As part of our regular “We Are!” feature, we recognize 19 Penn Staters who have gone above and beyond what’s asked of them in their work at the University.
This week, on behalf of the entire Penn State community, we’d like to say thank you to:
- Nagib Alhadi, international faculty adviser for Commonwealth Campuses in Penn State Global, whose nominator wrote: “Nagib's help with new international faculty hires has been exceptional as we bring on seven new faculty this fall. He has patiently trained a new school director and a new administrative manager. At the same time, he has led the new faculty through the visa process in detail.”
- Elizabeth Andrews, assistant research professor in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS), whose nominator wrote: “Elizabeth was hired to manage a lab with unique and expensive instruments, and to train students to use these extremely specialized tools. It's a job that takes patience, understanding and grit — a set of qualities that few people have. Elizabeth has them all, and the University is lucky to have her.”
- Courtney Angstadt, career services specialist in the College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST), whose nominator wrote: “Courtney is an amazing colleague. She is organized, creative and always ahead of our needs. She often creates resources and signage before we even realize we need them. Even on hectic days, she’s the calm in our storm. We’re so grateful to have her on the IST careers team!”
- Scott Bailey, category lead in Central Procurement, whose nominator wrote: “Scott jumped in in the middle of our project’s contract work and got it finalized quickly and efficiently. He was patient with our questions, flexible when we made updates, and kept us informed. Scott’s initiative and follow-through have made a big difference!”
- Kate Carroll, admissions officer at Penn State World Campus, whose nominator wrote: “Kate has been a leader throughout World Campus' ECRM transition to Salesforce. Kate took it upon herself to stay late and ask a myriad of questions during optional office hours. She also composed and compiled an excellent training manual for the World Campus admissions team. Thank you so much, Kate!”
- Alanna Colvin, associate director of programming for PennTAP, under the Penn State Office of Commercialization and Entrepreneurship, whose nominator wrote: “I proudly nominate Alanna for her ability to turn a bold idea into reality by building the RISE PA Implementation Grant Program from the ground up, an unprecedented initiative for PennTAP. Her work has set PennTAP on a new trajectory to deliver benefits across Pennsylvania well into the future.”
- Nyla Darbeau, academic advising manager in the College of Health and Human Development (HHD), whose nominator wrote: “Nyla led college and department advisers in developing an outstanding set of online resources for students and meeting with over 700 students at New Student Orientation this year! They all did an awesome job.”
- Lisa Dierks, scholar success associate in Schreyer Honors College, whose nominator wrote: “Lisa exemplifies the spirit of Penn State and Schreyer through her passion for students. She leads by example — demonstrating integrity, empathy and tireless dedication — while empowering student leaders to grow in their roles.”
- Alecia Hollinger, international student adviser at Penn State Behrend, whose nominator wrote: “Alecia responded to my call for help in understanding limitations related to international student employment. I am so grateful for her dedication to quick action, digging deep to uncover the root cause for concern, and ensuring appropriate updates were socialized. A true "We Are!" moment.”
- Michelle Ilgen, senior administrative manager in the Department of Political Science in the College of the Liberal Arts, whose nominator wrote: “Michelle is an outstanding staff member! She has overseen at least five major moves of the department, supervises staff with an eye to career development and community, and has embraced new systems and staff consolidation with finesse. She retires in the very near future and greatly deserves a ‘We Are!’ sendoff.”
- Shawn Limrick, manager of campus facilities at Penn State Behrend, whose nominator wrote: “When an unexpected — and unavoidable — change in paving plans created a mess on campus during Behrend's Spend a Summer Day, Shawn took action. With fluorescent vest in place, he greeted every carload with a smile, an apology and guidance — showing a personal touch that prospective families will remember.”
- Brad Morrissey, group lead for mail services in Auxiliary and Business Services, whose nominator wrote: “Recently, I had a question about that needed a quick turnaround. Brad not only walked me through the process step by step, but he assured me that he would watch out for my delivery details to ensure everything runs smoothly. Brad is always extremely responsive and helpful!”
- Hailie Pelka, admissions counselor at Penn State World Campus, whose nominator wrote: “Hailie has been an incredible presence representing World Campus admissions as a change champion throughout the World Campus ECRM transition project to Salesforce. Her experience with Salesforce coupled with her attention to detail has made her a go-to person for her colleagues with questions.”
- Alexandra Persiko, director of global partnerships in Penn State Global, whose nominator wrote: “It has been a pleasure working with Alexandra. She listens with genuine care, fosters collaboration and leads by example, creating an environment where both internal and external stakeholders feel supported, valued and inspired to work toward a shared mission.”
- Erin Shawley, administrative assistant in the College of Agricultural Sciences, whose nominator wrote: “Erin is always so helpful when it comes to ensuring compliance in the College of Ag. She is constantly following up and reaching out to make sure issues are resolved, and she is always so kind and helpful. She is truly an invaluable asset to us in central HR!”
- Alex Suleski, education program specialist at Shaver’s Creek, whose nominator wrote: “Alex recently went above and beyond to create an extra special animal experience for one of the families visiting Shavers Creek!”
- Yana Thal Irwin, academic adviser at Penn State World Campus, whose nominator wrote: “I was at a low point in my academic career, and my adviser has been a godsend to me. She answered every question, went above and beyond to help me, and never gave up on me. Her kindness, patience and belief in me changed everything. Every student deserves someone like her.”
- Aaron Wagner, research dissemination specialist in the College of Health and Human Development, whose nominator wrote: “Aaron has a gift for translating complex research into compelling, accessible stories. His thoughtful writing highlights the impact of our college’s work and reflects his deep respect for the researchers and their discoveries.”
- Kathy Wiest, administrative supervisor in the dean’s office in the College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST), whose nominator wrote: “There have been many changes in IST over the past few years. Kathy has handled each change calmly and made sure the transitions were smooth for the dean’s office. She is trustworthy and has a wealth of knowledge. All faculty and staff know that she can be counted on for assistance.”
Thank you Nagib, Elizabeth, Courtney, Scott, Kate, Alanna, Nyla, Lisa, Alecia, Michelle, Shawn, Brad, Hailie, Alexandra, Erin, Alex, Yana, Aaron and Kathy — and to everyone who helps make Penn State such an incredible community!
Do you know someone who deserves a shout out? If you do, consider nominating that person by filling out a short online form.