Two Tompkins Cortland Community College students have been recognized with the 2026 Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence by the State University of New York. Cassie Hayes and Cody VanHubert were among the students honored at a reception in Albany on April 27. 

A total of 205 students from 64 campuses were awarded SUNY's highest honor for academic excellence and leadership. Students were chosen for outstanding achievements throughout their SUNY experience in areas including academics, leadership, campus involvement, community service, and the arts. 

"SUNY students are New York's future, and the outstanding individuals I am proud to recognize with the Chancellor's Awards for Student Excellence embody the very best of our state university system," said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. "The students who have earned this recognition have inspired their classmates, their educators, their campuses and me with their inspiring work, tenacious drive, and dedication to their academic success. I commend each of the awardees and thank them for being examples for others to follow."

Hayes graduated in December 2025 with a degree in sport management, finishing with a 3.853 GPA while balancing extensive leadership roles and work on her family’s dairy farm. She served as vice president of the Student Government Association, a voting member of the Faculty Student Association, and a club officer. Hayes was actively involved in campus events, volunteering and serving as a student speaker at multiple programs. She also contributed to her community through initiatives such as the TC3 Blood Drive, Yards for Yeardley, and the Binghamton Turkey Trot. 

VanHubert has excelled academically and as a student leader at TC3, maintaining a 3.966 GPA and earning the President’s Citation. An engineering science major who will graduate in May, he has served as the president of TC3’s chapter of PTK, a math and science tutor, and worked as an admissions ambassador. VanHubert was also involved in the TC3 Robotics club and was as a speaker at TC3’s first Veterans Luncheon, which honored members of the college community who were active or retired members of military.

The Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence was created in 1997 to recognize students who have best demonstrated, and have been recognized for, the integration of academic excellence with accomplishments in the areas of leadership, athletics, community service, creative and performing arts, campus involvement, or career achievement. It is the highest honor SUNY bestows upon students.