Alicia Garner ‘26 is one of 49 student recipients across the SUNY system to be awarded a 2026 Norman R. McConney, Jr. Award for Equal Opportunity Program Student Excellence in Albany.
The award, established in 2019, is named for Norman R. McConney Jr. (1946–2016), a former assistant dean for special programs at SUNY who left a legacy of empowering underrepresented populations.&
Each year, one student from each SUNY campus is selected to earn this award that recognizes the academic achievements and perseverance of EOP students.
“I’m proud because earning the McConney award represents the hard work, dedication, and perseverance that it took to get to this point,” said Garner, who will graduate this May with a degree in Criminology. “Being recognized in this way reminds me how far I’ve come and motivates me to continue working hard and representing the values of EOP.”
Garner’s civic engagement, academic perseverance, and the initiative she has shown during challenging times inspired EOP Senior Counselor Lisa Lyons to recognize her through this nomination. On campus, Garner is the vice president of the Old Westbury Dynamic Dance Team, public relations chair for the Panther Voices Choir, a member of the Caribbean Student Association, and organization participant for the Fashion Committee of Glamazon. Off campus, Garner is a girls mentor specialist at the Moxxie Mentoring Foundation and community risk mentor at the Timothy Hill Ranch.
“Even while managing personal hardships and a demanding work schedule, she consistently contributed to her community, embraced opportunities for leadership, and inspired those around her,” said Lyons. “Alicia’s journey reflects resilience, dedication, and the ability to turn challenges into meaningful growth, achievements that deserve recognition.”
The EOP program is designed to support students who may face economic or educational barriers to pursuing higher education. EOP has helped Garner build her confidence, take on leadership roles, and stay focused on her goals. “The community within EOP motivated me to keep pushing forward and pursue my passion for criminology and public service,” Garner said.
Page Banner Caption: SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. (left) presents a 2026 Norman R. McConney, Jr. Award to SUNY Old Westbury student Alicia Garner.