UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Adult Learner Programs and Services, a unit of Penn State Student Affairs, announced the recipients for the 2022 Outstanding Adult Student Award. The Outstanding Adult Student Award recognizes an exceptional adult learner or student veteran at University Park who has overcome obstacles while furthering his or her education. Nominees balance multiple roles, serve as role models for other students and achieve academically.
This year’s recipients were Katrina Bynum, biobehavioral health and microbiology, and Jodi Thompson, elementary and early childhood education.
“It gives me great pleasure to be the founder of the Adult Learner Opportunity Fund and to recognize and award such outstanding students each year,” said Leslie Laing, director for Adult Learner Programs and Services. “At Penn State's University Park campus we have nearly 2,000 adults, veterans and student parents seeking their first degrees. Both Katrina and Jodi have magnificent stories that inspire us all to succeed. Juggling their multiple roles, responsibilities, excelling academically and finding ways to volunteer and serve our community is admirable and even more noteworthy during the confines of the pandemic.”
Bynum began her studies in 2012. In 2018, she reapplied to Penn State Abington campus to complete her degree. In 2019, she transferred to University Park. During her time at Penn State, Bynum has served as a Lion Ambassador, a peer educator with Health Promotion and Wellness, president of Adult Learners at Penn State student organization, and vice president of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. She plays on the Quidditch team and serves as a learning and research assistant for the department of biochemistry and molecular biology.
"This award is a huge help, and I can't thank the Commission on Adult Leaners or Leslie's office enough for the tremendous support they've provided me during my time here at Penn State,” said Bynum. “I would not have been able to continue my program without their help."
During the pandemic, Bynum took classes to prepare herself and now volunteers as an EMT with Centre Life Link Emergency Medical Services serving Centre County. According to her nominations, Bynum “demonstrates remarkable leadership qualities, commitment and dedication to the Penn State community. Her critical roles as a health educator, tutor and EMS worker impact us all for the better. She has an extraordinary work ethic as she hurdles everyday challenges and advocates for others. Katrina exemplifies what it means to live your learning.”
Thompson began her Penn State journey in 1993. In 2019, she returned to resume her studies in the College of Education. Thompson is a first-generation student and always wanted to become a teacher. She currently serves as a teacher in Mifflin County and is a mom attending classes with her 20-year-old-daughter, both at University Park. During the pandemic, Thompson often provided home-cooked meals and rides to other students when needed. She even brought a coffee maker to the classroom to ease the burden for her cohort during their three-hour class.
“Winning this award, and sharing it with Katrina, who is such an amazing woman, enabled me to reflect on who I am, both personally and academically. I have gained the understanding that limitations to learning are only present if you yourself place them there. It is an awareness that is life changing and I can only hope others will believe in themselves enough to acquire,” said Thompson.
According to her nominations, Thompson “collaborates and inspires her classmates and provides a critical lens encouraging equity and access to the sciences to reduce the systemic inequities. Jodi is a learner, classmate, wife and mother whose leadership is admired and respected.”
“Whether it takes you five years or a decade to complete your educational goals, the journey is challenging. Having a mentor, advocate and network makes all the difference. Adult Learner Programs and Services is proud to support and champion the needs of nontraditional students. Together, we achieve more,” said Laing.
All the award nominees were honored during a luncheon on April 7. Grants for the award recipient are provided through the Adult Learner Opportunity Fund. To support the next generation of adult and veteran students, consider making a donation to the fund by calling 1-888-800-9163 or making a gift online.