Eight Suffolk County Community College students are recipients of the prestigious SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. This award acknowledges students for outstanding achievements that have demonstrated the integration of SUNY excellence into many different aspects of their lives, including academics, leadership, diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, campus involvement, civics and service, research and development, creative and performing arts. It is the highest honor bestowed upon a student by the SUNY system.
“We take immense pride in the remarkable accomplishments of these outstanding students,” said Dr. Edward Bonahue, president of Suffolk County Community College. “These are students who are engaged in their home and college communities; they innovate, dream, and achieve. Their dedication and exceptional efforts underscore their extraordinary potential.”
These are the award recipients:
- Carolina Leon Cadena — an Engineering Science major from Commack, Carolina holds a 3.9 GPA and has consistently earned Dean’s List recognition for the past two years. She is the president of the Disney Club, vice president of public relations for Phi Theta Kappa, Peer Mentor, Orientation Leader, and Get There From Here Scholar. She also contributes to student success as a library assistant at the Academic Learning Center.
- Eva Vyolet Denis — a Liberal Arts Philosophy major from Port Jefferson Station, Eva maintains a 4.0 GPA and has earned Dean’s List honors every semester for the past two years. She serves as editor-in-chief of Ammerman’s literary arts publication Perspectives and is an active member of the Honors Club, Student African American Sisterhood (SAAS), Peer Mentor–Orientation Leader program, Suffolk County Community College’s Conduct Board, and the Alpha Zeta Nu Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa.
- Udya Dewanamuni — a Physics major from Ronkonkoma, Udya holds a 4.0 GPA and has earned Dean’s List honors every semester for the past two years. She serves as vice president of Leadership for PTK, a senator in Student Government, president of the Math Club, STEM Scholar, and a chemistry and physics tutor. Her interdisciplinary research in physics, mathematics, biology, chemistry, and computer science reflects her dedication to academic rigor, innovation, and learning through mentorship.
- Dominic Llivicura — a Business Administration major from Mastic Beach, Dominic maintains a 3.7 GPA and has earned Dean’s List honors for two years. A Get There From Here Scholar, he serves as SGA vice president, an orientation leader, and a member of the Honors Program, PTK, Finance Committee, Art, Rotaract, and Business and Accounting Clubs. He holds a VITA/TCE Certification, allowing him to assist low-income, disabled, and elderly individuals with tax filing.
- Nancy Lorme — an Accounting major from Holtsville, Nancy has a 3.6 GPA and consistent Dean’s List honors. She serves as president of PTK, the Rotaract Club, and Student African American Sisterhood. She’s also a member of the National Association of Black Accountants, SGA Finance Committee, Conduct Board, and Business and Accounting Club. A Get There From Here Scholar, Nancy serves as an orientation leader, peer mentor, and regular volunteer at the Food Pantry.
- Carolina Hernandez Alvarez — an Accounting major from Riverhead, Carolina holds a 3.9 GPA and has earned Dean’s List honors every semester. A member of the Honors Program, she has been recognized with the Honors Program Academic Excellence Award, Outstanding Service Award, and the Emerging Student Leader Award. Carolina serves as president of the Latin Elite Club and the Campus Activities Board (CAB). She is also a Peer Mentor and ESL student tutor.
- Julia Heller-Bomba — a Creative Writing major from East Northport, Julia holds a 3.6 GPA and two years of Dean’s List recognition. She serves as president of the Woman’s Club, vice president of leadership for Phi Theta Kappa, is a member of the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society, and a TRIO Student Support Services Scholarship recipient. Julia is also a nominee for the prestigious PTK All-USA/All-State competition.
Nina Kezys — a Psychology major from East Northport, Nina maintains a 4.0 GPA and has earned Dean’s List recognition for the past two semesters. She was recently selected for the 2025 All-USA Academic Team — one of only 20 students nationwide to receive this distinction. This honor recognizes her intellectual achievement, leadership, and community engagement. Nina was also named a 2025 New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar, earning the highest score in New York State in the All-USA Academic Team competition. A member of SCCC’s women’s soccer team, Nina serves as vice president of the Rotaract Community Service Club and vice president of membership for Phi Theta Kappa. She is also a member of the Honors and Psychology Clubs and serves as a Peer Mentor overseeing the Michael J. Grant Campus Food Pantry.