UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Schreyer Honors College’s annual Scholar Involvement Award recognizes exceptional leadership and dedication to the college’s mission of academic excellence with integrity, building a global perspective, and creating opportunities for civic leadership and engagement. 

This year, fourth-year Scholar Krystal Leung is the Scholar Involvement Award recipient. An engraved replica of the Lion Shrine statue and a monetary award will be given to Leung, who uses she/them pronouns, in recognition of their achievements. 

“Krystal is a role model for what it means to be an involved member of a living-learning community,” said Patrick T. Mather, dean of Schreyer Honors College. “The leadership roles she has taken on have made impactful contributions to the Honors College community, and when coupled with their outstanding academic record, she is more than worthy of this recognition.”  

A native of Palmyra, Pennsylvania, Leung is working on their bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. Outside the classroom, she has taken on roles with Gender and Sexual Diversity in Schreyer (GSDS) and SHO TIME, the Honors College’s orientation program. From leadership positions within each organization, Leung helps to foster inclusivity and belonging for both LGBTQ+ Scholars and first-year Scholars. 

While Leung notes that she is grateful and honored to receive the Scholar Involvement Award, individual accolades are not what drives them to seek out opportunities to get involved. 

“As Scholars, our efforts-big or small-create lasting impact within Schreyer and the broader Penn State community,” Leung said. “This simple fact, along with my desire to connect with staff and fellow students, motivates me to get and stay involved in the Honors College.” 

Mather will formally present Leung with their award at Schreyer Honors College’s Founders Day celebration on Friday, Sept. 9.