Professor Earns Top SUNY Honor

Dr. John A. Fiorillo was one of 26 faculty members in the SUNY system to be appointed to distinguished ranks – the highest honor conferred upon SUNY instructional faculty - by the Board of Trustees last week.

“It is with great pride that we recognize the brilliant scholars and teachers whose service merits one of the SUNY distinguished ranks,” said Board Chairman Carl T. Hayden.

Fiorillo, an assistant professor in the Pre-Engineering Technology Department, came to in 1975. Five years later he was asked by his Dean and the College President to transfer to the Electrical Engineering Technology Department to aid in the development and growth of that department’s course offerings and the establishment of one of the College’s first baccalaureate degrees.

Since then, he has won the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1994, as well as the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers Long Island Region #1 Service Award. The Institute is the world’s leading non-profit professional association for the advancement of technology with over 375,000 members in more than 160 countries.

The Distinguished Professorship honor is given to educators who have achieved national or international prominence through their research, teaching and character. 

“SUNY has now conferred its highest faculty honor upon more than 880 current and retired professors from across the system,” said SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher. “In doing so, we proudly recognize the extraordinary achievements of our teachers, scholars, and mentors, all of whom serve as stellar examples of SUNY's commitment to excellence."