Sant’Anna Institute presents Leadership Awards to two Alfred State students

The Sant’Anna Institute of Sorrento, Italy bestowed Leadership Awards to a pair of Alfred State students enrolled in the college’s 2015 spring semester study abroad program last week at the Student Leadership Center.

Jake Kohler, a technology management major from Babylon, and Elizabeth Parker, an architecture major from Campbell, received the awards from Dr. Cristiana Panicco, president of Sant’Anna, and Alfred State Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Kristin Poppo. The awards, which will be given on an annual basis, are intended to encourage participation in studying abroad.

“We’re very happy to give students the chance to study abroad and fulfill their dreams,” Panicco said.

Awards are each in the amount of $1,000, which will be applied to the students’ account at Sant’Anna Institute, in Sorrento, Italy, the location of the study abroad program. Award winners are expected to exercise leadership among their peers during the semester abroad and to assist the on-site faculty in organizing events and traveling.

All business and architecture students are eligible to apply for the Leadership Award and recipients are selected by their respective department faculty. Applicants are evaluated on academic achievement, proven leadership skills, a written essay, and upon letters of recommendation.

Poppo said, “Alfred State is proud of the opportunity to partner with Sorrento over the last seven years to provide an exceptional opportunity for our architecture and business students to get a global perspective in their fields.”

Pictured, from left, are Alfred State Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Kristin Poppo; Jake Kohler, a technology management major from Babylon; Elizabeth Parker, an architecture major from Campbell; and Dr. Cristiana Panicco, president of Sant’Anna Institute in Sorrento, Italy.