Commencement Profile: Saša E. Vann

Saša Vann has earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology and hospitality administration, attaining a 3.8 GPA while participating in the McNair Scholars Program and Ross B. Kenzie Family Presidential Scholarship, and earning two-time All-American status as captain of the Buffalo State track and field team.

Vann will receive the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence and the President’s Medal for Outstanding Undergraduate Student at Buffalo State’s 144th Commencement, Saturday, May 16, in the Sports Arena. She will also deliver the student address during the 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. baccalaureate ceremonies.

Throughout her career at Buffalo State, Vann has excelled in academic performance, citizenship, and leadership. She is an exceptional student whose career interests are focused on clinical neuropsychology and the study of posttraumatic stress disorder among women in the military. She has built an impressive record of undergraduate research, authoring an honors thesis in psychology and participating in the 10-week Summer Trainee and Research Program at the University of Maryland for students preparing for doctoral programs. She has presented her research findings in multiple academic forums, including the Buffalo State Student Research and Creativity Celebration. In recognition of her efforts, she was accepted into Psi Chi, the international honor society in psychology, and was elected chair of the college’s chapter of the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality.

Dedicated to her campus community, Vann volunteered with the Alternative Fall Break program for three consecutive years, serving as a site leader in 2015. She also coordinated a group of 130 volunteers in a cleanup of Scajaquada Creek during Bengals Dare to Care Day, worked with Weigel Health Center on its Tobacco-Free Campaign and other initiatives, and volunteered with the Anne Frank Project.

As an elite sprinter, Vann twice earned All-American honors in the 4 x 400-meter relay and won an individual ECAC title in the 500-meter dash and an individual SUNYAC title in the 400-meter dash. She received the Chancellor’s Scholar-Athlete Award in 2014 for winter track and in 2015 for spring track.

Vann is a uniquely gifted student and scholar. She effortlessly combines intelligence, intellectual curiosity, integrity, determination, and generosity of spirit. She created a remarkable collegiate experience by not only participating in but also excelling in all her chosen activities. For this, she is held in high regard by both her peers and faculty members.