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.
Public 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 Public Health majors selected by the Public Health faculty.
Outstanding Public Health Major Award
This award is presented upon the occasion that a Public Health Major has exhibited outstanding academic excellence, community service, and scholarship in the area of public health. The recipient is selected by the Public Health faculty.
Neil Johnson Excellence Award
Dr. and Mrs. Johnson established the Neil Johnson Excellence Award, which is presented each year in the Spring semester. The recipient is selected by the Department faculty and is the top Public Health or Exercise Science 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 Public Health major is selected by the Public Health faculty as the scholarship recipient each year.
The Martinez/Public Health Internship Scholarship
The Martinez/Public Health Internship Scholarship was established in 2004 by Ms. Ada Martinez, a graduate of the Community Health Program at SUNY Potsdam, and formerly 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 Public 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 Public Health majors each spring and fall. Apply here.
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 Public 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 Public Health major based on merit. Some consideration may be given for financial need, but need is not a requirement for the scholarship.
- The Public Health faculty 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.
- The scholarship recipient will be chosen from among Public 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.
The Susan Cancilla Witkowski ’79 Endowed Internship Scholarship
The Susan Cancilla Witkowski ’79 Endowed Internship Scholarship was established in 2014 by Susan C. and James P. Witkowski, who wish to help students with expenses associated with off-campus internships within the Public Health major. By establishing this fund, the couple acknowledges and honors the excellent education that Susan received as an undergraduate at SUNY Potsdam.