Claire Goucher and Page Hazen earn Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence for academic achievement, leadership and service
New York, NY — SUNY College of Optometry today announced that fourth-year optometry students Claire Goucher and Page Hazen have been selected as recipients of the 2026 Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence, the SUNY system’s highest honor for students.
The award recognizes students for outstanding achievement throughout their time at a SUNY institution, including academics, leadership, campus involvement, community service and other areas of distinguished accomplishment.
“Claire and Page personify the values we hold at SUNY Optometry — engagement, innovation, service, leadership and a clear dedication to making a positive impact on the college community,” said Dr. David Troilo, PhD, President of SUNY College of Optometry. “Their achievements reflect exceptional commitment both inside and outside the classroom, and we are proud to see them recognized with this prestigious honor. I know they will continue to represent the very best of our College and make meaningful contributions to the optometric profession and their communities in the years ahead.”
Claire Goucher, a Temple University graduate from Blue Bell, Pa., is pursuing both a doctor of optometry and master of vision science degree at SUNY Optometry. During her time at the College, she served as vice president of tutoring for the Beta Sigma Kappa Optometric Honor Society, where she designed study materials and led tutoring sessions to support fellow students. She also represented the Office of Admissions in working with prospective students and completed a master’s thesis research project focused on myopia development. Following graduation, Goucher will pursue advanced training in an ocular disease residency program.
“It is an incredible honor to receive the Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence,” said Goucher. “SUNY Optometry has given me the opportunity to grow as a student, researcher and future clinician, while learning from mentors and peers who are deeply committed to improving patient care. I am grateful for this recognition and for the support that has shaped my time at the College.”
Page Hazen, a SUNY Oswego graduate from East Aurora, N.Y., has dedicated her time at the College to leadership and community engagement. She served as Student Council president, Beta Sigma Kappa treasurer and Gold Key Club secretary. During her time at SUNY Optometry, Hazen received several honors, including the U.S. Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program. Following graduation, she will begin her optometry career serving in the U.S. Navy.
“I am deeply grateful to be recognized with the Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence,” said Hazen. “My time at SUNY Optometry has been shaped by the people around me — classmates, faculty, staff and mentors — who have encouraged me to lead, serve and support our community. This honor is a meaningful reminder of the impact we can have when we work together and stay focused on helping others.”
The Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence was created in 1997 to recognize students who integrate academic excellence with other aspects of their lives. Each SUNY campus president establishes a selection committee that reviews student accomplishments and forwards nominations to the Chancellor’s Office for final selection.
Goucher and Hazen were recognized at a SUNY-wide ceremony on Monday, April 27, 2026, at the Albany Capital Center, alongside student honorees from campuses across the system. They will also be recognized at SUNY Optometry’s annual Commencement Awards Ceremony on campus in May.
About SUNY Optometry
Founded in 1971 and located in New York City, the State University of New York College of Optometry is a leader in education, research and patient care, offering the Doctor of Optometry degree as well as MS and PhD degrees in vision science. The College conducts a robust program of basic, translational and clinical research and has 65 affiliated clinical training sites as well as an on-site clinic, the University Eye Center. SUNY Optometry is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education. All classrooms, research facilities and the University Eye Center, one of the largest optometric outpatient facilities in the nation, are located on 42nd Street in midtown Manhattan. To learn more about SUNY Optometry, visit www.sunyopt.edu.