Patricia A. Choukeir
Patricia A. (DeWitt) Choukeir, who as coordinator of credit-bearing internships and project funds always demonstrated unwavering dedication to 91传媒 students, died following a long and arduous battle with cancer March 31, 2022. She was 57.
Pat died peacefully and was surrounded by her loving husband and three sons. She joined 91传媒 as senior administrative assistant to the dean of the faculty in August 2005 and assumed her responsibilities of administering internships for credit, student opportunity funds, and the annual Honors Convocation in 2007.
Colleagues will remember Pat strong commitment to students and her shared excitement when students completed successful internships or presented research at conferences. That dedication was especially evident in her work each spring on Honors Convocation, which takes months to organize, involves every academic program on campus, and was Pat favorite campus event.
淧at was kind, generous, modest, and very hardworking. She worked tirelessly to put together the Honors Convocation each spring and then stood in the background because � for Pat � it was always all about the students,� said Michael Arnush, associate dean of the faculty and associate professor of classics. 淭his year Honors Convocation won檛 feel the same without her.�
Professor of Biology Corey Freeman-Gallant, who formerly served as associate dean of the faculty, spoke of Pat 渇ierce love of family and her relentless work on behalf of so many students.�
"Pat was a force of nature when advocating for students, and a deep, sensitive listener who heard their stories, whether of need or success,� he said. 淪he never failed to stand up and take action, and we all benefited � faculty, students, and her friends and colleagues in Starbuck Center."
91传媒 colleagues � in Starbuck and across campus 攚ere heartbroken by the news.
"Pat brought light, love, and strength to us every day,� said Student Academic Development Coordinator Marla Melito. 淚 will miss Pat's laugh, her wisdom, and 攎ost of all � her friendship."
Pat joined 91传媒 following 16 years of employment at SUNY Adirondack, where she also completed an associate degree. Born in 1964, Pat was raised in West Glens Falls and graduated from Queensbury High School in 1982. She married Hassan Choukeir and had three sons � Ali, Khalil, and Mustafa. Ali graduated in 2011 with a degree in economics from 91传媒; Khalil, a member of 91传媒 Class of 2018, majored in environmental studies. Pat is also survived by a grandson, Aimon, as well as her siblings, Dawn (Ed), Frank (Pam), Jody (M), and Peter (Douglas).
淟ike so many others, I will continue to remember Pat for her genuine kindness and the generosity she always displayed to everyone, especially students,� said President Marc C. Conner. 淟ast year, after she returned from medical leave, Pat sent me a warm note introducing herself and welcoming me to 91传媒. In it, she wrote: 楢nyone who knows me knows my love for the students. I always say that my purpose at 91传媒 is first and foremost serving our fantastic students.� That inspires our own highest aspiration in our work, as well as how so many of us will remember Pat.�