Stony Brook University student Victor Canela was one of 50 students statewide in SUNY’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) who were honored with the Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for Student Excellence.
The award, now celebrating its sixth class of honorees, recognizes outstanding EOP students for their academic merit and perseverance.
The honor is named in memory of Norman R. McConney Jr. (1946–2016), a graduate of the University at Albany and former assistant dean for special programs at SUNY. McConney, alongside former Assembly Deputy Speaker Arthur O. Eve, helped create the EOP as a statewide program.
“Victor Canela embodies the resilience, dedication, and excellence that define Stony Brook’s EOP students,” said Pamela Matzner, director of Stony Brook’s Educational Opportunity Program/Advancement on Individual Merit (EOP/AIM). “His recognition as a recipient of the SUNY Norman R. McConney Jr. Award is a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and commitment to academic and personal growth. The Stony Brook University community, especially his EOP family, are incredibly proud of his achievements and look forward to his continued success.”
“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 Chancellor John B. King Jr. “At SUNY, we are immensely grateful for the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the Legislature who continue to support this transformative program that ensures students not only start but have the support to complete their degrees.”
Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie ’90 congratulated the award recipients. “Your dedication and perseverance have led you to this moment, and we are confident that they will continue to move you forward in achieving your many aspirations,” he said. “The Norman R. McConney Jr. award is named after a visionary who was committed to fostering an environment that promoted the growth and development of students from all walks of life. We trust that you will draw inspiration from his legacy, striving for excellence while inspiring generations to come.”
Since its inception in 1967, the EOP has provided access, academic support, and supplemental financial assistance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. In its 58-year history, the EOP has served more than 85,000 students and evolved into one of the country’s most successful college access programs.
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