UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Four Penn State students in their respective areas of leadership have been honored with the 2026 John W. Oswald Award. Awards were given in the following fields: Olivia Fisher, speech and mass media; Emily Danczyk, creative and performing arts; Om Dobariya, scholarship; and Michael Fowler, social services, religious activities and student government.
The John W. Oswald Award, established in 1983, annually recognizes graduating seniors who have provided outstanding leadership in at least one of several areas of activity at the University. The award consists of a medallion honoring John W. Oswald, president of the University from 1970 to 1983.
Olivia Fisher
Fisher is majoring in marketing and minoring in digital media trends and analytics in the Smeal College of Business.
As the executive vice president of the Penn State Lion Ambassadors, nominators said, Fisher has played a key role in planning and leading major events that unite students and alumni.
She led and organized the “Be a Part from the Start” pep rally for incoming freshmen; implemented the “S-Zone” at football games, which required arriving for each game hours early and folding hundreds of shirts each week; and coordinated the “Guard the Lion Shrine” event during Homecoming, among others.
Nominators said these initiatives help to enhance school spirit and strengthen Penn State’s reputation among students, alumni and the community.
Outside of her leadership roles, Fisher gives back through service. She has volunteered for four years with Harmony, a student-run group for children and adults with special needs in the State College area. She has been an active participant in THON as a member of the marketing committee.
“Her commitment to community and philanthropy reflect Penn State’s core values,” a nominator said.
Emily Danczyk
Danczyk is majoring in political science in the College of the Liberal Arts and media studies in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications.
She is a member of the Concert Choir and is currently serving her third term as secretary and social media chair, a position voted for by her peers each spring.
Nominators said examples of Danczyk’s natural leadership tendencies extend well beyond the choir. Since her second semester, she has worked at the Center for Global Studies at Penn State, been a member of EARTH House, and held officer positions.
Additionally, Danczyk volunteered with Central Pennsylvania Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership, a nonprofit organization committed to empowering high school sophomores to develop personal, group and service leadership styles. She also volunteers as an adult mentor and facilitator.
Om Dobariya
Dobariya is majoring in business analytics and information systems with a minor in information sciences and technology from the Smeal College of Business.
Nominators said Dobariya has demonstrated leadership excellence in his role as a resident assistant with Penn State Residence Life and as a teaching assistant in the College of Business.
Dobariya is credited with making a significant impact on the community of international students with special dietary needs. He works to build meaningful connections and helps to make sure that everyone can access meals that meet their religious, medical or other dietary requirements. He said he believes that nourishing food is essential to student well-being, community-building, and a genuine sense of belonging.
“Om is passionate about providing inclusive, culturally respectful meals that can, for many students, profoundly shape their overall experience at Penn State,” a nominator said.
Michael Fowler
Fowler is majoring in political science in the College of the Liberal Arts while minoring in politics and public policy and media studies.
Fowler serves as chair for the University Park Fee Board (UPAC) where, nominators said, he helps to allocate a portion of the student-initiated fee to recognized student organizations on campus.
Nominators said that beyond the fee board, Fowler’s leadership spans advocacy, youth service and public communication.
As president of Lion Caucus, he coordinated advocacy on state appropriations, Pell Grants and Federal Work Study. His earlier service as section chief in the Order of the Arrow — the national honor society of Scouting America — demonstrates a long-standing commitment to service. As an intern in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, he used communications and media to communicate policy to donors and students.