At a glance
The Presidential Aspiring Leaders (PAL) Program was created for students who possess a strong work ethic, display commitment and dedication to their studies, are engaged in the community and the college, and are looking to strengthen their leadership skills.
Alfred State College is pleased to introduce this year’s class of academically talented student leaders who have been named to the Presidential Aspiring Leaders (PAL) Program for 2018-2019.
The Presidential Aspiring Leaders (PAL) Program was created for students who possess a strong work ethic, display commitment and dedication to their studies, are engaged in the community and the college, and are looking to strengthen their leadership skills. Students within the program are expected to become familiar with and abide by Alfred State’s core values of respect, integrity, service, and dedication.
Alfred State President Dr. Skip Sullivan said, “I am extremely proud of our students here at Alfred State, and I congratulate the newest members of our PAL Program, which is now in its second year. Exciting opportunities await these new members, and I am delighted to work with them.”
In order to qualify for the program, a student must be a senior, have a 2.5 GPA or higher and have two faculty or staff recommendations that are supported by the dean of their school and approved by their division’s vice president. The president will make final selection of the nominees.
As a PAL member, students will participate in quarterly dialogues on leadership topics with the president, provide feedback on campus issues, and attend a minimum of six assigned events with Sullivan, other faculty or staff, or alone on behalf of the President’s Office. These events include Accepted Student Days, Homecoming and Family Weekend, local/state/federal legislative meetings, state and county fairs, SUNY special events, various ribbon-cutting ceremonies, and more.
In the first row, from left to right, are Brian Kelly, Skye Steves, William Rollison, and Calvin Ganthier.
In the second row, from left to right, are Matthew Raynor, Karl Platt IV, Nathanael Gisellie, and Christopher
Platt. In the third row, from left to right, are Peter York, Ryan Shipherd, Hannah Weaver, and Carolyn Wright.
In the fourth row, from left to right, are Executive Assistant to the President Tammy Conrad, Sheila Young,
Alfred State President Dr. Skip Sullivan, and Katie Lengvarsky. PAL members not pictured include Tyler
Caton, Jordan Dunning, Brandon Miller, Tay “Calvinn” Chok Hong, and Leah Villagomez.
This year’s class of PAL students, along with their major and hometown, includes:
- Tyler Caton, building trades: building construction, Nunda
- Jordan Dunning, heavy equipment, truck and diesel technician, Cicero
- Calvin Ganthier, criminal justice, Brooklyn
- Nathanael Gisellie; financial planning; Jakarta, Indonesia
- Brian Kelly, information technology: applications software development, Allegany
- Katie Lengvarsky, business administration, Portville
- Brandon Miller, building trades: building construction, Kendall
- Christopher Platt, architecture, Camden
- Karl Platt IV, heavy equipment operations, Albany
- Matthew Raynor, electrical construction and maintenance electrician, Riverhead
- William Rollison, sport management, Buffalo
- Ryan Shipherd, masonry, Randolph
- Skye Steves, welding, Collins
- Tay “Calvinn” Chok Hong; financial planning; Kuantan, Malaysia
- Leah Villagomez, financial planning, West Seneca
- Hannah Weaver, business administration, Spencerport
- Carolyn Wright, agricultural business, Franklinville
- Peter York, construction management, Akron
- Sheila Young, human services management, Caneadea
Students hold the distinction for the academic year beginning in the fall semester and ending when the spring semester concludes. Upon completion of the program, PAL students will receive a letter of recommendation from Sullivan and will be recognized at the college’s Honors Convocation and Commencement ceremony.