SUNY Jamestown Community College students Christian Baffoin of Greenhurst and Anna Gilbert of Olean are among nearly 200 students awarded the 2024 Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence who will be honored at 2 p.m. April 11 at the Albany Capital Center in Albany.
The Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence honors students for outstanding achievements in academics, leadership, campus involvement, community service, or the arts. It is the highest honor bestowed on a student by SUNY.
Originally from Ivory Coast, Baffoin graduated in December 2023 with an associate’s degree in Business Administration. He holds an associate’s degree in Business Administration, a certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Management, and a bachelor’s degree in British Literature and Civilization from the Ivory Coast.
“Christian’s commitment to social causes was evident in his participation in the 2021 Global Sustainability Challenge,” said Kirk Young, vice president of Student Affairs at SUNY JCC. “He collaborated with students from Jordan and Iraq, and tackled issues facing the education system in the U.S., Jordan, and Iraq, demonstrating his dedication to global educational improvement and sustainability.”
Baffoin served as treasurer of the Tourism and Hospitality and Event clubs at JCC. He coordinated two fundraising events that generated more than $3,700 for the clubs. The funds supported club activities and trips that improved the overall experience of club members and their impact within the community.
Gilbert moved to Olean from San Antonio, Texas in 2020 to enroll in the Nursing program after 16 years as a podiatry assistant. She will graduate in May with an associate’s degree in Applied Science. Gilbert was nominated for academic excellence, campus involvement, and community service.
“Since enrolling at JCC, Anna has maintained a 3.9 GPA, made the dean’s list each semester, was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Honor’s Society, and worked as a tutor and peer-to-peer mentor,” Young said. “Upon graduation, she plans to work as an RN at the local hospital while continuing her education for her RN-BSN.”
Several professors recommended Gilbert as a student tutor for the JCC Learning Commons in February 2022. She accepted the position and still tutors students in courses she has completed. Gilbert won the Phyllis Kraemer Memorial Nursing Scholarship and the Maureen Curry Inspirational Scholarship award in the spring of 2023.
“We’re proud of Anna and Christian’s accomplishments and look forward to SUNY’s recognition of their outstanding efforts,” Young said. “Their range of accomplishments is an excellent representation of our students and their ability to make an impact in their communities.”