MEDIA, Pa. — Penn State Brandywine students who have impacted the campus through their service and leadership were honored at an awards banquet on April 25. The annual leadership banquet celebrates the achievements of students who are involved with clubs, student government and campus programs.
Jessica Gore, a fourth-year biology major, received the Eric A. and Josephine S. Walker Award. This award recognizes a student whose outstanding qualities of character, scholarship, leadership and citizenship have been directed into programs and services that have positively influenced fellow students and have contributed to the prestige and well-being of their campus and the University as a whole.
Gore has been involved with the Student Government Association since her first year at Brandywine in 2020 and currently serves as the group’s president. She also has been involved with Brandywine Benefitting THON, the Multicultural Club, Nittany Christian Fellowship, the Pre-Med Club, the Brandywine Events and Activities Student Team and the women’s tennis team, and she also served as a resident assistant for two years.
One of her nominators wrote: “Jessica consistently demonstrates a commitment to our campus, a commitment to her academics and a commitment to our community. She contributes her time, talents and energy to the Brandywine and Penn State communities in many ways. Brandywine is fortunate to have many students who are active and engaged. What sets Jessica apart from most is her extraordinary level of campus involvement and her genuine interest in learning about and supporting other people, making meaningful connections, and questioning and expanding her own perspectives. She brings a high level of energy to all of her activities.”
Individual leadership awards were presented to the following students who demonstrated leadership qualities and contributed to the campus community and student organizations:
- Danny Eldabbas – Psychology Club and Brandywine Music Association
- Khalid Jordan – Anime Club, Poké Walk, Brandywine Leagues & Tournaments and Marketing & Communications Club
- Karly Rees – Student-Athlete Advisory Council, Lion Guidez, Peer Mentor and Softball team
The Student Worker/Employee of the Year Award was presented to a student for doing exceptional work in his on-campus job:
- Christian Williams – IT Lab
The Student Organization President of the Year Award was presented to the following students for their exceptional leadership in advancing the organization’s goals:
- Noa Castiel – Brandywine Benefitting THON
- Jessica Gore – Brandywine Benefitting THON
The Student Commitment to Equity & Inclusion Award was presented to students who highlighted their dedication to promoting equity and inclusion within the campus community:
- Zhane Brookes
- Fallah “Francis” Bockarie
Group leadership awards were presented to the following student organizations that contributed to student life and experience on campus:
- Brandywine Benefitting THON – Student Organization of the Year
- Black Student Union, Shades of Success: Alumni of Color Supporting Students of Color – Student Organization Program of the Year
The Student Organization Advisor of the Year Award was presented to advisors for their guidance and support in fostering organizational growth and individual leadership development:
- Don Brennan, Dana Hallahan and Patton Vo – Brandywine Benefitting THON
- Sean Jones – Anime Club and Poké Walk
Residence Life presented the Resident Assistant of the Year Award:
- Jordan Polillo
Brandywine’s Center for Social Impact honored its student interns:
- Nusrat Mumu
- Angel Asomugha
- Zena Ballan
- Kit Breithaupt
- Bianka Bunbury
- Cortez Catalano
- Hritika Chitambare
- Jannat Chowdhury
- Sierra Coleman
- Naimah Dristi
- Alan Farrow
- Theresa Hamilton
- Alexander Hart
- Ndella Jagne
- Benjamin Keller
- Nusrat Mumu
- Khushi Patel
- Rose Rowe
David Rosenberg, Brandywine Advisory Board member, was honored for his continued dedication to the Center for Social Impact.
Student Affairs recognized the following students for their involvement with the Student Government Association:
- Jessica Gore, 2023-24 president
- Ny’Keh Saunders, 2023-24 vice president
- Jordan Polillo, 2023-24 secretary
- Madison Ollis, 2023-24 treasurer
- Madison Ferguson
- Alyson Gehrke
- Khaleelah Hamm
- Marvellous Ibikunle
- Caitlin Kaiser
- Charles Katz
- Tanner Kramer
- Philippe Latour
- Samantha McGowan
- Siyam Mohiuddin
- Anaya Mudigonda
- Rose Rowe
- Esha Thawani
- Olivia Thorn
- Thomas Zotollo
Jordan Polillo and Madison Ollis were inaugurated as the Student Government Association president and vice president for 2024-25.