SUNY Canton Veterinary Technology Students Earn Chancellor’s Awards

The State University of New York has announced that two students from SUNY Canton’s Veterinary Technology programs have earned prestigious Chancellor’s Awards for Student Excellence.

"Now more than ever, it is time to celebrate the accomplishments of our students who have helped one another get through this global pandemic and focus on getting the most out of their college education, and this year’s Chancellor’s Awards for Student Excellence winners are at the top of the class," said SUNY Interim Chancellor Deborah F. Stanley. "It is my great honor to celebrate the fortitude, leadership, and achievements of this year’s winners, and I applaud their hard work and desire to do more for their campuses and fellow students. I, for one, can’t wait to see what they do next."

Charliann R. Friedman of Schenectady and Jenna C. VanAllen of Blossvale were presented with their awards and ceremonial medallions at a recent ceremony in Saratoga Springs and were recognized again during SUNY Canton’s Cindy L. Daniels Honors Convocation. Both students are from the graduating class of 2022.

Charliann R. Friedman

Friedman is a campus leader in her program of study, a resident assistant (RA), and a student ambassador in the Office of Admissions. She joined the college as a transfer student and is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology and a minor in Applied Psychology. She has earned Dean’s List and President’s List honors for her high grades, is a member of Tau Phi Zeta honor society, and earned the Leaders of Tomorrow award.

“Before becoming a RA and student ambassador, I had to overcome many hardships that put roadblocks in my path to success,” Friedman said. “I am a survivor of domestic violence, and I am a huge advocate for domestic violence awareness and mental health awareness.”

Friedman attends college with her companion dog, Zelda. She’s a proponent of the college’s Counseling Center, St. Lawrence County Renewal House, and SUNY Canton University Police as resources available to others who might be suffering in silence. “It is very important to me to be able to advocate for survivors and share the resources available to them,” she said.

Veterinary Science Technology Professor Mary O. Loomis, DVM, said Friedman worked very hard to merge her interest in animals and veterinary medicine with her active involvement in campus life. “She is a mature, hardworking student who, because of her friendly and helpful nature, gets along with faculty and peers alike,” Loomis said.

After graduation, Friedman will be working as a veterinary technologist at Burnt Hills Veterinary Hospital. She plans to continue her education and attend veterinary school and is also considering a future career in higher education.

Jenna C. VanAllen

VanAllen is a friend to all creatures great and small. She is graduating with an Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Science Technology with a minor in Chemistry. She participated in four campus organizations, including the Veterinary Technicians Association, the Tau Phi Zeta Honor Society, the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program, and the Outdoor Adventure Club. She’s actively promoted her program by meeting with area 4-H groups and participating in Admissions open house and admitted student day events.

She has consistently maintained high marks and excelled in both classroom and laboratory work while working three part-time jobs associated with her field of study. She was a Veterinary Science assistant in her program and tutors students in the college’s STEM lab. She also worked at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Farm in Canton, where she cared for the sheep, goats, and cattle.

“Jenna was easily in the top 1% of students I have had in my 23 years as a college professor,” said Interim Dean and Biology Professor Kenneth Erickson. “She performed exceptionally well in every aspect of my courses and demonstrated deep understanding of biological concepts.”

Additionally, VanAllen volunteered at area animal shelters in Malone and Massena. She has won the Leaders of Tomorrow, Pillars of Character, and Spirit of Success Student Specialty Awards from Dean of Students and Vice President for Student Affairs Courtney B. Bish.

She plans to pursue a career in Veterinary Medicine.

Chancellor’s Awards for Student Excellence are the highest honor given to SUNY students who have best demonstrated academic excellence and leadership. At SUNY Canton, a student is selected for consideration from one of the college’s 31 four-year programs and another from one of the 20 two-year programs. This year is the first time in recent history that both student award recipients were studying within the same discipline.