For Release:     Immediate – June 3, 2015

Contact:           Jerry Gretzinger, Vice President of Strategic Communications and Public Relations ­

   (518) 956-7359 | jgretzinger@sunycnse.com

Three students recognized by SUNY Chancellor for outstanding academic and athletic achievement

UTICA, NY – SUNY Polytechnic Institute today announced that four of its students have been selected as recipients of the 2014-2015 Chancellor’s Scholar Athlete Award,which recognizes outstanding academic excellence and athletic achievement. SUNY Poly students Jordan Sirtoli (Men’s Cross Country), Justin Rich (Men’s Volleyball) and Krista Pristera (Softball)are among just 80 SUNY students to receive the distinction statewide.

“The SUNY scholar athletes are some of our most exemplary students, having achieved the highest levels of success not only in class but in their respective sports,” said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher. “Congratulations to each of the students recognized over the past year, and thank you to the many professors, coaches, and staff across SUNY who support them.”

“We are extremely proud of these SUNY Poly students who have received the Scholar Athlete Award.  They have demonstrated tremendous leadership both on and off the field,” said Dr. Alain Kaloyeros, President and CEO of SUNY Polytechnic Institute.  “To excel in academics as well as athletics requires drive and dedication and we commend these students for their accomplishments and providing a fine example to the entire SUNY Poly community.”

Sirtoli, a graduate family nurse practitioner student from New Hartford, NY, earned a 3.86 GPA and graduated with a B.S. in nursing in May. Rich, from Hamburg, NY, also graduated in May with a 3.52 GPA and was a mechanical engineering major and math minor.  Pristera, a psychology major with a 3.25 GPA, is from New Hartford, NY.

To be considered for the Scholar Athlete Award, athletes are nominated by their campus athletic director.  A panel of athletic directors from across the SUNY system and members of the provost’s office determines award recipients after reviewing academic credentials and athletic accomplishments.

“This award is a testament to the passion and commitment these athletes have shown for their studies and their sports, as well as to the support they have received at SUNY Poly,” said Dr. Robert Geer, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of SUNY Polytechnic Institute.  “These students have worked hard and learned to manage their time effectively, which is a skill that will continue to serve them well in the future.”

The current roster of SUNY Polytechnic Institute sports includes baseball, softball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s volleyball, and men’s and women’s lacrosse.

SUNY Poly is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA Division III), the North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC), and the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC).

Photos of Sirtoli, Rich and Pristera are available upon request.