UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s Office of Student Leadership and Involvement, a unit in the division of Student Affairs, is now accepting nominations for its annual Student Achievement Awards. These awards recognize undergraduate and graduate students for their outstanding achievements in and outside of the classroom.
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to submit nominations through Dec. 11. Nominations for the Student Achievement Awards will be considered for the Eric A. Walker Award, John W. Oswald Award, and the Ralph Dorn Hetzel Memorial Award and are open to graduating seniors who will be part of the Class of 2026.
The nomination link for each award can be found in the award description below. Note that you need to sign in to Discover to nominate or be nominated. The Student Leadership and Involvement Student Achievement Awards include:
The Eric. A Walker Award
Presented to a graduating senior, this award recognizes a senior student whose activities and achievements have enhanced the public esteem and renown of Penn State. This award is for University Park students only.
The John W. Oswald Award
Recognizing graduating seniors who have provided outstanding leadership in at least one of the areas of scholarship, athletics, social services, religious activities, student government, journalism, speech, mass media, or creative performing arts. This award is for University Park students only.
The Ralph Dorn Hetzel Memorial Award
These awards recognize the achievements and potential of outstanding undergraduate students who have demonstrated the qualities of responsible leadership during their college careers and give promise of public-spirited achievement in the future. This award will be presented only to graduating members of the senior class who have shown outstanding academic achievement and have demonstrated leadership in university or other public activities. This award is open to students from all Penn State campuses.
Graduate Student Service Award
An award recognizing the graduate student who has best combined high academic achievement with leadership in university or other public activities.
The Jackson Lethbridge Tolerance Award
Recognizing broad-minded students who openly promote responsible citizenship and civil respect for diversity within the Penn State community while emphasizing a nature of respectful tolerance for the differences among our constituents. This award is open to students from all Penn State campuses.
Nominations
For more details and to nominate a deserving student, visit the Student Affairs website for nomination criteria and submission instructions. Nominations are now being accepted through Dec. 11 at 11:15 p.m. All nominations are accepted through Discover, which requires the nominator to be signed into their Penn State access account.
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 studentaffairs.psu.edu.