Ms. Ashley Alvarado, a recent graduate of SUNY Old Westbury, has been recognized as the 2020 recipient of The President’s Medal for Scholarship, the College’s highest student honor.
“Ms. Alvarado's journey to academic excellence and her desire to help others shows the true spirit of this award," said College President Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III. “It is my honor to bestow my final Presidential Medal for Scholarship to Ashley, albeit virtually."
Alvarado is a first-generation college student and graduate. Her experiences growing up in Honduras inspired her to give back to others and choose a College and career that embraced those philosophies. She graduated with a 3.89 cumulative grade point average as a Philosophy and Religion major and Pre-Law minor, and is interested in practicing law and advocating for women's rights in the future.
During her time at Old Westbury, she held leadership roles in Student Government, the Honors College, and the Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society. She participated in several committees including the Green Committee, Gender Equality and Disability Services, the Faculty Senate, and more. Additionally, Alvarado was a peer tutor and mentor and as a note taker for the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities. She won several awards including the Residence Hall Association 2019-2020 Excellence of Service Award; the Northeast Regional Honors Council Minority Scholarship; and the Just and Sustainable World Scholarship.
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.