Slippery Rock University’s highest-achieving students are leading in the classroom and outperforming their peers on a statewide level. Abby Becker, a senior mathematics major from North Warren (Panama Central HS), is the 2026 recipient of the Syed Ali-Zaidi Award for Academic Excellence, which is awarded to a senior in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education who demonstrates exceptional academic achievement and leadership.
Becker will be recognized at the PASSHE Board of Governors meeting in Harrisburg, April 16, and presented with a $2,500 award.
“Winning this award is really exciting, and it shows how great Slippery Rock University is,” Becker said. “Yes, I put in the work, but I’ve benefited from so many amazing people and resources here at SRU. The math program is fantastic, and every professor has helped me in some form, whether it’s getting an internship or networking and attending a conference, there’s been a lot of participation by others that has set me up for success in the future.”
Becker, who is the second SRU student to win the Ali-Zaidi Award and the first since 2014, has secured a full-time job as an actuary analyst at Erie Insurance, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Erie. While working there, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in actuary science through an online program at Boston University.
“Abby’s selection as the Ali-Zaidi Award recipient is a remarkable achievement that reflects her exceptional dedication, intellect and impact,” said SRU President Karen Riley. “On behalf of the SRU community, we are incredibly proud of Abby and congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition. This affirms her accomplishments as a student and sets an even higher standard of excellence for all we strive to reach here at The Rock.”
A member of SRU’s Honors College, Becker has excelled in one of the university’s most demanding academic pathways and will graduate this spring at age 19. She previously earned an Associate of Science in mathematics from Jamestown Community College while still in high school.
Beyond the classroom, Becker passed two Society of Actuaries exams, Probability (P) and Financial Mathematics (FM), within six months, a rare achievement for an undergraduate student. Each exam typically requires hundreds of hours of preparation and serves as a key credential for entering the actuarial profession.
She further distinguished herself by translating academic preparation into professional practice through her work as an actuarial intern with Erie Insurance Group, where she has contributed to analyses of liability reserves, deductible structures, tariff impacts and loss trends.
Becker’s outstanding academic performance is complemented by her on-campus involvement as secretary of Gamma Iota Sigma, the actuarial fraternity chapter at SRU, and as a parliamentarian of the Statistics Club.
“Abby’s achievements show the power and promise of a PASSHE university education,” said Cynthia Shapira, chair of the Board of Governors. “The Ali-Zaidi Award recognizes students who excel in the classroom and contribute to their communities, and Abby exemplifies both. Graduating at 19 while completing rigorous coursework and industry exams is an extraordinary accomplishment.”
The Ali-Zaidi Award is presented annually to one graduating senior from a State System university who demonstrates exceptional academic achievement and leadership. Established in 2001 by founding Board of Governors member Syed R. Ali-Zaidi, the award recognizes students who excel both in and beyond the classroom.
“Abby is a powerful example of our students’ talent and determination,” said Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino. “Across our universities, students are taking on big challenges and achieving at a high level. Abby’s drive, paired with academic excellence and professional readiness, embodies the State System’s value and impact.”
