Two students from Stony Brook University, Walter Benitez and Faria Lorin, have been recognized as recipients of the SUNY Student Sustainability Awards. They are among ten undergraduate students across the State University of New York (SUNY) system honored for their contributions to sustainability initiatives on their campuses.
The awards program invited student proposals in several categories, including arts and communication, environmental footprint, research, innovation and entrepreneurship, and environmental justice. Both Benitez and Lorin were named SUNY Climate Sustainability Champions and each received $1,000. Other honorees designated as SUNY Climate Sustainability Leaders were awarded $500.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. stated: “I applaud the dedicated SUNY students who are eager to participate and learn about climate and sustainability actions and initiatives. Our exceptional students are leading the way, and I am proud to celebrate them for the work they have done to advance the understanding of climate and sustainability on their campuses through the Student Sustainability Awards.”
The SUNY Board of Trustees added: “Thanks to the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature, SUNY’s students can undertake opportunities to learn about and promote sustainability on their campuses. Congratulations to the recipients of this year’s Student Sustainability Awards, we are proud of their ongoing efforts to support sustainability on their campuses, and throughout the SUNY System.”
Chancellor King introduced the development of these awards in his 2025 State of the University agenda as part of a broader effort by SUNY to highlight student projects that address climate issues. The program aims not only to recognize achievements but also to provide financial support between $500 and $1,000 so that students can expand campus outreach related to sustainability.
These awards align with goals outlined in the SUNY Climate and Sustainability Action Plan by encouraging student engagement in environmental topics. In addition to launching these awards, Chancellor King has announced other initiatives such as appointing a cohort of Sustainability Faculty Fellows, forming a Climate Research Task Force, and introducing an Outdoors for All program within SUNY.
