This spring, several Mohawk Valley Community College faculty and staff members received the prestigious 2025 SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence, system-wide recognition of their consistently exceptional professional achievement.

Eileen Bush, Professor in MVCC’s School of STEM Transfer, received the Excellence in Faculty Service Award. Throughout her 16 years at MVCC, she has exemplified outstanding dedication to her students, colleagues, and the broader educational community. In addition to teaching, Bush coordinates the Anatomy and Physiology labs and directs MVCC’s state-of-the-art Human Donor Laboratory — a facility she has expanded to benefit not only MVCC students, but also local schools, first responders, and community groups. Her impact extends well beyond the classroom. Bush also advises students, provides mentorship to her peers, and plays a key role in faculty governance, serving on numerous institutional committees. Her work with national organizations and conference presentations further highlight her influence on the field of science education. 

Scot Connor, Assistant Professor in MVCC’s School of Art, received the Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities Award. For 26 years, Connor has been dedicated to advancing digital art and animation education at MVCC through innovative teaching, creative scholarship, and transformative curriculum design. He is a driving force behind the College’s Game Art and Digital Animation programs, developing original course content that evolves alongside cutting-edge industry tools and practices. His creative work spans faculty exhibitions, multimedia collaborations, and community-based design projects, demonstrating both artistic excellence and broad impact. In addition to his academic contributions, Connor leads outreach and recruitment efforts, mentors aspiring artists, and incorporates emerging technologies like AI into his teaching. 

Dr. Michael Kuczynski, Assistant Professor in MVCC’s School of STEM Transfer, received the Excellence in Teaching Award. For nearly five years, Kuczynski has enriched MVCC’s Biology program with energy, creativity, and an unwavering student-centered approach. Known for blending academic rigor with accessibility, Kuczynski designs engaging, hands-on courses that bring complex scientific concepts to life. Whether using bead-and-string models or real-world demonstrations, his classes are grounded in active learning and thoughtful pedagogy. Deeply committed to student success, Kuczynski is a trusted mentor who goes above and beyond to ensure every student receives the support they need. His leadership extends beyond the classroom through his service on the College Senate and his work with the Center for Inclusive Teaching Excellence. 

Dr. Fumin Pan, Assistant Professor in MVCC’s School of STEM Transfer, also received the Excellence in Teaching Award. Throughout her 16-year career, Pan has redefined how MVCC students experience chemistry — making complex topics approachable through hands-on demonstrations, visual storytelling, and active learning strategies. Her teaching is distinguished by a thoughtful balance of academic rigor, accessibility, and care, earning the trust of students who arrive feeling intimidated by the subject but leave feeling confident and capable. She developed and launched College Chemistry, a foundational course that serves more than 200 students annually, and has played a key role in mentoring faculty and maintaining high-quality instruction across course sections. 

David Volz, an adjunct instructor in MVCC’s School of Health Sciences, received the Excellence in Adjunct Teaching Award. An MVCC Nursing alum, Volz has taught first-year Nursing courses for more than five years, bringing extensive clinical experience and a deep commitment to student learning. Known for creating dynamic, engaging learning environments, Volz skillfully integrates foundational knowledge with critical thinking and practical application. He is widely recognized for his patient-centered, empathetic approach to instruction. Students consistently praise his clarity, mentorship, and ability to bridge classroom theory with real-world practice. Colleagues value his reliability and professionalism.

Mary Noti, Assistant to the Vice President for Learning and Academic Affairs, received the Excellence in Classified Service Award. For nearly 14 years, Noti has exemplified integrity, dedication, professionalism, and care in her role, serving as a trusted and valued resource for faculty, staff, and students. Known for her thoughtful and collaborative approach, she consistently delivers outstanding solution-oriented service. Whether addressing student concerns, coordinating major projects, or volunteering at campus events, Noti’s calm demeanor and unwavering commitment to excellence leave a lasting impact. She plays an essential role in supporting key College initiatives — including accreditation efforts, curriculum processes, and the Behavioral Evaluation Response Team — with precision and reliability. 

Danielle Del Giudice, Writing Tutor and Mentor in the MVCC Learning Commons, received the Excellence in Professional Service Award. For more than 12 years, Del Giudice has enriched the student experience through her work in the Learning Commons, which provides professional and peer tutoring services for all MVCC students. Known for her empathy, insight, and deep commitment to student success, Del Giudice provides impactful academic support to students while also mentoring new tutors and spearheading initiatives that foster inclusion and engagement. She has been instrumental in advancing accessibility, developing student-focused learning tools, and launching a Peer Support Program that strengthens student connection and confidence. Del Giudice also contributes meaningfully to campus life as a club advisor, scholarship mentor, and faculty development leader. 

Todd Behrendt, Dean of MVCC’s School of Art, also received the Excellence in Professional Service Award. For 19 years, Behrendt has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing student success, faculty collaboration, and program innovation. Known for his hands-on approach, he meets individually with each new student in the School of Art, guides curriculum updates, and supports faculty through inclusive and visionary leadership. Behrendt is a champion of student-centered practices; he has helped strengthened academic pathways, improved student retention, and deepened community connections through impactful events and partnerships with local schools and arts organizations. His impact is felt beyond the School of Art, contributing to major College initiatives and campus-wide student engagement efforts. 

The SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence are System-level honors conferred to acknowledge and provide recognition for consistently superior professional achievement and to encourage the ongoing pursuit of excellence. These programs underscore SUNY’s commitment to sustaining intellectual vibrancy, advancing the boundaries of knowledge, providing the highest quality of instruction, and serving the public good. Through these awards, SUNY publicly proclaims its pride in the accomplishment and personal dedication of its instructional faculty, librarians, and professional staff across its campuses.