UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) recently held its third annual award ceremony to recognize learning assistants (LAs), undergraduate students who coach and mentor students while supporting instructors with teaching-related tasks. The event took place on April 14 at Reese’s Café in Westgate Building at University Park.
The David and Kathy Hozza Learning Assistant Awards recognize LAs for their exemplary commitment to enhancing academic success and creating welcoming learning environments where all students can feel supported and valued. 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 are a testament to our incredible students who invest so much of themselves in helping their peers understand, engage with and succeed in their coursework,” said Erica Fleming, faculty lead for teaching and learning in the College of IST. “This year’s recipients exemplify the dedication, inclusivity and heart that define our learning assistant community.”
IST students and faculty submitted 88 nominations, naming 45 learning assistants. The winners — two returning LAs and two new LAs — each received $200.
- New LA Andrew Eross, a third-year student majoring in data sciences in the College of IST. A student nominator wrote, “This LA assists with technical issues, is consistently available and spends the class period walking around and talking with students.”
- New LA Zachary Irani, a third-year Schreyer Honors Scholar majoring in philosophy in the College of the Liberal Arts. A faculty nominator wrote, “While not an IST student, this LA has been instrumental in helping me to create the first class in a new IST major.”
- Returning LA Sydney Reiter, a second-year Schreyer Honors Scholar majoring in human-centered design and development in the College of IST. A student nominator wrote, “This LA helped me overcome my fear of certain topics that I struggled with.”
- Returning LA Charles Kuter, a fourth-year student majoring in information sciences and technology. A faculty nominator wrote, “What distinguishes this LA is a rare empathy and awareness of classroom dynamics. He notices when students are hesitant or when a discussion is stalling and responds naturally and effectively.”