Tompkins Cortland Community College student Ava Poole has been recognized by the SUNY Board of Trustees and Chancellor John King Jr. with the Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for Student Excellence. The award recognizes outstanding Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) students for their academic merit and perseverance. It was presented at a ceremony in Troy earlier this week.

Poole, a liberal arts and sciences: teacher education student from Cortland, has been on the Dean’s List each semester since becoming a part of EOP in the fall of 2023. She is the first TC3 student to receive this honor, which is named in memory of Norman R. McConney Jr., a former assistant dean for special programs at SUNY who helped create the EOP as a statewide program.  

“I am constantly reminded of the profound impact SUNY’s Educational Opportunity Program has had on countless lives. The stories, triumphs, and unwavering determination of SUNY’s EOP students serve as beacons of hope and inspiration for future generations of students,” said SUNY Chancellor King. “At SUNY, we are immensely grateful for the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the Legislature who continue to support this transformative program that ensures students not only start but have the support to complete their degrees.”  

Since its inception in 1967, the EOP has provided access, academic support, and supplemental financial assistance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. In its 58-year history, the EOP has served more than 85,000 students and evolved into one of the country's most successful college access programs.

Photo Caption: TC3 President Amy Kremenek, Ava Poole, TC3 Director of Educational Opportunity Programs Shadayvia Wallace