HAZLETON, Pa. — The 2022-23 academic year was a fulfilling one for Penn State Hazleton rising senior Matt Janson.
The health policy and administration major from Bloomsburg took advantage of academic and engagement opportunities, earning numerous accolades and enriching his Penn State experience through co-curricular activities — all while making a difference as an EMT and certified flight communicator for Geisinger.
“It is always uplifting for us to see a student like Matt capitalize on the opportunities at Penn State Hazleton to learn, engage and have some fun on their path to student success,” Chancellor Elizabeth J. Wright said. “Through his involvement, he has made an impact on campus and developed leadership skills that will benefit him well into his future.”
As president of the campus Lion Ambassadors (LAMBS), Janson acts as a liaison between Penn State Hazleton and prospective students by leading tours and sharing his own experiences as a student — an opportunity he finds most rewarding.
"I just love being able to share my Penn State story with prospective students and to show them all the great things Penn State Hazleton has to offer,” Janson said.
Leading with the LAMBS
Janson’s Penn State story includes roles with the LAMBS, as a statistics tutor, as a member of the Health Policy and Administration Club, and as a frequent participant in campus events. He said he likes getting involved to make friends, work alongside fellow students, get to know faculty and staff, and get the most out of his college experience.
“The one thing I hear from people who’ve graduated college is ‘I regret not doing more,’” he said. “You never hear people say they regret getting involved.”
Through his involvement with LAMBS, Janson helped organize two successful events that each brought hundreds of community members to Penn State Hazleton.
During the first, a trunk-or-treat event held in October, student clubs and organizations, student-athletes, faculty and staff, and other members of the campus community dressed up in costumes and decorated the trunks of their vehicles as costumed children and their families collected Halloween candy. LAMBS helped families register and directed them throughout the event.