Two Students Earn SUNY Chancellor's Awards

Michael Campbell, Thomas Peterson recognized for academic achievement, leadership

 May 1, 2026

SARANAC LAKE – North Country Community College is proud to announce that two of its students have been recognized with the prestigious State University of New York Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence (CASE), the highest honor awarded to SUNY students for academic achievement and leadership.

Michael Campbell of Saranac Lake and Thomas Peterson of Tupper Lake were presented with student excellence awards on Monday during a ceremony in Albany. A total of 205 students were recognized, representing all 64 campuses of the State University of New York system.

The Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence recognizes students for outstanding accomplishments in areas including academics, leadership, campus involvement, community service, and the arts.

“Being recognized with the Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence places these students among the very best across the SUNY system,” said Joe Keegan, president of North Country Community College. “Michael and Thomas exemplify the dedication, leadership, and commitment to community that define North Country students. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and confident they will continue to represent our college — and SUNY — with distinction.”

Michael Campbell is an engaged community member who contributes to conservation efforts at The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, New York. He graduated from North Country in December 2025 with a degree in Liberal Arts and a focus on English, producing work that reflects university-level rigor. A skilled creative and academic writer, Campbell is well-prepared to pursue his Ph.D. and is expected to represent both this award and SUNY with distinction throughout his career while continuing to engage with diverse student populations.

Thomas Peterson, who is studying Sports and Events Management, has consistently demonstrated exceptional hard work, dedication, and integrity, not only within the men’s basketball program, but across the college’s entire athletic community. A natural leader with strong verbal and written communication skills, Peterson excels both in the classroom and in the community. He has achieved a 3.98 cumulative GPA over three semesters.

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. noted that awardees “embody the very best of our state university system,” citing their dedication to academic excellence and their ability to inspire their peers and campus communities.