NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. — Academic, teaching and extracurricular honors were bestowed at the annual Penn State New Kensington Academic and Student Achievement Awards ceremony on April 26. Approximately 40 awards were presented in the Forum Theatre, which was filled with campus faculty, staff, students, and students’ family members and friends.
Eric A. and Josephine S. Walker Award
The highest student honor presented, the Eric A. and Josephine S. Walker Award, was presented to Audrey Surma, a communications student.
Surma began her Penn State story by taking part in the Penn State New Kensington PaSSS Program the summer before her first year at the campus. During the program, she was able to learn about all the opportunities the campus provided, as well as start making connections. Since then, she's been an active student on and off campus.
"Through my involvement in various roles and initiatives, I have demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering a supportive and vibrant environment on campus and in the community," said Surma.
Surma's involvement spanned multiple units, organizations and activities over the years. She has worked as a success coach in the Academic and Career Success Center and served as a PaSSS peer mentor and orientation leader, where she helped incoming students get acclimated to college and be successful. She is also the editor-in-chief of the Nittany Pride News. Since 2022, she has been a member of Lambda Pi Eta, the National Communication Association's honor society, where she helps lead volunteer initiatives on and off campus. This past year, she accepted an internship with the Success Center and Blissel Library on campus to create and lead a marketing campaign. As part of her classwork over the years, she has been dedicated to connecting to the City of New Kensington and has helped create a marketing plan for a local small businesses, as well as raising funds for a local nonprofit animal welfare organization.
"I’ve dedicated my time and energy to guiding and supporting my peers in navigating the complexities of college life, helping them navigate academic challenges, setting goals, and achieving success," explained Surma. "Through my leadership roles, initiative, and dedication, I hope to have made a lasting and positive impact at Penn State New Kensington.
It is this type of dedication to helping others that her nominators recognized.
One nominator wrote, "Her [Surma's] warm and friendly personality puts students at ease and allows them to feel welcomed and less anxious about their transition to college. It’s these personality traits that make Audrey a wonderful tutor, peer mentor and leader on our campus. with the Nittany Pride News. On top of balancing her academics and extra-curriculars, she is dedicated to making positive changes in the local communities of New Kensington and Lower Burrell through her volunteer work."
"Students seem to gravitate toward Audrey’s kind and confident personality," said another nominator. "I have had the opportunity to watch Audrey flourish here at Penn State New Kensington."
Making a lasting impact on the campus, and the local community, is part of Surma's personal philosophy.
"The idea of service to the campus and community drives my philosophy, which consists of seeking out opportunities that will make a positive impact on myself and others," said Surma.
Student Awards
Students receiving academic honors were recognized for having high grade-point averages in their respective majors or within the University, as well as participation in the campus honors programs. Fifteen students were celebrated for earning a 4.0 cumulative grade-point average.
Accolades for leadership and participation in athletics and campus activities also were highlighted. The Penn State New Kensington Alumni Society recognized Destiny Batiste as this year’s Penn State Spirit Award winner for exhibiting integrity and character while exuding Penn State pride. Joseph Haskins was awarded the Emerging Leader Award, and the Top Influencer Award was given to Ally Albert, Meredith Carter, Haskins and Heather Schultz.
A number of athletics awards were presented, including United States Athletic Association All-Academic honors and Penn State University Athletic Conference Academic All-Conference awards.