SUNY Potsdam

Eta Sigma Gamma

Eta Sigma Gamma is the National Professional Honorary Society in Health Education. Health education is the process of assisting individuals, acting separately or collectively, to make informed decisions about matters affecting their personal health and that of others. The objectives of Eta Sigma Gamma are to further the professional competence and dedication of the individuals in the health education discipline by stimulating scientific research; facilitating communication and discussion between individuals, agencies and governmental jurisdictions; motivating and recognizing service and academic achievement; developing methods, materials and programs; and raising professional standards and ethics. SUNY Potsdam’s Delta Theta Chapter of Eta Sigma Gamma was established in 2001.

Community Health majors and minors who demonstrate academic excellence as defined by the chapter are eligible to be invited to become members of Eta Sigma Gamma.  New members are inducted each spring.

Departmental Scholars

Recognition is given to students who have been selected as departmental scholars in recognition of their high academic achievement. Recipients are Community Health majors selected by the Community Health faculty.

Outstanding Community Health Major Award

This award is presented upon the occasion that a Community Health Major has exhibited outstanding academic excellence, community service, and scholarship in the area of public health. The recipient is selected by the Community Health faculty.

Neil Johnson Excellence in Community Health Award

Dr. and Mrs. Johnson also established the Neil Johnson Excellence in Community Health Award, which is presented each year in the Spring semester. The recipient is selected by the Community Health faculty and is the top Community Health major who is a role model for physical fitness and wellness and a person of good moral character who shows caring for others.

Wilderness Education Leadership Awards

Wilderness Education Leadership Awards are given to those students who demonstrate exemplary leadership within the Wilderness Education Program.

Annual Fund Scholarship

The School of Education & Professional Studies provides the funding of these scholarships to deserving students. They are awarded to outstanding students at the undergraduate and/or graduate level within the School of Education & Professional Studies. Students must have completed 12 credit hours in their major with a minimum cumulative average in their major of at least 3.0. One Community Health major is selected by the Community Health faculty as the scholarship recipient each year.

The Santaferra/Community Health Internship Scholarship

The Santaferra/Community Health Internship Scholarship was established in 2004 by Ms. Ada Santaferra, a graduate of the Community Health Program at SUNY Potsdam, and currently the Community Health Internship Coordinator at SUNY Potsdam. Having benefited from her own experience as an intern with the St. Lawrence County Health Initiative, Ms. Santaferra wishes to encourage Community Health students to pursue internship experiences based on the educational value of the opportunity, rather than having to limit their options because of the associated expenses. Scholarship applications are solicited from Community Health majors each spring.

Dr. Neil and Mrs. Marilyn Johnson Scholarship

In 2008, Dr. Neil Johnson and his wife Marilyn established an endowed scholarship for a student majoring in Community Health at SUNY Potsdam.  The scholarship is awarded annually, based upon criteria below and within the guidelines established by the State University of New York at Potsdam.

• To be awarded to a Community Health major based on merit. Some consideration may be given for financial need, but need is not a requirement for the scholarship.
  
• The Community Health Department will choose a recipient each year after consulting with Financial Aid if needed.
  
• Students must have earned a GPA of at least 3.0 or higher in the major and have demonstrated overall academic excellence in other coursework.
  
• To be considered for the award, students will be asked to write a one-page essay on their accomplishments thus far and what they plan to contribute to the community health profession.
  
• The scholarship recipient will be chosen from among Community Health majors who have achieved at least “rising junior” status (i.e. they are entering either their junior or senior year).
  
• The scholarship is intended to be a one-time award, although under special circumstances the Department may choose to award it to a student for a second time.