News from SUNY Cortland

For more information contact: Jean Palmer, 607-753-2232

SUNY Cortland Senior Receives National Scholarship for Transfer Students

CORTLAND, NY (02/20/2008; 1314)(readMedia)-- Domenica McKeon, a senior at SUNY Cortland, was named one of 13 recipients of the 2008 Tau Sigma National Scholarship by Tau Sigma, the national honor society for transfer students.

Tau Sigma awarded McKeon, a childhood and early childhood education major from Endicott, N.Y., a $500 scholarship.

To be eligible for the national scholarship, a student must be a member of the honor society. Induction into Tau Sigma is offered to students who transfer at least 24 credits, complete at least 12 credits at their new institution and achieve a minimum 3.5 grade point average in their first semester of transfer.

In 1999 Tau Sigma, which stands for transition and scholarship, was incorporated nationally to “recognize and promote the academic excellence and involvement of transfer students.” Fifty-six universities currently have established or are establishing Tau Sigma chapters to improve services they provide to the transfer student population.

“I honestly didn’t think that my application for the scholarship would go to the national level, said McKeon, who expects to graduate in December. “It is a really great honor to be recognized.”

The SUNY Cortland chapter of Tau Sigma not only recognizes achievement, but also offers leadership and mentoring opportunities to transfer students to become involved in their new campus. Cortland’s chapter was founded in 2004 and currently has 286 student members.

McKeon, who is secretary of the Cortland chapter of Tau Sigma, first heard about the scholarship from Carol Costell, academic advisor and coordinator of transfer student support in the Advisement and Transition Office.

“I am excited to see one of our transfer students and SUNY Cortland be recognized at the national level,” said Costell. “This scholarship not only awards Domenica’s hard work but also highlights the approximately 840 new transfer students that come to campus each year.”

McKeon transferred to SUNY Cortland in Fall 2006 from Broome County Community College, where she studied early childhood education. Outside the classroom, McKeon works two part-time jobs and is a member of the Education Club.

“SUNY Cortland’s education program has a great reputation,” McKeon said. “I knew early childhood education was the best career choice for me and SUNY Cortland is in a great location.”

After graduation, McKeon hopes to find a job teaching in a Binghamton area public school.

For more information on the SUNY Cortland chapter of Tau Sigma, contact Costell at (607) 753-4726.

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Domenica McKeon photo