Congratulations to our February Student of the Month: Zion Sykes!
Zion Sykes is a fourth year Schreyer scholar majoring in political science and global and international studies. He is the current president of the University Park Undergraduate Association and as he concludes his term and prepares for life after Penn State, he is leaving a significant legacy of leadership. Zion has been an advocate for affordable and accessible education for Penn State students since his first year on campus as a member of Students United Against Poverty. He continued this work as a student trustee on the Penn State Board of Trustees through his service on the Committee on Finance and Investment, which oversees student aid, tuition, and fees as well as capital projects. In the fall of 2024 Zion testified before the Pennsylvania House Education Committee on college affordability and accessibility, and the impact of higher education in Pennsylvania. His contributions to campus life are widely recognized by his peers, who selected him as one of ten seniors to the 2024 Student Homecoming Court and one of three to receive the Guide State Forward Award for exemplifying Penn State values through service, leadership and academics.
Zion has pursued his interest in politics through a variety of professional activities, including an internship with the office of Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent Hughes and service as a Democratic committee person for Philadelphia’s 56th ward. He is also a podcaster and a member of the advisory board for PA Youth vote, a nonpartisan effort to improve civic education and empower young people as civic actors. Last summer he received full funding to complete an international internship as a Penn State Global Perreault Fellow, which prepares students for global leadership through participation in intercultural learning experiences. Zion was an ESG Finance and Consulting intern with Proxy Watcher Inc. in Tokyo, Japan during his time abroad.
Zion supported his fellow undergraduates in their adjustment to college life through his work as a resident assistant, and he shared his love of Penn State as a Lion Ambassador. He brings beautiful music to campus as a member of the University Choir and the ensemble Essence of Joy. He is fluent in Spanish and working toward fluency in Chinese. After graduation he plans a career in governmental consulting or international law.
