ONEONTA, N.Y. - The SUNYAC is honored to present its 2026 Award of Valor to Oneonta women's track & field student-athlete, Nicolette DuBose (Levittown, NY/Island Trees). The award, which originated in 2003, is presented to those who have used perseverance, dedication, and determination to overcome a life-altering event and whose ability to overcome obstacles has served as an inspiration to others. DuBose will be honored at the SUNYAC Awards Banquet on June 1. Watch the awards banquet live here and check out photos here.
DuBose entered SUNY Oneonta as an art major, but a turning point during the summer of 2024 altered her course. While working early shifts at a local gym, DuBose encountered a family friend, Stephen, during his morning workout. Shortly after they spoke, Stephen suffered a massive heart attack and collapsed on the treadmill, sustaining a facial injury as he fell. She immediately sprang into action, alerted a co-worker to dial 911, and sprinted to obtain the AED.
DuBose stayed by Stephen's side while an AED was administered to stabilize his heart. Throughout the crisis, she remained composed, coordinating with family to provide the paramedics with Stephen's medical history and ensuring his wife was notified.
"It truly means a lot to receive this award, as I did not think that what I did would be considered worthy of such a grand reward," said DuBose. "I have known Stephen for a long time, since he is a family friend that I've known for many years. After helping him, I just thought that I did what I needed to do to help him out and am still glad that I can speak to him whenever I see him."
Her decisive response was instrumental in his survival and ultimately reshaped her career path toward medicine. As a result, DuBose changed her major to biology with a focus on cardiology.
"I believe that it's important for people to know what to do in a serious situation like this, such as understanding the signs of a heart attack and performing CPR," continued DuBose. "After this event, I had the opportunity to take classes and become certified in CPR and BLS with the help of Shelby Croft, our head athletic trainer, so that if the situation were ever to happen again, I know what to do to save a life."
DuBose has a career goal of becoming a cardiologist, and this event made her realize that many people are unaware of the underlying heart conditions that they might have. While DuBose just concluded her junior year, she intends to attend medical school following graduation. Currently, she works as a nursing assistant in Cooperstown to get a head start in her career.
DuBose concluded, "A simple act can help you learn what you truly want to do for others."
