SUNY Jamestown Community College’s Abigail Hill and Ayomideji Israel-Akinbo are the college’s 2025 recipients of the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence. They, along with more than 200 students across the State University of New York system, were recognized on Tuesday during a ceremony at the Hart Theatre in the Egg in Albany.
The award acknowledges students for their outstanding achievements and for demonstrating 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, or creative and performing arts. It is the highest honor bestowed upon a student by SUNY.
Hill, representing JCC’s Cattaraugus County Campus, is an aspiring registered nurse who is set to graduate this month. Since joining the Nursing program, the Wellsville native and Olean resident has consistently made the dean’s list and was inducted into the college’s Phi Theta Kappa honor society chapter in September 2023.
Since 2022, Hill has worked as a Health Center assistant on the Cattaraugus County Campus. In that role, she has been responsible for managing student health records, documenting immunizations, and maintaining accurate files. Hill has also assisted with flu and COVID vaccination clinics and blood drives on campus.
Outside of school and work, Hill has volunteered at many JCC events, including commencement ceremonies, a Remote Area Medical clinic that provided care for underserved community members, and has often donned the Jayhawk mascot outfit to add spirit at campus gatherings.
“Abigail is dedicated to making a positive impact in healthcare and her local community,” said Crystal Rose-Williams, JCC’s Student Experience interim vice president. "Through her employment with the Health Center and volunteer work she has built strong relationships with fellow students and staff. She strives to provide a positive and supportive environment for all and is committed to contributing to the continued success of the JCC community.”
After graduation, Hill plans to work at her local hospital and pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Israel-Akinbo is secretary of JCC’s Phi Theta Kappa honor society. He also serves as the student trustee for the college’s board of trustees, peer career assistant in the Career Services office, and a resident assistant. He has been a Student Senate treasurer, vice president of the International and Ski clubs, and treasurer of the IMPACT and Tech clubs.
A native Nigerian and resident of South Africa, Israel-Akinbo gives much to the international population at JCC, helping to plan the annual Go Global Fair on the Jamestown Campus and trips for international students that give them a taste of American culture. With the help of Israel-Akinbo, the International Club was awarded JCC’s Club of the Year.
Israel-Akinbo has maintained a strong academic standing with a 3.94 GPA, dean's list recognition, and acceptance into JCC’s exclusive Honors Program. Representing the Jamestown Campus, he is set to graduate this month with an A.S. in Engineering Science.
“Ayomideji has embraced leadership since coming to JCC,” Rose-Williams said. “He is active in many campus organizations and events, and fellow students look up to him not only as a friend but also a trusted mentor in the classroom, residence halls, and around campus. He is passionate about promoting openness, bridging cultural divides, and helping the JCC community thrive.”