UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) held its second annual award ceremony to recognize learning assistants (LA), undergraduate students who serve as learning coaches and mentors for students while supporting instructors with teaching-related tasks. The event took place on April 15 at Reese’s Café in Westgate Building.
The David and Kathy Hozza Learning Assistant Award recognizes LAs for their exemplary commitment to student learning, inclusive teaching practices, leadership and innovative perspectives and ideas that advance the College of IST’s commitment to teaching and learning. The awards program is funded by former assistant teaching professor and now part-time adjunct instructor in the College of IST David Hozza and his wife, Kathy.
“The David and Kathy Hozza Learning Assistant Awards celebrate the exceptional contributions of students who support their peers academically within the College of IST and we are deeply grateful to the Hozzas for establishing this meaningful recognition,” said Erica Fleming, assistant director of teaching and learning, who runs the learning assistant program for the college. “This year’s award recipients have shown outstanding dedication not only to enhancing academic success but also to creating welcoming learning environments where all students feel supported and valued.”
Nominations were accepted from students and faculty for two weeks in fall 2024 and two weeks in spring 2025. The college received 105 nominations, naming 56 learning assistants. The winners — two returning LAs and two new LAs — each received $200.
-
New LA Brooke Connelly, a second-year student majoring in cybersecurity analytics and operations, assisted Associate Teaching Professor Jhon Bueno Vesga. According to her faculty nominator, Connelly was highly skilled and exceptionally kind and supportive toward students.
-
New LA Alize Portuguez, a third-year student majoring in cybersecurity analytics and operations, assisted part-time Adjunct Instructor Todd Price. Portuguez provided the guidance and feedback needed to be successful in the course, according to one student nominator.
-
Returning LA Matthew Cleary, a second-year student majoring in cybersecurity analytics and operations, assisted Teaching Professor Ed Glantz. Nominators described Cleary as outgoing and fun and always there to help students in review sessions and labs.
-
Returning LA Shen-Han Chiu, a fourth-year student majoring Data Sciences, assisted Associate Teaching Professor Mathias Fonkam. Chiu was praised for being available during office hours and leaving helpful comments on graded assignments.
Four honorable mentions — Paige Barnes, Vivien Carroll, Kristen Kutufaris and Zayna Talaat — each received $50. These students assisted in course SRA 231: Decision Theory and Analysis, taught by Assistant Teaching Professor Greg Kruczek.
“All four were excellent with respect to character, integrity, responsibility and facilitating classroom activities,” Kruczek said. “They helped students with in-class work, treating them with dignity and respect and encouraging them to feel confident with their progress.”