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2020-2021 Academic & Student Achievement Awards Penn State New Kensington

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Chancellor's Address

Dr. Kevin Snider

Message from the Director of Academic Affairs

Dr. Andrea Adolph

Special Note: Academic student awardees were asked to submit brief bios highlighting their academic careers and future goals. Bios, in alphabetical order by name, can be viewed by clicking on the following button.

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

(Baccalaureate Degree)

Graeson Nordby (Sophomore)

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

(Baccalaureate Degree)

Nathan Litzinger (Sophomore)

Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology

(Baccalaureate Degree)

Samuel Ramsey (Sophomore)

Sedona Rogers (Senior)

Karen Whittaker (Junior)

Biomedical Engineering Technology

(Associate Degree)

Nathan Brazelton (Sophomore)

COLLEGE OF NURSING

(Baccalaureate Degree)

Lindsey King (Senior)

Megan Sowol (Junior)

THE JOSEPH A. AND MARY M. QUARATO NURSING PROGRAM AWARD

Honors and recognizes outstanding achievement by undergraduate students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science for Registered Nurses program and who achieved a minimum grade-point average of 3.0.

Anthony King

Jill McGregor

THE JOSEPH A. AND MARY M. QUARATO NURSING PROGRAM AWARD

EBERLY COLLEGE OF SCIENCE

(Baccalaureate Degree)

Jayci Sekeras (Sophomore)

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

Administration of Justice

(Baccalaureate Degree)

Kaylea Kemp (Sophomore)

Farid Nafash (Sophomore)

Mary Shaw (Sophomore)

Administration of Justice

Biobehavioral Health

(Baccalaureate Degree)

Emily Yourish (Senior)

Michel Nafash (Junior)

Michelle Rollinson (Junior)

Business Administration

(Baccalaureate Degree)

Hailey Dikun (Senior)

Olivia Ferrante (Senior)

Hannah Comeau (Sophomore)

Business Administration

Communications

(Baccalaureate Degree)

Melissa Sedlacek (Senior)

Information Sciences and Technology

(Baccalaureate Degree)

Robert Holmes (Senior)

Noah Miller (Junior)

Bevanny Stearman (Sophomore)

Project and Supply Chain Management

(Baccalaureate Degree)

Moriah Kromer (Senior)

Nicholas Snyder (Junior)

Psychology

(Baccalaureate Degree)

Benjamin Edwards (Senior)

Yanuo Zhou (Senior)

Kylie Meyer (Junior)

Ashley Sovitski (Sophomore)

Psychology

Radiological Sciences

(Associate Degree)

Tyler Fedak (Sophomore)

Shayna Prahl (Sophomore)

Nicole Weiblinger (Sophomore)

DIVISION OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES

Gianna Foglia (Sophomore)

HONORS PROGRAM

Honors certificates are presented to students who completed the requirements for the Honors Program.

Four-Year Participants

Sedona Rogers

Three-Year Participants

Cameron Clark

Kylie Meyer

Two-Year Participants

Nathan Litzinger

Graeson Nordby

Sarah Offen

Samuel Ramsey

Elizabeth Schachte

Aurora Stover

One-Year Participants

Ally Albert

Thomas Bender

Bryce Eddy

Matthew Heavner

Abigail Kane

Samantha Kravits

Michel Nafash

Anthony Palyszeski

Auveonna Perkins

Nathaniel Rondinelli

Remy Stone

HONORS PROGRAM

THE EVAN PUGH SCHOLAR AWARD

This award is presented annually to juniors and seniors who are in the upper 0.5 percent of their respective classes and have completed at least 48 Penn State credits at the end of the fall semester.

Olivia Ferrante (Senior)

Thomas Slancauskas (Senior)

THE PRESIDENT’S FRESHMAN AWARD

Presented to undergraduate degree candidates and provisional students who earned a 4.0 cumulative grade-point average (GPA) at the end of the fall semester.

Jenrola Odunaye Adewole

Lydia Antonace

Kalina Boshkovska

Stephanie Conklin

Laurel Cowling

James Izatt

Abigail Kane

Izabel Kislan

Jivin Ngompe Mambou

Nathaniel Rondinelli

Delaney Tevelonis

THE PRESIDENT’S FRESHMAN AWARD

THE PRESIDENT’S SPARKS AWARD

Presented to undergraduate degree candidates earning 4.0 cumulative grade-point averages (GPA) with at least 36 credits.

Nathan Litzinger

Anthony Manso

Samuel Ramsey

Bevanny Stearman

EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARDS

Faculty have three areas of responsibility -- teaching, research/scholarly activity, and service. This award recognizes a faculty member’s contribution in teaching. The principal criterion is excellent classroom performance, but excellence in other activities such as advising, supervision of learning outside the classroom, and course development are considered.

FULL-TIME FACULTY

Dr. Kristen Pueschel

Assistant Teaching Professor of Mathematics

Kristen Pueschel did her undergraduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh. She earned her doctoral degree from Cornell University, and was a Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Arkansas for a year before joining Penn State New Kensington in 2017. She was a Project NExT Fellow and is an active participant in the local section of the Mathematical Association of America. Her scholarly interests are in math education and geometric group theory. One of Dr. Pueschel's first math talks was to the math department at PSNK with her husband, a PSNK alumnus. In her spare time, she enjoys travel, eating and watching birds with her cat.

PART-TIME FACULTY

Ronald Seyko

Adjunct Instructor of Administration of Justice

Ron Seyko started teaching criminal justice courses at Penn State New Kensington in 2017, not long after retiring as the chief probation officer for Allegheny County Adult Probation and Parole. For 35½ years, Ron worked in both the juvenile and criminal court systems of the Fifth Judicial District of Pennsylvania as a probation officer, supervisor, manager, deputy director and chief probation officer. Ron holds a master’s degree in administration of justice from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree from Penn State. Prior to teaching at Penn State New Kensington, Ron taught criminal justice and criminology courses, on a part-time basis beginning in 1995, at various universities in the western Pennsylvania area. In addition, Ron instructed police recruits at the Allegheny County Police Training Academy for 16 years.

Ron’s hobbies include traveling, photography and baseball history. A lifelong sports enthusiast, as a participant and as a fan, he is looking forward to attending Pittsburgh Pirates and Penguins games with his wife again this year.

ARLENE HALL SERVICE AWARD

Each year, faculty of Penn State New Kensington nominate outstanding faculty for the Arlene E. Hall Excellence in Service Award in recognition of high-quality service to the campus, college, University, discipline and the community as a representative of the University.

Dr. Allen Larson

Associate Professor of Communications

Allen Larson learned about the vital importance of faculty governance and service, and about the ethics and the responsibility of this service to preserve the highest aspirations of higher education, through his wonderful New Kensington colleagues and mentors over the past 18 years, including, although not certainly limited to Dr. Jennifer Wood, Dr. Bill Hamilton, Deborah Sillman, Dr. Rob Bridges, Dr. Hal Smith, and Dr. Andrea Adolph. He thanks his current wonderful peers at New Kensington for this recognition.

Message from the Interim Director of Student Affairs

Evan Ditty

TOP INFLUENCERS’ AWARD

Presented to students who demonstrate excellence in out-of-class involvement and leadership. These leaders consistently demonstrate a positive influence with their peers, have high integrity and are an example to their fellow students while simultaneously excelling academically.

TOP INFLUENCERS’ AWARD

Khasam Alamili

Luke Barkley

Braden Braun

Bradyn Claycomb

Hailey Dikun

Matthew Heavner

Samantha Kravits

Kylie Meyer

Sarah Offen

Samuel Ramsey

Sedona Rogers

Janet Surma

Calle Zmenkowski

Top Infuencers' Award

Message from the Alumni Society President

John Spadaro '82

PSNK ALUMNI SOCIETY - PENN STATE SPIRIT AWARD

Presented by the Penn State New Kensington Alumni Society to the student who exhibits integrity and character as a leader and exemplifies the meaning of Penn State pride.

PENN STATE SPIRIT AWARD

Calle Zmenkowski

LITERARY AWARD

Recognizes a student who authors a creative fiction or nonfiction published or accepted for release in a current campus publication.

Melissa Sedlacek

LION AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR AWARD

Lion Ambassadors represent Penn State at campus recruitment events and in the community.

Melissa Sedlacek

EMERGING LEADER

Recognizes a student’s leadership impact on a student organization through dedication to community service, promotion of diversity, responsible citizenship, and academic excellence.

Audrey Surma

Message from the Student Government Association President

Samantha Kravits, 2020-2021 SGA President

"Hello everyone, my name is Samantha Kravits, and I am the 2020-2021 Student Government Association President. It is vital to recognize the achievement of our students every year, but this year is especially important. You have all truly overcome the struggles that this year presented, and even more so, shined. You have gone above and beyond the expectations and have continuously demonstrated what makes New Kensington such an amazing campus. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all for providing continued hope and support to our campus and community. I know you will all continue to do amazing things, and I truly cannot wait to see it.

I would like to take a moment to shout out the SGA Executive Board this year, in particular. Your continued advocacy for the student body has been nothing but resounding. You all care so much about our campus, the University, and people in general; it is really inspiring. We have had our fair share of ups and downs, but I really could not have asked for a better team. I could not have done this without all of you and your support. Thank you all for being you!

Again, congratulations to all the award winners this year. Keep doing amazing things!

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION AWARDS

Presented to officers of the Student Government Association for exemplary leadership. The SGA sponsors activities for students, assists other campus organizations, and promotes student welfare.

SGA EXECUTIVE BOARD 2020-2021

Samantha Kravits, President

Gianna Foglia, Vice President

Luke Barkley, Treasurer

Makenna Leisifer, Faculty Senate Representative

Bradyn Claycomb, THON Chair

Jonathan Schofield, THON Co-Chair

SGA EXECUTIVE BOARD 2020-2021

Message from the Director of Athletics

Megan Bratkovich

The New Kensington campus is a member of the Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) and the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA). Student-athletes are recognized for academic and athletic success.

USCAA NATIONAL ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM

Selected for earning or maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher (minimum of 24 credits)

MEN’S SOCCER

Elian Buchi

Nolan Johngarlo

SOFTBALL

Calle Zmenkowski

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL

Auveonna Perkins

Alexanderia Polka

Melissa Sedlacek

Janet Surma

USCAA NATIONAL ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM

PSUAC ACADEMIC ALL-CONFERENCE

Selected for earning or maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higherGOLF

MEN’S SOCCER

Sam Barca

Braden Braun

Elian Buchi

Arthur Collins

Nikolas Fedora

Joseph Flanick

Vincent Gigliotti

Gregory Guzzo

Nolan Johngarlo

Mitchell Kuczynski

Jivin Ngompe Mambou

Nathaniel Rondinelli

Shane Stefanik

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL

Ally Albert

Kalina Boshkovska

Laura Ertman

Izabel Kislan

Skylar McCormack

Auveonna Perkins

Alexanderia Polka

Melissa Sedlacek

Janet Surma

MEN’S BASKETBALL (SPRING 2020)

Joseph Dusabe

Jamison Nee

Jahi Ogbonna

Wilson Rojas Jr.

Tavarski Wardlow

Spencer Wilson

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL (SPRING 2020)

Ryliegh Beck

Shaylynne Boitnott

Deshaya Chavis

Auveonna Perkins

BASEBALL (SPRING 2020)

Tallon Auth

Zach Kerr

Reise Matson

Noah Oddis

Austin O’Hara

Jesse Wiles

Jordan Wojtczak

Camden Zaken

SOFTBALL (SPRING 2020)

Riplee Burkhart

Daejiah Dayton

Jessica Eshenbuagh

Samantha Grazioli

Auveonna Perkins

Emily Sonntag

Lauren Torgent

Tori Young

Calle Zmenkowski

PSUAC ACADEMIC ALL-CONFERENCE

JOHN FRITZ SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

The PSUAC recognizes a student-athlete from each varsity team for outstanding sportsmanship.

Golf

Michael Kohl

Men's Soccer

Elian Buchi

Women’s Volleyball

Janet Surma

Men's Basketball

Rodderick Barney Jr

Women’s Basketball

Auveonna Perkins

Baseball

Tim Morris

Softball

Auveonna Perkins

JOHN FRITZ SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

ERIC A. AND JOSEPHINE S. WALKER AWARD

This award was established in 1980 by former Penn State President Eric A. Walker. Presented at each Penn State campus, the award recognizes students whose outstanding qualities of character, scholarship, leadership, and citizenship have been directed into programs and services that have positively influenced fellow students and have contributed to the prestige and well-being of the campus and University.

Bradyn Claycomb

Major: Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology Class: Senior Hometown: Greensburg, PA High School: Greensburg Salem High School

“When a member of Penn State New Kensington thinks of a leader on campus, one of the first that comes to their mind is Bradyn."

When Bradyn Claycomb decided to continue his educational career at Penn State New Kensington, he didn’t expect to have so many leadership and co-curricular opportunities at his fingertips. He also didn’t realize that the campus would become an additional home, family and support system.

“Penn State New Kensington is a small campus, yes, but the small size brings more studnts, faculty and staff together in a way that promotes prosperity,” said Claycomb. “This brings people together and does away with the traditional hierarchy of a large university…Penn State Kensington is less of a campus and more of a family.”

In addition to his academic studies, where he has found his future career path with electro-mechanical engineering technology, Claycomb is a regular leader and participant in many campus organizations including the Campus Activities Board, Orientation Leaders, Engineering Club, Sockrates Gaming Club, Photo Club and Film Club. He has also been a three-year member of the campus’ THON organization, where he is currently president and was chosen to represent the campus, not once, but twice, as a THON dancer during the 46-hour dance marathon in 2019 and 2020. Claycomb’s outgoing personality, willingness to help others and the energy he shows in almost everything he does has made him one of the most recognized members of the campus community.

“When a member of Penn State New Kensington thinks of a leader on campus, one of the first that comes to their mind is Bradyn,” said one of four nominators.

Another nomination letter stated, “Bradyn demonstrates resilience, grit, determination, hard work and commitment in the pursuite of his degree, and equally in his pursuit of involvement in any student activity, where he aims to make a positive and successful environment for everyone involved.”

When Claycomb isn’t on campus or participating in a campus-related activity, he runs his own business, Ripcord Productions, where he has offered music, lighting and sound rental and services since 2010. He also brings his engineering and technology skills to his other current jobs as a PLC programming engineer for an energy control system company and as a lighting technician for the New Hazlett Theater in Pittsburgh. It was his character and tech-savviness that also led him to be hired on campus with the Help Desk in the Computer Center.

“Bradyn continues to be an asset to our campus and help desk with his dedication to excellent customer support, constant displays of friendliness and ultimately a willingness to help our New Kensington campus in any way possible,” said another nominator.

Even though it’s difficult to showcase all of Claycomb’s participation and merits, he nicely sums up his feelings and experiences at the campus up to this point.

“I give back what I can because I know that the betterment of our campus will help us all achieve our goals in the long run,” said Claycomb. “I don’t think I could feel more at home anywhere else, and I wouldn’t give up Penn State New Kensington for anything. This is my family, my home and the best education I could ask for.”

Let's Celebrate!

We want to see how you're celebrating your achievements! Be sure to share your photos (like the proud Penn Staters below!) on social media and tag the campus so we can keep the celebration going!

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

A special thanks to the Penn State New Kensington Alumni Society and the Penn State New Kensington Student Government Association (SGA) fo their support and participation in our academic and student achievement awards ceremony.

PENN STATE NEW KENSINGTON ALUMNI SOCIETY

The Penn State New Kensington Alumni Society endows a $110,000 scholarship at the campus and presents the Spirit Award. The society represents more than 7,000 alumni living in the local region, engages in various campus projects and interacts with current students by social and fundraising events and other networking activities throughout the year.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

The Student Government Association, the primary advocacy group for Penn State New Kensington students, co-sponsored the student gifts. The SGA supports campus clubs and organizations and encourages communication of the student body with faculty, staff and administration.

And with much appreciation to the Penn State New Kensington Awards Committee:

Andrea Adolph

Jean Boda

Theresa Bonk

Megan Bratkovich

Corinne Coulson

Susan Dale

Rebecca Dietrich

Evan Ditty

Paula Dove

Tracy Gustafson

Samantha Kravits