Recent graduate nominated for national rugby honor

Newly minted Bloomsburg University graduate Atalyia Eisenhauer is one of 19 individuals nominated for the 2019 Penn Mutual Life of Significance Award.

Now it its fifth year, the award highlights how college rugby players demonstrate the values of integrity, respect, loyalty and community in their everyday lives. The idea for the award comes from the book, “Living a Life of Significance,” by Joseph Jordan, which focuses on how the life insurance industry positively impacts society.

Eisenhauer, who recently graduated with history and secondary education degrees, teaches at North Central Secure Treatment Unit, an all-girls juvenile detention center to help educate youth. Last summer, she taught low-income students in Newark, N.J. at North Star Academy Charter School through the Uncommon Schools Organization. On top of her teaching experience, she volunteers for the local ASPCA, Camp Victory, Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, Friends of the Poor Food Shelter, and as an assistant coach for a teen travel softball team.

The winner of the award receives a $5,000 donation to the charity of their choice and $1,000 worth of Rhino Rugby equipment is donated to their college rugby team. The 2019 Life of Significance Award will be presented at a private event on May 31. The winner will also be recognized in a live on-field presentation during ESPN’s broadcast of the Penn Mutual Collegiate Rugby Championship.