RECOGNITION

Trustee Awards

These awards have been established in honor of four remarkable community college pioneers across New York who were instrumental in establishing community colleges in the state.

Anne M. Bushnell Memorial Award for Special Achievement 

This is the highest accolade that NYCCT awards to a trustee. It recognizes extraordinary leadership and achievement as demonstrated by the incomparable Trustee Bushnell, throughout or in part of the term of his/her service as a trustee, to the trustee's local college or the community college system.

NOMINATION FORM | Criteria

Alice Holloway Young Award for Distinguished Service by a Retired Trustee

Honors a retired trustee whose distinguished service has significantly advanced the community college mission in New York State. This award celebrates the lasting contributions of those who have given generously of their time and expertise to their college and the broader NYCCT community.

NOMINATION FORM | Criteria 

Donald M. Mawhinney, Jr., Trustee Leadership Award 

Presented to a trustee who exemplifies outstanding leadership in governance and advocacy on behalf of community college students and the broader mission. This award honors those who lead by example and inspire their fellow trustees to pursue excellence in service.

NOMINATION FORM| Criteria 

Marvin A. Rapp Award for Distinguished Trustee Service 

Given to a trustee whose long-term commitment and dedication has set an enduring standard of service to their board, their college, and the community college system. This award recognizes the depth of contribution that comes from sustained, principled engagement with the community college mission.

NOMINATION FORM | Criteria 

RECOGNITION

Community Support Awards

Established to acknowledge the exceptional support that our trustees and colleges receive from the communities we serve.

Friend of Community College Award

This is the highest accolade NYCCT can award to a non-trustee. It is specially designed to recognize the actions of individuals who have, over an extended period, significantly advanced the cause of community college education throughout the state of New York.

NOMINATION FORM| Criteria 

Benefactor Vision for Tomorrow Award

The only award NYCCT presents to a local benefactor. Recognizes innovation by an individual or organization for fostering the establishment or growth of a newly evolving technology or field of study that distinguishes the local community college from its peer institutions.

NOMINATION FORM| Criteria 

Edward J. Pawenski Business/Industry Partnership Award

The only award NYCCT bestows on a business, industry, or corporation. Recognizes a unique partnership developed with the local community college in a concerted effort to stimulate increased worker training and retraining activity, in the tradition of community college pioneer Trustee Pawenski.

NOMINATION FORM| Criteria 

Distinguished Alumni Award — Civic / Professional

Created to highlight contributions made by graduates of our community colleges and to showcase the exceptional value of a community college education. Any graduate of a degree or certificate program of a SUNY community college is eligible.

The professional award is presented to someone who has reached the pinnacle of one's professional career or has achieved great success in one's field of study.

The civic award is presented to an individual whose contributions have improved their community and made the world a better place through volunteerism and community service.

NOMINATION FORM| Criteria 

RECOGNITION

College Award

Established to recognize extraordinary and creative groundbreaking action by a NY community college designed to improve student success or college effectiveness.

Community College Innovation Award

Recognizes a community college that has introduced a unique idea, project, process or procedure that has resulted in significant improvements in student success — with particular attention to diversity, equity, inclusion, and college sustainability.

NOMINATION FORM| Criteria