Rochester Native Elisabeth "Ellie" Vogl Earns SUNY ACT Excellence and Student Initiative Scholarship

SUNY Oneonta senior Elisabeth "Ellie" Vogl, a Biology major specializing in pre-veterinary medicine, was recognized with the Association of Council Members and College Trustees (ACT) of the State University of New York for Excellence and Student Initiative Scholarship during the annual ACT Conference on Oct. 18 in the King Street Ballroom at the Marriott in Albany, N.Y.

Each year, ACT honors two students from each SUNY sector, University Centers and Doctoral Degree Institutions, University Colleges and Technology and Community Colleges, who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership and service to their campus and community. In addition to receiving a scholarship, each honoree selects a charitable organization to receive a donation on their behalf.

Vogl, who transferred to SUNY Oneonta in fall 2024, has maintained a 4.0 GPA, earning a place on the Provost's List for both the fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters. In addition to her academic excellence, she has shown outstanding commitment to campus and community engagement. She serves as a student ambassador for the 1889 Society, a giving society that supports SUNY Oneonta programs and scholarships, and is an active member of the Oneonta Future Alumni Network (OFAN), Pre-Health Club and Pre-Health Honor Society.

Her leadership roles include President of Hulbert A Hall Government, President of Hippies for Hope and member of the Empire State Service Corps Civic Engagement Branch, through which she partnered with the League of Women Voters to increase voter registration and preparedness on campus. Vogl also volunteers at Club Odyssey, a local drug-free young adult clubhouse that provides social and support services for area youth.

In summer 2025, Vogl participated in SUNY Oneonta's Water and the Environment of Guatemala study abroad program, conducting advanced field and laboratory research on water quality and watershed sustainability in the Lake Atitlan region. Her faculty mentors describe her as "ambitious, open-minded, compassionate and always willing to go the extra mile."

Vogl's commitment to service extends beyond campus through her work with Super Heroes Humane Society, where she interned during the fall 2024 and spring 2025 semesters, contributing 15-20 hours weekly to support animal care and adoption efforts. As part of the ACT Scholarship, she designated her $250 donation to Super Heroes in recognition of its vital role in the community. There, she gained hands-on experience that will strengthen her preparation for veterinary school, assisting with adoptions, intakes, medicating, feeding, socializing and spay/neuter clinics, work that aligns with her goal of pursuing veterinary medicine to serve communities in need.

"Super Heroes is a crucial resource for the Oneonta and surrounding community," said Vogl. "They have a strong emphasis on TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return), making a meaningful impact on cat colonies, which are prevalent in the community and surrounding area. Aside from surrenders and adoptions, Super Heroes also offers a low-cost Spay/Neuter clinic, Emergency Boarding and a Pet Food Pantry, which are essential to low-income pet owners, allowing them to provide care for their animals. Many of the animals, especially those from TNRs or who are picked up as strays, are sick and require constant socialization before being adopted. Additionally, foster volunteers are necessary to provide around-the-clock care for the many kittens Super Heroes receives throughout the year. Because of this, Super Heroes is dependent on support from volunteers and donations."