Four Empire State University Students Receive SUNY Chancellor’s Award 

Four Empire State University students have been selected as recipients of the 2026 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. Lenti Aier, Muhammad Amirul Islam Fahim, Jessica Nivens, and Christol Wright will be recognized during a ceremony at the Albany Capital Center on April 27.  

The highest honor granted to a SUNY student, the SUNY Chancellor’s Award celebrates students with exemplary achievements in academics, leadership, civics and service, or performing arts, among other areas.  

“We are so proud of these extraordinary SUNY Empire students for all they have accomplished at the university and beyond,” said Empire State University President Lisa Vollendorf. “Their deep commitment to service is already making a meaningful impact in our communities. I look forward to seeing their many achievements still to come.” 

About the Winners: 

Lenti Aier

Lenti Aier is working toward her master’s in applied behavior analysis. This will be the second graduate-level degree for the Red Hook, NY, resident, who also has a master’s in psychology from a university in India.  

“I am passionate in my line of work and learning being a lifelong journey, I wanted to excel and grow in my profession,” she says of continuing her education. 

Outside of her studies, Aier devotes time to her service-focused nonprofit, Act of Kindness Society, which she has helmed as founder and president since 2015.  She also takes on volunteer work and is the winner of a 2025 Bluebird Award: a SUNY Empire honor that recognizes volunteerism, community building, and leadership. 

Aier’s latest accolade, the SUNY Chancellor’s Award, has come as a surprise, she says.  

“This recognition means a great deal to me, not only as an acknowledgment of the hard work I’ve put in, but also as a reminder that the effort we invest today can create a meaningful ripple effect in the future,” says Aier, who will graduate in May. “It brings me a deep sense of joy and fulfilment, while also inspiring me to continue growing, giving back, and nurturing the passions and commitments that brought me to this point.” 

Muhammad Amirul Islam Fahim

 Muhammad Amirul Islam Fahim will graduate with his master’s in applied behavior analysis this fall.  He previously earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology at a university in Bangladesh.  

“I was inspired to pursue a college degree because I’ve always wanted to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, especially for individuals with developmental disabilities,” says Fahim, who aims to become a board-certified behavior analyst. “Working in this field has shown me how powerful evidence-based interventions can be and has made me realize the importance of advanced training and education.” 

In addition to his role as a student, Fahim serves as a residential program specialist at Anderson Center for Autism. The Poughkeepsie resident is also certified as an instructor for Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention (SCIP-R) by the state’s Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. Beyond his professional obligations, he has participated in SUNY Empire’s Student Government Association and book club, among other extracurriculars.  

Fahim says he feels “deeply honored and grateful” for his Chancellor’s Award win, and credits his professors and the university for the support he says “made this achievement possible.” 

“It is rewarding to see my time, effort, and commitment to my studies and professional growth acknowledged at such a prestigious level,” he says. 

Jessica Nivens 

On track to graduate in May, Jessica Nivens is pursuing her bachelor’s in addiction studies. The degree complements her professional experience, which includes work as a credentialed recovery peer advocate, a certified addiction recovery coach, and a certified peer specialist.  

“My motivation [to enroll at SUNY Empire] came from both my personal and professional journey. I’ve seen firsthand how substance use and mental health challenges impact individuals, families, and communities,” the Schenectady resident says. “At a certain point, I realized that lived experience alone wasn’t enough—I wanted to deepen my knowledge and strengthen the work I was already doing.” 

When she’s not in class, Nivens—a mother of five—serves as treasurer of SUNY Empire’s criminal justice club. She also works as the prevention director at New Choices Recovery Center and runs Strive18, where she specializes in financial literacy coaching for underserved populations. 

For Nivens, receiving the SUNY Chancellor’s Award “was both humbling and affirming,” she says. 

“This recognition represents more than academic achievement—it reflects the journey, resilience, and purpose that brought me here,” she says. “It motivates me to continue showing up, leading with intention, and creating meaningful change in the communities I serve.” 

Christol Wright 

Christol Wright recently completed her master’s in social and public policy. It is the second degree the Rochester resident has undertaken at SUNY Empire, which awarded her a bachelor’s in community and human services in 2009.  

“Attending SUNY Empire has been one of the greatest rewards of my life,” says Wright, who obtained associate degrees in addictions counseling and human services prior to enrolling at the online university. “Earning two degrees from this college has affirmed that I made the right decision to pursue higher education.” 

While at SUNY Empire, Wright participated in the Empire State Service Corps program, working with the university’s Office of Health and Wellness to provide resources to students experiencing food insecurity. She was also employed as both a substance abuse counselor and an AmeriCorps VISTA member with the Police Assisted Addiction & Recovery Initiative.  

Wright, who has been accepted to an MSW program, says that winning the Chancellor’s Award reflects her hard work and dedication. 

“This recognition motivates me to continue striving to uphold professionalism, as well as strong ethical and moral integrity, both as a student and as a member of my community,” Wright says. “It also inspires me to keep supporting and uplifting others.”