Academic Convocation
The annual ceremony marked the beginning of the academic year and celebrated the accomplishments of our President’s and SUNY Chancellor’s Award recipients. Academic Convocation is one of several events held during Homecoming and Family Weekend.
Faculty and Staff Marchers
Thank You
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Academic Convocation, including the family members and friends who came to celebrate and support our award recipients. Your presence helped make the occasion especially meaningful.
A special thank you to the faculty and professional staff who participated in this year’s academic procession. Your participation helped us continue this longstanding Buffalo State tradition and mark the beginning of the 2026-2027 academic year as a university community. lped make the occasion especially meaningful.
Submission Information
Faculty and Staff may submit awards, recognitions, grants, and previous SUNY awards information using the appropriate forms below. Awards and grants accepted for the current year will have been received or announced between September 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026, and meet the criteria stated below for each category.
Submit Awards and Honors Received
Submit Awards & Honors Received
Deadline: TBA
Faculty and staff who received significant awards and recognitions from academic, professional, or service organizations at the international, national, or state levels may submit their award information for consideration.
Buffalo State University, City of Buffalo, local organizations, and WNY-area awards are not included. Submissions meeting the criteria will be listed in the printed program that will be provided at the ceremony in 2026.
Submit Grants Received
Submit Grants Received
Deadline: TBA
Faculty and staff may submit information on significant grants they have received at $50,000 and above. Submissions meeting the criteria will be listed in the printed program that will be distributed at the ceremony in 2026.
Submit SUNY Awards Previously Received
Submit SUNY Awards Previously Received
Deadline: TBA
Faculty and staff who received SUNY awards—such as the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence—while previously serving at another SUNY institution any time during their careers may submit their award information. Submissions meeting the criteria will be listed in the printed program that will be provided at the ceremony in 2026.
Welcome New Faculty & Staff
As a warm welcome to the Buffalo State community, the names and titles of all new faculty and staff (as provided through the payroll system from September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026) will be listed in the printed program that will be provided at the ceremony in 2026.
2026 Honorees
SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service
Sussan L. Rizzo, B.S.
Administrative Assistant 1, Creativity and Change Leadership
SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Teaching
Bridget Maria Chesterton, Ph.D.
Professor, History and Social Studies Education
Andrew I. Hashey, Ph.D.
Chair and Associate Professor, Exceptional Education
Meg. E. Knowles, MFA
Associate Professor Emerita, Communication
SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service
Julian C. Cole, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, School of Arts and Sciences
Carolynn J. Krupp
Director of Academic Planning and Technology, Academic Affairs
SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities
Jennifer D. Ryan-Bryant, Ph.D.
Professor, English
Buffalo State President's Awards
Carole J. Miller, M.S.Ed.
Senior EOP Counselor, Educational Opportunity Program
Saziye Bayram, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Mathematics
Shantell M. REid, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Fashion and Textile Technology
Past Ceremony Programs
Please contact the Academic Affairs Office, (716) 878-5550, to request programs from previous years not listed below.