This award is named in honor of Marlene Fields who was the director and advisor of the choir from 1993-2001. The establishment of this award was to recognize her time and energy that she dedicated to the choir for those eight years. She is the current Director of the Educational Opportunity Program at P.S.U. and continues to be a strong supporter of the choir.

A plaque and an honorarium are given to the recipient. Since 2003, the award have been made possible because of the generous support of Craig Dame.

2007 Recipient: Natalie Douglas

2006 Recipient: E. Kiah Pennie
Kiah will graduate in May 2007 with a B.S. in Biochemistry. She has served as the choir’s President for the past two years. She is a member of the Praise & Worship Team. She also was on the Step Team. Kiah was very helpful in co-organizing our tours to Chicago, Arkansas, and Albany. She also served as an organizer and participant in our past two “Taking It Back” talent shows. She has been a Teacher's Assistant (TA) for Chemistry lab courses. She has also been involved with the Student Association.

2005 Recipient:  Orin Swanson

Orin graduated in December 2005 with a B.S. in Computer Science.  Orin was instrumental in upgrading  the quality of our posters and our website.    He also assisted with the design of our second CD.  Orin also performed featured solos in such songs as “Caribbean Medley,” “Thank You,” and “Let’s Dance (Praise Party).”  Orin was involved as a resident assistant and  a co-founder of the Afro-Brazilian Capoeira Club.  Orin was born and raised on the island of Trinidad.

2004 Recipient:  Etsuko Rucker

Etsuko graduated in May 2005 with a B.S. in Child Family Services.  She only missed only one performance in 6 semesters (because of work).  She served on the executive board as President and Social Chair.  She was one of the original Step Team members.  She was instrumental in helping the Japan tour occur.  She was an outstanding director and featured soloist on such songs as “What a Time,”  “You’ve Been So Faithful,” and “I Told the Storm.”  Etsuko was born in California but was raised in Tokyo, Japan.

2003 Recipient:  Melissa Richardson

Melissa was our first honoree.  Melissa graduated in December of 2003 with a B.A. in Anthropology.  She was one of the members who had outstanding attendance.  She was very helpful as a Treasurer of the choir.  She was one of the original Praise Dancers.  Melissa spent her last semester studying abroad in Liverpool, England.  Melissa was born and raised in Manhattan.