SUNYIT students Sarah LaFont of Clinton and Kelli McArdell of Baldwinsville have received this year's Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence. The two were among more than 240 students from across the state honored April 4 at a ceremony in Albany.

"The students we honor have strong records of achievement as student leaders, scholar athletes, aspiring artists, and community volunteers," said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher. "By exhibiting excellence in class, on campus, and in their local communities, these students truly represent the power of SUNY, and we honor them with great pride."

LaFont, a senior with a double major in psychology and community & behavioral health, was named to the president’s list, served as president of the psychology and sociology club and did research on bullying during her four years at SUNYIT. McArdell, a senior majoring in civil engineering technology, chaired the student club funding board, founded the "Ladies Night Out" student club and served as a SUNYIT student ambassador.

The Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence was created in 1997 to recognize students who have best demonstrated, and have been recognized for, the integration of academic excellence with accomplishments in the areas of leadership, athletics, community service, creative and performing arts, campus involvement, or career achievement.

Each year, campus presidents establish a selection committee, which reviews exemplary students. Nominees are then forwarded to the Chancellor's Office and are subject to a second round of review. Finalists are then recommended to the Chancellor to become recipients of the award. Each recipient receives a framed certificate and medallion, which is traditionally worn at commencement.