SUNY Oswego’s very active Society for Human Resource Management recently earned the Student Chapter Merit Award from the national SHRM organization. Events included the fall 2024 Meet the HR Professionals Night and Speed Networking event, with guests including Louise Hand (Constellation Energy), Christy LeClair (Echelon Supply and Service), Aimee La Plante (Riccelli Enterprises) and Austin Calkins (SUNY Oswego) meeting with SHRM student chapter officers and members. (Photo courtesy of Kaedyn R. McClain)
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) awarded the 2024-2025 Outstanding Award designation to the SUNY Oswego SHRM student chapter for providing superior growth and development opportunities to its student members.
The SHRM Student Chapter Merit Award program encourages the development of more effective student chapters and distinguishes outstanding activities and projects. Chapters are recognized based on operations, chapter programming and professional development of members, support of the human resource profession and SHRM engagement.
“SHRM student chapter members embody the future of HR leadership, making it essential to recognize the pivotal role they play in SHRM’s ongoing success,” said Johnny C. Taylor, SHRM president and chief operating officer. “The dedication and achievements of SUNY Oswego demonstrate that the profession’s future is in very capable and inspired hands. I commend their accomplishments and their ability to drive innovative programming, professional development and a growing interest in HR as we adapt to the evolving dynamics of the workplace.”
SUNY Oswego SHRM faculty advisor Barry A. Friedman noted the prestige of receiving an honor from an organization that is considered a trusted worker and workplace authority.
“Our SHRM student chapter earned this prestigious recognition through the leadership of our officers, starting with our recent graduates Kaija Hoyt and Caityln Tripp, our president and vice president, respectively.” Friedman said, adding that “between May 2024 and April 2025, our students engaged in high-value activities such as company visits, guest speakers, recruiting activities and other endeavors that significantly added to their development as workforce professionals. I couldn’t be prouder!”
The future of human resource management as a field is very bright, Friedman noted. “The projected job growth for human resource specialists and managers is above average at 6 to 8 percent annually,” he said. “This is very encouraging considering the challenging job market graduates face. Our HRM major curriculum is approved by SHRM and the SHRM student organization greatly adds to our students’ preparation as effective professionals.”
Prepared for careers
“Being a part of this organization has been so incredible and prepared me for a career in human resources,” said Hoyt, the 2024-25 chapter president. "I loved my time both as a member and an officer. I worked with amazing students, professors and HR professionals. Without their help, winning this award would not be possible."
“The SHRM Student Chapter was among my most valuable experiences in college,” added Tripp, a 2024-25 chapter e-board member. “Serving as secretary and then vice president helped me grow as a leader while giving back, whether through career preparation or planning networking events like Meet the HR Professional Night. I couldn’t have achieved what I did without Kaija, the other e-board members and the HR faculty.”
Tripp found the experience pivotal toward landing a job in the HR field.
“The connections, leadership skills, and real-world exposure I gained through SHRM played a key role in helping me secure my current role as an HR coordinator at Ashley|The Wellsville Group,” Tripp said. “I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this organization.”
Friedman added that the SUNY Oswego SHRM chapter is actively looking for students to join this dynamic and productive student organization. All majors are welcome.
If you are interested or wish to know more, please contact Kaedyn McClain, current SHRM president (kmcclai3@oswego.edu); Friedman (barry.friedman@oswego.edu); or faculty member Steven Abraham (steven.abraham@oswego.edu).
About SHRM
SHRM is a member-driven catalyst for creating better workplaces where people and businesses thrive together. As the trusted authority on all things work, SHRM is the foremost expert, researcher, advocate and thought leader on issues and innovations impacting today’s evolving workplaces.
With nearly 340,000 members in 180 countries, SHRM touches the lives of more than 362 million workers and their families globally. Discover more at SHRM.org.