ABINGTON, Pa. — The Willow Grove chapter of the NAACP honored Mary Ellen Glick, Penn State Abington’s longtime student case manager, with its humanitarian award for her “dramatic, profound, and life-changing contributions to the local community — especially her work connecting with young people.”
A chapter spokesperson described Glick’s efforts as “inspirational,” noting the energy required to help students overcome barriers and access opportunities. “By supporting young people facing unfair disadvantages, she helps change their futures. Knowing she is there is a blessing for families and for the extended Abington community. She improves lives — and the world.”
Abington Chancellor Gary Liguori praised Glick’s outlook and dedication as essential to the campus mission.
“Mary Ellen’s commitment and passion to help those seeking help runs deep and reflects the DNA of the Abington campus,” Liguori said. “She works tirelessly to find resources for our students who are experiencing any level of homelessness or food scarcity, and other challenges. This work isn’t easy, but she approaches it with enthusiasm and compassion, always bringing a smile to all she does.”
Glick, whose background includes child welfare and refugee resettlement, said she is grateful that Abington’s leadership created a full-time social work position a decade ago.
“I appreciate the willingness to invest in meeting students’ needs,” she said. “Working with young people who’ve been dealt a difficult hand and still made it to college is incredibly rewarding. But getting into college doesn’t always mean getting through college and earning a degree.”
She collaborates with nearly every area of campus — academics, financial aid, athletics, and student life — to help students stay on track toward graduation. Because outside pressures often affect academic success, Glick navigates complex government systems related to housing, food assistance, and health insurance, weaving those supports together with campus and University resources.
Her work includes:
- Coordinating holistic services for students who have experienced foster care through the University’s Fostering Lions program and those classified as independent. She coaches them, connects them with resources, and helps them build skills for personal and professional success. “It’s especially meaningful because this is often a hidden population,” she said.
- Co-chairing the Abington Care Team, which brings campus partners together to assist students facing academic concerns or nonemergency health and safety issues. “We break down silos to provide comprehensive support,” Glick said. “It may involve a medical concern, a family loss, food insecurity, or emergency housing.”
- Overseeing the weekly fresh-food distribution through Abington’s partnership with Philabundance and managing the LionShare campus food pantry. She hires and trains student employees, who earn money while acquiring business skills and serving their communities.
- Coordinating intakes and guiding complainants through supports and University processes as a Title IX point of contact.
- Participating on the Student Emergency Assistance Fund committee alongside colleagues from financial aid.
“I try to level the playing field by weaving together community, guidance, support, and financial resources,” Glick said. “The most rewarding part of my work is seeing students who’ve faced challenges graduate and go on to succeed in their lives.”
About Penn State Abington
Penn State Abington, home to nearly 3,000 students and just minutes from Philadelphia, offers 26 four-year majors and 14 NCAA Division III athletics teams. The Abington Experience launches students from campus to career through internships, leadership development, short-term academic travel, and faculty-led research. Penn State Abington — where the city’s energy meets the best of the suburbs.