Empire State University Students Receive Prestigious ACT Awards

(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – September 1, 2023) Empire State University’s Craig Rosen ’23 and Jawana Richardson ’16, ’18, ’21 are recipients of this year’s State University of New York Association of Council Members and College Trustees (ACT) awards. 

 Rosen, a forensic science and math, science, and technology teacher at Charles W. Baker High School in Baldwinsville, New York, received the Nancy L. Zimpher Scholarship for Teacher Education for his exceptional academic performance and dedication to the teacher education profession. 

 “I am deeply honored to receive this scholarship,” Rosen said. “This recognition is a testament to the incredible journey of learning and growth my students and I embark on together every day. Teaching is more than a profession to me; it's a shared exploration of knowledge, made possible by the remarkable students and colleagues around me. I am excited to continue making a positive impact on my students.” 

 Richardson, who earned her associate and bachelor’s degrees at Empire State University and is currently completing her MBA, was selected to receive the Excellence and Student Initiative Scholarship. The scholarship recognizes Richardson's outstanding academic achievements and commitment to her campus and community. As part of the scholarship, ACT will donate $250 to a nonprofit organization of Richardson's choice. Richardson has chosen to split the donation between Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) NY and STOP DWI-NY. She is matching ACT’s contribution, so each organization receives $250. 

"I'm absolutely thrilled and very thankful to be selected as a recipient of the Prestigious SUNY Act for Excellence Scholarship/Award,” Richardson said. “This achievement underlines my commitment to reach my higher education goals and other endeavors, and validates that belief in oneself, perseverance, and effort can lead to success at any stage in life.  It also further inspires me to keep showing up for myself and to continue to pay it forward in my community and SUNY Empire. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone at SUNY, Empire State University and my community who recognized my efforts and believed in me." 

Rosen and Richardson will be celebrated at a formal ceremony on Saturday, October 14 at the Crowne Plaza in Albany, NY.