Hall To Receive Outstanding Adult Student Award

3-27-97

University Park, Pa. -- Joseph D. Hall, a retired U.S. Air Force non-commissioned officer who graduated from Penn State in December 1996 with a bachelor's degree in history and a 3.9 grade-point average, will receive the University's Outstanding Adult Student Award this year. The award will be presented at the University Awards Program on Sunday, April 6.

Hall, who plans to continue his studies and work toward a master's degree in history at Penn State, is an exemplary student who loves his studies and thrives on research projects. After a successful career in the military, he is now succeeding as a student, despite the concurrent challenges of raising a family and making an 80-mile round-trip commute to campus.

Hall has "a sharp intellect, an appreciation for learning, and a drive to absorb as much as possible," says one of his professors. As an undergraduate in a graduate-level seminar, the professor says, Hall was one of the more active participants, "confidently adding information and points of interest or arguing an issue with students of a more advanced academic standing. He expresses himself clearly and he writes well."

Hall says he has constantly tried to be a model student "and to set an example for other adult students, my children, and others to follow. I believe that I have been successful in balancing my academic career with my responsibilities as a husband, father, and son."

Hall feels that his hard work and success have had a positive influence on his high-school-age stepdaughter, who will begin her studies at Penn State this fall. Hall also believes his example has inspired other veterans, "who initially considered returning to school impossible," to enroll in college.

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Contacts:
Alan Janesch (814) 865-7517 (office) axj12@psu.edu
Christy Rambeau (814) 865-7517 (office) cmr7@psu.edu