CORNING, N.Y. — SUNY Corning Community College student Aniga Jaylon Bryce Werner has received the prestigious Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for Student Excellence from the State University of New York (SUNY). The award, now in its seventh year, recognizes outstanding Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) students for their academic merit and perseverance.
Werner is completing a dual degree in Business Administration and Accounting/Financial Management. During his time at the College, Werner has taken on multiple leadership roles within EOP, including serving as an EOP Ambassador, peer mentor, tutor, and advocate for fellow students. Werner also served as a student trustee through student government.
“Everything I’ve done has never been for recognition or praise, so not even knowing I was nominated for this award is a powerful reminder that the small things you do can impact others and do not go unnoticed,” said Werner. “This award reassures me that everything I’ve been working toward has purpose and that nothing happens by accident.”
Werner reflected on the impact EOP has had on his academic journey and personal growth. “Without EOP, I would not have had the opportunity to be recognized in this way,” Werner said. “On a personal level, it has given me meaningful connections and the chance to engage with people across different levels of influence in my community and beyond. Most importantly, it showed me that it was possible to return to school while maintaining the life I had worked so hard to build. EOP helped me realize that I could pursue my goals without just getting by, but truly live and appreciate these important moments along the way.”
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. recognized a total of 49 students across the SUNY system as recipients of this year’s award. “Over nearly 60 years, SUNY’s EOP has supported tens of thousands of students and empowered them to achieve their full potential,” said King. “I am honored to recognize this year's recipients of the Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for Student Excellence. Our McConney award winners’ hard work as they move forward on their path to academic excellence and upward mobility makes them an inspiration for all of our students, faculty, staff, and administrators.”