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The newest addition to ������Ƶ’s Student Leadership Awards recognizes a value that has long defined the university community: service.

Introduced this year through a partnership between the Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement with the Center for Student Involvement, the Golden Flash Service Award honors a graduating senior who has demonstrated outstanding and sustained dedication to community service throughout their undergraduate career. The award recognizes students who have made a meaningful and measurable impact through consistent service over multiple years, whether through one organization or community initiatives.

Rooted in the spirit of “Flashes Give Back,” the award celebrates students whose commitment to serving others extends beyond the classroom and reflects ������Ƶ State’s culture of leadership, compassion and community engagement. It recognizes those who lead through achievement as well as action and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

The inaugural recipient of the Golden Flash Service Award is Jacob Rathkopf, ’26, whose involvement with organizations including Gift of Life and ������Ƶ State Hillel reflected the spirit of the award’s mission.

“I feel incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to be the first person recognized for service achievements like this,” Jacob said. “What matters most to me is the sense of support I feel from the university.”

The award also highlights the lasting impact students can have during their time at ������Ƶ State and beyond. Recipients are selected not only for the number of hours they dedicate to service, but also for the passion, leadership and purpose behind their involvement. Students considered for the award demonstrate a genuine commitment to improving their communities while developing experiences that shape their futures.

Rathkopf dedicated hundreds of hours to service and community-building initiatives throughout his undergraduate career, helping create connections and opportunities for others on campus.

As the first recipient of the award, Rathkopf also represents the beginning of what university leaders hope will become a lasting tradition – one that recognizes the many students who quietly and consistently make a difference through service.

“I see myself continuing to give back after graduation by sustaining traditions that have a lasting impact on others,” Jacob said. “I hope to keep showing up for the communities that have shaped me and find meaningful ways to contribute wherever I am.”

The Golden Flash Service Award will continue to honor graduating students who embody ������Ƶ State’s commitment to community engagement and service, reinforcing the idea that “Flashes Give Back – it’s who we are, it’s what we do.”