UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — On April 7, the Paul Robeson Cultural Center (PRCC) celebrated student success and the history of Paul Robeson with its annual Legacy Awards event at the HUB-Robeson Center. The Legacy Awards honored students who showcased the principles of integrity, leadership, scholarship, activism and service.
Previously named the Paul Robeson Birthday Bash, the Legacy Awards recognized eight students who embody the PRCC’s values, all of which align with both Paul Robeson’s legacy and the mission of the PRCC. The PRCC’s Student Liaison Board voted on the name change to better reflect the purpose of the event. This year’s theme, "Then, Now, Always," reflects the PRCC’s history, while showcasing where they are now and where they are headed as a collective.
“Each award, speech performance and presenter reflected the PRCC community’s ongoing commitment to the values of leadership, social justice and service,” said Spandan Ghevriya, graduate assistant with the Paul Robeson Cultural Center. “We are honoring the change-makers of then and uplifting the leaders of now to ensure their impact always continues.”
Recipients for the 2026 Paul Robeson Legacy Awards include:
Ambassador of the Year Award
The recipient of this award is a PRCC undergraduate student employee who has demonstrated a strong work ethic, exceptional leadership skills and a significant contribution to the PRCC’s goal of fostering an inclusive environment.
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Christopher Sarpong
Humanitarian Award
The recipient of this award is an undergraduate or graduate level student who has significant involvement and service within the Penn State, State College or greater community.
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Noa Diggs
Athlete Award
The recipient of this award is an undergraduate-level student athlete (club or varsity sports) who has demonstrated a commitment to social justice within the Penn State, State College or greater community while in an athletic role.
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Nya Robinson
Artist & Activism Award
The recipient of this award is an undergraduate-level student who demonstrates and promotes an awareness of social justice through their work as an artist.
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Diane Akpovwa
Social Justice Leader Award
The recipient of this award is an undergraduate or graduate level student who has demonstrated a continued pursuit of social justice and advocacy within the Penn State, State College or greater community.
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Danielle Richard
Academic Excellence Award
The recipient of this award is 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 2.8 or higher.
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Mia Cruz
Image Award
The recipient of this award is an undergraduate or graduate-level student who embraces the mission of the PRCC and demonstrates a continued pursuit of respect and inclusion.
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Charity Williams
Pioneer Award
The recipient of this award is a graduate-level student who has provided leadership to undergraduate students through their engagement in the Penn State community.
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Sumant Dilip Rokade
Student of the Year Award
The recipient of the PRCC Student of the Year Award is an undergraduate or graduate student who, through their actions, has made a difference in the Penn State community and, through their actions, words and example, has showcased the values of the PRCC.
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Yarely Gonzalez-Martinez
The Paul Robeson Cultural Center, a unit within Penn State Student Affairs, supports students through programs, resources and community-building initiatives that explore identity, culture, and social issues. Located in the HUB-Robeson Center, the center fosters belonging, leadership and engagement by providing opportunities for students to connect across cultures and perspectives. Rooted in the legacy of Paul Robeson, the center promotes dialogue, learning, and collaboration that contribute to a campus community rooted in belonging.
Penn State Student Affairs supports holistic student success through advocacy, education, engagement and care. With more than 30 programs and units, Student Affairs helps students thrive in and out of the classroom, discover community and belonging, build leadership skills, and create lasting memories. All programs and events are open to all students, regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race or other protected class. Student Affairs is committed to building a community of belonging for all. Learn more about Student Affairs programs at the Student Affairs website.