Holley graduate awarded SUNY’s top honor at North Country Community College

Staff Reports Posted 9 April 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided photo – Holley graduate Nicole Blackburn is pictured with Dr. Steve Tyrell, president of North Country Community College, and Wyatt Willis. Blackburn and Willis were both recognized on April 5 in Albany with the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence.

A Holley graduate, now a student at North Country Community College, has received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. This award is the highest honor bestowed upon a student by the State University of New York.

Nicole Blackburn, the daughter Nadine and Brian Blackburn of Holley, is majoring in Health Science. She serves as a student ambassador who welcomes prospective students and families to the college community.

Additionally, she is the captain of North Country Community College’s women’s basketball team.

As a result of her academic success, Nicole is also the recipient of the Scholar of Promise Award and the Trudeau Institute Biology Ward.

Only two North Country Community College received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. Wyatt Willis is the other recipient. He is a resident of Brainardsville and a former member of the U.S. Coast Guard involved with homeland security following 9/11.

“Both Nicole and Wyatt are great examples of students who make the most of their college experience,” said Dr. Steve Tyrell, president of North Country Community College. “As you can see, they are student leaders who clearly understand the importance of community and civic responsibilities at the College and in the community. I stand with everyone in the college community in applauding both of them for their success and recognition of this prestigious award.”

Both Nicole and Wyatt were honored by Dr. Nancy Zimpher, Chancellor of the State University of New York, in a formal ceremony held on April 5 in Albany.