PennWest Clarion’s 31st annual Student Senate Integrity Dinner and Awards held special significance this year. Held on Veterans Day and hosted jointly by Student Senate and the Office of Compliance and Title IX, the event theme was “Honoring the Veterans of PennWest.”
A slide show that honored veterans who are family or friends of PennWest faculty, staff or students played prior to the event and during dinner.
“To our students, faculty, staff and alumni who have worn the uniform of our nation — and to the families who have stood beside them — we thank you,” said President Jon Anderson in his welcome. “Your example reminds us that integrity and service are inseparable, and that true leadership is grounded in sacrifice and honor.”
Anderson announced Tony Carlton as recipient of the Presidential Award, which is presented when a nominee meets the criteria of that year’s theme.
“The recipient of the Presidential Award is a disabled Navy hospital corpsman who was in the Fleet Marine Force,” Anderson said. “In every setting, Carlton reflects the PennWest Way through civility, fairness, compassion and integrity.”
Carlton has earned multiple PennWest degrees, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees in exercise science and nutrition, respectively, and a Doctor of Health Sciences degree. He has created several initiatives in support of veterans.
Carlton has mentored three veterans in the Doctor of Health Sciences program, and he has advised many student veterans. Currently entering the post-master’s ABA program, he is beginning a teaching role at Bethany College.
Sgt. 1st Class William Cartagena, an instructor of military science at PennWest, was keynote speaker. Cartagena has served since 2004 in the U.S. Army. His extensive military education includes multiple leadership and command courses, training in combat and tactical operations, environmental and terrain-specific training, and technical and safety training. His civilian education includes 49 credits from the Interamericana University of Puerto Rico with a major in electrical engineering.
Cartagena has received multiple medals: Bronze Star Medal for Valor (three awards), Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, and Army Commendation Medal (five awards). His service and achievement medals include Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal (7 awards), Army Good Conduct Medal (six awards), and National Defense Service Medal, as well as service ribbons for National Defense, Army, Non-Commissioned Officer, and Overseas.
Following the keynote, members of Student Senate presented the Integrity Awards.
“Tonight, we celebrate individuals who demonstrate unwavering integrity in their actions, decisions and interactions on our campus and in our community,” said Student Senate president Bethany Morrow. “Since the founding of this campus and this event, we have made remarkable strides in creating a community built on trust, accountability, and respect. Many students, faculty, and staff have worked tirelessly to uphold these values.”
Outstanding Community Award: Amanda Dixon-Packard
Nominated for unwavering dedication to students and fostering a sense of belonging. As an active member of AITP, Tech Floor and Chess Club, Dixon-Packard provides thoughtful, impactful feedback that encourages growth and collaboration. As an employee of AVI Foodsystems – PennWest’s dining services provider, she goes above and beyond to create a welcoming environment, fostering meaningful connections and making every student feel seen and valued.
Outstanding Supporter Award: PennWest Clarion Choir
Recognized for continued commitment to the arts and continued support of and contributions to diverse groups both on and off campus through their music. The choir performs at events including the Integrity Dinner and Awards and the Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast in January.
Outstanding Employee Award: Dr. Natasha Dias
Nominated for dedication to hands-on learning, collaborative research and a passion for student growth. Dias, associate professor of biology, is faculty advisor of the Beta Beta Beta biology honor society. Under her leadership, Tri Beta has built a vibrant community of scholars by organizing impactful outreach events. Dias mentors undergraduates on research projects such as investigations on bacterial species diversity.
Outstanding Student Award: Harini Dasi
Recognized for hard work and dedication to learning. Dasi’s commitment to learning is exemplified by one-on-one discussions with professors, which provide insight beyond the course requirements. Dasi has been a mentor and a tutor for over a year, assisting her peers in understanding concepts in chemistry, anatomy and physiology, and genetics. She has been president of Clarion International Students Association since fall 2023 and is a member of Beta Beta Beta.
Special Group Award: Student Pennsylvania State Education Association
Nominated for exemplifying the values of civility, fairness, compassion and integrity through dedicated service to the university and surrounding communities. The SPSEA members model the PennWest Way by ensuring every person they engage with, feels heard, valued and empowered to participate. The chapter leads outreach initiatives such as Literacy Under the Lights, which supports early reading development, and Cardboard Carnival STEM Project, which builds creativity, problem solving skills and student confidence.
Special Integrity Award: Pastor Jake Jacobson
Honored for a decade of service on the university’s Martin Luther King Jr. Community Breakfast. Jacobson co-delivered the 2025 MLK keynote with Dr. Brenda Dede. He recently retired after serving for 43 years as pastor of Grace Luthem Church, Clarion. During those years, he helped countless people and served several community organizations.