O'Connor Named Top Community College Student in New York State by Phi Theta Kappa

March 8, 2016

Hudson Valley Community College Business Administration student Brody O'Connor was recognized by Phi Theta Kappa as the top community college student in the state at a ceremony at the New York State Museum today. 

O'Connor, of Ballston Spa, was named as New York's New Century Scholar by Phi Theta Kappa, the national honor society for students in two-year colleges. New Century Scholars are chosen as the top Phi Theta Kappa scholars in each of the 50 states.

O'Connor, along with fellow student Everett McNair of Schodack Landing, also was named to the Phi Theta Kappa All-New York Academic Team at the ceremony. 

Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honor society in higher education, serving nearly 1,300 colleges in all 50 states and nine countries. Members of the All-New York Academic Team are recognized for their academic achievements, leadership accomplishments and engagement in community service. For his selection as New Century Scholar, O'Connor will be recognized at a special national ceremony to be held in Chicago on April 12. 

McNair, an Engineering Science major who is expected to graduate this spring, is the president of the college's Student Senate and also serves on the board of the Faculty Student Association. 

O'Connor is the secretary for the Student Senate, student representative on the college's Board of Trustees and president of the Entrepreneurs Club. He also will graduate this spring. 

Both students were recently inducted to Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities. 

"Each year, Phi Theta Kappa selects community college students from throughout New York State and the nation who have improved their local community in some way," said SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher. "In doing so, PTK also recognizes the immense value of a community college education and the profound impact that our students have on their campuses, in their communities, and on the economy. Congratulations to all of the students honored today in recognition of their outstanding leadership and achievement."

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Founded in 1953, Hudson Valley Community College offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs in four schools: Business; Engineering and Industrial Technologies; Health Science; and Liberal Arts and Sciences; and an Educational Opportunity Center for academic and career training. One of 30 community colleges in the State University of New York system, it has an enrollment of nearly 12,000 students, and is known as a leader in distance learning initiatives and workforce training. Hudson Valley has more than 75,000 alumni.