MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. – The State University of New York presented dedicated SUNY Orange student Cristian Garcia with the Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for EOP Student Excellence during a reception and ceremony in Troy, N.Y. today (March 11).

Garcia, a Middletown High School graduate and resident, is majoring in computer networking. He is set to complete his degree at SUNY Orange in May and is already advancing in his career, working in Help Desk support at Garnet Health Medical Center while exploring transfer opportunities to Mount St. Mary for the Fall.

The McConney Award is given to exceptional SUNY Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) students who are on track to graduate and have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, perseverance, and courage throughout their college journey. To be eligible for the award, students are nominated by an administrator at their institution. One awardee is selected from the SUNY colleges and universities that offer EOP programs.

A first-generation college student, Garcia serves as the vice president of the SUNY Orange Computer Club and is working to launch a Retro Game Club. His path to higher education wasn’t without challenges and his studies were interrupted during the Spring 2020 semester. However, it took personal growth and a shift in perspective for him to return to campus in the Fall of 2023.

“I realized I did not want to be stuck working and not doing what I actually want to do. I wanted to have fun and find my calling,” Garcia said. “I have been interested in computers for half of my life now and with the support of EOP and specifically Mr. (Hector) Leal, I am now the first in my family to complete their college education and I am pursuing the career I want.”

For Garcia, EOP has been a vital support system. “They made my college experience easier by helping me find answers, telling me about opportunities, and making information easily accessible. I rely on the EOP staff, and they advocate for me.”

When asked about receiving the prestigious McConney Award, Garcia expressed his gratitude. “It is a great honor and feels surreal to receive this award. I never expected to win any award—ever. My parents are very proud and will be attending the ceremony with me. This is the first award I have ever received, and I am very grateful.”

SUNY Orange’s EOP program is funded through a SUNY grant. It provides access, academic support and financial aid counseling to low-income and academically underprepared students. Students in the program receive comprehensive wraparound services throughout the academic year, including specialized advising; career assessment and planning; and financial literacy. Students also have access to a student success coach and a financial aid liaison.

SUNY Orange offers 34 degree and certificate programs housed within seven academic communities: Arts and Media; Business; Culture, Society and the Mind; Education and Human Services; Health Sciences and Wellness; Justice and Community Engagement; and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). 

To learn more about how to apply to SUNY Orange, please visit www.sunyorange.edu/getstarted, email: apply@sunyorange.edu, or call (845) 341-4030.