UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Rock Ethics Institute at Penn State announces a call for nominations for its 10th annual Stand Up Awards in recognition of undergraduate students at the University’s campuses who have demonstrated ethical leadership in taking a stand for a person, cause or belief. The goal of the award is to recognize courageous individuals and to inform the entire Penn State community about how often the extraordinary act is possible in ordinary circumstances.
For example, in spring of 2016 Alanna Kaiser, Nathan Larkin, and Jaden Rankin-Wahlers were honored respectively for their dedication to social justice on the ethics of climate change and fossil fuel divestment; environmental justice to address climate change and its impacts on vulnerable populations; and raising awareness and combating student poverty and homelessness. These student leaders faced difficult challenges, social pressures and conflicting claims concerning what to do. But, through their courage and determination to make the world a better place, they stood up for their beliefs. These individuals are part of a growing group of Penn State Stand Up Award recipients who meet the challenge, stand up and make a difference in the world.