The College honored 24 standout students this April with its yearly Excellence in Student Leadership Awards. The awards are governed by the Office of the Vice President for Student Development, and winners are selected by an interdepartmental committee of faculty and staff.
“These leaders are essential in shaping our student-centric culture on campus, and they are the foundation that supports our clubs, co-curricular activities, and policy decisions,” said Dr. Anne Hopkins Gross, Vice President for Student Development. “The responsibilities they have taken on have made SUNY Cobleskill a stronger and tighter-knit place to learn. We find inspiration in their stories of achievement and in their powerful examples of leading with purpose.”
Student Leader of the Year Award
This award recognizes the student who represents the highest level of student leadership. This student makes extraordinary contributions to the College, mentors future leaders, leads a range of campus activities, and demonstrates exceptional service to others and within the community. The breadth and depth of the student’s actions have significant College-wide impact.
2025 Recipient: Wendy Diaz
Wendy Diaz has demonstrated leadership and inclusivity across multiple roles on campus. As a Resident Assistant, she gave students a support system in which they could thrive academically and personally. Wendy educated fellow RAs on connecting with residents who are neurodivergent, promoting understanding and advocacy within the residential community. A peer tutor, she also served as a Teaching Assistant for Organic Chemistry and Principles of Anatomy and Physiology, guiding students through challenging coursework with study sessions.
Wendy is a Club Officer for the Pre-Vet Club, Tri-Beta, and Tri Alpha, working to provided students with new learning experiences, including hands-on wet labs, graduate school information sessions, and networking opportunities. As President of Tri-Alpha, she championed the recognition of first-generation students and faculty, ensuring their voices are heard and their achievements celebrated.
Wendy has continuously worked to create a campus culture where all students feel valued and supported, embodying all that it means to be a dedicated student leader.
Distinguished Student Leadership Award
This award recognizes students with distinguished service or achievement that significantly benefits the student body or the college as a whole. These students exhibit a pattern of exemplary service over their years at SUNY Cobleskill and exceed the normal duties of any positions they may hold. Award categories include Cultural Competence, Community Engagement and Service, Health, Safety and Wellness, Athletics, Peer Education, Programming, Student Governance, and Student Organization involvement.
2025 Recipient: Hannah Case
Hannah Case has served as Secretary and President of the Student Government Association, a Campus Engagement Leader, Arrival Team member, and as a Winter Orientation Leader. In each of these roles, she has been instrumental in organizing and leading events that have enhanced the overall student experience.
Through meticulous planning, communication, and collaboration with diverse groups, Hannah has created opportunities for students to connect and engage with one another during their academic journey. With commitment and enthusiasm, she has helped shape a campus culture where every student feels included.
Hannah is a first generation college student and , this past year, earned her American FFA Degree, the highest honor a member can receive.
2025 Recipient: Taylor Meacham
Meacham has been captain of the SUNY Cobleskill Women’s Basketball team for the past three seasons, fearlessly leading her team on and off the court, and to the team’s first-ever NAC Women’s Basketball Championship in Spring 2025. She’s led by example, overcoming several sports-related injuries and personal hurdles to get back in the game.
While making the Dean’s List in nine times, she’s also earned the 2023 Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year and selection to the NAC Sportsmanship Team in 2024.
Meacham’s long list of accolades also includes being named “Fighting Tiger Athlete of the Week” multiple times, NAC Defensive Player of the Week, NAC Championship Conference Tournament MVP, and named the 2024-2025 NAC Senior Scholar Athlete of the Year.
Emerging Student Leadership Award
This award recognizes emerging student leaders who assume active and sustained leadership roles in campus organizations or initiatives that enrich student life and the campus community. These students set themselves apart from other students and aspire to be successful in all they do.
2025 Recipient: Madelynn Orosz
A proud member of the softball team, Orosz was recently selected to represent the North Atlantic Conference (NAC) on the NCAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. She is also an active member of the Block and Bridle Livestock Club, where she expanded her agricultural knowledge and built strong connections with peers and professionals.
Orosz’s dedication to service saw her play a key role in organizing the Fall 2024 SAAC Food Drive on campus, benefiting the College’s and community food pantries, and contributing to planning the National Girls and Women in Sports Night in February.
Orosz balances these leadership roles while pursuing a double major in Animal Science and Beef and Livestock. Her ability to lead across academic, athletic, and service areas reflects her strong ambition and initiative to leave her mark on the Cobleskill community.
Agent of Change Award
This award recognizes a student who has shown dedication in promoting and facilitating the positive efforts of diversity and inclusion at SUNY Cobleskill. The award recipient demonstrates a passion for improving the community toward a better understanding of how we are all connected while also appreciating and valuing differences.
2025 Recipient: Cristian Gilces
One of Gilces’ most remarkable achievements has been founding and leading the SUNY Cobleskill Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) chapter. What began as a vision to amplify voices and connect students with industry professionals has flourished into a recognized and respected organization. As President, he facilitates opportunities for students to engage with professionals from companies such as John Deere and Merck Animal Health, giving minority students a chance to see themselves represented in leadership roles. Gilces’ efforts have been acknowledged by the National MANRRS CEO, the New York State Commissioner of Agriculture, and numerous MANRRS chapters across the country.
Gilces has also served as President and Treasurer of the Student Government Association. As President, there was an increase in membership seen under his guidance, no small feat after the pandemic. The Treasurer role was particularly challenging as Gilces assisted in overhauling the way SGA funds clubs and organizations – a process that took countless hours.
He’s remained active in Residential Life, rising from a Resident Assistant to become one of the first four Senior Community Leaders on campus. With a keen eye for improvement, his voice was a key part in the restructuring of the annual RA Banquet, transforming it into a more inclusive and engaging RA Retreat. Through workshops and mentorship, they have strengthened the bonds between RAs, creating a supportive living and working environment across campus.
Gilces is one of two SUNY Cobleskill student recipients of the 2025 Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence, an honor bestowed upon less than 1% of all SUNY students.
2025 Recipient: Charlotte Lezama
In her role as a Multicultural Educator, Lezama has been instrumental in promoting cultural awareness and inclusivity. She has organized events and workshops that provide students with a platform to share their cultural backgrounds and hear diverse perspectives. Her efforts have helped create a more welcoming community where students felt seen and valued.
Lezama advocates for her peers as a Student Government Senator, working closely with faculty and administration to address student concerns and propose initiatives. Whether involved in budget allocations, student programming, or policy changes, she has made it her priority that student voices are heard and impact decision-making processes.
As Vice President of the QnA Club (Queers and Allies), Lezama played a vital role in creating a safe and supportive space for LGBTQ+ students and allies. Through event coordination and engaging discussions on LGBTQ+ rights, they helped the club grow in membership and influence, expanding resources and support for underrepresented groups while strengthening institutional policies to ensure a more inclusive campus.
Perseverance Award
This award recognizes students who have experienced paramount challenges in pursuit of their academic goals and success at SUNY Cobleskill. Through their presence on campus and relentless efforts, these students embraced the idea of never giving up. Despite adversity, these award recipients demonstrate consistent courage, resilience, and perseverance to not only achieve their own goals but inspire the campus community.
2025 Recipient: Corey Cherizard
For six semesters, Cherizard has served as an Admissions Ambassador, taking charge of organizing prospective-student focused events, and giving tours to families visiting campus for the first time. He also served as an Education Opportunity Program (EOP) Ambassador in the Spring of 2023, advocating for current and future EOP students, building connections between students and influential figures across the SUNY network. His advocacy has contributed to strengthening support systems for students who may face obstacles in accessing higher education.
Coming from a background where college once seemed out of reach, Cherizard overcame challenges, including being homeschooled with limited academic records. However, through a belief in his potential, he defied the odds and became a thriving part of the Cobleskill community, with his story serving as an inspiration to all.
2025 Recipient: Hannah Richards
Richards is an active member of the Early Childhood Association, serving as Secretary and organizing community events such as food and toy drives in support of local families and coordinating the College’s participation in the Village of Cobleskill’s Holiday Parade. Under her leadership, the club became more involved in campus events, including Coby Homecoming & Family Weekend and Club Fairs, while continuing their impactful food and toy drives. Beyond their official responsibilities, Richards’ has been a mentor to newer members, encouraging younger students to seek out leadership opportunities.
Excellence in Student Leadership Award
This award recognizes students who demonstrate the positive attributes of student leadership. They meaningfully contribute to the enrichment of student life and the campus community, and maintain sustained involvement in campus life through activities, clubs, organizations, service, athletics, and/or program development.
2025 Recipients:
Rene Alloko, Hannah Case, Corey Cherizard, Olivia DeMott, Wendy Diaz, Makayla DiPasqua, Errona Edwards, Alex Empet, Cristian Gilces, Briana Haass, Alyssa Healy, Saro Karageozian, Estelle Rose Kotlowicz, Charlotte Lezama, William Manning, Taylor Meacham, Daniel Moore, Paisley Nudd, Madelynn Orosz, Isabella O’Toole, Kai Owosu, Hannah Richards, Shakira Shakur, Hailey Tullar
