Galileo Savage Binghamton University’s first EOP student ambassador

The State University of New York Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) recently appointed its first student ambassadors to represent all 64 SUNY campuses. Out of a pool of thousands, Binghamton University’s Galileo Savage, a sophomore political science major, is one of only 21 selected to serve in the inaugural cohort of ambassadors.

Heavily involved in Binghamton’s EOP and a peer mentor for the program, Savage was nominated by an EOP staff member for the new position. He did not expect much, but was ecstatic when he received a phone call delivering the news.

“It took a minute for me to process and actually realize what just happened,” Savage said of his reaction to the phone call. “I really didn’t think I was going to get it, so I didn’t think much of it. Once I had actually been selected, I took a step back to look at the bigger picture and comprehend how there are only 21 students chosen to represent all of the SUNY campuses. That pool was so large, and I am one of the few. I’m blessed for the opportunity.”

Savage was encouraged by his high school guidance counselor to apply for EOP along with his applications to colleges. The 50-year-old program is geared toward underserved students from low-income backgrounds and considers obstacles they have faced. If accepted, EOP gives them the tools and resources to help them succeed in college.

The SUNY EOP has created this inaugural class of student ambassadors to encourage EOP students to utilize the program’s resources, advocate for students about areas for improvement and collaborate with the SUNY system. Savage was the only student chosen from Binghamton University and said his family’s support pushes him to succeed.

“My little brother will brag about me for years,” Savage said. “That fuels the fire and drive for me. I work as hard as I do to make sure he can do these things and have someone to look up to. In large part, I want him to do better than me. I want to set the bar high so that he can surpass it.”

Savage is the first of his family to attend college. Binghamton’s EOP provided him with advice and mentorship many first-generation students do not have. And whether it was academic struggles, personal conflicts or a racial incident he faced, EOP was always right there to lift him up.

“There was no one back home I could call to ask how to navigate through things,” Savage said. “EOP kind of became a second home and a family, rather than just a resource. Just having someone who supports you is huge. I think people would achieve a lot more if they knew there was someone behind them.”

EOP has become family to Savage, but some EOP students are unaware of all the resources available to them or have issues they are unsure who to ask about. As a student ambassador, Savage will serve as a voice for them and a person to answer questions. He has full confidence in the program, but hopes to take part in advocating for the addition of more resources and services.

“In large part, we’re talking about students who come from low-income environments who have had barriers that made it even harder for them to get to college,” he said. “So, I’d just love to play a role in making sure the EOP has more resources to truly benefit students.”

Savage’s friendly and bright persona make him the perfect candidate for the role, as it requires students to feel comfortable approaching him with questions and concerns. Binghamton EOP students can bring their opinions to Savage on campus, or students from any SUNY campus can contact him via email. After lending an ear, he can bring information to the SUNY chancellor’s office.

Virtual meetings and in-person conferences will be held, providing a chance for the ambassadors to bring issues or suggestions to EOP board members and SUNY administrators. They will also serve as an opportunity for SUNY to ask questions of the ambassadors about past and future implementations. The ambassadors can go straight to the students to gauge their thoughts on additions to the program and bring their feedback to SUNY, all in the hopes of continuously improving and advancing EOP.

While his last name is almost the antithesis of his personality, “savage” describes his academic success and career path to a T. Whether it was during a meeting to plan activities as the president of Hinman College or basketball practice as the captain of his high school team, leadership roles seem to find Savage. His positions bring him joy and he loves seeing the people he helps achieve their goals.

“I don’t want to be the richest guy or be all over every magazine,” Savage said when explaining his goals and motivation. “I just want to make the world a better place than when I came into it. I think the best way for me to do that is as a leader because you have a voice that is heard.”

While he enjoys helping others succeed in academics and life, Savage gives credit to EOP for much of his own achievements. His admiration and pride in the program go to show EOP’s importance and power, which will only strengthen with student ambassadors as passionate as he is.

“EOP is a program that changes the lives of hundreds of thousands,” Savage said. “Say, 30 years down the line I achieve success — EOP had a hand in that. And it’s a domino effect. Now I have younger siblings who will be able to learn from my mistakes, but I wouldn’t have been able to be placed in these rooms to make those mistakes if it wasn’t for EOP.”