HERKIMER, N.Y. - Herkimer County Community College seniors Matthew Marrotta, of Frankfort, and Michael Elleman, of New Hartford, are among 257 students from SUNY campuses throughout the State to receive the 2012 Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence.

SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher presented the awards at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center.

Matthew Marrotta, a Dean’s List and President’s List student, is majoring in Criminal Justice. He is president of the Student Government Association, and student trustee on the HCCC Board of Trustees. He attended SUNY Student Assembly as a voting member in Fall 2011. Marrotta was captain of the intercollegiate bowling team. Following graduation from HCCC this May, he plans to transfer to Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) to major in Criminal Justice.

Michael Elleman is a Physical Therapist Assistant major. He is vice-president of the faculty-student association, member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society and a President’s List student. Elleman is a regular platelet donor for the American Red Cross. He is a member of the cross-country team and plans to seek employment as a physical therapist assistant in the Utica area following graduation from HCCC.

“The students we honor today have taken full advantage of the academic and extracurricular programs that SUNY provides both in the classroom and in the community,” said Chancellor Zimpher. “These proven leaders, athletes, artists, and civic volunteers truly represent the Power of SUNY. I congratulate all of the students being recognized today and thank them for the positive impact each of them has had on New York State, our university system, and the communities we serve.”

The Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence was created in 1997 to recognize students who have best demonstrated, and have been recognized for, the integration of academic excellence with accomplishments in the areas of leadership, athletics, community service, creative and performing arts, campus involvement or career achievement.

Each year, campus presidents establish a selection committee, which reviews exemplary students. Nominees are forwarded to the Chancellor’s Office and are subject to a second round of review, with finalists recommended to the Chancellor to become recipients of the award. Each recipient receives a framed certificate and medallion, which is traditionally worn at commencement.