Purchase College Students Receive Chancellor's Awards for Excellence

Two Purchase College, SUNY students, Medha Chandwani and Carver Fell, were among the select group of students to receive the prestigious 2025 Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence.

The SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence acknowledges students for outstanding achievements that have demonstrated the integration of SUNY excellence into many different aspects of their lives, including academics, leadership, diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, campus involvement, civics and service, research and development, or creative and performing arts. It is the highest honor bestowed upon a student by the University.

“SUNY represents academic excellence, and our students have worked tirelessly to not only excel in their academic studies, but also stepped up as community leaders,” said SUNY Chancellor King. “Congratulations to this year’s CASE awardees who’ve distinguished themselves amongst their peers through their work ethic, determination, and commitment to their fields of study.”

Each year, SUNY campus presidents establish a selection committee that reviews the accomplishments of exemplary students. Nominees are forwarded to the Chancellor’s Office for a second round of review. Finalists are then recommended to the Chancellor to become recipients of the award. Each recipient receives a framed certificate and medallion, which is traditionally worn at commencement.

Purchase College President Milagros “Milly” Peña said, “We congratulate the two honorees on receiving this prestigious award, which is the highest student recognition in the statewide university system. We have no doubt that Medha and Carver will continue to make us proud of their accomplishments, their leadership, and their dedication to research and social issues in the years to come. We wish them well in their endeavors.”

Purchase College Honorees

Medha Chandwani, a Chemistry and Visual Arts major from Sharon, MA, is an exceptional student with a stellar 4.16 GPA. Admitted through the SUNY Upstate Medical Program, she has exceeded academic expectations, earning an A or A+ in all courses. Her senior project explores canola and corn oil blends in resin projection, blending both fields of study. Medha has been a dedicated Learning Assistant for multiple chemistry courses, helping many students succeed. Beyond academics, she served as Pre-Med Club President, establishing a shadowing program at White Plains Hospital, and contributed to the Food Recovery Network, focused on reducing food waste and insecurity.

Carver Fell, a Psychology major from Carmel, NY, has demonstrated exceptional academic excellence, leadership, and research skills. Holding a 4.12 GPA, faculty praise his maturity, analytical thinking, and dedication, particularly in research on cognitive development and social issues. Carver has served as a Learning Assistant, Psi Chi President, and Vice President of the Psychology Club. Additionally, his internship at the Career Development Center showcases his leadership.

About Purchase College, SUNY

Purchase College, part of the State University of New York (SUNY) network of 64 universities and colleges, was founded in 1967 by Governor Nelson Rockefeller. His aspiration for Purchase was to create a dynamic campus that combined conservatory training in the visual and performing arts with programs in the liberal arts and sciences, in order to inspire an appreciation for both intellectual and artistic talents in all students. Today, Purchase College, SUNY is a community of students, faculty, and friends where open-minded engagement with the creative process leads to a lifetime of intellectual growth and professional opportunity. For more information about the College, visit www.purchase.edu.