UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa -- The Rock Ethics Institute at Penn State announces a call for nominations for its ninth 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 2015 Melissa McCleery, Carolyn McDonald and Parker Werns were honored respectively for their work in helping to prevent sexual violence; poverty; and discrimination against the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. 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.

Any faculty, staff, student or community member worldwide may nominate a Penn State undergraduate student from any commonwealth campus who has demonstrated ethical leadership for initiatives both large and small. Selected honorees will receive a monetary award of $1,000 each, be recognized at a spring 2016 ceremony and in a short video, and highlighted in traditional and digital publicity throughout the University.

To view the profiles of previous Stand Up honorees, visit www.StandUpPSU.com.

The deadline for nominations is Jan. 29, 2016. Nomination information, including online submission links, is available here.