UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Seven Schreyer Scholars and two Penn State faculty members have been selected as recipients of Schreyer Honors College awards for the 2023-24 academic year.  

“We are sincerely grateful for the immense hard work and dedication of this year's recipients, and all they have done for Penn State,” said Patrick Mather, dean of Schreyer Honors College. “It’s an honor to celebrate and reward such excellence in the Honors College.” 

The Scholar awards and their recipients are: 

• The Douglas G. and Regina C. Evans Award for Research Achievement goes to history and political science major Jenna Lugo. The Evans Award recognizes a graduating Scholar’s extraordinary research achievement, which is distinguished by high quality, outstanding intellectual value, creativity, commitment and significance. The award was endowed in 2003 by Scholar alumnus Douglas Evans and his wife, Regina. 

• The Paul Axt Prize goes to film production and sociology major Jamie Nguyen. This award honors a graduating Scholar who exemplifies a commitment to inquiry, intellectual curiosity and daring; qualities that Paul Axt, founding director of the University Scholars Program, fostered through the honors program. First awarded in 1987, the prize was established by the University in recognition of Axt’s distinguished service.  

• The Robert W. "Bear" Koehler Award for Distinguished Service goes to graduating Scholar and marketing major Madelyn Fisher, as well as rising second-year Scholar and marketing major Ruby Bjalme. This paired award is given to a graduating Scholar and a rising second- or third-year Scholar from the Smeal College of Business. The honorees are selected for their record of service that exemplifies Bear Koehler’s accomplishments and service while on the faculty and throughout his Penn State career. The award was established by Scholar alumnus Noah Barsky; Smeal College of Business faculty member Charles Smith; and Bear Koehler’s friends, family, students and colleagues. 

• The Schreyer Honors College Scholar Involvement Award goes to political science major Giselle Concepcion. The Scholar Involvement Award honors student leadership and excellence in embodying the college’s mission of building global perspectives, demonstrating academic excellence with integrity, and creating opportunities for civic leadership and engagement. 

• The Usharani C. and C. Channa Reddy Mission Award goes to agriculture and extension education major Brandon Bixler, biomedical engineering major Sonika Kohli and energy engineering and Spanish major Caden Vitti. The Reddy Mission Award honors graduating Scholars who best exemplify the mission of the College through academic excellence, globalization and civic engagement. It was inaugurated in 2000 and endowed by faculty member Channa Reddy and his wife, Usharani. 

• The Schreyer Honors College Excellence in Honors Advising Award goes to Wendell Schwab, academic advisor in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications. 

• The Schreyer Honors College Excellence in Honors Teaching Award goes to Mary L. Sellers, associate teaching professor of English in the College of the Liberal Arts.  

Each Scholar will receive a financial award and a certificate to recognize their achievements, and the faculty members will receive replica Lion Shrine statues.