UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Seven Schreyer Scholars and two faculty members have been selected as the recipients of the Schreyer Honors College Awards for the 2025-26 academic year.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our recipients this year,” said Patrick Mather, dean of Schreyer Honors College. “They have done so much for Schreyer and Penn State, and it is an honor to recognize their excellence in academics and service with these awards.”
Scholar awards and recipients
Douglas G. and Regina C. Evans Award for Research Achievement — Jacob Capets
Capets is a chemical engineering major. The Evans Award recognizes a graduating Scholar’s extraordinary research achievement, which is distinguished by high quality, outstanding intellectual value, creativity, commitment, and significance. The award was endowed in 2003 by Scholar alumnus Douglas Evans and his wife, Regina.
Paul Axt Prize — Elise Abbott
Abbott is a psychology and planetary science and astronomy major. This award honors a graduating Scholar who exemplifies a commitment to inquiry, intellectual curiosity and daring — qualities that Paul Axt, founding director of the University Scholars Program, fostered through the honors program. First awarded in 1987, the prize was established by the University in recognition of Axt’s distinguished service.
Robert W. "Bear" Koehler Award for Distinguished Service — Palmer Moore and Sarah Cavanaugh
Moore is a finance major and Cavanaugh is majoring in business administration. This paired award is given to a graduating Scholar and a second- or third-year Scholar from the Smeal College of Business. The honorees are selected for their record of service that exemplifies Bear Koehler’s accomplishments and service while on the faculty and throughout his Penn State career. The award was established by Scholar alumnus Noah Barsky; Smeal College of Business faculty member Charles Smith; and Bear Koehler’s friends, family, students and colleagues.
Usharani C. and C. Channa Reddy Mission Award — Emily Shor, Liam Mercader and Sofia Sarracino
Shor received a bachelors degree in meteorology and atmospheric science; Mercader received a bachelors degree in health policy administration and a masters degree in public health; and Sarracino received a bachelors degree in Earth sciences. The Reddy Mission Award honors graduating Scholars who best exemplify the mission of the College through academic excellence, globalization and civic engagement. It was inaugurated in 2000 and endowed by faculty member Channa Reddy and his wife, Usharani.
Teaching and Advising Awards
Each year Schreyer honors two faculty members with the Teaching and Advising Awards. The faculty are nominated by students to receive the award. The faculty awards and their recipients are as follows:
- The Schreyer Honors College Excellence in Honors Advising Award — Kenneth Levy, professor of psychology in the College of the Liberal Arts
- The Schreyer Honors College Excellence in Honors Teaching Award — Victoria Sadovskaya, professor of mathematics in the Eberly College of Science.
Each Scholar will receive a financial award and a certificate to recognize their achievements, and the faculty members will receive replica Nittany Lion Shrine statues.