WYOMISSING, Pa. –– The Penn State Berks Campus Activities Board (CAB) received multiple awards at the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) Mid Atlantic Virtual Awards Recognition ceremony on Nov. 18. CAB won the Outstanding Program Board Award and the Outstanding Social Program. The organization also received various graphics competition awards including Outstanding Website, Outstanding Printed Materials, Outstanding Video/Animation, and Outstanding Apparel. In addition, Edith Konneh was honored with the Student Leader Award.  

Outstanding Program Board Award 
During the 2020-21 academic year, CAB offered more than 80 events. Due to the pandemic, some programs were hybrid and some were completely virtual. Their signature events include bingo nights, Pinterest crafting events, trivia nights, game shows, free movie nights, and a variety of performers. CAB continued their traditional programs and added unique spins to accommodate students who were virtual. For example, for the crafting series, CAB offered crafting kits that students could either pick up in person or have sent in the mail. 

According to Felicia Nelson, student activities coordinator and CAB adviser, “This year, it was more important than ever to offer a variety of activities when students needed it the most. The CAB executive board found it important to continue our traditional events by incorporating a virtual component so students who were home could still feel connected to the campus.” 

Outstanding Social Program Award 
This award recognizes a program, virtual and in-person, that has significantly impacted campus life and generated substantial interest in the campus community. “Succ Up the Last of Summer” was the social program that received this award. The program included outdoor lawn games, inflatables and a water obstacle course. In addition, there were "Pinterest" crafting activities throughout the event such as decorating pots, planting succulent plants, and painting kindness rocks. CAB offered summer-themed snacks including ice cream, fruit kabobs and lemonade. This event attracted more than 150 students; a sharp increase over the previous year’s event that included 40 students.  

Outstanding Website 
During 2020-21, CAB created a website, which highlights the purpose of CAB, upcoming events, event FAQs, and members of the leadership team. The website is sites.psu.edu/berkscab. 

Outstanding Printed Materials 
The CAB activities calendar took home this award category. The calendar is offered for students, faculty, staff and families to showcase all the activities that are happening at Berks. This is a free resource that clubs, organizations and departments can use to promote their upcoming events and activities. 

Outstanding Video/Animation  
CAB students created a TikTok video for Spring Week to highlight all the upcoming events. The production of the video was overseen by student Maddi Monka, chair of series programming.

Outstanding Apparel  
CAB's Spring Week T-shirt design won this award. The design was created by student Dennis Morales, chair of workers.

Student Leader Award 
Edith Konneh, a junior in elementary and early childhood education at Penn State Berks, was honored with the Student Leader Award, which recognizes active involvement by undergraduate students. This award recipient demonstrates leadership, citizenship and cooperation, as well as an impact in student activities on their campuses. 

Konneh began her academic career at Penn State Berks through the Aspiring Scholars program, which offers support to motivated first-year students. According to the nomination, “Edith participated in many social and educational programs through her first year including volunteer opportunities. In her second year at Berks, Edith became an Aspiring Scholars mentor, secretary of the Student Government Association, vice president of the Pennsylvania State Education Association Club, and the chair of creative programming for the Campus Activities Board. She continues her involvement during her third year by working as a teaching assistant for four academic courses, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Edith demonstrates integrity, commitment, and growth.”  

About the Campus Activities Board (CAB)  
The Penn State Berks Campus Activities Board (CAB) is a student organization. Their purpose is to involve students in creating and planning social events for the campus community while providing a diverse range of programs and creating a more unified campus. CAB prides itself on creating programming for all audiences on campus, while also providing students with leadership skills that will extend well into their career.  All CAB events are free and open to all Berks students, and are offered in both in-person and virtual formats. 

For more information about the Penn State Berks Campus Activities Board, visit their website: sites.psu.edu/berkscab.  

About the National Association for Campus Activities 
The National Association for Campus Activities empowers members to amplify the campus experience through inclusive learning, meaningful connections, and engaging entertainment that transforms college communities. For more information, visit naca.org.