Campus News

Juniata Graduate Honored as PennACE 2025 JoAnne Day Student of the Year

(Posted December 15, 2025)

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Estefany Granados Saravia '27

Estefany Granados Saravia '27

HUNTINGDON, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Employers (PennACE) recognized Estefany Granados Saravia '27 as the 2025 JoAnne Day Student of the Year in the Liberal Arts category. 

Granados Saravia completed an internship through the Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty (SHECP), which placed her at Church World Service (CWS) Greensboro in North Carolina.  

“CWS helps clients secure housing, employment, and community resources to promote long-term independence,” said Granados Saravia. “I worked with the Employment Services team, working alongside a dedicated, yet stretched, team taught me what it means to stay committed to a mission even under pressure.” 

She credits a strong network of mentors, including her faculty advisor, Robb Lauzon, assistant professor of communication; professors Territa Poole, associate professor of psychology, and Henry Thurston-Griswold, professor of Spanish; and Tammy Stuber, associate director of career development, for their support. 

“I was thrilled when Estefany approached me about applying for the SHECP internship,” said Lauzon. “As her advisor, I get courtside seats to her progress in college and her dedication to student life.” 

The award, named for the late JoAnne Day in honor of her passion for education and commitment to students, recognizes the achievements and contributions made by undergraduate students who have completed internships. 

Granados Saravia serves as the president of Juniata’s Latin American Student Organization (LASO), treasurer of the Spanish Club, a student assistant in donor relations, and a volunteer in the local community. She is studying strategic communications.  

“This experience helped me develop both professional and personal skills. I strengthened my cultural sensitivity by working with people from many regions of the world and learning to communicate through interpreters when necessary,” said Granados Saravia. “More than anything, I learned the value of adaptability, whether that meant finding new strategies for clients struggling to find work or rethinking how to explain an unfamiliar concept in simpler terms.” 

Her internship and campus leadership involvement has made her a vocal advocate for experiential education.  

“Go after the opportunities that make your heart race and your hands shake, those are usually the ones that help you grow the most,” said Granados Saravia. “Don’t be afraid to use the resources around you. Reach out to faculty, staff, or peers, whether you know them well or not. At Juniata, I’ve always been met with open arms and genuine support, and that encouragement made all the difference. You never know what doors can open until you ask.” 

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.