President Barack Obama Honors SUNY Faculty and Alumni for Mentoring and Teaching

Albany – SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher today congratulated a SUNY faculty member and two alumni who were recently honored by President Barack Obama as part of his second “Educate to Innovate” campaign event, which celebrates achievement and excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) education.

“Teaching and mentoring by SUNY faculty and alumni has an immeasurable positive impact on students of all ages in New York State and across the country,” said Chancellor Zimpher. “I am most pleased that President Obama has recognized the talent of three individuals who have truly made a difference in the lives of their students and in their schools and local communities. SUNY is honored and proud to have them on our campuses.”

Nancy L. Elwess, a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at SUNY Plattsburgh received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM), which is awarded each year to individuals or organizations, recognizes the crucial role that mentoring plays in the academic and personal development of students studying science or engineering and who belong to minorities that are underrepresented in those fields. Candidates for the Presidential mentoring award are nominated by colleagues, administrators, and students from their home institutions.  The mentoring can involve students at any grade level from elementary through graduate school. For a complete list of recipients as well as biographies and photos, click here.

Dr. Elwess has dedicated 13 years to mentoring. During her tenure, Dr. Elwess has developed a reputation for her dedication to helping undergraduate students conduct advanced DNA research. Nearly 100 of her students have given presentations at national and international conferences, and many have brought home top honors. Many of Dr. Elwess' students have also gone on to pursue higher degrees in science, technology, engineering or mathematics after being accepted into such schools as Yale University and the University of Oregon. Dr. Elwess’ program involves organizing her students to return to the high schools from which they graduated to discuss the benefits of attending college and the thrill of working in science. Her efforts have significantly increased the number of applications from local schools to SUNY Plattsburgh and changed the student demographics of the Department of Biological Sciences.

Two SUNY alumni were also honored. Suzanne Pilon and James Brown received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), which is awarded annually to outstanding pre-college-level science and math teachers from across the country. The winners are selected by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators following an initial selection process done at the state level. Each year the award alternates, going either to science and math teachers in grades K through 6 (as it is this year) or to those teaching in grades 7 through 12. For a complete list of recipients as well as biographies and photos, click here.

Suzanne Pilon, an alumnus of SUNY Brockport, teaches a first and second grade inclusion class at Quest Elementary School, an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program. She teaches science and mathematics, in addition to other subjects. She also teaches six IB planners (four- to six-week plans) on multidisciplinary global themes. She has been in her current position in the Hilton Central School District for the past 14 years. 

Ms. Pilon's professional service contributions include Teacher Leader for the Investigating Science program, Child Study Team Grade Level Leader, Technology Committee Representative, Administrative Team member, and Parent-Teacher-Student Organization Team Representative. Ms. Pilon is known as an exceptional educator with a special ability to motivate children. She uses inquiry to engage students in science lessons. She draws on resources ranging from technological materials to the environment to encourage students to explore and generate ideas and questions. She expands her students' personal and intellectual development through such activities as creek walks; remote camera observation of a nesting falcon; visits to a birds-of-prey migration site; and nurturing fish, reptiles, and insects in ecosystems that she creates in the classroom.

James Brown, an alumnus of SUNY Plattsburgh, has been a sixth grade teacher in the South Colonie School District for the past 13 years. Previously, he taught kindergarten, fourth grade, and sixth grade in the Cohoes City School District. Mr. Brown executes inquiry-based lessons that actively engage students to build on their curiosity and expand their minds. He designs creative activities that challenge his students to compete and cooperate with each other through contests, simulations, and real-life activities. Mr. Brown has the ability to communicate and interact with students and adults in a way that motivates them to learn with the same high level of energy and enthusiasm that he expects of himself. His willingness to work with students outside the classroom has won him the respect of students, colleagues, and parents. As a mathematics teacher, Mr. Brown has been a strong proponent of aligning the school district's curriculum with state and national standards. In addition to working with staff to accomplish this, he helped create a "text companion" for teachers to use, which has been especially beneficial for newer teachers.

Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden attended the president’s event, which was held Wednesday, January 6. For more information about these awards, please visit the White House site.

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