Penn GSE students, faculty, and staff honored with annual awards

This year's honorees (from  left, top row):  Faculty members Damani White-Lewis,  A. Brooks Bowden, GED’07, Abby Reisman,  and Jenny Zapf, (middle row) staffers Rachel Dozier, GED’24, John Gamba, and Peter Montesino, (bottom row) and graduating students  Dandan (Sunny) Wu, GED’25, Mayowa Fageyinbo, SPP’24, GED’25, GM’25, and  Meruyert Bizhanova, GED’25.

As part of Penn GSE’s Alumni Weekend and Commencement celebrations, the School is proud to recognize outstanding students, staff, and faculty whose contributions have enriched the Penn GSE community.

These student-selected awards highlight a shared commitment to excellence in teaching, community building, artistic expression, and service. From mentoring and instruction to leadership and creativity, this year’s awardees represent the values that define Penn GSE.

2025 Penn GSE Annual Award Winners:

• Excellence in Teaching Award
  Damani White-Lewis
  Honoring a faculty member who demonstrates exceptional dedication to student learning and academic engagement.
• Staff Recognition of Service Awards
  Rachel Dozier, GED’24
  John Gamba
  Peter Montesino
  Recognizing staff who go above and beyond in supporting students, colleagues, and the broader School community.
• Faculty Recognition of Service Awards
  A. Brooks Bowden, GED’07
  Abby Reisman
  Jenny Zapf
  Celebrating faculty whose service contributions have had a meaningful impact on campus culture and operations.
• GSE Student Award for Excellence in Strengthening Our Community
  Dandan (Sunny) Wu, GED’25
  Awarded to a student who exemplifies the spirit of community engagement, inclusion, and leadership.
• Laurie Wagman Award for Visual and Performing Arts in Education
  Mayowa Fageyinbo, SPP’24, GED’25, GM’25
  Given to a scholar who integrates creativity and the arts into educational practice, research, or expression.
• William E. Arnold Award for Outstanding Contributions by a Student
  Meruyert Bizhanova, GED’25
  The Arnold Award reflects our commitment to preparing outstanding educators and academic leaders.

All members of the Penn GSE community are invited to celebrate these remarkable individuals during the Celebration of Educators during Alumni Weekend on May 17. Full event details are available at penng.se/coe25.