2026 Undergraduate Awards
Congratulations to the recipients of our 2026 undergraduate awards:
Olivia Podskoch – Undergraduate Student Marshal
‘26 women’s, gender, and sexuality studies and criminology and a certificate in diversity studies
Olivia Podskoch graduated with bachelor of arts degree in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies and criminology and a certificate in diversity studies in spring 2026. During her time at Penn State, Olivia was a member of TRIOTA, the WGSS Honors Society, for four years and served as the president this past year. She was also a member of Gamma Sigma, a national service sorority, where she served as the organization’s THON Primary Chair and dancer in THON 2026. She interned for two summers with the Luzerne County Office of the Public Defender, which ignited her passion for criminal defense. After graduation, Olivia will be attending law school at the University of Pittsburgh.
Morgan Phillips – Laura Richardson Whitaker Memorial Undergraduate Award in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
‘27 social studies education
Morgan Phillips has been actively involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy and community work during their time at Penn State. As one of the founding members of Kaxom, Penn State’s first queer service organization, Morgan helped create a welcoming space focused on support, visibility, and community for LGBTQ+ students and allies. Their leadership and involvement reflect a strong commitment to inclusion, care, and social justice. WGSS is proud to recognize Morgan’s contribution and leadership.
Amy Schafer – Laura Richardson Whitaker Memorial Undergraduate Award in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Wietlisbach Family Award in the Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
‘26 public relations/advertising and global and international studies and women’s, gender, and sexuality studies
Amy Schafer served as vice president of Triota and editor-in-chief of The Daily Collegian. After graduation, she plans to work in journalism before pursuing law school and a career in media law. Amy’s curiosity, leadership, and commitment to storytelling across cultures have left a lasting mark on the WGSS community, and we are excited to see where her path leads next.
Emma Duffy – Mimi Barash Coppersmith Endowed Scholarship in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
‘26 recreation, park, and tourism management
Since starting at Penn State in 2022, Emma has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership, community engagement, and feminist values through both her academic and extracurricular work. Majoring in Community Recreation within Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management, with minors in Sexuality and Gender Studies and Sustainability, Emma has been actively involved with organizations including Kaxom, Penn State’s queer service organization, Alpha Delta Pi, Club Crew, and the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity.
Sarah Flynn – Mimi Barash Coppersmith Endowed Scholarship in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Judith Hardes Reproductive Justice Undergraduate Intern
‘26 women’s, gender, and sexuality studies
Sarah Flynn is an accomplished performer, educator, advocate, and public speaker whose work reflects a longstanding commitment to feminist leadership, creative practice, and community engagement. Her work demonstrates how creative practice can open meaningful conversations around gender, equity, and social justice—values deeply connected to the mission of WGSS.
Emily Christian – Mimi Barash Coppersmith Endowed Scholarship: Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award
‘27 political science
Emily Christian has been actively involved in student leadership, civic engagement, and advocacy during their time at Penn State. Studying political science, Emily has worked with Project 26 Pennsylvania and has shown a strong interest in community organizing and public engagement. Their work reflects a commitment to inclusion, social justice, and creating positive change through both academic and community-centered involvement. The department is pleased to recognize Emily for her leadership and contributions.
Eloise Emel – Judith Hardes Reproductive Justice Undergraduate Intern
‘27 psychology
Eloise Emel interned at GOALS, a consultancy and media platform dedicated to growing women’s sports, under the mentorship of Penn State Alumna Caroline Fitzgerald, Founder and CEO.