POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. — MAY 2, 2025 — Dutchess Community College recognized five students for academic excellence in the social sciences during the annual Sheridan Awards Ceremony, held April 24 on the main campus in Poughkeepsie.
Hosted by the College’s History, Government and Economics (HGE) Department, the event brought together faculty, staff, students and families to celebrate outstanding achievement in the classroom and contributions to the academic community.
Two HGE Departmental Awards for Outstanding Achievement in the Social Sciences were presented. Awardees were Killy Hayden (Fishkill) and Maria Volino (Poughkeepsie).
Tiffany Perkins (Millerton) was awarded the Ann and Dan Zodikoff Memorial Scholarship, in memory of Rita Alterman and her parents. Rita Alterman was a strong advocate for education and a part-time faculty member of the HGE Department.
Jenniffer Criollo (Poughkeepsie) received the Xavier H. Verbeck Memorial Award, named in honor of Xavier H. Verbeck, who taught in the HGE Department from 1963 to 1992 and also served as department chair.
Andrew Check (Hopewell Junction) was presented with the Eugene Sheridan Award, named in honor of Eugene A. Sheridan Jr., who taught in the department from 1966 to 1973.
Also recognized at the event were Arely Sanchez Soria and Dewran Gunes, who fulfilled the requirements to graduate with a minor in honors studies, and Yassmine Chanaoui, recipient of the Richard Reitano Scholarship in Political Science.
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Founded in 1957, Dutchess Community College is a two-year community college that has
earned a reputation for providing an outstanding education and offers one of the lowest
tuition rates in New York state. The College currently has four locations including
its main campus in Poughkeepsie, DCC @ Fishkill, DCC @ HVR Airport, and DCC @ the
Family Partnership Center. For more information visit www.sunydutchess.edu.