Nominate a Student for the SUNY Chancellor’s Award
By Academic & Student Affairs | Jan 6, 2026
For Student Excellence and the Annual Dean’s Awards for Comprehensive Student Excellence
Each year, SUNY celebrates its very best—students who exemplify the highest standards of achievement, leadership, and service—through the prestigious SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence, the highest student honor bestowed across the entire SUNY system.
Here at SUNY Downstate, we proudly take part in this tradition by also presenting the Dean’s Awards for Comprehensive Student Excellence, which recognizes extraordinary students from each of our five schools and colleges. From these outstanding Dean’s Award recipients, two are selected to represent Downstate as the nominees for the SUNY Chancellor’s Award.
Why Your Nomination Matters
Across all 64 SUNY campuses, members of the campus community nominate students who have shaped their campus communities in profound and lasting ways. These awards often identify future physicians, researchers, scientists, public health leaders, educators, artists, and advocates long before their impact is widely recognized.
Your nomination could shine a light on one of Downstate’s next great leaders.
What We’re Looking For
The Dean’s Award honors students who demonstrate excellence in at least three of the following areas:
- Academics
- Leadership
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice
- Campus Involvement, Civics & Service
- Research & Development
- Arts (Creative or Performing)
We encourage you to think broadly—some past SUNY Chancellor’s Award recipients across the system have been student government leaders, community health innovators, military veterans, award-winning researchers, peer educators, artists, volunteers, and advocates for equity and justice.
A strong nomination will illustrate why the student stands among SUNY’s most exceptional.
Eligibility
Students must have a graduation date between June 2025 and May 2026 to be considered for the 2026 awards.
Nomination Requirements
- Nomination Letter
- Provide clear, specific examples of the student’s achievements in at least three categories listed above.
- Focus on accomplishments during their time at Downstate.
- Highlight contributions that demonstrate measurable, sustained impact on the campus community or beyond.
- Additional Supporting Materials (optional)
- Supplemental letters of support are welcome.
- A resume or activity list is strongly encouraged if available.
Submission Deadline
Please email nominations to studentaffairs@downstate.edu no later than Friday, January 9, 2026.
Thank you for helping us celebrate and elevate the remarkable students who embody the very best of SUNY Downstate and the entire SUNY system. Your nomination may help shape the legacy of a truly exceptional scholar and leader.