Student-Athletes Receive Chancellor’s Scholar Athlete Award

HERKIMER, NY – Two Herkimer College student-athletes received the 2016 SUNY Chancellor's Scholar Athlete Award recognizing a combination of outstanding academic excellence and superior athletic achievement. They were among only 78 recipients from 42 campuses statewide to receive the award this year.

"Recipients of this award are honored for high achievement in and out of the classroom, accomplishment marked by hard work, dedication and discipline," said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher. "Congratulations to each of this year's SUNY scholar athletes, and thank you to the many faculty, coaches and staff across SUNY who mentor and support them."

Nicole Doolen, from Frankfort, NY, graduated in May 2016 with an associate in science degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences: Science. Doolen helped the women's soccer team win the Region three championship in both years she started for the Generals. The 2015 team finished third at the national tournament, outscoring opponents 73 to 6 in 20 total games. Doolen was a Mountain Valley All-Conference member both years, a second-team All-Region selection in 2014 and first team All-Region selection in 2015. She helped the program to a 32-6 overall record in two years, amassing eight goals and 13 assists. Doolen plans to continue her education at LeMoyne College in the fall.

Patrick Dorrian, from Kingston, NY, is a 2016 graduate with an associate in arts degree in General Studies. Dorrian was a standout on both the men's basketball and baseball teams. As a freshman, he was named All-American for his stellar play helping the baseball team to a school record with 48 wins and a third place finish at the World Series. Dorrian had another outstanding season this year, starting for both the men's basketball and baseball teams. As a guard, he was named All-Conference and All-Region, helping the men's basketball team to a Mountain Valley Conference title and Region III tournament appearance. As a short stop for the baseball team, he was named All-Conference and All-Region, helping the team to their fourth consecutive Region III championship game appearance. Dorrian has accepted a baseball scholarship from St. Johns University to compete in the Big East Conference next year.

"Herkimer has had the privilege to educate and coach two of the most remarkable young student-athletes that will ever walk the hallways of our campus," said Athletic Director Donald Dutcher. "Nicole and Patrick have made a tremendous impact on our athletic program through multiple sports. Each truly defines the term 'student-athlete' with all they've accomplished in the classroom and on the playing field."

To be considered for this award, student-athletes had to be nominated by their athletic directors. Their academic credentials and athletic accomplishments were then reviewed by a panel of athletic directors from across the SUNY system and members of the SUNY provost's office.

-Public Relations Office