Commencement Profile: Mohamed B. Koanda

SUNY Chancellor’s Award For Student Excellence

Mohamed Koanda has earned a bachelor of science in computer information systems (CIS), attaining a 3.92 GPA while minoring in mathematics.

Koanda will receive the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence during the 9:00 a.m. baccalaureate ceremony at Buffalo State’s 146th Commencement, Saturday, May 19, in the Sports Arena.  

A native of Burkina Faso, Africa, Koanda has been an outstanding member of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and the Dr. Anna P. Burrell Diversity Scholars Program. After arriving in the United States in 2011 without any knowledge of English, he worked diligently to learn the language and acclimate to life in America. He has a strong commitment to his own education while also caring to make a difference in the lives of others at Buffalo State and the greater community. He always goes above and beyond his duties to ensure that tasks are done completely and efficiently.

Professors consistently praise his work in the most challenging courses. He demonstrates a thorough understanding of concrete and abstract concepts and is a perpetual leader of class discussions, encouraging participation by all students. He applies the skills he learned in computer science classes to his everyday world, including developing a database of reports used by the Residence Life Office.

His passion for knowledge shines through when he is working with other students. As an EOP freshman mentor and tutor in the EOP Academic Center for Excellence and CIS Department, he inspires, motivates, and serves as a true role model. He is able to communicate and cultivate working relationships with both students and faculty members.

Active and engaged on campus, Koanda is a Scholar-Athlete Award-winning member of the men’s track and field team, a University Police student assistant, and a Residence Life resident assistant, where he was named Most Valuable Paraprofessional in 2017. In addition, he completed the National Leadership Development Institute course sponsored by INROADS.