ALBANY, N.Y. | Farmingdale State men's golf senior
Raymond Howard (Clayton, N.Y.) has been named a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence, the highest honor awarded to a student in the State University of New York system. The award recognizes outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and contributions to the university community.
Howard, an Aeronautical Science/Aviation Administration major with a Flight Management concentration, has compiled an impressive 3.97 cumulative grade point average while earning President's List honors in every semester at Farmingdale State. A four-year member of the men's golf program, he has also been named to the Skyline Conference Academic Honor Roll in each of his four seasons and is a member of the Epsilon Pi Tau International Honor Society in Technology.
"Ray is the definition of what it means to be a student-athlete," said head men's golf coach Ryan Williams. "His commitment in the classroom, on the course, and across campus is truly remarkable. He leads by example every day, and this recognition is a direct reflection of the hard work and character he brings to everything he does."
A captain of the golf team, Howard has demonstrated exceptional leadership both on and off the course. He is a two-time Skyline Conference All-Sportsmanship Team selection and serves as the President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), where he represents Farmingdale State student-athletes and works with athletic administration and campus leadership to enhance the student-athlete experience.
In addition to his work on campus, Howard is a member of the United States Air Force's 103rd Rescue Squadron. Through SAAC and the men's golf program, he has led and participated in numerous community service initiatives, including visits to local elementary schools, Island Harvest Food Drive, Toys for Tots, and partnerships with the FSC Disability Services Center and TRIO program. He is also involved in the program's new partnership with the First Tee Program of Nassau County.
Howard earned the Sparrow Hawk Award for Outstanding Solo Student Pilot in 2023. He also holds an Instrument Rating, a Commercial Pilot Certificate, and a Secret Security Clearance, and maintains membership in both the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).
