Campus Life

Rock Ethics Institute seeks nominations for annual Stand Up Awards

All campuses, all colleges encouraged to nominate undergraduate ethics leaders

Credit: David PriceAll Rights Reserved.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Rock Ethics Institute is now accepting nominations for its 2021 Stand Up Awards.

The annual Stand Up Awards recognize Penn State undergraduate students who have demonstrated ethical leadership by "standing up" for a cause, idea or belief. By honoring and celebrating their courageous examples, the awards aim to inspire others at Penn State to become ethical leaders.

Any faculty, staff, student or community member may nominate undergraduate students in any major from any campus for a Stand Up Award.

"2020 has been a difficult year, but it's also been a year when people have demonstrated tremendous courage in responding to the challenges their communities are facing. We want to know from you which Penn State students have impressed you with their ethical leadership," said Ben Jones, assistant director of the Rock Ethics Institute.

Students nominated for a 2021 Stand Up Award must have been enrolled full time at the University for at least one semester during the 2020-21 academic year.

Each 2021 award winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize and be honored during the Stand Up Awards ceremony on Thursday, April 22, 2021. The institute also will produce a video and other media to share the stories of honorees on campus and throughout the local community.

Past winners have demonstrated ethical leadership in many different areas, from mental health advocacy to fighting for immigrant rights. Each Stand Up honoree has a unique story of courage and determination in their efforts to create a more just world.

Nominations for the 2021 Stand Up Awards must be submitted online at StandUpNoms.com no later than Feb. 5, 2021.

Additional information about the Stand Up Awards, including profiles of previous honorees, also can be found at StandUpPSU.com. For additional information on this year’s awards, contact Ben Jones, assistant director of the Rock Ethics Institute, at btj7@psu.edu.

The Rock Ethics Institute was established in 2001 through the support of Doug and Julie Rock. The Institute promotes engaged ethics research and ethical leadership from its home in Penn State’s College of the Liberal Arts.

Last Updated April 15, 2021

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