MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. – SUNY Orange President Dr. Kristine Young presented Charles Passarotti with the 2025 Chancellor’s Award in Excellence in Teaching and Samantha Dunn with the Chancellor’s Award in Excellence in Adjunct Teaching on Monday, May 19 to an audience of faculty and staff in the Gerry Forum of the Rowley Center on the College’s Middletown campus.

The Chancellor’s Awards are the highest level of recognition offered by SUNY.

Passarotti (photo left), assistant professor of architecture, was unanimously recommended for the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in recognition of his dynamic instructional approach, commitment to professional growth, and unwavering support of student success. Since joining the College full time in 2015, he has demonstrated exceptional versatility, teaching a wide range of architecture courses that combines creativity and technical rigor. His innovative use of technology, such as virtual reality and 3D modeling, and dedication to hands-on learning through field trips and design competitions help bring architectural concepts to life for his students.

Colleagues praise Passarotti for his tireless efforts both in and out of the classroom. He has been instrumental in advancing the architecture program by securing software and hardware through grants, overseeing program reviews, and guiding students as an advisor for the Architecture Club. He maintains strong industry connections through his work as a licensed architect and his active membership in professional organizations including the AIA, NCARB, and the U.S. Green Building Council. His students benefit from this real-world expertise, and several have credited his mentorship as a critical factor in their academic and professional development.

Passarotti holds himself and his students to high academic standards. His instructional materials, student assessments, and course evaluations reflect an emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and continuous improvement. From guiding federal work study students to supporting student submissions in national competitions, his dedication to mentorship and student growth is evident. Through his thoughtful teaching philosophy, professional engagement, and deep care for his students’ futures, Passarotti embodies the spirit of excellence this award seeks to honor.

A proud SUNY Orange alumnus, Passarotti has an A.A.S. in Architectural Technology from SUNY Orange and a B.Arch. from the New York Institute of Technology. He is a registered architect in New York State and a LEED Accredited Professional, credentials that further enhance the depth and relevance of his teaching. 

Dunn (photo right), an assistant adjunct professor, was also unanimously recommended for the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching in recognition of her outstanding instructional practices, deep commitment to student success, and meaningful contributions to the SUNY Orange community. Since joining the English Department in 2017, she has demonstrated remarkable versatility in teaching a wide range of courses across multiple formats, consistently employing innovative, student-centered techniques. Her dedication extends far beyond the classroom—serving as an advisor, mentor, and support system for students navigating both academic and personal challenges. Colleagues and students alike praise her high standards, adaptability, and sincere investment in every learner’s growth.