Two undergraduates recognized with Jackson Lethbridge Tolerance Award

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Emmanuel Kraft, who is earning consecutive undergraduate degrees in political science and communication arts and sciences, as well as a master’s degree in public policy at Penn State University Park, and Sean Martin, a junior majoring in digital media, arts, and technology at Penn State Behrend, are the recipients of the 2025 Jackson Lethbridge Tolerance Award.

The award recognizes a junior, senior or graduate student for outstanding efforts to enhance the understanding of diverse cultures and create a community where all individuals are accepted and valued equally. The award is named for its benefactor, a Penn State alumnus.

Emmanuel Kraft

Kraft, a member of the Schreyer Honors College, dedicates his time to numerous volunteer organizations at Penn State, most notably the Food Recovery Network. Kraft is co-founder and community relations director of the organization responsible for donating more than 15,000 campus dining meals to community partners.

In that role, he designed a website to promote the organization’s mission and increase accessibility to the community, volunteered weekly at St. Andrew’s Community Café, helping to organize and serve meals to more than 200 residents weekly, and led the reactivation of the Peace Meal, bringing together more than 40 students from different cultures through a shared meal.

Nominators called Kraft a “thoughtful, compassionate, collaborative and focused leader in the organization’s dual mission to mitigate food waste that contributes to climate change, and to improve food access for food insecure residents of our community.”

Kraft is responsible for the group’s external communications with two homeless shelters, the community café, Abba Java Coffeehouse, the State College Food Bank and the Lion’s Pantry.

“His role brings significant responsibility, as professionalism, clarity and consistency are crucial to convey to these partners,” a nominator said. “Because we are providing food to at-risk and marginalized community members, Emmanuel must communicate clearly and well in advance regarding the number of meals our team will be bringing, and alert them to any days or weeks that we must miss, so that these partners have time to make alternative arrangements. Emmanuel is self-directed, motivated and conscientious about maintaining reliable communications with each partner.”

Nominators said Kraft used his communication skills and tools such as the website to ensure all community players were given clear guidance on the foods that are being delivered. He also ensured all food safety protocols were being met, so that healthy, safe meals were being distributed in a timely fashion.

Kraft also revived the Peace Meal, working with students to envision and enact a shared cooking event and celebratory meal. The Peace Meal now occurs each semester and will continue, nominators said, thanks to Kraft helping to train future leaders.

“Emmanuel’s contribution to building an equitable food system and community at Penn State has made an important impact on campus,” a nominator said. “I have greatly enjoyed having Emmanuel on our team as his passion and energy show through in all he does. I believe his attributes of vision, steady consistency, self management and professionalism exemplify and model the way for others.

Sean Martin

Nominators said Martin is passionate about the arts and has taken an active role in promoting events on and around campus. He is the manager of BOLD-C, an outreach organization at the Behrend School of Humanities and Social Sciences. There, Martin helped produce several independent films.

“Under Sean’s guidance, BOLD-C has made significant contributions to the local community, especially by assisting with the production of various independent films,” a nominator said. “These projects not only support local filmmakers but also provide students with valuable hands-on experience in film production.”

Nominator said the films promoted cultural awareness and established a platform for cross-cultural dialogue and increased appreciation for global storytelling.

Through his position at BOLD-C and as president of the Digital Creations Club, Martin became the creator, curator and host of the campus-wide International Film Screening Series, which seeks to introduce students and staff to many different countries and cultures through the eyes of filmmakers all across the world.

Nominators said he also plays a vital role in the Erie Rotary Club’s annual Ethics Symposium. The symposium engages Erie County high school juniors with discussions about ethical dilemmas they face.

“By encouraging conversations on topics such as social responsibility, justice and personal ethics, the symposium helps students develop critical skills for ethical decision-making,” a nominator said. “This initiative is essential in preparing young people for the complex ethical challenges they will face as they transition to higher education or the workforce. Sean’s involvement in this event demonstrates his commitment to instilling a strong ethical foundation in the next generation.”

Martin has stayed involved in the local community. He’s been involved in nonprofit organizations that seek to help incoming immigrants and refugees, such as the Greater Erie Community Action Committee. Given his love of film, he has also been a volunteer for Community Access Media, another nonprofit organization devoted to filming events around Erie. Martin has had the opportunity to film and edit footage and direct camera operators for events all around the community.

Nominators said Martin uses his love of the arts and cinema to promote tolerance and inclusion. The work he promotes encourages an environment of respectful tolerance, encouraging students to embrace differences and develop empathy toward others.

“Sean exceeds the typical expectations of an outstanding student; he actively seeks out opportunities to lead and make a positive impact both within his academic sphere and the broader community,” a nominator said.