DUBOIS – A senior majoring in business at Penn State DuBois, Jordan Eisman of Brockway is the recipient of the 2014 Eric A. and Josephine S. Walker Award.
Across all of Penn State’s University College campus locations, the Walker Award is considered one of the most prestigious honors. Eisman was recognized recently at both the Delta Mu Sigma Honors Convocation, as well as the Student Government Association banquet.
The purpose of the Walker Award is to recognize undergraduate students enrolled at the commonwealth locations 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 thereby to the reputation of the entire university.
In particular, Eisman received the award for her outstanding level of service to the community and the campus during her time as a student at Penn State DuBois. She spent time volunteering in numerous capacities to help better the lives of people in DuBois, and in communities as far away as Washington, D.C.
Eisman has been involved in Student Government, THON, the Service Above Self Club, the Campus Activities Board, New Student Orientation and Relay for Life. She has participated in activities such as blood drives, organizing benefit dinners, benefit shows, food drives and nursing home visits. She has taken part in community service projects, and traveled to Washington, D.C. on a spring break trip where she volunteered in soup kitchens to help the homeless.
Penn State DuBois Chancellor Melanie Hatch presented Eisman with the Walker Award at the Delta Mu Sigma Honors Convocation. Hatch said, “Through Jordan’s self-discovery and education here at Penn State DuBois, she has learned to push herself beyond her comfort zone.
“Her transformation into the involved community and campus leader that she is came about because Jordan took advantage of every opportunity that was presented to her. The criteria of the Walker Award are character, scholarship, leadership and citizenship. I give my congratulations to Jordan, as she exemplifies the best of these qualities.”
Louise Whyte, the campus student life assistant, nominated Eisman for the Walker Award. Whyte said, “Nothing sums up Jordan’s character more than her selflessness and dedication for helping others while still being a diligent, focused student working on her bachelor of science in business, who has been on the Dean’s List almost every semester.
“Jordan has gone above and beyond as a student leader at Penn State DuBois. Throughout her college career she has balanced her extracurricular and academic responsibilities excellently, and has made a lasting impression not only on me, but on many other individuals at the university.”
Eisman remained humble in the spotlight. She said, “I think it’s important to be involved in service and give back for many reasons. I personally volunteer because I think it is the right thing to do, and it makes me feel good knowing I was able to help someone. It is also your civic responsibility to help your community.
“I am inspired to help others because I know that I need help sometimes, too. You never know when a situation may come up that requires the help of others. I am a firm believer in paying it forward.
“Winning this award has left me speechless. I am so grateful and humbled by receiving this award. I work hard in school, do community service, and stay involved in clubs because that is what I love doing.”