Student Affairs

Penn State recognizes Outstanding Adult Student Award winners

Gabrielle Swavely, David Pearce, and Sukainah Mohammed Aldarweesh receive their Outstanding Adult Student Awards. Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s Adult Learner Programs and Services announced the winners of the Outstanding Adult Student Award.

The Outstanding Adult Student Award — which includes a Penn State diploma case and a $500 grant — recognizes an exceptional adult learner or student veteran at University Park who has overcome obstacles while furthering his or her education. Nominees balance multiple responsibilities, serve as role models for other students, and achieve academically.

This year’s winners were Gabrielle Swavely, Sukainah Mohammed Aldarweesh and David Pearce.

Gabrielle Swavely

Swavely, a fourth-year agricultural sciences major, came to Penn State in 2020 to expand her agricultural knowledge and support her desire to pursue dairy farming. Despite the challenges of beginning her education during the COVID-19 pandemic, Swavely worked hard to further her academic standing.

“After that first semester or two of faltering, I really looked at my GPA and I looked at what I wanted to do and I said ‘I really can’t muddle through this. I actually have to put my nose to the grindstone,’” Swavely said. “I’ve done very well academically, so I’m very proud of myself for that.”

In addition to her studies, Swavely is a member of the Centre County Dairy Promotion Committee, as well as a baton coach and twirling instructor for local baton and silks team Nittany Dreamers. Swavely, a State College native, works on a family friends’ farm every day, waking up at 4 or 5 a.m. to complete chores before class and stopping back after class to manage afternoon chores.

Swavely said receiving the Outstanding Adult Student Award and accompanying scholarship was a weight lifted off her shoulders.

“To me, it meant the entire world, to not only receive the scholarship and be recognized for my efforts, but also to know that there’s a team of people behind me at Penn State that fully support people who want to go back to school or continue their education at Penn State,” Swavely said.

Swavely plans to work as a herd manager at a local dairy farm after graduation in May.

Sukainah Mohammed Aldarweesh

Aldarweesh, a second-year media studies major, said receiving the award motivates her to keep up her hard work.

Aldarweesh came to Penn State from Saudi Arabia in 2021. While caring for her six children and completing coursework, Aldarweesh has been involved in the student-run newspaper the Daily Collegian and the News Literacy Ambassador program. She has also served as a teaching assistant (TA) for a telecommunications course.

“When I first came to Penn State, I felt so overwhelmed. I couldn't imagine that I would be able to be part of any activity other than my classes,” Aldarweesh said. “However, I was so determined and I worked hard to manage my responsibilities — and I did.”

David Pearce

Pearce, a fourth-year wildlife and fisheries student, began his Penn State education at the Harrisburg campus in spring 2019. Outside of his classes, Pearce worked as a diesel mechanic, often ending his workday at midnight and returning to campus for class at 8 a.m.

In the midst of the pandemic, Pearce came to University Park to pursue the wildlife and fisheries program in fall 2020. He is involved in the Wildlife Society, the Society of American Foresters and the National Wild Turkey Federation. He is also the undergraduate representative for the Ecosystem Science and Management Alumni group.

“I didn’t know if I’d get the scholarship. I thought it was a shot in the dark. Penn State’s a big campus, and everyone’s so deserving of these kinds of things,” Pearce said. “I was really honored to get the award. It meant a lot. It helped me to feel that all the effort I put in over the last couple years and all the risks I’ve taken — leaving a full-time job to pursue school — was worth it.”

Pearce said he has gained “a ton of experience” working in various professors’ research labs and assisting environmental consultants. Upon graduation in May, he will attend Texas A&M for graduate school. He hopes to pursue a career as a research ecologist or a professor.

Leslie Laing, director of Adult Learner Programs and Services, values service on campus and in the surrounding community. She is the proud founder of the Adult Learner Opportunity Fund.

“It gives me great joy to recognize and honor nontraditional students pursuing their undergraduate degrees,” Laing said. “Highlighting their ability to navigate the road less traveled and bringing awareness to the unique challenges they have overcome inspires future generations.”  

Adult Learner Programs and Services — a unit of Student Affairs — provides advocacy, mentorship, programming and resources for non-traditional undergraduate students during their educational journey.

Last Updated April 24, 2023