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 29. Approximately 50 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 Nicholas Hill, a biomedical engineering technology student.
Hill, a familiar and friendly face on the Penn State New Kensington campus in and out of the classroom, has been an active student leader, holding the position of president of the Campus Activities Board for the past three years and serving on the campus' THON organization as a co-chair and dancer. He also readily volunteers to assist the admissions department in giving tours to prospective students.
"While we do have a smaller campus, I've come to know it as my home," said Hill. "I've taken a lot of what I learned here both in the classroom and in clubs and utilized them in my daily life."
In addition to his studies and campus involvement, Hill runs a small business making 3D prints. In addition, he enjoys being part of the Rebel Legion, a Star Wars organization, and the Droid Division, a Star Wars droid building group. His on and off-campus leadership is shown through all he does.
"There has been no other student that has made a greater impact on the out-of-classroom experiences than Nic," said one nominator.
"He has tirelessly dedicated himself to being involved as a student leader to provide co-curricular opportunities for his peers to have fun and grow as students." Another nominator wrote, "His enthusiasm and energy have been unmatched over the five years I have known him, and his discipline and integrity is remarkable.
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. Twelve 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 Hill as this year’s Penn State Spirit Award winner for exhibiting integrity and character while exuding Penn State pride. Angelena Dove received the campus Top Influencer Award and the 2023 Emerging Leader Award.
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.