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Genesee Community College Students Honored with SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence

Batavia, NY (05/14/2025) — Genesee Community College is proud to announce that Ayaka Hibino and Ruby Hoyt have each received the prestigious 2025 SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence (CASE), the highest honor bestowed upon SUNY students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, leadership and community engagement.

Ayaka Hibino, originally from Omihachiman, Shiga, Japan, graduated from GCC in Fall 2024 with a degree in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management and an overall GPA of 3.90. As an international student, Ayaka distinguished herself not only through academic excellence but also through extraordinary campus involvement. She served as Vice President of the Student Government Association, President of the International Student Organization, President of Phi Theta Kappa, and President of the National Society of Leadership and Success. Ayaka was also the innovator behind GCC's inaugural Cultural Fusion Festival, a vibrant celebration of the college's diverse international community. Her commitment to cultural awareness and student leadership has left a lasting impact on the GCC campus. She was accepted into the Disney College Program for the Spring 2025 semester.

Ruby Hoyt, a Biology major from Brockport, NY, embodies the spirit of SUNY excellence through her accomplishments in academics, athletics and leadership. With a GPA of 3.74, Ruby has excelled in the classroom while also making her mark on the soccer field. She was named to the Region 3 Women's Soccer All-Region Team and the Mid-State Athletic Conference, and earned Academic All-Conference, All-Region, and All-American honors. Ruby is also deeply engaged in student leadership, serving as Secretary for the Athletic Leadership Committee, and as an active member of both Phi Theta Kappa and the National Society of Leadership and Success.

"Ayaka and Ruby represent the very best of Genesee Community College," said Dr. Craig Lamb, president of GCC. "Their dedication to academics, leadership and community service exemplifies the qualities we strive to cultivate in our students. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and look forward to seeing all they will achieve in the future."

This year, 193 students from 63 SUNY campuses were recognized with the Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence. Recipients were honored at a special celebration where SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. commended them for their work ethic, determination and leadership.

"SUNY represents academic excellence, and our students have worked tirelessly to not only excel in their academic studies, but also stepped up as community leaders," said SUNY Chancellor King. "Congratulations to this year's CASE awardees who've distinguished themselves amongst their peers through their work ethic, determination and commitment to their fields of study.

Each SUNY campus may nominate two to 15 students annually for the CASE award, based on student body size. The honorees reflect a wide range of backgrounds and interests, from student government leaders and athletes to advocates, artists, and first-generation college students.

For more information, contact Vice President of Development, Admissions and External Affairs, Justin Johnston, at (585) 345-6809 or via email at jmjohnston@genesee.edu.

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Editor's Note: A photograph of Ayaka Hibino with SUNY Chancellor, Dr. John B. King, Jr. and Genesee Community College President, Dr. Craig Lamb, courtesy of the State University of New York, is available at: https://marketing.genesee.edu/images/AyakaHibinoCASE2025.jpg

A photograph of Ruby Hoyt with SUNY Chancellor, Dr. John B. King, Jr. and Genesee Community College President, Dr. Craig Lamb, courtesy of the State University of New York, is available at: https://marketing.genesee.edu/images/RubyHoytCASE2025.jpg

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2025 SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence

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