UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Jessie Jenkins, a junior majoring in rehabilitation and human services in the College of Education at Penn State, is the recipient of the 2018 Jackson Lethbridge Tolerance Award.
The award recognizes a junior, senior or graduate student for outstanding efforts to enhance the understanding of diverse cultures and create a community where all individuals are accepted and valued equally. The award is named for its benefactor, a Penn State alumnus.
Jenkins is passionate about helping others and has spent countless hours with several organizations tasked with bettering the lives of others.
As vice-president for Special Olympics of Pennsylvania, Jenkins organized a floor hockey event, which involved more than 20 teams and several events. A nominator said Jenkins’ involvement with this group, where she has volunteered for many years, shows her “appreciation of differences and her belief in promoting responsible citizenship.”
Jenkins also volunteered with the Centre County Women’s Resource Center as an overnight counselor and advocate. There, Jenkins provided counseling and advocacy for shelter residents, developed and discussed goals with residents, and helped maintain the building’s security.
As a member of the LGBTQA Student Resource Center at Penn State, Jenkins supports and values the mission of the center, which is to create and maintain an open, safe and inclusive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer students at Penn State.
“Jessie believes in equality for all students at Penn State and she is very involved in advocating for those who might be viewed as different,” the nominator said. She has participated in marches promoting diversity on campus. Throughout her lifetime, Jessie has always stood up for civil respect and for acceptance of all people. Her involvement in promoting appreciation and respect for diversity have grown during her time at Penn State. She continues to make a difference for Penn State’s diverse population.”