Three SUNY Oneonta students have been named 2026 recipients of the prestigious SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence.
Rudy Hess, Isabella Harnett and Ellie (Elisabeth) Vogl will be among a select group of State University of New York students recognized by SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. during an award ceremony and reception in their honor in Albany on Monday, April 27.
All three students are members of the Class of 2026.
Through their research, leadership and commitment to service, they represent the very best of our community and its future.
“We are incredibly proud of Rudy, Ellie and Isabella and the impact they’ve made at SUNY Oneonta,” said President Alberto Cardelle. “Through their research, leadership and commitment to service, they represent the very best of our community and its future. Their achievements in the classroom and far beyond are just the beginning of the difference they will make in the world.”
The Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence, or CASE, is the highest honor that SUNY bestows upon students. It is presented annually to SUNY students who demonstrate academic excellence and integrate it with accomplishments in other areas, such as leadership, campus involvement, community service and the arts.
Meet SUNY Oneonta’s 2026 CASE recipients:
Rudy Hess
Geology, Geography
Oxford, NY
Rudy is a driven and accomplished student whose work bridges scientific research, sustainability and global engagement. A double major in Geology and Geography, she has earned Dean’s List honors and numerous competitive awards, including the President’s Scholarship and a Geological Society of America Student Travel Grant. Rudy is an active undergraduate researcher, conducting field and lab-based studies on topics ranging from stream flow patterns and 3-D landform modeling to arsenic uptake in rice, with implications for environmental and human health. She has presented her work at national conferences and campus showcases. Her academic experience is further enriched by global and field-based study, including through faculty-led programs and trips in Japan, Guatemala and Death Valley. Deeply committed to service and sustainability, Rudy serves in multiple leadership roles, including as manager of the Red Closet Thrift Shop, Empire State Service Corps and AmeriCorps member, and a Recycling Ambassador, all while remaining active across campus organizations such as the Outdoor Adventure Club, Terpsichorean Dance Company and Oneonta State Kickline.
Isabella Harnett
Geology
Scarsdale, NY
Isabella is an exceptional student scholar whose work in geology reflects both academic excellence and advanced research achievement. She has earned consistent Dean’s and Provost’s List recognition along with competitive honors including the Van Benschoten–Rapoport Award and QTZ Scholarship. Her research in volcanology explores complex igneous processes and has been presented at national conferences, where the depth of her work has drawn recognition from leading experts in the field. Isabella’s applied research includes developing a flood monitoring system for Otsego County and conducting fieldwork in the Cascade Mountains. A dedicated leader and mentor, she serves as president of the Geology Club, a student representative on the SUNY Oneonta Foundation Board and an active mentor for first-year students, demonstrating a strong commitment to collaboration, advocacy and supporting future scientists, especially women in scientific fields.
Ellie (Elisabeth) Vogl
Biology, Pre-Vet concentration
Rochester, NY
Ellie is a driven and high-achieving student whose work reflects a strong commitment to academic excellence, research and service. A participant in SUNY Oneonta’s combined BS/MS program, she has earned consistent Provost’s List recognition and numerous competitive scholarships and awards. Ellie has distinguished herself through advanced research experiences, including molecular neuroscience work at Tokyo Metropolitan University and ongoing field research in parasitology and herpetology, while also mentoring fellow students. A dedicated campus leader, she serves as president of both Hippies for Hope and Hulbert Hall Government and is actively involved as a campus tour guide, student ambassador and Sophomore Coach. With more than 500 hours of leadership and service and hands-on experience in veterinary and animal care settings, Ellie is preparing to pursue a career in veterinary medicine while continuing her commitment to community impact.