2025 Graduating Student Awards

This award recognizes the leadership and vision of founding trustee Lt. General Arthur J. Gregg [U.S. Army (Ret.)]. General Gregg chaired Excelsior’s Board of Overseers and guided the transition to independence as a private institution, becoming the first chair of the Board of Trustees. With a distinguished career in the U.S. Army, General Gregg has contributed greatly to Excelsior’s service to the U.S. military. The award is presented to a graduate who is on active duty in the U.S. military and who demonstrates outstanding academic and career or professional achievement.
 

Click to see additional details about the nomination process for the Arthur J. Gregg Award

This award is given in memory of Catherine Craig-Erhardt, a member of Excelsior staff beginning in 1980. From 1984 until her untimely death in 1986, she served as Excelsior’s liaison to the military. The award recognizes and commemorates her commitment to helping military servicemembers attain their educational goals and is presented for service to others, commitment to education, and for academic, professional, and personal achievement.

This award is presented to nominees of the current year’s Excelsior University graduating class. Active duty service members, National Guard members, or Reservists are eligible. Veterans who were on active duty during most of the period of enrollment in Excelsior University are eligible.
 

Click to see additional details about the nomination process for the Catherine Craig-Erhardt Memorial Award

The Charles W. Laffin Jr. Memorial Award honors Charles W. Laffin for his leadership in advancing the Community College movement and creating opportunities for millions of adult learners. Presented by Excelsior University in gratitude for his service, the award recognizes academic excellence and achievement. Eligibility requires earning credit from a Community College prior to attending Excelsior University and obtaining a master’s degree from Excelsior (non-Nursing).
 

Requirements:

• Eligible graduates must have earned their master’s in a non-nursing program;
• GPA of 3.5 or higher;
• Must have earned some previous Community College credit.

This award honors Excelsior University alumnus Dwayn Hanford, a former president of the Alumni Association and Leadership Council, C. Wayne Williams Award recipient, and adjunct instructor. A dedicated advocate for Excelsior’s mission to educate public sector leaders, the award recognizes a graduate of a public service degree program who demonstrates academic excellence and community impact.
 
Requirements:

• Eligible graduates must have earned their undergraduate degree in a public service program;
• GPA of 3.5 or higher;
• Significant community involvement.

This award was created in recognition of Dr. Long’s service and contribution to Excelsior University. He was regarded as an expert in nuclear education and a proponent of the link between training and education and the safe operation of nuclear facilities. Students selected for this award must work in the nuclear power industry and be a member of the American Nuclear Society.
 

Requirements:

• BS in Nuclear Engineering Technology graduate who works in the nuclear industry and is a member of the American Nuclear society;
• GPA of 3.5 or higher.

This award recognizes the leadership and vision of founding trustee Jean Smith. Smith’s career in banking has been characterized by a deep commitment to institutions that are devoted to improving society. Her passion for social justice informed her work with Excelsior as both overseer and trustee in support of its students. The award is presented to a graduate who excels academically and professionally in business.
 
Requirements:

• Eligible graduates must have earned their undergraduate degree in a business program;
• GPA of 3.5 or higher;

 

This award honors Joshua L. Smith, founding trustee and former chair of the Excelsior University Board of Trustees, for his leadership in expanding graduate programs. A retired New York University professor and director, Smith dedicated his career to education. The award recognizes a master’s level graduate (non-nursing) who has balanced their academic studies with volunteer service in organizations such as the military, medical agencies, nonprofits, or places of worship.

Requirements:

• Eligible graduates must have earned their master’s degree in a non-nursing program;
• GPA of 3.5 or higher;
• Volunteer experience during completion of degree.

This annual award recognizes significant achievements of an Excelsior University student who has consistently modeled a core Excelsior University value: respecting the uniqueness of each individual; celebrating and learning from differences; ensuring that all voices are heard, particularly those who have been historically underrepresented; and leading efforts that enhance inclusion, equity and justice in their classroom, their organization or their community. This award is open to all graduates.

This award honors Marvin Curling’s vision in uniting industry and education by integrating corporate training with college learning. As a New York Power Authority (NYPA) training superintendent, Curling inspired employees to pursue education and helped establish Excelsior’s technology degrees. Endowed by NYPA, this annual award recognizes a graduate with outstanding academic achievement in an Undergraduate technology program.

Requirements:

• Eligible graduates must have earned their undergraduate degree in a technology program;
• GPA of 3.5 or higher;

 

This award is presented to an Allied Health graduate in memory and recognition of the contributions of Michael J. Cooley, a beloved and dedicated adjunct Allied Health faculty member. The recipient of the award earned an Allied Health degree and embodies exemplary academic achievement and exceptional perseverance. This graduate accepts the challenges that befall an adult learner and embraces the opportunity to grow academically, professionally, and personally within the health sciences discipline.
 
Requirements:

• Eligible graduates must have earned their undergraduate degree in a School of Nursing and Health Sciences program;
• GPA of 3.5 or higher;

 

This award is given in recognition of Dr. Mildred L. Montag’s national leadership in nursing and nursing education and her distinguished contribution to the development of the nursing programs offered by Excelsior University. The graduate selected to receive this award has completed the Excelsior University Master of Science in Nursing program and has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and excellence in all the nursing courses, including the capstone course.
 
Requirements:

• Eligible graduates must have earned their Master’s Degree In Nursing;
• GPA of 4.0;

 

In recognition of Dr. Robert P. Mahoney’s outstanding contributions to liberal arts education at this University and his devotion to serving his community, this award is presented to a liberal arts graduate who completed his/her degree in the face of significant challenges and demonstrated a dedication to community and volunteer service.
 
Requirements:

• Eligible graduates must have earned their undergraduate degree in a liberal arts program;
• GPA of 3.5 or higher;
• Dedication to community or volunteer experience.

 

This award honors Dr. Robert E. Kinsinger, founding Trustee and first chair of Excelsior’s Board of Overseers, for his leadership and vision. Dr. Kinsinger, a former vice president at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, supported the development of Regents College nursing programs, a legacy he continued as a Trustee.
 
Requirements:

• Eligible graduates must have earned their associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree in either a health sciences or a nursing program;
• GPA of 3.5 or higher;

 

This award is given in memory and recognition of the distinguished contributions of Ruth V. Matheney to nursing and nursing education, her nationally acclaimed leadership toward progressive, patient-centered practices in the classroom and at the bedside, and of her wise and willing counsel to the Excelsior University nursing programs. The recipient of this award has completed an undergraduate degree in nursing at Excelsior University and has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement.
 
Requirements:

• Eligible graduates must have earned their undergraduate degree in a nursing program;
• GPA of 3.5 or higher;