Ms. Christina Corye, a SUNY Old Westbury senior majoring in Biological Sciences from Brentwood, New York, has received the Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for Student Excellence from the State University of New York. One of only 46 students across the state to earn the award, Corye was recognized for outstanding academic merit and perseverance.
“The Educational Opportunity Program at Old Westbury is thrilled for Christina for being selected for this award,” said Dr. Jerrell Robinson, director. “She embodies the values of EOP and we look forward to continuing to watch her excel in the future.”
The honor is named in memory of Norman R. McConney, Jr. (1946–2016), a graduate of the University at Albany and former assistant dean for special programs at SUNY. McConney, alongside former Assembly Deputy Speaker Arthur O. Eve, helped create the EOP as a statewide program.
“When SUNY was founded 75 years ago, the mission was to create an educational environment where all are welcome, and the Educational Opportunity Program has worked to make that a reality by helping students, many of whom are the first in their family to go to college, access higher education and see their degrees to completion,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. “EOP is a ticket to upward mobility for New York students, which is why I am honored to recognize these students who stand as role models demonstrating what is possible.”
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 56-year history, the EOP has served more than 80,000 students and evolved into one of the country's most successful college access programs. In many cases participants outperform their peers, with 68 percent of EOP students completing a bachelor’s degree within six years. Since the program’s inception, more than 80,000 EOP students have earned SUNY degrees, participate in the workforce and contribute to the social and economic well-being of their communities.