Award is State University of New York's highest honor
Mohawk Valley Community College students Eaindra Aung and Rachael Sadlowski were selected to receive the 2026 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence — the highest honor bestowed upon students by the State University of New York.
This prestigious award recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional achievement throughout their SUNY experience, including excellence in academics, leadership, social justice, campus involvement, civics and service, research, and the arts. This year, 205 students from all 64 SUNY campuses received the award.
Eaindra Aung
Eaindra (Jen) Aung is a Mathematics and Science major who has excelled academically while being actively involved on campus and in the community. Born and raised in Burma, she is a first-generation college student and a passionate advocate for international students. While at MVCC, Aung has served as President of MVCC’s Lambda Beta Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and has participated in the group’s Intergenerational Clean-Up events and blood drives every semester. She also has volunteered at MVCC’s STEM Fest, the Alzheimer’s Walk, Utica Zoo Spooktacular, and other College and community events. In the community, she is a volunteer at The Center’s Clothing Closet, where she helps organize donations, assists refugees and immigrants with finding appropriate clothing, and ensures that families receive what they need. Aung plans to transfer to Binghamton University and pursue a career in neurosurgery.
Rachael Sadlowski
Rachael Sadlowski of Ava, N.Y., is a dual major in Video Production and Digital Media Marketing. In addition to achieving academic excellence in two majors, Sadlowski serves the president of the MVCC Film Club and is a Resident Assistant in the College’s residence halls, providing support and mentorship to fellow students. Sadlowski also gains hands-on experience in her chosen field as a technical media producer and graphic designer at WKTV News Channel 2. Known for leadership, creativity, and dedication, Sadlowski actively contributes to her community and campus while pursuing professional growth to make a meaningful impact in her field and beyond.
“SUNY students are New York’s future, and the outstanding individuals I am proud to recognize with the Chancellor’s Awards for Student Excellence embody the very best of our state university system,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. “The students who have earned this recognition have inspired their classmates, their educators, their campuses and me with their inspiring work, tenacious drive, and dedication to their academic success. I commend each of the awardees and thank them for being examples for others to follow.”