Outstanding continuing service for students throughout the SUNY system recently earned SUNY Oswego Student Association President Oghenetega Adjoh the ACT (Association of Council Members and College Trustees) Scholarship for Excellence and Student Initiative Award.
Each campus nominates one exceptional student, and ACT selects only six recipients across all 64 SUNY campuses. Adjoh said she was both honored and grateful for the recognition.
“It highlights student excellence academically and exceptional service work outside of academics,” said Adjoh, a double major in finance and operations management and information systems from the Bronx.
Oswego’s University Council nominated Adjoh for her sustained record of leadership, advocacy and service. Kristi Eck, assistant vice president for workforce innovation and external relations, represented Oswego at the ACT Scholarship Awards Luncheon on Oct. 18 in Albany.
System-wide leadership and impact
In her statewide role as treasurer of the SUNY Student Assembly (SUNY SA), Adjoh focused on promoting accessibility and equity across campuses.
“One of the issues we kept running into was people who couldn’t attend the annual SUNY SA conference due to financial barriers,” Adjoh explained. “I created a line in the budget to help student government representatives from any SUNY campus attend conferences. It’s about creating equity and access across the system.”
Adjoh also authored a bill to establish a centralized contingency funding process, streamlining how student organizations request supplemental funding.
“There shouldn’t be too many hoops for clubs and organizations to go through,” she said. “SA should promote access for everyone.”
Campus-level leadership and service
At SUNY Oswego, Adjoh has long been dedicated to enhancing the student experience. Before becoming Student Association President, she served as vice president and senator, focusing on inclusion and support for underrepresented students.
As a peer leader in the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), Adjoh has mentored students overcoming financial and academic barriers, helping them build confidence and community. She also regularly volunteers for Rise Against Hunger, a global initiative that combats food insecurity.
“When they come to campus, I volunteer,” Adjoh said. “It’s a high-impact event to fight food insecurity around the world.”
Adjoh also led a campus fundraising campaign that raised more than $1,000 for humanitarian efforts.
In addition, as a resident assistant, she supports fellow students in navigating college life — balancing leadership with one-on-one mentorship.
Broader advocacy and professional development
Beyond SUNY, Adjoh continues to expand her advocacy for students. She has met with policymakers in Washington, D.C., to discuss issues such as federal education funding and FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) accessibility.
She also participates in Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT), a national career-development program that prepares students of color for opportunities at top companies.
“MLT opened doors for me to work at one of the country’s biggest professional-services firms,” Adjoh said. “I’ve been able to bring what I learned back to campus.”
Her efforts align with her larger mission to promote social and economic mobility.
“I do a lot of work to help other students gain opportunities,” she added. “When one student secures an internship or job, it changes their entire trajectory and helps advance economic mobility for students of color.”
Giving back beyond SUNY
As part of her ongoing commitment to empowering others, Adjoh is donating $250 of her scholarship funds to the Women’s Aid Collective (WACOL) — a nonprofit organization supporting women and children affected by violence and inequality in Nigeria.
“WACOL’s mission resonates deeply with me,” Adjoh said. “It’s a reminder that service extends beyond our campus and beyond borders.”
Continuing the mission
Adjoh sees the ACT award as a reflection of a broader purpose shared by student leaders across SUNY.
“All the decisions I make are for the benefit of student experiences. If students feel more supported, heard and empowered, then we’re doing something right,” she said.
“Earning this award reminds me that leadership is most meaningful when it creates lasting change for those who come after you,” Adjoh added.
SUNY Oswego Student Association President Oghenetega Adjoh (left) recently earned the ACT (Association of Council Members and College Trustees) Scholarship for Excellence and Student Initiative Award. Joining Adjoh is Kristi Eck, assistant vice president for workforce innovation and external relations, who represented SUNY Oswego at the ACT Scholarship Awards Luncheon on Oct. 18 in Albany.