LEMONT FURNACE, Pa. — Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus recognized its faculty and staff at the 2025 Retirement and Recognition Celebration on Dec 1.
Regional Chancellor Megan Nagel honored the following individuals for their sustained dedication to the Fayette campus.
Celebrating five years of full-time service
- Melissa Robinson, assistant professor of corporate communication.
Celebrating 10 years of full-time service
- Kati Porter, associate teaching professor of biology.
Celebrating 15 years of full-time service
- Pamela Pologruto, teaching professor of the physical therapist assistant
- Stacy Sekely, teaching professor of the physical therapist assistant
Celebrating 20 years of full-time service
- Joe Friend, Information Technology specialist
Celebrating 35 years of full-time service
- Ivko Dimitric, associate professor of mathematics
- Andrzej Gapinski, professor of engineering
2025 Staff Excellence Awards
Nagel and Chief Academic Officer Lindsey Simon-Jones presented the 2025 Excellence Awards, which are supported by the Fayette Campus Endowment Fund.
The Barbara B. Solesky Support Staff Excellence Award was presented to Sherry Scully, Admissions and Student Aid administrative support assistant.
From the nominator, “Sherry has been a constant pillar of the Admissions Office and the Penn State Fayette community, embodying service that extends far beyond her assigned duties. Her knowledge of the University and her passion for Penn State Fayette are remarkable, and she approaches every challenge with versatility, humor, and compassion.”
The Rose Ann Williams Staff Mentoring Excellence Award was presented to Mike Romeo, interim associate director of enrollment management.
From the nominator, “Mike welcomed me and my family with open arms and provided me with resources that I otherwise would not have if I didn’t have him to mentor me. Even now, he maintains a passionate demeanor and a commitment to assist me and my colleagues with whatever challenges we may face.”
The Staff Excellence Award was presented to Billie Jo Yuhaniak, chancellor’s assistant.
“Many of her supporters tried to list all of the events, activities and programs that Billie Jo has been a key element of over the years,” Nagel said at the recognition ceremony. “I won’t read that list because we simply don’t have two days’ time to get through them all, and I think we all know that even today’s event would not have been possible without Billie Jo.
“I will conclude with the words of another supporter, who said that they consider the opportunity to work with Billie Jo an absolute high point of their time working at Fayette. She deserves all the best in this world — and especially this distinguished award.”
The Ellen M. Laun Advising Excellence Award was presented to Deborah Stoy, instructor in the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing.
From the nominator, “There is almost never a time when Deb is not meeting with a student. She is very hands-on and takes her time when she meets with the students to develop an individual plan of study for them to use and then will follow up with the students to see if it has helped.”
The Faculty Excellence in Research Award was presented to Melissa Robinson, assistant professor of corporate communications.
From the nominator, “Missy has maintained an active research agenda in her time here at Fayette. She has contributed to no less than 9 publications in the past four years, with many listing her as first author.
“She has also presented her work nine times in the date range at prestigious conferences and venues. She has lent her expertise to editorial work as well. She has been a constant advocate for undergraduate research at our campus, demonstrating her dedication to opening doors for students outside of her own research agenda.”
The Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award was presented to Wendy Edgar, assistant teaching professor in the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing.
From the nominator, “Wendy is an exceptionally creative educator who continually enhances the learning experience for her students. She has spearheaded the development of innovative assignments in her nursing courses and designs thoughtful discussion activities that foster deep reflection and critical thinking.
“Drawing from her professional network, Wendy regularly integrates real-world experiences into her courses—particularly in areas such as ethics—to help students connect theory to practice. Student comments are always very positive, which reinforces the teaching excellence and positive outcomes Wendy consistently achieves.”