Fourteen Student Leaders Honored With 'Penn College Awards'

Fourteen student leaders were honored Thursday during the 16th annual Penn College Awards banquet at Le Jeune Chef Restaurant, an occasion to recognize graduating students for noteworthy involvement both on and off campus.

There are no defined criteria to receive the award: Any Pennsylvania College of Technology student who will be a May, August or December 2012 graduate and who has been actively involved in campus life, has held a leadership position(s) or who has made a contribution in the area of service to the college and/or community may apply to be nominated.

This year's selection committee benefited from the counsel of a variety of campus representatives, including the Residence Hall Association, Off-Campus Housing Organization, Wildcat Events Board, Greek Life, Presidential Student Ambassadors and the Student Government Association.

An alphabetical list of award recipients, their hometowns and majors, a small sampling of their varied campus and civic activities, and selected testimonials from their supporters:

Kyle S. Baker
Walkersville, Md.
Construction management

Resident Assistant, RHA, SGA senator and senate speaker, Construction Management Association, Open House volunteer, SGA Student Leadership Conference, SGA car show, Residence Life recycling committee, recruiting for the construction management bachelor-degree major, Habitat for Humanity, Williamsport Christmas Parade volunteer

“Kyle has demonstrated outstanding student leadership during all of his four years at Penn College. His involvement with the Student Government Association, the Construction Management Association and his admirable handling of additional responsibilities as a Resident Assistant are examples of his desire to lead his peers. Kyle also helped recruit potential construction management students by developing and presenting information at mentoring programs in Pennsylvania and Maryland high schools.”

Kevin E. Brookhart
Liverpool
Technology management

Presidential Student Ambassador, Resident Assistant, Connections Link, RHA, SGA, SGA Student Leadership Conference, Habitat for Humanity, Operation Snowflake, Grand Slam Parade and Little League Baseball World Series, United Campus Ministry, Campus Crusade for Christ, Diesel Club, SkillsUSA, Midnight Breakfast, Wet-'n'-Wildcat House Party, WEBstock, flag football

“While Kevin was an RA, he really took the time to get to know his residents. I can remember many occasions when he was always there for them when they needed someone to talk to. During his time as a Connections Link, Kevin really got to show incoming students his passion for and dedication to Penn College. Now, I have to opportunity to work with him in the Admissions Office, where he serves as a Student Ambassador. Throughout my four years of knowing Kevin, I feel he truly deserves this award for all his hard work, leadership and dedication - to not only the college, but to his peers.”

Kelsey A. Coppersmith
Kane
Physical fitness specialist

Health Information Association (including terms as president and treasurer), Physical Fitness Specialist Club, Wildcat Dance Team, Students Making a Contribution, Alpha Sigma Alpha, SGA, Connections Link, intramurals, Habitat for Humanity, Wildcat Welcome Team, Open House volunteer, national anthem soloist for men's basketball, Bloodmobile volunteer, "Giving Tree" organizer, Women in Sports Day speaker, Student Athlete Advisory Committee

“Kelsey has been a great president to the HIA this year. She helps plan and coordinate club activities, and participates in college service, community service and fundraising activities. She also brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to keep members interested and motivated.”

Jonathan C. Decker
Williamsport
Building science and sustainable design

Architectural Student Association (including service as president), U.S. Green Building Council student chapter, Students of Musical Development, Open House volunteer, helped set up Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Pennsylvania Farm Show volunteer for School of Construction and Design Technologies, Little League research surveys, documented Christ Episcopal Church for National Register, designed and/or built improvements for community property owners

“On several occasions, while touring prospective students through the Architectural Technology Department, I have encountered Jon simply through happenstance. He has never been too busy to take a couple of minutes to chat with our guests and offer his perspective as a student, and endorse the college as an option well worth the prospective student's consideration. As president of the Architectural Student Association, Jon has demonstrated the same level of passion and commitment - always looking for opportunities to encourage student participation, and always making sure that the ASA has exciting and relevant activities on the agenda."

Ryan M. Enders
York
Technology management

SGA (senator and incoming president), Wildcat Events Board, Sigma Nu, Interfraternity Council, Resident Assistant, Connections Link, Riverwalk cleanup volunteer, 2011 Homecoming King, "Terror at Bowman" Field volunteer, Aviation Living-Learning Community assistant

"Ryan is the epitome of a student who contributes significantly to life here at Penn College. He is actively involved and holds leadership roles in many organizations across campus, including WEB, past president of Sigma Nu Fraternity, past president of Inter-Fraternity Council, and president of SGA for the 2012-13 academic year.  Ryan is an outstanding student leader, and it is truly my pleasure and honor to proudly present him with the 2012 Penn College Award."

Atlee J. Eshleman
Conestoga
Civil engineering technology

Presidential Student Ambassador, Community Assistant, men's soccer and volleyball teams, Campus Crusade for Christ, Good News Bible Church meals volunteer, flood cleanup in Montoursville, Archery Tournament organizer, Nearly Naked Mile, WEBstock, off-campus block party, Welcome Weekend

“I have witnessed Atlee, on several occasions, appreciate and respect individuals for who they are. He has strong-rooted morals and values, which have allowed him to celebrate differences in those with whom he interacts. Atlee is hilarious, spontaneous, fun, laid-back, strong in character, energetic and enthusiastic – making him a truly unique and quality individual. I think there are a group of students who make a lasting impression on this institution every year, and Atlee, most certainly, falls within this elite group.”

Adam S. Feather
Bally
Building automation technology

Residence Life, award-winning RA, Campus Crusade for Christ (leadership and as student adviser), Hurricane Katrina recovery, Lycoming County flood cleanup, Habitat for Humanity, mission work in Venezuela

“Adam is reliable, hard-working, creative and dedicated to his academics, being named to the dean’s list for six semesters. He is an individual with high standards who strives for excellence in all that he does. Adam possesses strong moral values and strength of character. In his time at Penn College, he has definitely left an impression on those who’ve had the pleasure to know him, and his impact will be felt long after he’s gone.”

Jenna M. Harner
Montoursville
Nursing

Presidential Student Ambassador, RA, Student Nurse's Association, Campus Crusade for Christ, Athletic Game Day Assistant, SGA Leadership Conference, intramurals, volunteer leader for Young Life and Faith Student Ministry, community blood-pressure screenings, Christ Episcopal Church meal volunteer, Vacation Bible School volunteer, SNA Easter Egg Hunt, United Way Day of Caring, canned food drive

“The saying, 'If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it,' aptly fits Jenna Harner. Whenever asked to do something new, Jenna always says 'Yes' - and always with a smile! In addition to her many Penn College service and leadership activities, Jenna has a wealth of experience in volunteer service within both the Williamsport and Montoursville communities.”

Brandy L. Krause
Pine Grove
Applied health studies: radiography concentration

Phi Theta Kappa and Alpha Chi honor societies, Women's soccer team (including service as captain), Wildcat Dance Team, SAAC, Medical Imaging Club (past president), Community Assistant, Walk It Out, Health Sciences 5K, American Heart Association Walk, clothing drive, Soldier Box, Operation Snowflake, Hetzel United Church of Christ's God's Gang

“Brandy has a long list of ways in which she had impacted the campus community – as an athlete, as a volunteer, as a hard-working student – but her work as a Community Assistant, “helping other students,” is a consistent theme throughout this past year. I know the world is everchanging and to find a solid, sincere, understanding individual is not common. Very rarely do we get to celebrate, appreciate and recognize the hard work that students do at Penn College.”

Jason T. Maddox
South Williamsport
Building science and sustainable design

President and co-founder of USGBC student chapter, CANstruction, Favors Forward, Alternative Spring Break, Monster Hut, Open House volunteer, Career and Technical Education Month celebration in Harrisburg, Campus Conservation nationals, SGA Recycling and Green Initiatives Ad Hoc Committee, ASA, School of Hospitality Garden Committee

“ Over the past few years, Jason has been a wonderful addition to the Penn College community. His passion for green living and sustainability are obvious and genuine. Over Alternative Spring Break, students were discussing their pet peeves and Jason’s was 'green washing' – the concept of presenting ideas as green that are not truly sustainable or environmentally friendly. His passion has been integral in forming his involvement. He co-founded the U.S. Green Building Council student chapter and was the campus lead for the Campus Conservation energy-reduction competition. He has truly stood out among his peers for his dedication and commitment to his passions.”

Whitnie-Rae Mays
Reading
Advertising art

Presidential Student Ambassador, president of OCHO, student photographer for College Information & Community Relations, Connections Link, 2011 Homecoming Queen, Ski and Snowboard Club, Presidential Leadership Program, Wet-'n'-Wildcat House Party, Powder Puff Football, Healthy Wildcats (including BACCHUS attendee), Student-Staff Judicial Council, Martin Luther King Day of Service, Habitat for Humanity, Awesome Woman Exemplar

“Whitnie-Rae is a delightful ambassador for the college. She is heavily involved in her professional organizations, as well as leading the initiative to develop an organization for students living off campus. She is consistently volunteering to represent the college at all types of events. Her demeanor is always pleasant and cheerful; a good student and a good person.”

Gregory J. Miller
Easton
Building automation technology: HVAC concentration

Coordinator of the Tracy A. Garis Memorial Scholarship fund, which raised more than $35,000 in remembrance of a student leader; SGA (as president, vice president of internal relations, senator, representative to College Council and various Governance committee, representative to the Board of Directors, Student of the Month Committee chair and Dining Services Liaison Committee chair); Air Conditioning Contractors of America and ASHRAE student chapters, Foundations of Excellence; Middle States Accreditation Committee; SkillsUSA

“For the past two years, I have worked closely with Greg as part of the SGA/Dining Services Committee. Throughout, Greg has worked tirelessly to communicate in a respectful and constructive manner the questions, concerns, complaints and suggestions of the student body. He has always been professional and courteous, and has made it his mission to work cooperatively with the administration, rather than conflictively. It has been a pleasure to work with him.”

Azeez O. Salu
Upper Marlboro, Md.
Computer aided drafting technology

Award-winning RA, Multicultural Society, Welcome Weekend volunteer, Fitness Center assistant, various community-service projects through Residence Life

“Azeez exudes helpfulness and kindness in every way humanly possible. He is a giving, talented student who does not expect any form of repayment for his accomplishments. He is polite and grateful, and is quite possibly one of the hardest-working students I have ever come in contact with. I have watched Azeez utilize his difficult experiences from growing up in Nigeria as a way to excel in his challenges and accomplishments throughout his Penn College career.”

Michael C. Snyder
Shamokin
Graphic design

RA, WEB (coordinating both advertising and events), Gamma Epsilon Tau, various art activities, Student Activities Office, Operation Snowflake, Walk It Out (and its Dance-a-Thon predecessor), Motorcycle Rally, WPTC disc jockey

“For several years, Mike served as the advertising coordinator for WEB, where he made significant contributions to the success of our events. He designed several T-shirts, posters and novelty items and even won awards for his work. In addition, Mike started several initiatives, most recently the Motorcycle Rally that became part of Walk-It-Out. He is a hard-working, creative and dependable student, and WEB was lucky to have him on its board.”