BInghamton University Student receives Graduate Excellence in Service and Outreach Award

BINGHAMTON, NY (05/18/2012)(readMedia)-- Each year, Binghamton University honors the special achievements of those graduates who distinguish themselves in the areas of service to their department/academic program, school, and/or the University. The University also recognizes students who have made outstanding contributions through their efforts to reach out to the community by applying their skills, knowledge and experiences related to their graduate education.

Robert Congdon of Endwell, NY, who is pursuing studies in chemistry, had received a Graduate Student Excellence in Service and Outreach award from Binghamton University, State University.

Congdon was recognized for his commitment to service, which he describes as encompassing generosity, compassion and action, as well as a belief that it is important to leave things better than when you found them. He has served the American Chemical Society as symposium chair, been a representative to the Graduate Program Committee, mentored undergraduate students conducting research in chemistry and served as president of the Graduate Chemistry Club, where he worked to make the club more inclusive. On campus, Congdon has advised large numbers of students, and in the community he has coordinated technical events for the regional Science and Chemistry Olympiads, been a National Lab Day volunteer in local elementary schools and coached swim teams for youngsters.

Binghamton University is one of the four university centers of the State University of New York. Known for the excellence of its students, faculty, staff and programs, Binghamton enrolls close to 15,000 students in programs leading to bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. Its curriculum, founded in the liberal arts, has expanded to include selected professional and graduate programs.