Psychology Major Awarded the SUNY Old Westbury President’s Medal for Scholarship

Winsome Rodney with President Butts

Psychology major Winsome Nyoka Rodney has been recognized as the 2017 recipient of the President’s Medal for Scholarship – the College’s highest student honor. Rodney graduated from the College on May 21, 2017.

“The President’s Medal is awarded to pay tribute to academic excellence on our campus, and Winsome has certainly earned that," said President Calvin O. Butts, III. "Her story is one of both trial and triumph, which is why I'm proud to present this award to her as an example for other students in the Old Westbury campus community." 

Rodney transferred to Old Westbury after graduating cum laude from Nassau Community College. She has persevered in her studies, having earned a B.A. in Psychology, and recently was accepted into Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology. She plans to continue her studies at the graduate level in Mental Health Counseling.

In addition to being a student, Rodney is a parent, and full-time residential counselor for Hope for Youth. She feels passionate about working with and counseling her residents, and has served in similar roles for Family and Children’s Services of Long Island and The Center for Developmental Disabilities assisting homeless youths, and disabled adults and children. Rodney, a resident of Jamaica, N.Y., is known by her professors and classmates as a motivating, inspiring, and positive force.

The Old Westbury President’s Medal was created in 1986 to honor outstanding academic achievement among its graduating students.  To be eligible, a student must be a senior, have completed a minimum of 24 credits at Old Westbury, and have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or greater.

Student Achievement
College President