Countdown to Commencement '23, Kyle Poulos

It's Countdown to Commencement 2023! Our spotlight is on Kyle Poulos, of Niagara Falls, who has been an integral part of the Herkimer College campus community through his academic and extra-curricular accomplishments.

Poulos, graduating with a Criminal Justice A.A.S degree, was the recent recipient of the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence. He was named to the College's President List for the Fall 2021, Spring 2022, and Fall 2022 semesters. He served as the College Student Government president and student trustee on the College Board of Trustees. He is a member of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) and served as chapter president for the 2022-2023 academic year. As part of PTK, Poulos led the chapter in completing both an award-winning Honors in Action project as well as a college project which helped the chapter earn a five-star status in 2022.

Poulos received four scholarships from Herkimer College and was enrolled in the Honor's Program. Among his many other activities, Poulos has served as a resident assistant and as past president of the Active Minds club, organizing a "stress relief" event for students and raising awareness on the importance of mental health.

After graduation, Poulos will pursue his bachelor's degree in criminal justice at Buffalo State University, aspiring for a career with the state police or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

In his own words

"My favorite memory from my time here is the Res Life late night Saturday events. They're what made me want to become an RA and I love getting together with all the residents and just having a good time no matter what we were doing. "

"The benefits of attending a community college? I'd say it's the small size and sense of community. It is in the name, I enjoy walking between my classes and knowing everyone in the halls and them knowing me. I know it's something I'm going to take for granted when I transfer." 

"If I were to sum up Herkimer College in a few words, it would be "dedicated professors." A big piece of college is academics and at the end of the day that's what gets you your piece of paper. The professors here are beyond amazing. And honestly go above and beyond of what they're asked for. They've made sure that not only I will succeed but also that I understand the material. I'm going to miss every professor I've had here because they all taught me something new."