UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Paul Robeson, the man for whom the Paul Robeson Cultural Center (PRCC) is named, is considered by many to have been one of the most brilliant figures of his time. To celebrate Robeson, the PRCC, a unit in the division of Student Affairs, held its Annual Birthday Bash, not only highlighting his 127th birthday, but presented awards to 11 student recipients that recognize individuals who have exemplified the principles of integrity, leadership, scholarship, activism and service, all of which align with both Robeson’s legacy and the center's mission.
A.B. Bejar, PRCC programming coordinator, said, “Understanding the meaning and legacy behind this birthday bash and experiencing the joy each of the 11 award recipients felt towards receiving their recognition, is something that I'm pleased to carry on here at Penn State. Being recognized by your peers and community from a multicultural and international standpoint has been the greatest honor to provide to these student recipients.”
This is the second time that Bejar has coordinated the Paul Robeson Birthday Bash and, he said, he has already begun planning for 2026.
Undergraduates as well as graduate students are eligible to be nominated for the awards that are presented annually at the event. Eight out of 10 awards are determined by the PRCC’s Student Liaison Board, comprised of 15 multicultural and international undergraduate and graduate student organizations. The remaining awards recognize the center's student staff team and are determined by the leadership team.
Recipients for the 2025 Paul Robeson Cultural Center Birthday Awards include:
- Programming Ambassador of the Year Award — Andrea Burgos Mercado
- This award is presented to a PRCC Programming Ambassador who has demonstrated a high level of proficiency in programming, a strong work ethic, exceptional leadership skills, and a significant contribution to the PRCC’s goal of fostering an inclusive environment.
- Marketing Ambassador of the Year Award — Kennedy Walker and Shyanne Torres
- This award is presented to a PRCC Marketing Ambassador who has demonstrated a high level of proficiency in marketing, a strong work ethic, exceptional leadership skills and a significant contribution to the PRCC’s goal of fostering an inclusive environment.
- Humanitarian Award — Rasha Elwakil
- This award goes to a recipient who has significant involvement and service within the Penn State, State College or greater community, related to the advancement of people of color.
- Athlete Award — Katelyn Roberts
- This award is presented to an undergraduate level student athlete (club or varsity sport) that has demonstrated a commitment to social justice within Penn State, State College, or the greater community while in an athletic role.
- Artist & Activisms Award — Schylar Satchell
- Presented to an undergraduate level student that demonstrates and promotes an awareness of social justice through their work as an artist
- Social Justice Leader Award — Jayden Foxx
- This recipient is an undergraduate or graduate student that has demonstrated a continued pursuit of social justice and advocacy within Penn State, State College, or the greater community.
- Academic Excellence Award — Jayden Foxx
- This award is presented to an undergraduate level student who excels in the classroom while maintaining a consciousness of social issues outside the classroom. Candidates for this award must have a GPA of a 2.8 or higher.
- Image Award — Zachariah Hamer-Lang
- This recipient is an undergraduate or graduate level student who embraces the mission of the PRCC and demonstrates continued pursuit of respect and inclusion.
- Pioneer Award — Mahmudul Hasan
- A graduate level student who has provided leadership to undergraduate students through their engagement in the community of color at Penn State.
- Student of the Year Award — Brooklynn Jones
- This award is presented to an undergraduate or graduate student who through their actions have made a difference in the people of color community at Penn State and through their actions, words and examples have showcased the values of the PRCC.
The PRCC provides programming and support to capture the appreciation and celebration of diverse ideals and experiences. It has been the foundation of the center, which continues to instill and reinforce concepts like respect, acceptance, understanding, social and cultural competency, responsibility, civility, meaningful relationships, and the appreciation of the many individuals, cultures and communities' which comprise the student, faculty, staff and community population of the University Park campus and State College.
For more information about the PRCC, visit the center located on the ground level of the the HUB-Robeson Center or sign up to receive the center's weekly e-newsletter, which details their upcoming events, programs and opportunities.