UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The College of the Liberal Arts has named Anshuta Beeram, a comparative literature and pre-med student, as the 2025 Schwartz Fellow. This prestigious fellowship recognizes outstanding undergraduates for their academic achievements and contributions to the humanities.
“Being named the next Schwartz Fellow is an incredible honor,” Beeram said. “I would like to thank my mentors, professors Jonathan Eburne and Rosemary Jolly, and my family and friends for their support.”
The Schwartz Fellows Program provides a year’s worth of funding — as much as $45,000 — to support a graduating student who plans to engage in a 10- to 12-month postbaccalaureate service activity related to social change, the environment, disaster relief, youth development or other causes. The fellowship is the first of its kind at Penn State and was established in late 2021 by Rhea Schwartz, a 1971 graduate in French and Francophone studies, and her late husband, Paul Wolff.
Beeram’s project, “Poetry for Empowerment in Baltimore’s Nursing Home Communities,” reflects their passion for poetry and human rights. They will lead poetry workshops in nursing homes to foster creative expression among residents.
Social isolation in nursing homes is linked to increased risks of chronic disease and cognitive decline. Artistic expression, such as poetry and music, has been shown to improve engagement and well-being, yet fewer than a third of hospice centers offer these programs. Beeram said they aim to bridge this gap by establishing sustainable arts initiatives that empower residents.
“Many residents live with conditions that impact memory and mobility,” Beeram said. “Poetry is a powerful, fluid, and accepting form of expression.”
For individuals with dementia and neurological conditions, verbal communication can be challenging. Poetry provides an alternative structure for self-expression through body language, facial expressions, and fragmented phrases. Beeram will document these sessions, transforming them into poetry that amplifies the voices of nursing home residents.
In collaboration with Baltimore’s nursing home communities, Beeram will engage residents, staff and volunteers to design programs that extend beyond the fellowship period. The project will also produce an anthology of resident-created poetry, fostering intergenerational connections and raising awareness about the experiences of those in long-term care.
Additional information about the Schwartz Fellowship, including previous recipients and information about applying for the 2026 fellowship, can be found at the Schwartz Fellowship website.