The City University of New York (CUNY) proudly celebrates the achievements of 28 exceptional students across its 15 schools, who have been awarded the university’s most prestigious scholarships. Among these esteemed awards are The Jonas E. Salk Award, Belle Zeller Scholarships, and the CUNY Climate Scholars, recognizing students’ academic excellence and commitment to their communities.
CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez commended the scholars, stating, “In their personal narratives and academic accomplishments, these scholars embody CUNY’s mission to provide a top-tier education to all students, regardless of their background or means.”
Jonas E. Salk Award:
Named after the renowned inventor of the polio vaccine and City College alumnus, the Jonas E. Salk Award is bestowed upon students admitted to medical schools or graduate programs in biomedical science. This year, eight scholars were chosen based on original research papers conducted under the guidance of CUNY professors and prominent scientists. Each recipient will receive $8,000 over four years to support their graduate studies or medical training.
Belle Zeller Scholarship Trust Fund:
Established in 1979 by the Professional Staff Congress/CUNY, the Belle Zeller Scholarship Trust Fund honors the legacy of Belle Zeller, a distinguished Professor Emerita of Political Science at Brooklyn College. The fund awards $5,000 to undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to community service through unpaid volunteer work.
This year’s recipients include:
Rachel Ellis (CUNY Law School)
Sumaya Kabir (Queens College & Queensborough Community College)
Nawel Messaoudi (Borough of Manhattan Community College)
Nora Rajeh (Lehman College and Hostos Community College)
Beth Rocco (Brooklyn College, Baruch College, and Kingsborough Community College)
Holden Taylor (Hunter College and the CUNY Graduate Center)
CUNY Climate Scholars Program:
The CUNY Climate Scholars Program immerses 14 undergraduates in climate-related education, research, and internship opportunities. Participants receive mentorship and a $7,500 stipend, preparing them for careers in renewable energy, environmental policy, sustainability, and more.
The following Climate Scholars were selected:
Tenzin Sinon (Borough of Manhattan Community College)
Donique Spencer (Bronx Community College)
JK Aroni Goongoon (City College)
Tamara Pilar Valderrama Plata (City College)
Claritz Patricia Marte Tejada (Hunter College)
Andrew Vargas (John Jay College of Criminal Justice)
Helen Neundorff (Lehman College)
Liam Cooper (Macaulay Honors College-Baruch)
David Paré (Macaulay Honors College-Brooklyn)
Tyshayae Coleman (Medgar Evers College)
Elizabeth Brandwein (New York City College of Technology)
Jade Diaz (Queens College)
CUNY’s commitment to excellence and accessibility continues to empower students from diverse backgrounds to excel academically and contribute positively to society.
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