Penn State Lehigh Valley Office of Student Affairs believes in recognizing the hard work and dedication of students outside of the classroom. Students at Penn State Lehigh Valley are constantly working on improving their clubs, serving the local community and planning programs the benefit the campus community. Students, faculty and staff were invited to nominate winners in each category. This year's Student Life Award winners were announced during the Finally Finished Fest on April 28.Student Leader of the Year: Megan MarzellaThe Student Leader of the Year award recognizes a full-time Penn State Lehigh Valley student who has taken on leadership responsibilities and given back to the Penn State Lehigh Valley community. This individual must have exemplary grades and demonstrated a passion for Penn State. Self-nominations are accepted for this award. One of Marzella’s nominators said, “Megan deserves to be Student Leader of the Year for all of her dedication to Penn State Lehigh Valley throughout her academic career. She has taken on leadership roles and was able to balance her academic responsibilities by making dean's list while chairing THON. She is a true example of a Penn State Lehigh Valley success.”Emerging Leader of the Year: Joseph HazlerThe Emerging Leader of the Year award recognizes a first year student who has taken on leadership responsibilities and given back to the Penn State Lehigh Valley community. This individual must have exemplary grades and demonstrated a passion for Penn State. Self-nominations are accepted for this award. One of Hazler’s nominators said, “Joe has taken initiative as a freshman by becoming involved in clubs, not just as a member but as a leader. He is a kind and welcoming leader with good ideas and a strong work ethic. He is a team player and is willing to work hard toward successful outcomes.”Student Organization of the Year: Blue & White SocietyThe Student Organization of the Year award recognizes a student run organization at Penn State Lehigh Valley that has had a successful school year and given back to the campus community. Candidates for this award should have met goals set for the year, followed Penn State policies, and been an active part of the Penn State Lehigh Valley community. Organizations may self-nominate for this award. A nominator said, “This group has helped focus on the Penn State experience and pride, reminding all students of the value of their Penn State education beyond their four years on campus... The club also helped maintain a connection and show continuity between our campus and University Park through participation in the Spirit week and PS I Heart You week.”
Organization Adviser of the Year: Mark Trusz, LAN ClubStudent Organization advisers are all volunteers dedicated to helping students accomplishing their goals. Some advisors go above and beyond the call of duty and this award recognizes their efforts. One of Trusz’s nominators said, “Mark's guidance, energetic spirit, hours of work and help have allowed the LAN club and Engineering club to be the best they can be and the best its members can be, too.”Student Organization Program of the Year: THON Dodgeball TournamentStudent Organization Program of the Year recognizes an event or program planned by a student organization. Our organizations work hard to provide positive experience for their peers on campus. Organizations may self-nominate for this award. A nominator said, “THON has always been a huge thing on campus, but this event allowed the faculty and staff to not only learn more about THON but to meet students that they may have overlooked early in the year. This event wasn't just a kick-off for THON it was a kick-off for Penn State Lehigh Valley. It was a kick-off to new friendships, new partnerships and new experiences.”