Four Empire State University students awarded Bluebird Award

(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – APRIL 4, 2024) Four Empire State University students have been awarded the Bluebird Award. Congratulations to Bryant O’Donnell, Shannon Mulstay, Robin Hodges, and Andrew O’Rourke!

The Bluebird Award is a semi-annual award presented by the Student Government Association and honors students who demonstrate outstanding service to the university or the community. Service efforts can range from involvement in a student organization to participation in community service. Any current student at Empire State University is eligible. Winners are being recognized at the spring student conferences across the state.

About the winners:

Bryant O’Donnell:

Bryant O’Donnell is pursuing an associate’s degree in community and human services. While studying at Empire State University, he sits on the board for the Chenango County Pride Alliance and works for the Southern Tier AIDS program. O’Donnell is a prominent advocate for living HIV positive and a spokesmodel for the New York State Department of Health as a role model for his community. Additionally, he volunteers at his local youth identity center and sits on the Student Government Association.

O’Donnell’s work is centered around supporting and speaking out for those who face stigma with health-related conditions, including people who are HIV positive, part of the LGBTQ+ community, and people who are in recovery.

“I was the first HIV positive peer navigator, providing linkage to care, supporting newly diagnosed people, and walking them through the journey of treatment and helping break any barriers that may exist,” O’Donnell said.

O’Donnell said winning the Bluebird Award is an affirmation of the work he does for his community.

“It’s a symbol of empowerment, courage, and strength to me that what I am doing is being noticed, not just by faculty, but students,” O’Donnell said.

Shannon Mulstay:

Shannon Mulstay is pursuing a master’s degree in liberal studies. Advocacy and student governance are at the center of her academic journey. While studying at Empire State University, Mulstay is an intern at CAARES, working with the office to improve the educational experiences of nontraditional students, she also served as senator for graduate studies and as the senate vice-chair for the student senate at SUNY Empire.

Additionally, Mulstay is a member of Active Minds, an organization focused on mental health awareness, and she represents Empire State University as the SUNY student assembly voting delegate. She was recently appointed as the SUNY Systems Ambassador for Disability. Since 1994, Mulstay has also served as the assistant director of the FarmHouse Museum in Altamont, NY. She also assists people who are interested in pursuing higher education with navigating the financial aid and application systems.

“So much at Empire State University has influenced and empowered me,” Mulstay said.

Mulstay said she is grateful to be named by her peers as a Bluebird Award recipient.

“I felt this overwhelming feeling of being grateful,” Mulstay said. “Not that I had won this award, but that I was surrounded by so many people who believed in me: a kid who grew up in an abusive atmosphere and the New York State foster care system, an adult with epilepsy and neurodivergence who was constantly told no. Now, I can look at other students who come from such diverse backgrounds and hardships and, instead, tell them yes.”

Robin Hodges:

Robin Hodges is pursuing a master’s degree in business management. Hodges is the President and CEO of Creative Design Consulting, working directly with businesses to provide strategic plans and consultations. Additionally, Hodges is heavily involved with the African American Veterans Monument, managing the construction and dedication of the memorial which honors significant military achievements made by African Americans who have served or are currently serving.

Hodges said staff within the Empire State University Opportunity Programs made a significant impact on their academic journey.

“Their dedication embodies SUNY Empire's spirit of support and community, which I deeply appreciate,” Hodges said. “With their guidance and encouragement, I navigated obstacles and succeeded in my academic pursuits. Their contributions have been invaluable to my journey, and I am grateful for the enriching environment SUNY Empire offers.”

Hodges said receiving the Bluebird Award is a motivating factor to continue making an impact across academic and community settings.

“It validates the dedication and hard work I have invested in my academic pursuits and community involvement,” Hodges said. “Being recognized for my contributions reaffirms my belief in the importance of volunteerism and leadership, and it motivates me to continue making a positive impact.”

Andrew O’Rourke:

Andrew O’Rourke is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in theater. During his academic journey, he has invested time in theater, music education, and nonprofit management. Fueled by his own journey living with cerebral palsy, O’Rourke founded All Abilities Productions in 2022, a non-profit dedicated to providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities to perform in theatrical productions.

Through his work in theater, he has designed marketing materials and a website, built a board of directors, hosted fundraisers, and purchased space in a local mall to host performances and meetings.

“Truly remarkable,” O’Rourke said. “I would like to thank all my faculty and fellow peers at school. I've been going to Empire State for three years and my favorite part is the flexibility.”

About Empire State University

Founded in 1971 as the innovative campus of the State University of New York, Empire State University empowers learners from diverse backgrounds to achieve their educational goals. We have decades of experience providing educational access through online teaching and learning, individualized instruction, mentoring, and prior learning assessment. We build on our students’ experiences to promote their growth and drive upward mobility and economic development in New York state and beyond. SUNY Empire's 97,000 alumni are teachers, nurses, entrepreneurs, and leaders in their communities and their fields. Visit www.sunyempire.edu and follow us on social media @SUNYEmpire.