UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Schreyer Honors College is now accepting nominations for the 2023 Neil C. Patel Memorial Changemaker Scholarship, and the nomination window is open until Feb. 27. Schreyer Scholars in good standing at any Penn State campus are eligible, and the Changemaker Scholarship nomination form is available online. Any Penn State faculty or staff member is encouraged to submit a nomination.  

When Schreyer Scholar Neil Patel sadly passed away from COVID-19 in 2021, he left a legacy of commitment to family, community, education and opportunity. Each year the Schreyer Honors College pays tribute to his memory by awarding a Changemaker Scholarship to a Scholar who exemplifies Patel’s values. 

“Neil is lovingly remembered by friends, family and the Schreyer community for his desire to give back and be a force for positive change in the world,” said Patrick Mather, dean of the Schreyer Honors College. “We are grateful to be able to help carry on his legacy by recognizing Scholars who live out the ‘changemaker’ ethos.” 

The Changemaker Scholarship recipient will earn a monetary award and will be recognized at a spring event. They will join Nora Van Horn, the inaugural recipient, as Changemaker Scholarship honorees. 

Upon the creation of the Changemaker Scholarship, Neil’s father, Chet, shared a heartfelt message of hope that Neil’s life will serve as an inspiration to Scholars who receive the award. 

“Be there for people. Make a difference. And live life with grit. It’s OK to fail. You just have to get up again, take responsibility, and keep working,” he said. “From the time Neil was born, he was surrounded by family and friends who believed in him. He fed off the support, and he paid it forward by making time for his community. It didn’t matter if he was rushed or busy, he was always present in the moment.”