SUNY Adirondack student earns SUNY EOP recognition

QUEENSBURY, New York (March 18, 2026) — SUNY Adirondack is proud to announce that student Xavier Baker of Albany was awarded the Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for Student Excellence.

State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. on March 10 recognized the achievements of Baker and 48 other students in SUNY’s Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). The award, which is in its seventh year, recognizes outstanding EOP students for their academic merit and perseverance.

“Xavier represents exactly what the Educational Opportunity Program is all about — determination, growth and the courage to keep moving forward even when the path isn’t easy,” said Sam Johnson, director of EOP at SUNY Adirondack. “Through hard work and perseverance, Xavier has made the most of the opportunities in front of him, and we are incredibly proud to see him recognized.”

The Individual Studies major will graduate in May and plans to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program.

“EOP gave me more than resources,” said Baker, who is also on SUNY Adirondack’s basketball and golf teams. “It gave me confidence, community and a sense of belonging.”

“Over nearly 60 years, SUNY’s EOP has supported tens of thousands of students and empowered them to achieve their full potential,” King said. “I am honored to recognize this year's recipients of the Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for Student Excellence. Our McConney award winners’ hard work as they move forward on their path to academic excellence and upward mobility makes them an inspiration for all of our students, faculty, staff and administrators.”

EOP provides access, academic support and supplemental financial assistance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. In its 58-year history, EOP has graduated nearly 90,000 students and served as one of the country’s most successful college access programs. EOP eligibility is based on income and academic readiness.

EOP serves more than 9,000 students across 55 SUNY campuses; SUNY Adirondack has more than 40 EOP students.

“Being part of EOP reminded me that I’m not alone in my goals,” Baker said. “I appreciate the encouragement and care.”

The award is named in honor of Norman R. McConney Jr., a 1971 graduate from the State University of New York at Albany and former assistant dean for Special Programs at SUNY. McConney, alongside former Assembly Deputy Speaker Arthur O. Eve, helped create EOP as a statewide program.