NYC Gazette

The City University of New York (CUNY) recognized 28 students from 15 schools who have been awarded the university’s most prestigious scholarships, including The Jonas E. Salk Award, Belle Zeller Scholarships, and CUNY Climate Scholars. These recipients represent a diverse range of backgrounds and aspirations.

“In their personal stories and academic achievements, these scholars are a testament to CUNY’s mission to provide a first-rate education to all students regardless of means or background,” said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. “I want to congratulate them on their hard-earned success as they prepare to bring their unique talents and insights to new challenges and endeavors.”

The Jonas E. Salk Award is named after the inventor of the polio vaccine and City College alumnus. This annual scholarship is granted to students accepted into medical schools or graduate programs in biomedical science based on original research papers produced under the guidance of CUNY professors and prominent scientists. Each awardee receives $8,000 over four years for tuition costs related to their graduate studies or medical training.

This year’s Salk scholars include Fabliha Hussain, a summa cum laude graduate from City College with a BS in biology. She will attend Albert Einstein College of Medicine with plans to become a pediatrician for underserved populations. “My passion lies in addressing the needs of the underserved and doing so by focusing on the pediatric population,” she said.

The Belle Zeller Scholarship Trust Fund was established in 1979 by the Professional Staff Congress/CUNY in honor of its founding president Belle Zeller, a Professor Emerita of Political Science at Brooklyn College. The scholarship awards $5,000 to undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate academic excellence and community service through unpaid volunteer work.

This year’s recipients include Samaya Kabir, who graduated magna cum laude from Queens College. She volunteered with the college’s Knights Table Food Pantry and NYC Men Teach initiative while working as a college and career bridge coach for the CUNY K16 initiative.

The CUNY Climate Scholars Program immerses 14 undergraduates in climate-related education, research, and internship opportunities. Participants receive mentorship support and a $7,500 stipend. Running from August 2024 to April 2025, these scholars will present their research at upcoming expos in May 2025 and June 2025.

Founded in 1847 as the nation’s first free public institution of higher education, CUNY today serves more than 225,000 undergraduate and graduate students across New York City’s five boroughs through seven community colleges, eleven senior colleges, and seven graduate or professional institutions.

CUNY graduates play significant roles in New York City's economic, civic, and cultural life with more than 80 percent remaining in New York post-graduation. The university's alumni have received numerous prestigious honors including Nobel Prizes and MacArthur "genius grants."

To learn more about CUNY visit https://www.cuny.edu.