UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A Penn State World Campus student is being recognized for the first time with a Penn State award that acknowledges an undergraduate from each of the University's campuses for outstanding character, leadership, scholarship and citizenship.

Lauren Wellar is the first Penn State World Campus recipient of the Eric A. and Josephine S. Walker Award, which has been given to an outstanding student from each of Penn State's campuses since 1970. It is the highest award an undergraduate can receive from Penn State.

Wellar was among the award recipients who were honored April 14 at the World Campus Student Leadership Celebration, which was held at the University Park campus and streamed online for those who could not attend in person.

In addition to the Walker Award, Penn State World Campus honored three students with leadership awards — for overall leadership, emerging leadership, and inclusive excellence — and a student group received the organization leadership award.

"It is exciting to honor the outstanding contributions of a Penn State World Campus student through this University-wide award," said Marly Doty, director of student affairs for World Campus. "We are truly fortunate to work with such exemplary students both in and out of the classroom."

Here are the award winners announced during the celebration:

• Lauren Wellar, Eric A. and Josephine S. Walker Award
• Erica Elizabeth Rey, Overall Leadership Award
• Kaitlyn Casagrande, Emerging Leadership Award
• Lynelle Haugabrook, Inclusive Excellence Award
• World Campus Student Advisory Board, Organization of the Year Award

During the celebration event, Student Affairs also recognized students who were involved in activities that have given them the opportunity to develop their leadership skills, such as serving in the World Campus Student Government Association, participating in the student ambassador program, serving as peer mentors for the Smart Track to Success program, or attending the Penn State Summer Leadership Conference.

Eric A. and Josephine S. Walker Award

The annual Eric A. and Josephine S. Walker Award recognizes an undergraduate student from each Penn State campus for possessing outstanding qualities of character, scholarship, leadership, and citizenship and for contributing to programs and services that positively influence fellow students and enhance the prestige and well-being of their campus and the reputation of the University as a whole.

The recipient, Lauren Wellar, is majoring in the Bachelor of Design in Digital Multimedia Design program. A nominator praised Wellar as a "highly engaged student leader" who builds community among her fellow students and has served in several student organizations, including the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Homecoming, World Campus Benefiting THON, Active Minds, and the World Campus Student Government Association.

"Lauren gives 110% to everything she sets her mind to, whether it be academics, co-curricular involvement, or service to her community," the nominator said. "She embodies the Penn State values and character traits that have led her to success in so many areas."

Overall Leadership Award

This award recognizes one or more students whose leadership has had a demonstrated impact on Penn State World Campus or their community and exemplifies the Penn State Values of integrity, respect, responsibility, discovery, excellence, and community.

The recipient, Erica Elizabeth Rey, is a student in the Associate of Science in Human Development and Family Studies program.

Nominators commended her for leadership positions in several student groups and in her community. As a Penn State World Campus student, she was the recruitment officer for the Delta Gamma Chi service sorority, a member of the Penn State World Campus student ambassador program, a peer mentor for the Smart Track to Success program, a member of Crafts 4 Causes, and a representative of the World Campus Homecoming Court.

In her community, she volunteers for the American Legion, Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Salvation Army Donation Center, and the ASPCA.

"Not only is Erica an exceptional student academically, but she also exhibits those personal attributes that we value in a leader and also team members," a nominator wrote. "Erica is an engaged leader and finds purpose in helping and serving others."

Emerging Leader Award

This award recognizes a student new to a Penn State World Campus leadership role who has shown their potential as an emerging leader within the organization as well as a commitment to personal growth and development.

The recipient, Kaitlyn Casagrande, is a student in two degree programs, the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

Nominators described Casagrande as a role model for other students through her work with the peer guide program.

"Kaitlyn works hard to engage students in their first semester of online education through regular discussion posts via Canvas, Zoom meetings each week, and office hours," one nominator wrote. "Kaitlyn has certainly stood out as a leader in this endeavor by offering her opinions and experience, as well as applying feedback from others. She’s not afraid to be a leader but is also comfortable trying new ideas."

Inclusive Excellence Award

This award recognizes a student who has demonstrated leadership and commitment to the principles of diversity and inclusion within the University, their organization, or their community.

The recipient, Lynelle Haugabrook, is a student in the Master of Professional Studies in Community and Economic Development program.

A nominator called Haugabrook a hard-working and driven student whose focus is "changing the world to make it a better place."

"Ms. Haugabrook has dedicated her scholarship and career to advocating for voices that are not often considered. This list includes women, the elderly, homeless, immigrants, the rising generation, small businesses, and animals," a nominator wrote.

In her community, the nominator said, Haugabrook has served as the chairperson of a group dedicated to helping new employees grow and integrate and has led two English-language sessions with non-native speakers at a local library, among other activities.

Student Organization of the Year

This award recognizes a student organization that has exemplified excellence within Penn State World Campus through its contributions to community and engagement in alignment with the club's overall mission as well as the exemplary development of its membership.

The recipient of the 2024 organization award is the Penn State World Campus Student Advisory Board, whose members work with Student Affairs to advocate for students and to enrich and improve the World Campus experience.

Nominators highlighted the board's academic affairs committee for keeping track of the needs of students from both academic and social perspectives. Another nominator said members of the committee have participated in every on-campus leadership event offered by World Campus, responded to requests from campus leaders, and advocated for innovative solutions to enhance the online learner experience.

"The Penn State World Campus Student Advisory Board is a tremendous group of dedicated individuals focused on making the World Campus experience meaningful and collaborative for students," one nominator wrote.

Leadership development through Penn State World Campus

Penn State World Campus provides a Penn State education online, with a comprehensive selection of more than 175 degree and certificate programs. Leadership development has long been a priority of the Student Affairs office.

Students can gain leadership experience through numerous clubs and organizations. Penn State World Campus also hosts a student leadership conference, and students can apply to participate in the University's Summer Leader Conference.

Learn more about the leadership opportunities available to online learners by visiting the Penn State World Campus Student Center.