University Park, PA: An Indian student is among four Penn State students to have been honored with the 2025 John W. Oswald Award in their respective areas of leadership. Awards were given in the following fields: Sukainah Aldarweesh, speech and mass media; Julienne van Bekkum, athletics; Nathaniel Carey, scholarship; and Parth Gosar, social services, religious activity and 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.
Gosar is majoring in computer science in the College of Engineering. Nominators said has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a commitment to enhancing the University community through his involvement with the International Student Council and University Libraries’ Student Advisory Board as a Library Ambassador.
Gosar leads the 60th year of the International Student Council (ISC) as its president, having previously served as finance director and representative in the University Park Undergraduate Association. Under his leadership, ISC actively serves on multiple advisory boards, including Student Legal Services, Housing and Food Services, HUB, Student Insurance, Student Community Leaders and the University Libraries Board, where nominators said he has made a significant impact.
Gosar also has been awarded the Student Leaders Scholarship in recognition of his leadership and contributions.
Gosar also was appointed to serve on the State College Borough Council’s Oversight Board, which nominators said exemplifies his commitment to the overall State College and University Park communities.
As a Library Ambassador, nominators said, he was an invaluable resource for promoting library resources and services. He also served in various leadership roles in the position.
“Parth’s dedication to public service is evident in his work to extend the reach of University Library awareness and assessment efforts,” a nominator said. “As president of the International Student Council, Parth engages with students in this organization and promotes library services and gathers valuable feedback to inform improvements, demonstrating his potential for future public-spirited achievement. Parth carries out the mission, amplifying student voices and strengthening library services.”
