ERIE, Pa. — Penn State Behrend recently honored student leaders and campus organizations at the annual Excellence in Student Leadership and Service Awards, held in McGarvey Commons.
“Each person or group nominated for an award has made a lasting impact on the Behrend community,” said Kelly Shrout, director of Student Affairs at the college. “Through service, leadership and quiet acts of dedication, students have shaped organizations, strengthened connections and created opportunities for others to grow.
“The differences these students have made may not always be visible in headlines,” she said, “but they are deeply felt — in the people supported, the initiatives led and the legacy left behind.”
This year’s recipients included:
- Outstanding Emerging Leader Award: Mason Inesso
- Outstanding Experienced Leader Award: Aaron Bohley
- Outstanding Student Organization President Award: Morgan Goray
- Outstanding New Student Organization: PSBfit
- Outstanding Collaborative Program Award: “Casino Night” — Lion Entertainment Board and Sigma Tau Gamma
- Outstanding Cultural Program Award: “Lunar New Year” — Asian Student Organization, South-East Asian Association and Chinese Cultural Club
- Outstanding Wellness/Educational Program Award: “Pink Puppy Yoga” —Project Paws and PSBfit
- Outstanding New Program Award: “Among Us IRL” — Black Student Union
- Outstanding Program Award: “Peace of Clay” — Delta Alpha Pi, D.A.R.E. and Ceramics Club
- Outstanding Indirect Service Award: “Pups and Cups” — Project Paws
- Outstanding Philanthropy Award: 24 For A Cure / Behrend Benefiting THON
- Outstanding Student Organization (Academic/Honors): Biology Club
- Outstanding Student Organization (Club Sports): PSBfit
- Outstanding Student Organization (Council): Panhellenic Council
- Outstanding Student Organization (Cultural/Religious): South Asian Student Organization
- Outstanding Student Organization (Fraternity/Sorority): Sigma Tau Gamma
- Outstanding Student Organization (Special Interest): Special Olympics Club
- Outstanding Overall Student Organization: Biology Club
- Outstanding Advisor Award: Carol Nicotra
- Guy W. Wilson Award: Zane Lewis
- Student Government Association President’s Award: Prisha Gabani
- Penn State Behrend Alumni Society Leadership Award: Alexander Irwin
- Irvin H. Kochel Lion Ambassador Awards: Jillian Warner, Emily Warrene and Anisha Tiwari
- Pride of the Lion Award: Owen Kagle
- Outstanding Adult Leader Award: Jack Neupert
- BBLAC Emerging Leader Award: Leeana Lucas
Three service awards also were presented:
- Christopher M. Geitner Award: Sripriya Ambatipudi
- Dr. Martin Luther King Individual Service Award: Brooke Korb
- Dr. Martin Luther King Organization Service Award: South Asian Student Organization
“These awards are more than recognition,” Shrout said. “They are a reminder of what is possible when individuals choose to lead with purpose, serve with humility and invest in something greater than themselves. Our students’ time here is limited; their impact does not have to be.”