The Oswego Alumni Association is proud to announce international student Jamal Akin-Tukur as the recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Senior Award. This prestigious honor recognizes a graduating senior who has demonstrated exceptional campus involvement and academic excellence during their tenure at the university.
This year’s winner began his college studies at 15 years old and will graduate in May at the age of 19.
“People used to ask me where I'm rushing to, why I'm so young,” said Akin-Tukur, a native of Ogudu Ori-Oke in Lagos, Nigeria. “My mum once said it's not about how far you can go, it's about how well. I see this award as a testament that I went far, and it is going well. I’m just so thankful.”
Akin-Tukur, a criminal justice major with a 3.69 GPA, has been a prominent student leader since his first semester. He currently serves as the president of the International Student Association and is the former president of the African Student Organization. His commitment to the campus community is further evidenced by his role as a multi-year resident assistant, for which he was named Village Resident Assistant of the Year for the 2025-26 academic year.
His nominator and advisor, Dorren Allen-Carr from the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership, highlighted Akin-Tukur's profound influence on the university community.
“Jamal has been an exceptional student throughout this campus,” Allen-Carr said. “His impact in the lives of students is evident in his interactions with students and campus partners. I've seen how genuine he is in communication, as well as his high commitment to academic achievement and leadership development, which he cultivates to build positive relationships throughout the community. He is indeed a Laker, and takes much joy in being one.”
Beyond his primary leadership roles, Akin-Tukur has served the campus as a Laker Leader, a Success Coach for first-year students and a peer tutor in the Office of Learning Services. He is a co-founder of the Golden Z Club, a student organization chartered by the Zonta Club of Oswego, dedicated to advancing the status of women and girls through service, advocacy and leadership development. Within the Golden Z Club, he has held several leadership positions, including as director of programming and senior advisor.
Leading and inspiring
He said he is grateful for the many people who made an impact on his Oswego experience, including criminal justice professor Celinet Duran-Jimenez, C-STEP (Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program) Director Christina Seado Vasquez, Service Learning Coordinator Jennifer Joyce and many student peers.
“I saw so many great leaders, faculty and students, who made a difference because they cared,” he said. “I hope I’m remembered in that same way: someone who took the time to listen, to lead and to inspire.”
Akin-Tukur was director of correspondence for Two and a Half, a sexual assault awareness and prevention organization at SUNY Oswego that supports campus safety, education and victim advocacy. He has also been a frequent presence at major campus events, serving as an emcee for high-attendance programs such as the "Taste of the World" cultural festival and the "Global HERitage Showcase." He also served as the venue design strategist for TEDxSUNY Oswego in 2026.
“I’ll always remember my involvement with student organizations like the African Student Organization, being a mentor for middle schoolers, being an RA and being a success coach,” Akin-Tukur said. “These moments shaped me.”
His academic and leadership accolades include multiple placements on the President’s and Dean’s lists, the Olive Brannan Spargo ’31 Endowed Leadership Award and being named the 2026 Outstanding Senior in Criminal Justice.
“Part of my college experience that was crucial for me was BASIC, the Christian student organization on campus,” Akin-Tukur said. “That played a big role in encouraging me and keeping me grounded in my faith. I want to use my platform to share my faith and make a positive impact, both in my community and around the world.”
After graduation, he plans to earn a master’s degree, and eventually he hopes to become an immigration attorney and open his own practice, with offices in Nigeria and the United States.
Akin-Tukur will receive the OAA Outstanding Senior Award during the Commencement Eve Reception on May 15 in the Deborah F. Stanley Arena and Convocation Hall.
The Outstanding Senior Award was established by the 2005 Senior Class Planning Committee. The Outstanding Senior Award recognizes a graduating senior who has been highly involved on campus while maintaining academic excellence.
-- Submitted by University Advancement