UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Five staff members in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences were recognized for their exemplary service during the annual Staff Laureate Awards reception, held May 20 in the Forest Resources Building.
Each received a plaque for their achievements, and words of recognition were read by Troy Ott, Peter and Ann Tombros Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences.
“I take great pleasure in recognizing the work of these exemplary staff and the many ways they engage within the college and beyond,” Ott said. “We have more than 800 staff within the college who support our faculty, students and outreach, and each has a crucial role in our success.”
Receiving the ambassador award was Kathleen Demchak, senior extension associate. This award honors a staff member who serves as a proactive liaison to external audiences by building relationships, sharing knowledge, and promoting the unit and the college.
“Kathy has been an invaluable asset to Penn State Extension and the Department of Plant Science,” said Patricia Prade, extension educator. “She has worked tirelessly to support small fruit growers, not only in Pennsylvania but across the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond. Through her research, outreach and extension efforts, she has consistently promoted the University’s programs and services, ensuring the growers and industry benefit from the latest science-based information.”
The customer service award went to Richelle Brown, histotechnologist in the Penn State Animal Diagnostic Lab. This award honors a staff member who demonstrates exemplary service to others, internal or external to the unit and the college.
“What truly distinguishes Richelle is her positive attitude and strong dedication to serving others,” said Jason Brooks, a teaching professor in the Eberly College of Science and an adjunct faculty member in the College of Agricultural Sciences. “She understands that behind every specimen is a client awaiting answers, and this awareness is reflected in her work ethic and sense of responsibility. She consistently goes above and beyond to support pathologists, laboratory colleagues and clients, ensuring timely and accurate results that directly impact diagnostic cases.”
The Leadership Award went to Tinamarie Illar, assistant director of marketing strategy. This award honors a staff member who demonstrates leadership and high standards of performance and serves as a positive role model for others.
“Tina brings together teams within the marketing unit and across the college to develop coherent, achievable plans and does so in a way that builds trust and shared ownership,” said Gretta Tritch Roman, senior director of research development and initiatives in the college. “This trust is a defining feature of her leadership. Colleagues rely on her judgment, value her perspective, and respect her ability to balance accountability with collaboration.”
The Spirit Award was presented to Margaret Weber, academic program coordinator for graduate programs and pathobiology. This award honors a staff member who demonstrates enthusiasm and an optimistic approach to work, creating an inclusive and supportive environment.
“Margaret is truly the heartbeat of our floor,” wrote graduate students in the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences. “She is always smiling, always kind and always genuinely ready to help. She creates an environment where graduate students feel seen, supported and enthusiastic about coming to work every day. We would not be where we are without her help.”
The Trailblazer Award was presented to Rebecca Berger, Salesforce CRM business analyst.
“Rebecca Berger demonstrated exceptional ingenuity in transforming a rough business case into a fully developed, enterprise-level solution: Extension Referrals,” said Brandon Woelkers, assistant director of CRM strategy and operations. “By aligning technology, people and processes, Rebecca has created a scalable infrastructure that strengthens customer trust, supports increased engagement, and positions extension to respond proactively to constituent needs.”
To learn more about the awards, nomination forms and past participants, visit the program webpage.