Selden, NY - May 10, 2016 - Suffolk County Community College’s Menely Genao was named by State University of New York Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher as one of 78 recipients of the 2015-16 Scholar Athlete Award, that recognizes outstanding academic excellence and athletic achievement.
 
“Menely is member of two National Championship teams, Women’s Cross Country and Women’s Track and Field,” said Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Shaun L. McKay, and she earned Dean’s List recognition every semester for the past two years with a 4.0 GPA,” McKay said. 'we are very proud of Menely's academic and athletic accomplishments."

"Menely is a heart and soul kind of student-athlete. Her modesty may give an impression of nonchalance, but there's a tiger in there. When she signs on, she's there one-hundred percent," said Women's Track and Field and Women's Cross Country Coach Matthew French.

“Menely epitomizes what a student athlete can achieve here at Suffolk County Community College," said Athletic Director Kevin Foley. "In addition to her academic and athletic prowess, Menely is a wonderful person whose future is unlimited."

"Recipients of this award are honored for high achievement in and out of the classroom, accomplishment marked by hard work, dedication, and discipline,” said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher. “Congratulations to each of this year’s SUNY scholar athletes, and thank you to the many faculty, coaches, and staff across SUNY who mentor and support them."
 
In order to be considered for the award, student athletes were nominated by their campus athletic director. Nominees’ academic credentials and athletic accomplishments were then reviewed by a panel of athletic directors from across the SUNY system and members of the SUNY provost’s office.
 
SUNY campuses host more than 85 NCAA Division I teams, 290 NCAA Division III teams, 385 NJCAA teams, and hundreds of non-competitive clubs.