ESU Announces University Leadership and Service Award Winners

Graduating seniors Favor Toby and Tyler Akob have spent their years at East Stroudsburg University with a desire to lead and serve others.

Toby, a business management major from Folcroft, Pa., was awarded the University Leadership Award for the 2025-26 academic year. Akob, a finance major from Saylorsburg, Pa., was awarded the University Service Award.

The University Leadership and Service Awards are the highest non-academic honors a graduating senior can receive for their work as a leader in cocurricular activities on campus or participation in initiatives and service opportunities off campus. To be eligible, applicants must have held office or demonstrated participation in a minimum of three clubs, activities, and committees, have a grade point average of 2.6, and be in good standing.

Both award recipients were immersed in student life during their time on campus.

Toby was a member of the African Student Association, Entrepreneurship Club, Multicultural Organization Advisory Board, Pentecostal Students and Associates, where she most recently served as president, Sign Language Club, Student Government Association, Residence Hall Association, and the Women of Color Initiative.

When she first arrived at East Stroudsburg University, Favor didn’t immediately see herself as a leader. Over time, she believes she has grown into a leader who is committed to service, growth, and empowering others. One of the most meaningful experiences she has had in college is being a resident advisor. Through this role she has mentored students, supported them through challenges, and helped build strong communities within residence life.

Her commitment to the campus community has been recognized through honors such as being a recipient of the Mary Gerturde Smith Boddie Scholarship at the Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Breakfast and being selected as Homecoming Queen. Favor earned second place in the inaugural Warrior Startup Challenge, participated in the EPIC program, and was involved in the University Honors Program. She participated in professional development seminars through The Washington Center, expanded her global perspective with a study abroad trip in Germany. She has also received the Goal Setter Award and the Rising Star award from ESU’s Student Activity Association.

Lurine Allotey, assistant director of the Center of Multicultural Affairs & Inclusive Education, said Favor was instrumental in keeping her clubs vibrant and productive. “She has demonstrated and exemplified leadership qualities that kept the organizations she is involved with alive.”

Akob became a student worker at the Mattoli Recreation Center his first semester at ESU; he was quickly promoted to a facility manager and has remained in that position. Through his work with Campus Rec & Wellness Akob’s leadership and service to the university grew as he took on roles such as serving on the Recreational Advisory Council, a member of the hiring committee, a referee and league supervisor, a group fitness instructor, and a mentor to interns from ESU’s CILLS program. During his time with Campus Rec & Wellness he has earned Facility Manager of the Month two times, Rec Attendant of the Month, Mr. Rec three times, and the Leader of the Year award.

Akob also worked at the Warrior Tutoring Center, where he completed two levels of certification training to support students in economics, geography, and biology. He was awarded Tutor of the Month for his dedication to the Warrior Tutoring Center and his students.

He served as a student representative through several phases of the university reaccreditation process, was a member of Omicron Delta Epsilon (Economics Honor Society), Sigma Beta Delta (Business, Management, and Administration Honor Society), participated in EPIC program, and was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Investment Club, Student Government Association, The Hidden Opponent, and Unified Sports Club.

Akob also served as a practice player for the women’s basketball program. Liz Flooks, head women’s basketball coach, said, “In my 15 years of coaching, I have rarely encountered a young man with the character and maturity of Tyler. He understands true leadership is about empowering others.”

ESU awarded 926 undergraduate degrees during two commencement exercises on May 9.

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