Penn State

Zion Sykes hopes to leave a lasting legacy as he nears the end of his undergraduate experience at Penn State and his term as president of the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA). 

“I hope that through my actions people feel both heard and cared for,” said Sykes, a first-generation student and Schreyer Honors Scholar studying political science and global and international studies in the College of the Liberal Arts. “That goes hand in hand with how I generally approach my interactions with others. I always try to add a little bit of goodness to someone’s day.” 

As leader of the student government that represents and advocates for all University Park undergraduate students — more than 42,000 strong — Sykes’ goal is no small feat. But he draws on his own background — including his personal experience with homelessness — to listen and connect with students to deeply understand the personal individual issues they are each facing. 

"I recognize how lucky I was to be able to come to Penn State from the situation I was in, and now I want to try to help others who may be facing hardships. I would have liked to have more of that support throughout my own life,” he said. “My overall goal when I make decisions as UPUA president is to make the most of the opportunities I have and to try to have a net positive impact on whatever it is that I am doing.” 

Overcoming adversity to lead the University Park student body is just one chapter in Sykes’ success story. Through both his official duties as UPUA president and his broader student experience, he has participated in many activities and achieved many accomplishments during his time at Penn State, including:  

• Being one of ten seniors named to the 2024 Student Homecoming Court and one of three to receive the Guide State Forward Award — a gender-neutral recognition of students who exemplify the Penn State Values through their service, leadership and academics, which in 2018 replaced the previous practice of crowning a king and queen. 

• Testifying at a Pennsylvania House Education Committee hearing held Sept. 17 at University Park that focused on college affordability and accessibility, funding for higher education institutions, and the impact of higher education in the commonwealth. 

• Welcoming the Penn State class of 2028, along with President Neeli Bendapudi, through remarks at the 2024 new student convocation.  

• Serving on the Penn State Board of Trustees Committee on Finance and Investment, whose scope includes student aid, tuition rates and fees, facilities plans and capital expenditures, among other things. 

• Participating in a six-week, faculty-led Spanish language and Mexican culture trip to Puebla, Mexico. 

• Completing several internships, most recently with Proxy Watcher Inc. in Tokyo through the Penn State Global Perreault Fellows Program. 

• Being part of the University’s College Democrats student organization, which led to several internships with political campaigns. 

• Being part of University Choir and Essence of Joy, as a creative outlet to nurture his passion for singing and which helped him to find community at Penn State. 

• Serving as resident assistant (RA) and a Lion Ambassador. 

“Penn State has opened my eyes to a world that I didn’t know existed, whether that be in my own apartment with roommates who are from different parts of Pennsylvania to exploring the other side of the planet,” Sykes said. “It has shown me a lot that I would not have had the chance to see anywhere else, and it has given me experiences and opportunities that I know will stick with me and guide me forward.” 

Fostering opportunity 

When Sykes was in high school, he faced several challenges that made attending college seem an unattainable goal. In his third year, the apartment building where he and his aunt lived burned down. Sykes then bounced from place to place, relying on the support of others for his basic needs. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic struck. The college-prep school he was attending was forced to go offline for several months. Sykes decided to make positive use of that time and began the process of applying to college. Thanks to support and guidance from mentors he had met through various experiences, Sykes completed the application processes for admission, scholarships and financial aid. 

As he narrowed his decision of which institution to attend, he was introduced to Cheri McConnell, who oversees the Penn State Fostering Lions Program. The program aims to help foster youths succeed in their postsecondary education and after graduation by connecting them with critical support resources. 

“Meeting Cheri is what cemented my decision to come to Penn State. Her kindness and the care she showed without even knowing me made me feel a way I hadn’t in a very long time,” Sykes said. “She never pressured me to come to Penn State, but she reaffirmed that she would be here for me if I did.” 

And she was. When Sykes arrived at Penn State, McConnell helped him secure bedding and other basic needs, and she made sure he had textbooks for classes. 

“She was the reason I was able to focus on my classes and not worry about those things,” Sykes said. “I honestly don’t think I would have made it through that first year without her help.”  

Through Sykes' time at Penn State, McConnell’s support has extended beyond providing access to basic necessities. She treats students in the Fostering Lions Program as family and works to position them for lifelong success. McConnell regularly checks in with each student and extends personal holiday greetings and birthday wishes to them. She hosts workshops and events designed to teach life and professional skills, such as etiquette dinners. 

“Cheri has been a genuine light of sunshine throughout my entire time at Penn State,” Sykes said. “She goes the extra mile to make you feel welcome and to help find the assistance you might need. She is an overall superstar.” 

Strengthening a community 

Sykes' background with governance and community engagement extends beyond his current role as president of UPUA. He has completed internships with a Pennsylvania state senator and for a state superior court candidate’s campaign. He previously served as political affairs co-chair of Penn State College Democrats and as one of the vice presidents of Pennsylvania College Democrats. Currently, he is an advisory board member for PA Youth Vote, a nonpartisan collaboration of students, educators and organizations working to elevate student voices and empower Pennsylvania youth as civic actors. 

He joined UPUA in his first year at Penn State and has since served as its student representative to the Borough of State College’s City Council, appointee to the University Park Student Fee Board, and chair of the Committee on Governmental and Community Relations. Now, as president, he meets with various University stakeholders — from administration to individual student organizations — to gain direct insight and identify key priorities. He is passionate about introducing new programming and legislation that will positively impact students — including addressing student poverty, encouraging voter turnout, improving environmental sustainability and advancing DEIB. 

“I want to strengthen the Penn State community and make sure students feel that attachment and understand that they have a real possibility to make change,” Sykes said. “I want students know that their voices are being heard.” 

The education and experiences Sykes has gained at Penn State have positioned him for his next steps after he graduates in May — he plans to pursue a job or internship in governmental consulting, with the hope of attending law school in the next few years.   

“Penn State has provided me with so many opportunities that have changed my perspective on the world and expanded what I thought was possible,” Sykes said. “I’m thankful that I took a leap of faith, both in choosing Penn State and in making sure that I made the most of my time here. Dear Old State certainly has molded me into a better version of myself. I’m excited to see all that the future brings.”