Cobleskill, NY – SUNY Cobleskill senior
Nik Recore (Peru, NY) has been named a recipient of the 2026 Norman R. McConney, Jr. Award for Student Excellence, one of just 49 students across SUNY's Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) to receive the prestigious honor.
Now in its seventh year, the award recognizes outstanding EOP students for their academic merit and perseverance. Recore will graduate in May 2026 with a Bachelor of Technology in Cybersecurity.
A four-year member and captain of both the men's cross country and track and field programs, Recore has been a consistent leader for the Fighting Tigers. A two-time All-Conference performer in cross country, he has made a strong impact in distance events throughout his career, highlighting his endurance, work ethic, and competitive drive.
"Winning the Norman R. McConney, Jr. Award is a meaningful honor. The award recognizes academic achievement, leadership, and commitment. Thanks to the support and guidance I've received over the last four years at Cobleskill, I've been able to earn this recognition," said Recore.
"Nik is exactly the kind of student this award was created to recognize," said Jennifer Golden, Director of Educational Opportunity Program at SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech. "He brings the same dedication to his Cybersecurity studies and his commitment to EOP that he brings to the track — and he does the work to sustain it. He uses the resources available to him, takes care of himself, and shows up as his best self in every area of his life. We're incredibly proud of him."
The award is named in honor of Norman R. McConney Jr., a 1971 graduate from the State University of New York at Albany and former Assistant Dean for Special Programs at SUNY. McConney, alongside former Assembly Deputy Speaker Arthur O. Eve, helped create EOP as a statewide program.
Since its inception in 1967, SUNY's Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Program has provided access, academic support, and supplemental financial assistance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. In its 58-year history, EOP has graduated nearly 90,000 students and served as one of the country's most successful college access programs. EOP eligibility is based on income and academic readiness. EOP currently serves more than 9,000 students across 55 SUNY campuses.
"Over nearly 60 years, SUNY's EOP has supported tens of thousands of students and empowered them to achieve their full potential," SUNY Chancellor King said. "I am honored to recognize this year's recipients of the Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for Student Excellence. Our McConney award winners' hard work as they move forward on their path to academic excellence and upward mobility makes them an inspiration for all of our students, faculty, staff, and administrators."
The SUNY Board of Trustees said, "The Educational Opportunity Program continues to offer students statewide the support and guidance on their path to a college degree. We are proud to recognize the recipients of this year's Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for Student Excellence for their hard work and perseverance during their academic journeys. SUNY is grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature for their continued support of SUNY, and our EOP students."
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