UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — As an accomplished student at Penn State, Zion Sykes is giving back to and enriching the University community as president of the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) — he is also using his leadership roles and education to prepare for a career in governmental consulting or international law.

Sykes is a fourth-year student double majoring in global and international studies and political science. The Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar has utilized his time at Penn State to explore paths that played to his strengths, as well as captivated his interests.

“I did a lot of civic engagement back in Philly, so I really found a passion for politics,” said Sykes, who is a first-generation student from Philadelphia. “My academics have allowed me to gather a greater sense of the world around me, both of the world itself, as well as the systems we live under. I’ve really been able to understand how culture impacts us, and I’ve been able to discover the world outside of my circle.”

Coming into Penn State, Sykes decided to participate in the First-Year Liberal Arts Living Learning Community (LLC) to help him decide if the College of the Liberal Arts was the right fit for him.

“Being a part of the LLC provided me with the knowledge of a variety of tools that exist in the college and at the University, things like career services, study abroad opportunities, etc.,” Sykes said. “I also think having good role models like the resident assistant on my floor — a shoutout to Julia — who presented me with a variety of opportunities and pushed me to take advantage of them, helped me to break out of my shell and get involved with a variety of things on campus.”

Sykes’s desire to get involved and passion for civic engagement led him to joining UPUA to learn about the issues that mattered most to the Penn State community. He explained that while he initially did not know much about the organization, he quickly learned he enjoyed serving the local community.

“When I first joined, I served as the State College Borough Council liaison, which allowed me to understand how we as the University interact with the town,” Sykes said. “I was able to deliberate with people who cared about a variety of issues. It’s really such an interesting community with so many different perspectives.”

After going on to serve as the chair of the Committee on Government and Community Relations, Sykes went on to run for president of UPUA, a process which he explained as a “surreal experience.” After running a successful campaign, Sykes was elected to be president of the 19th assembly of UPUA.

As he reflects on his accomplishments so far as UPUA president, Sykes said that a highlight was the connections he fostered with other students and organizations.

“We have formed really good relationships with other student government organizations, which is a huge accomplishment,” Sykes said. “I’ve been able to foster a mutual understanding and connection with working with other student governments, which really does a lot when it comes to advocacy work.”

Sykes’s immense accomplishments secured him a nomination on the 2024 Penn State Homecoming Court, an experience that allowed him to truly see what “makes Penn State so great.” With the process beginning in August, he spent a month preparing for the court up until the football game on September 28.

“The application really had me reminiscing and reflecting on my time at Penn State,” Sykes said. “We had events and service projects all throughout that month to get to know each other and give back. I had so many opportunities to talk with alumni and old members of the court. Overall, I was able to see such an immersive view of what people appreciate about Penn State for so many reasons.”

After graduation, Sykes plans to continue using his skills gained at Penn State alongside his passion for community service through a job in governmental consulting before furthering his education at law school. He said his coursework and out-of-classroom experiences have prepared him to prosper in the future while also showing him that learning is a lifelong commitment.

Sykes has participated in two education abroad experiences — a faculty-led Spanish language and Mexican culture program in Puebla, Mexico, and an international internship with Proxy Watcher Inc. in Tokyo through the Penn State Global Perreault Fellows Program.

“The Perreault Fellows Program truly made this possible, they provided almost complete funding for this experience and assisted me every step of the way,” Sykes said. “On top of that, the mentorship that I have received from Chris Nischalke in Education Abroad has meant the world to me.”

From his additional involvements, Sykes said being a member of Essence of Joy, a choir that highlights African American composers, stands out to him.

“This is an organization that I truly love because it is so relaxing to be able to sing with a great group of people and come together to create something that brings so much joy to those who listen,” he said.

As he reflects on his undergraduate journey, Sykes hopes to continue giving back to Penn State in the same ways the University and the community have helped him. From his liberal arts education to serving as the student body president, Sykes talked about the profound impact Penn State has had on his life.

“When I graduate, I hope I’ll have been able to push forward the needs and wants that are a part of this community and champion students’ issues,” Sykes said. “Penn State has given me so many opportunities, so I hope to do the same for other students in return. It isn’t just a home away from home — it’s a place where the impossible becomes reality.”