Student makes impact as Liberal Arts Undergraduate Council president

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — When Isabelle Ems arrived at Penn State from her hometown of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, she wasn’t looking for just a major, but a community where she could grow as a leader, expand her academic passions and make a lasting impact. Today, as a Schreyer Scholar, Paterno Fellow and president of the Liberal Arts Undergraduate Council (LAUC) during its milestone 50th anniversary year, she’s doing exactly that.

Ems, a political science major with an English minor, said her time in the College of the Liberal Arts has been defined by curiosity, collaboration and empowerment.

“The value of a liberal arts education is the chance to develop critical thinking, become a stronger communicator and learn how to analyze complex issues from multiple perspectives,” she said. “I’ve been able to take knowledge from the classroom and apply it directly to event planning, problem-solving and leadership opportunities outside of class.”

Ems’ involvement spans some of Penn State’s most visible student organizations. Beyond LAUC, she serves as internal director of State of State, university relations director for Lion Ambassadors, and a member of Lion Caucus, where she advocates for Penn State students to state and federal lawmakers. Each role, she said, has strengthened her ability to lead, collaborate and advocate effectively.

This past summer, Ems gained professional experience as a Chapel Executive Intern, an opportunity made possible by the Virginia Todd Chapel Internship Program. The program connects Liberal Arts students to business and private sector roles while providing financial support to ensure students can pursue internships without financial barriers.

Ems worked with the government affairs team at Hilton in northern Virginia, where she researched legislation, collaborated across departments and connected with executive leaders to better understand the role of corporate advocacy. A highlight of her internship was attending the AHLA Foundation’s No Room for Trafficking Summit, where leaders across the hospitality industry came together to discuss ways to fight human trafficking.

“It was inspiring to watch so many companies and organizations collaborate to further their impact against human trafficking,” Ems said. “The hospitality industry plays such a critical role in prevention and recovery efforts and seeing that work firsthand was transformative.”

Ems credits the Chapel Internship award for making the experience possible.

“Living in northern Virginia is costly,” she said. “The support fully funded my housing and professional wardrobe and gave me the freedom to explore Washington, D.C. It was a pivotal part of my internship experience.”

Back on campus, Ems has poured her energy into leading LAUC. The organization has shaped her Penn State journey since her first semester.

“LAUC was the first organization I joined at Penn State, and it’s been pivotal in shaping who I am as a student and leader,” she said. “To now be president during its 50th anniversary year is an incredible honor.”

To mark the milestone, LAUC is launching its “Fifty Years, Countless Voices” campaign, highlighting the many students who have contributed to the College of the Liberal Arts community over the decades. Liberal Arts students are invited to attend LAUC’s 50th Anniversary Kickoff Celebration on Tuesday, Oct. 7, from noon to 2 p.m. in the Sparks Building lobby.

Ems said she is especially proud of a recent LAUC initiative that brought local legislators to campus, giving students a direct platform to discuss tuition affordability, sustainability and local economic development.

“I see LAUC’s role as providing space for every student in the college, no matter their major or career goals, to find community and connection,” she said. “We create events that build relationships, encourage civic engagement and allow students to shape their own Penn State experience.”

The same three words — collaborative, empowering and curious — surfaced again as Ems reflected on her journey. Collaboration has defined her classes and leadership roles, she said. Empowerment has come from the resources, mentorship and professional opportunities she’s accessed, especially through the college’s Career Enrichment Network, which she calls “one of the most impactful resources in the college.” And curiosity continues to drive her academically and professionally.

Looking back, she said her greatest growth has come from learning to lean on others.

“Early in my leadership experience, I struggled to ask for help,” she said. “But being in these roles taught me the importance of collaboration and using others’ perspectives to find better solutions.”

Whether it was leading the 2025 State of State Conference, representing the college as LAUC president, or building her professional network in Washington, D.C., Ems said her Liberal Arts education has prepared her for whatever comes next.

“My Chapel Internship, my leadership roles and my academic experience have made me a stronger leader and more thoughtful when problem-solving,” she said. “I feel ready to step into the next chapter knowing I’ve been shaped by the best of what Penn State has to offer.”

And her advice to younger Liberal Arts students?

“Put yourself out there,” she said. “Go to office hours, introduce yourself and step outside of your comfort zone. Each opportunity builds on the last, and the more curious and open you are, the more doors will open for you.”