Passionate about student mentorship and health equity, he continues to teach, conduct research on vulnerable populations, and guide students toward academic and professional success.

Alumni Spotlight: Thomas Verhay

In spring 2025, we interviewed SUNY Brockport Honors College alumni, Thomas Verhay ’23, to learn more about what he has been up to since graduation. Read below to learn more about his post-graduation experiences and accomplishments!

Alumni Spotlight: Melissa Szurgyi

In spring 2025, we interviewed SUNY Brockport Honors College alumni, Melissa Szurgyi ’18 to learn more about what she has been up to since graduation. Read below to learn more about her post-graduation experiences and accomplishments!

Seven Students Earn Prestigious National Scholarships

New Honors College initiative positions students for success by identifying opportunities and providing support in the application process.

Divya Chauwan

Divya Chauwan, a senior double-majoring in International Studies and Political Science, with a minor in Women’s Studies, applied for and won a Fulbright award that will fund a year of life and research in Nepal after graduation.

Sophia Maum

Sophia Maum, Environmental Studies major, applied for a Udall Scholarship, a national scholarship sponsored by the Udall foundation that identifies future leaders in environmental, Tribal public policy, and Native health care fields. 

Owen Hazard

Owen Hazard, Environmental Studies major, applied for a Udall Scholarship, which grants 55 students from around the United States $7000 for educational expenses as they prepare for a career in environmental, Tribal public policy, or Native health care fields. 

Avery Di Iulio

SUNY Brockport has nominated Avery Di Iulio for a Goldwater Scholarship. Avery is a physics major in the Honors College who worked on a research project with Professor Kristen Repa over the summer of 2024. 

Kiera Unverzagt

SUNY Brockport has nominated Kiera Unverzagt for a Goldwater Scholarship. Kiera is an Honors College pre-med student pursuing a dual degree in Neuroscience (BS) and Dance (BFA).

Kalena Eaton

SUNY Brockport has nominated Kalena Eaton for a Goldwater scholarship. She is an Honors College student majoring in Psychology, with a minor in Sociology.

Troy Smith

In January, Troy Smith applied for a Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship to support graduate study in chemistry.

Katelyn Cyganovich

In January, SUNY Brockport’s Alpha Chi chapter nominated Katelyn Cyganovich for an Alpha Chi Honors Society Sledge/Benedict Fellowship to support her first year of graduate study at the University of Buffalo School of Law.

Kaleigh Lauck

In January, SUNY Brockport’s Alpha Chi chapter nominated Kaleigh Lauck for an Alpha Chi Honors Society Sledge/Benedict Fellowship to support graduate study.