UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Natalia Reed, a senior double majoring in psychology and rehabilitation and human services with a minor in deafness and hearing studies in the colleges of Education and Liberal Arts at Penn State, has been named the 2022 recipient of the Eric A. Walker Award.
The award is presented annually to the student who has contributed most to enhancing the reputation of the University through extracurricular activities. Walker was president of Penn State from 1956 to 1970.
Nominators said Reed’s strongest attribute is her passion for both personal and professional growth, and subsequently nurturing those ideas with others. In numerous roles on campus, she’s made an impact.
In her role as resident assistant (RA), nominators said, she’s been a valuable resource who focuses on community building, organization and enthusiasm for the professional development of those around her. She’s also passionate about training and setting an example for other RAs.
“Natalia’s personality, engagement and work ethic make her stand out from many of the other RAs who I have supervised,” a nominator said. “She has excelled in her work as a RA, as well as extracurriculars. These experiences demonstrate her ability to effectively organize, encourage and engage those she works alongside.”
Additionally, Reed is the primary THON chair for the Penn State women’s club soccer team and danced in both THON 2021 and THON 2022.
Reed is also a logistics coordinator for the student organization Aurora, vice president of Psi Chi, founding president of the Educators Rising Club, and is a co-coach for the Penn State women’s club soccer team, which recently won a national championship.
Academically, nominators said Reed also shines. She’s a McNair Scholar and also conducts research in the Cole Emotion Regulation Lab. She’s also been a teaching assistant and adjunct instructor.
Most recently, she has been interning at the Jana Marie Foundation, a local nonprofit that promotes mental well-being and suicide prevention.