Alumni Association Names 2025 Award Honorees
The Purchase College Alumni Association proudly announces the recipients of the 2025 Alumni Awards!
Nine exceptional honorees have been selected from a pool of more than 70 nominees to receive awards from the PCAA. These distinguished awards will be presented on Friday evening, May 2, during the Alumni Weekend Night of Reunions celebration held at the Neuberger Museum of Art from 6:30pm - 9pm.
While it is customary to present multiple Golden Brick Honorary Alumni Awards, this year’s exceptional nominee pool warranted additional recognition in two other categories. The number of recipients was determined by the Awards Committee, reflecting the extraordinary impact of the individuals being honored.
Read more about this year’s award recipients below and make plans to join us for the celebration on May 2!
#ProofofPurchase Alumni Achievement Award
Recognizes an individual who graduated more than ten years ago (e.g., Class of 2013 or earlier) and who embodies the traditions and values of Purchase College through their character, professional achievement, and/or civic humanitarian service.
Nicco Annan has become a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, with his work as an actor, dancer, choreographer, and executive producer. Best known for his award-winning portrayal of Uncle Clifford in the hit series P-Valley on Starz, Nicco has made an indelible mark on television and stages. Alongside hosting the award nominated docuseries Down In The Valley, some of his other diverse credits include Claws, Shameless, This Is Us, Snowfall, and Netflix’s Family Reunion where his performances have garnered critical acclaim.
Annan is also a passionate advocate for diversity in storytelling, using his platform to promote authentic representation in the arts. His continued success and advocacy serve as an inspiration to the next generation of artists, particularly those from underrepresented communities.
David Moyer’s distinguished career in communications and executive search has made a lasting impact across the media, business, and nonprofit sectors. From his early work as a writer at Grumman Corporation to advising organizations such as the Associated Press, Chrysler, and The Rockefeller Foundation, David has been instrumental in shaping effective leadership teams and guiding institutional growth.
A published writer and respected speaker, David was recognized with the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC) Commitment to the Community Award in honor of his exceptional dedication to service. His volunteer work with organizations such as the Helicon Foundation and Dancing Classrooms, along with his enduring passion for chamber music and arts education, reflects a lifelong commitment to philanthropy and community engagement. His work continues to inspire all who have had the privilege of working with him.
Young Alumni Award
Recognizes a graduate from the last ten years (Class of 2014 or later), who has illustrated distinctive achievement in a career or social/civic involvement.
Samara Joy is a five-time Grammy-winning jazz vocalist whose exceptional artistry has garnered international acclaim. Since graduating from Purchase College, she has become one of the most exciting young voices in jazz, captivating audiences with her rich, expressive voice and innovative interpretations. Samara’s career skyrocketed after she won her first Grammy Award in 2023, and she has since performed in renowned venues around the world. Her debut album received rave reviews, and her soulful, evocative performances have drawn comparisons to the genre’s greats.
Deeply connected to her roots at Purchase, Samara credits her education for shaping both her artistry and her approach to jazz. Her musicians, who accompany her on tour, are also Purchase alumni, reflecting the lasting impact the college has had on her musical journey. With each performance, Samara continues to honor her background while establishing herself as one of the brightest stars in contemporary jazz.
(Biology and Chemistry)
Dr. Sheida Rodriguez is an accomplished scientist and researcher specializing in biology and chemistry, with a focus on public health. Her groundbreaking work in these fields has had a significant impact on both her community and the scientific world. Dr. Rodriguez’s dedication to advancing medical knowledge is evident in her research, which continues to pave the way for future discoveries in the healthcare sector.
Dr. Rodriguez overcame numerous challenges on her journey to becoming a respected professional. She completed her medical education while supporting her family, ultimately choosing to serve underserved populations during her residency at a community-based hospital. Now, as a fellow in maternal-fetal medicine, Dr. Rodriguez is committed to improving women’s health, particularly for those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Her resilience, passion for service, and unwavering commitment to making a difference make her an inspiring leader in the medical field.
Outstanding Commitment to the Arts Award
Recognizes a graduate(s) for contributions, commitment and advocacy in the Arts.
Acclaimed filmmaker Azazel Jacobs has earned widespread recognition for his storytelling, cinematic artistry, and emotionally resonant narratives. Known for films such as The Lovers, Terri, and Momma’s Man, Jacobs has established himself as a distinctive voice in contemporary cinema, crafting intimate, character-driven stories that explore personal and emotional complexity.
His latest film, His Three Daughters, premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival and was acquired by Netflix. Released theatrically and globally on the platform in 2024, the film received critical acclaim, topping year-end lists from The Boston Globe, The Washington Post, and Rolling Stone. It also earned Best Screenplay at the New York Gothams and The Robert Altman Award at the Film Independent Spirit Awards, further cementing Jacobs’ reputation as one of today’s most compelling filmmakers.
The son of renowned artists Ken and Flo Jacobs, Azazel carries forward a legacy of artistic innovation. With each project, he continues to captivate audiences and critics alike through his unique vision and unwavering commitment to the art of film.
Outstanding Commitment to the Liberal Arts and Sciences Award
Recognizes a graduate for contributions, commitment and advocacy in the Liberal Arts and Natural Sciences.
Dr. Anthonia Shagaya is a pediatric infectious disease specialist and a committed advocate for underserved communities. Since earning her MD from Penn State and completing her fellowship at Montefiore Einstein, she has focused on improving care for patients with sickle cell disease and advancing global health through clinical leadership and mentorship.
She began her journey in service as a volunteer with the East Harlem Fellowship in New York City, where she mentored inner-city teens and helped them envision how they could one day give back to their communities. Her career has since bridged continents, blending medical expertise with a passion for equity and education. She formerly served as Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Clinical Affairs at EHA Clinics in Abuja, Nigeria, and went on to co-found AIM Health Strategies, a healthcare consulting company. She is also the founder and CEO of the Sickle Cell Well Africa Foundation.
Whether in the U.S. or Nigeria, her impact continues to inspire colleagues, patients, and the many young people she supports.
Resiliency Award
Recognizes a graduate who has shown considerable personal strength and used the education and skills acquired at Purchase to overcome adversity. This award aims to celebrate their achievement in “overcoming the impossible” and offering hope and inspiration to others.
John Varamo is an accomplished young professional whose remarkable achievements are even more impressive considering the personal hardships he faced. After losing both parents during his time at SUNY Purchase, John channeled his resilience into a thriving career. He earned a degree in Environmental and Political Science and applied his Geographic Information Services (GIS) expertise in government roles with Westchester County and the City of Stamford. John also completed a Master’s degree at Columbia University in just one year and became one of the youngest adjunct professors at Columbia at the age of twenty-three. As Commissioner of Arts, Culture, and Tourism in Stamford, he gained national recognition for his work restoring two priceless WPA-era murals.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, John founded Stamford Pride in 2019 to support the LGBTQ+ community and remains deeply involved in numerous organizations, including the Columbia University Alumni Association, United Way of Western Connecticut, and the Stamford DEI Council. Now, as the Director of Strategic Engagement at SUNY’s College of Optometry, John continues to make an impact in community engagement, government relations, and alumni affairs. His resilience and dedication to service are a powerful testament to his unwavering drive to make a meaningful difference.
Golden Brick Honorary Alumni Award
Recognizes an individual who did not graduate from Purchase but whose exemplary accomplishments, service and commitment has benefited the Alumni Association, College alumni (undergraduate or graduate), or helped empower students to become alumni.
Jason (Jay) Minh Alt has over 22 years of experience in higher education, having served in key roles such as Director of Student Life and Community Partnerships at Purchase College, and Assistant Dean of Students at Mercy College and the University of Bridgeport. At Purchase, he played a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant campus culture and building community partnerships that continue to benefit the institution.
In addition to his work in student affairs, Jay is an entrepreneur and the owner of Chocolate Works Scarsdale. He is also an adjunct professor at CUNY’s Herbert H. Lehman College, where he teaches higher education and entrepreneurship.
Jay’s career is marked by his commitment to student success, mentorship, and his ability to bridge education with entrepreneurship, leaving a lasting impact on both the academic and local communities he serves.
John Delate served as the Associate Dean of Student Affairs at Purchase College, where his leadership and dedication significantly impacted the student experience. A passionate advocate for student well-being, John played a pivotal role in developing programs that fostered inclusivity, resilience, and community engagement. He earned widespread admiration for his mentorship and unwavering commitment to supporting students as they navigated their academic and personal journeys.
During his tenure as an administrator at Purchase, John was instrumental in creating an environment where students could thrive academically and socially. He maintains a connection to the college as an adjunct professor of communications, and his work continues to resonate with the many students, faculty, and staff whose lives he touched.
John has more than 30 years of experience in higher education at public institutions in New York and New Jersey. He is currently Vice President of Student Services at SUNY Niagara Community College; previously he served as Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs at SUNY Adirondack Community College and as Associate Vice President for Student Services at Monroe Community College. John also served in the Peace Corps as a teacher in Liberia, and he coached college football at Mansfield University. John and his wife, Caroline, reside in upstate New York with their two children.
Congratulations to all of the honorees and to the more than 70 outstanding alumni who were nominated for consideration this year. You are all #ProofofPurchase!