Mechatronics Engineering major Kyle Bennett won this year’s Keeper of the Flame Award for his commitment to make those around him feel included and supported.
The senior, who also minors in Graphic Design, is the first student from the Penn West California campus to win the award.
PennWest started in 2022 to acknowledge “someone who is making or has made longstanding contributions to the university that support diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Rogers J. Laugand III, the assistant vice president for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
“I feel really honored and blown away and it ignited my spark to keep moving forward and validate my work and purpose. It made me feel like I’m following the right path and should keep going,” Bennett said.
Bennett, who is from Trinidad and Tobago, said: “When I first came to university, I felt like a stranger in a strange land. Many kind people opened their hearts to me, and that was incredible. I want to carry that flame forward, lighting the way for others as much as I can.”
The award, he said, symbolizes a commitment to keeping alive the values of openness and empathy that were once shared with him.
“It means standing up for people and making a better place for everyone with different backgrounds. Making sure everyone is warmed by the fire of the flame and feels welcomed,” he said.
The criteria for winning the Keeper of the Flame award are to do one or a few of the following. To serve as a mentor to students and employees, cultivate many meaningful relationships with people across the university, be committed to service in the university and its surrounding communities, be welcoming and be open to diverse groups of people, a change agent who inspires and engages in initiatives that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at the university and in its surrounding communities.
Bennett meets the criteria.
“Through his selflessness and genuine commitment, Kyle has fostered a campus environment where students of diverse backgrounds feel welcomed and empowered,” Laugand III said.
He participates in many campus clubs, like gaming, international, cosplaying, and fencing. He even threw his hat into the rings of Homecoming Court unfortunately he did not win, but he did make it to the Top 10 Homecoming candidates.
“Kyle has shown exceptional engagement and leadership at our school through his involvement in various student organizations and clubs. He has actively contributed to the Student Government, and International Club, and co-founded the Theatre’s Costume Club. He also held executive roles on the boards of the Fencing, Medieval, and Gaming Clubs.
Bennett credits his mother’s for inspiring him. He said: “She always told me to leave every place a little better than I found it. I take that to heart, and I hope that inspires others to do the same.”
This philosophy has guided him in creating positive change, and he sees it as a principal worth sharing with others.”
The award also recognizes Bennett’s dedication to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). He acknowledged the ongoing nature of this mission, describing it as “one of constant learning and growth.”
Although he admits making a substantial impact is a challenging task, he is committed to championing DEI efforts. “Together, we can make the change we want to see,” he said, emphasizing the collective effort required to create lasting impact.
“His commitment extends to his work as a campus tour guide, where he introduces new students to our school’s diverse clubs, academic offerings, and the broader community,” Laugand III said.
Bennett is grateful for the people who helped him and nominated him for this award.
“I would like to thank everyone who had helped me and everyone I have touched with my work and commitment. I would like to remind everyone that you have a flame and the best way to keep it lit is to share it with others,” Bennett said.
