Biology major receives Penn State Oswald Award

Biology major Jacob Levendosky is one of three undergraduate students to be honored with the 2024 John W. Oswald Award for his leadership in student government.

The John W. Oswald Award, established in 1983, annually recognizes graduating seniors who have provided outstanding leadership in at least one of several areas of activity at the University. The award consists of a medallion honoring John W. Oswald, president of the University from 1970 to 1983.

Nominators called Levendosky a thoughtful, ambitious and effective leader who has impacted the student experience at each Penn State campus through his roles on the Council of Commonwealth Student Governments (CCSG), which advocates on behalf of students.

Nominators said Levendosky helped campus representatives create and implement resolutions that made Penn State a more inclusive and equitable University for all. They said he took an active role in authoring policy documents that were eventually adopted, unanimously, to improve Penn State policy.

As vice president for CCSG, Levendosky worked with the University Faculty Senate, the Board of Trustees, senior Student Affairs leadership and the University administration to promote change.

“Jacob is an intentional and caring student leader. We believe that he embodies the spirit, service and scholarship and always goes above and beyond the expectations that are set for him — by us, his faculty or his peers,” a nominator said. “His maturity, willingness to challenge himself, and desire to serve others positions him as a role model for his peers and the diverse group of student leaders he works with daily. He is driven, professional and very independent — while also recognizing the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving his personal, educational, philanthropic and career goals.”

Levendosky serves in numerous other leadership roles, including student representative on the University Policy and Public Safety Student Advisory Board and the Change of Campus Student Advisory Board. He also has served as the Commonwealth Campus liaison for the THON Communications Committee.

“He will leave the University better than he found it and, for those who know him, with a positive impact that will extend far beyond his time at Penn State,” a nominator said.