University Park, Pa. -- Each year, Penn State recognizes students for the highest levels of academic excellence, outstanding leadership and meritorious service. This year's student awards ceremony took place on Sunday, April 27 at 2 p.m. at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel. The following is a list of students who were honored at the ceremony:
Swanson earns Kopp International Achievement Award for Graduates
John-David Swanson of State College has been selected to receive Penn State's 2003 W. LaMarr Kopp International Achievement Award for Graduate Students. The award annually recognizes one graduate student who has contributed significantly to the advancement of the international mission of the University. Named for the retired deputy vice president for international programs at Penn State, the award's designation of achievement includes, but is not limited to, the display of excellence in: teaching and research with a significant international component; participation in international programs and/or field projects; and service to the international community. For more on this story, go to http://live.psu.edu/story/2769
Qadeer, Thatcher earn Kopp International Achievement Award for Undergraduates
Muhammad Uzair Qadeer of Morton and Corrine Thatcher of State College have been selected to receive Penn State's 2003 W. LaMarr Kopp International Achievement Award for Undergraduate Students. This annual award recognizes undergraduate students who significantly contribute to the advancement of the University's international mission. It is named for the retired deputy vice president for international programs. The award's designation of achievement includes, but is not limited to, the display of excellence in: an academic course of study and/or research with a significant international component; leadership in improving relations among people from different regions of the world; participation in international programs and/or field projects; and service to the international community. For more on this story, go to http://live.psu.edu/story/2768
Oleksiuk, Schierhorn to receive McCoy Memorial Award
Two seniors, Emily Oleksiuk and Martin Schierhorn, will receive the Ernest B. McCoy Memorial Award. The award is presented to a senior man and woman who successfully combine athletic participation with academic excellence. It is named for a past dean of the former College of Physical Education who was also once Penn State's athletic director. For more on this story, go to http://live.psu.edu/story/2771
Niessner to receive Outstanding Adult Student Award
Mark A. Niessner of Bellefonte will receive the 2003 Outstanding Adult Student Award. This award recognizes an undergraduate student at the University Park campus who has begun or resumed study after the age of 21 and who demonstrates initiative, tenacity, and flexibility in overcoming obstacles to furthering his or her education; who serves as a role model for other adult students by sensitizing the institution to the needs of adult students and by becoming established as a leader in the peer group; who achieves academic excellence; and whose goals reflect the values and ideals of higher education. For more on this story, go to http://live.psu.edu/story/2764
Five Penn State seniors earn Oswald Awards for leadership
Five seniors will be honored with the John W. Oswald Award for outstanding leadership: Michael DeRenzo of Murrysville; Brandi Hovis of Cochranton; Rubina Javeri of Greer, S.C.; Alison Kepner of Marietta; and Travis Nichols of Haymarket, Va. The Oswald Award is named for Penn State's 13th president (1970 to 1983), and awarded to graduating seniors who have provided outstanding leadership in at least one of several activities at the University. For more on this story, go to http://live.psu.edu/story/2770
Graduate students earn citation for outstanding teaching
Penn State will present 10 students with Graduate Assistant Outstanding Teaching Awards during the annual Student Awards Ceremony. The award, jointly sponsored by the Graduate School and the office of the vice provost and dean for undergraduate education, recognizes graduate student teaching assistants for superior instruction in the areas of physical science and engineering, life sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and the arts and humanities. For more on this story, go to http://live.psu.edu/story/2762
Tunceli earns Graduate Service Award
Ozgur Tunceli, a doctoral candidate in agricultural, environmental and regional economics, will be honored with the Graduate Student Service Award. The award recognizes graduate students who combine academic achievement with leadership in University or other activities. For more on this story, go to http://live.psu.edu/story/2763
George, Thomas to receive Jackson Lethbridge Tolerance Award
Edalia George of Long Island, N.Y. and Chris Thomas of Gaithersburg, Md. have been selected to receive Penn State's 2003 Jackson Lethbridge Tolerance Award. The award annually recognizes juniors, seniors, or graduate students for outstanding efforts to enhance the understanding of diverse cultures and create a community where all individuals are accepted and valued equally. It is named for its benefactor, a Penn State alumnus. For more on this story, go to http://live.psu.edu/story/2766
Kline, Mann to receive Ralph Dorn Hetzel Memorial Award
Nathan Kline of Lebanon and Julie Mann of Middletown will both be honored with the Ralph Dorn Hetzel Memorial Award. The award, named for Penn State's 10th president (1926-1947), recognizes a combination of high scholastic attainment together with good citizenship, participation and leadership in student activities. For more on this story, go to http://live.psu.edu/story/2765
Palacios earns Eric A. Walker Award
Jose Luis Palacios of Asturias, Spain will be honored with the Eric A. Walker Award. The award is presented annually to the student who has contributed most to enhancing the reputation of the University through extracurricular activities. Walker was president of the University from 1956 to 1970. For more on this story, go to http://live.psu.edu/story/2772