In recognizing this year's 2024 Outstanding Senior Award recipient, Azizbek “Aziz” Sarimsakov, the Oswego Alumni Association noted that few students throughout the history of SUNY Oswego could say they took advantage of as many opportunities afforded them.
The son of Luiza Sarimsakov of Rego Park, N.Y., the Earth Science and adolescent education major graduates with a 3.8 grade point average -- which organizers noted is impressive in its own right, but even more so as he earned that while serving in so many leadership positions on campus.
“Aziz is by far the most accomplished and involved student I have had the pleasure of knowing while at SUNY Oswego,” said associate professor Rachel Lee, chair of the Atmospheric and Geological Sciences Department, who submitted a letter of support on his behalf. “With all that he is involved in across campus, Aziz still finds the time to excel academically. He is a nearly straight-A student, and one of the top students of all time in our department.”
Sarimsakov, who was also selected as a recipient of a 2024 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence –- the highest honor awarded by the SUNY system –- plans to pursue a Ph.D. in geological sciences after graduation.
From the moment he joined the university community as a first-year student in fall 2020, Sarimsakov fully embraced his Oswego experience with gusto, gratitude and humility. He and his family emigrated from Uzbekistan to the United States in 2017, and he faced the challenges of learning a new language and new customs in a new land.
“I embraced the weighty expectations placed upon me — an inaugural student, the sole male in my family, tasked with steering my family towards prosperity through academic success,” Sarimsakov said in his personal statement for the award.
“The familiar narrative of Asian households' rigorous emphasis on academics resonated deeply in my journey," Sarimsakov noted. "The path to success was fraught with sleepless nights, days tinged with stress and moments contemplating abandoning academia for the workforce. Nevertheless, resolute determination prevailed, notwithstanding the additional hurdle of learning English.”
Sarimsakov served this campus as a resident assistant, a new student orientation Laker Leader captain, writing and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) tutor, Oswego Admissions intern and ambassador, student representative to the Oswego University Foundation and the Oswego Alumni Association boards of directors, and a cohort leader for the Teacher Opportunity Corps at SUNY Oswego.
He committed himself to reinvigorating many clubs and organizations that were waning after the COVID-19 pandemic. Among those he resurrected or re-energized were the Geology Club and the College Republicans, where he served as president and vice president, respectively. He also was a founding member of SUNY Oswego’s chapter of Turning Point USA. His peers recognized his contributions with the Student Association Award.
As many of his nominators noted in their letters of support for this award, Sarimsakov didn’t just join many clubs and organizations to build his resume, nor did he spread himself too thin. He made meaningful contributions to each of these organizations and helped strengthen their membership, funding, programming and inclusivity.
“I have worked at the university for almost 19 years, and meeting Aziz has been a true honor and blessing,” said Joy Westerberg Knopp ’92, a staff member within University Advancement. “Aside from being one of the kindest, sincerest, most hard-working and considerate students I have ever met, he has left an impression on me that I will never ever forget … Aziz inspires and motivates ME to be a better employee and to be a better person. I have never encountered another student who has had this profound impact on me as Aziz does.”
Additionally, he sought out opportunities to improve his interpersonal and communication skills, and earned certifications and completed trainings in such areas as sexual harassment prevention, suicide prevention, emergency preparedness, international peer education, family engagement and children supervision.
“I have routinely seen Aziz engage, challenge and encourage other students to think critically, engage with others, advocate for and help others, and take responsibility to get the most out of life, including their educational experiences,” said Jon S. Fox ’88, visiting scholar and adjunct professor. “Aziz accomplishes this through a genuine love for humanity and freedom, strong and effective communication and interpersonal skills, and a genuine desire to improve conditions and help others.”
Sarimsakov received glowing reviews and accolades from the many faculty, staff, administrators and alumni who submitted letters of support for this award. Each pointed out that in addition to his exceptional leadership and academic success, Sarimsakov embodies important qualities as a caring member of this campus community.
“Aziz’s exceptional communication and collaboration skills are very rare,” said Oswego University Foundation Board of Directors member Bill Spinelli ’84. “His genuine interest in what others think and believe serves him well. Aziz’s positive attitude, always with a smile, is infectious.”
Long-time educator and president of the OAA Board of Directors Phil Grome ’89 said: “As we strive to guide and teach our young adults the virtues of hard work, personal responsibility and service to the community, it is gratifying to know that young people like Aziz are answering the call.”
About the award
The Outstanding Senior Award was established by the 2005 Senior Class Planning Committee and is funded by Alice Massimi Crouch ’02. The Outstanding Senior Award recognizes a graduating senior or seniors highly involved on campus while maintaining academic excellence.
-- Submitted by University Advancement