Rukayat Sulaiman of Cheyney University Wins PASSHE’s 2024 Syed R. Ali-Zaidi Award
Cheyney University student Rukayat Sulaiman is the 2024 winner of the Syed R. Ali-Zaidi Award for Academic Excellence from Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE).
2024 Finalists
- Cheyney – Rukayat Sulaiman
- Commonwealth – Eliana Tate
- East Stroudsburg – Gianna DiLauro
- IUP – Erika Jackson
- Kutztown – Patrick Perrin
- Millersville – Aaron Maynard
- PennWest – Chelsea Weimer
- Shippensburg – K’Nya Holmes
- Slippery Rock – Kelli Galbraith
- West Chester – Corey Lane
About the Syed R. Ali-Zaidi Award
Created in 2000, the Syed R. Ali-Zaidi Award for Academic Excellence is conferred upon a graduating senior from one of the State System universities. This award was founded by Dr. Syed R. Ali-Zaidi, a charter member of the Board of Governors, to inspire and honor State System students who exhibit excellence in their pursuit of knowledge.
Candidates for the award are recommended by their university president at the conclusion of a campus application and selection process that was open to all graduating seniors. Multiple selection criteria included outstanding academic scholarship, including prizes, honors, and honorary societies; participation in extra/co-curricular activities; and a two-page essay by the nominee addressing how the university has prepared him or her for the next career step.