Amy Li with President Stephen H. Kolison Jr.
Senior Amy Li has been honored with the Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for Student Excellence.
The system-wide award recognizes students in SUNY's Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) for academic merit and perseverance.
“I am constantly reminded of the profound impact SUNY’s Educational Opportunity Program has had on countless lives. The stories, triumphs, and unwavering determination of SUNY’s EOP students serve as beacons of hope and inspiration for future generations of students,” said SUNY Chancellor John King. “At SUNY, we are immensely grateful for the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the [State] Legislature who continue to support this transformative program that ensures students not only start but have the support to complete their degrees.”
Ms. Li, from Brooklyn, N.Y., a graduate of the East-West School of International Studies, is a Communication-Public Relations major at SUNY Fredonia. She was honored in recognition of the award recently at a ceremony in Albany, NY.
The award is named in memory of Norman R. McConney Jr. (1946–2016), a graduate of the State University at Albany and former assistant dean for special programs at SUNY. McConney, alongside former New York State Assembly Deputy Speaker Arthur O. Eve, helped create the EOP as a statewide program.
“…an EOP mentor almost feels like an older sibling. We are one of the first connections that our freshmen make on campus…As an EOP mentor, I’ve always enjoyed the strong and steady connections that I’ve built with our incoming students and mentors." - Amy Li
When asked her impressions upon receiving the McConney award, Li noted, “The McConney award is given to individuals in representation of the achievements, contributions and leadership that they’ve provided. To me it’s more than that, it's a memory to remind myself of all the ups and downs that I’ve experienced throughout my college career. Not to mention, it’s also a reminder that when you step out of your comfort zone there’s always a learning opportunity to grow and enhance who you are.”
Asked about her future plans, Li said that since “life is about learning,” she would like to “utilize my degree and step into the workforce to keep building on my skills.” As an undergraduate at Fredonia, Li has served as an EOP mentor and a work study student in the Office of Financial Aid. She noted, “These two departments have challenged me with many leadership roles. Being a peer mentor not only means to create a welcoming environment but to help one another make college smoother.”
Li added, “…an EOP mentor almost feels like an older sibling. We are one of the first connections that our freshmen make on campus…As an EOP mentor, I’ve always enjoyed the strong and steady connections that I’ve built with our incoming students and mentors. I believe that it’s a great way for me to work with people around my age and see the impact we can create for others.”
EOP Director Rachel Skemer noted, “Amy truly exemplifies the essence of the Norman McConney Award and everything it stands for. During her time at Fredonia, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing Amy’s incredible growth, both academically and personally. Despite the many obstacles she faced, her unwavering determination to complete her degree has never faltered. With an infectious positive attitude and an endless drive, she has consistently gone above and beyond to support others, forming meaningful connections with her peers and contributing to the campus community. Amy is not only resilient, hardworking, and compassionate, but also resourceful, always finding creative ways to overcome challenges. She has demonstrated a profound understanding of what it takes to succeed and generously shares her experiences to help others thrive, making a lasting impact on those around her.”
Director of Financial Aid Jeremy Corrente spoke of Li’s outstanding customer service skills, noting, “Amy has worked in the Financial Aid Office as a work-study student for about a year and half. She learned the job extremely quickly and has done an amazing job right from the gate. Her interpersonal skills are off the charts and it shows when she interacts with our students and parents. Amy has an amazing personality and an incredible work ethic!”
Li’s philosophy is, “always surround yourself with the people who you want to be.”
