As part of our regular “We Are!” feature, we recognize 22 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:
- Carl Ayre, finance officer and financial consultant in the College of Education, whose nominator wrote: “Carl consistently excels and improves efficiency. He brings kindness and respect to every interaction, and his encouragement and appreciation boost morale. He leads with empathy and optimism, and he highlights each person’s value every day.”
- Jenna Ciambotti, recruitment manager at Penn State Dickinson Law, whose nominator wrote: “Jenna is the primary liaison with employers, cultivating and maintaining relationships that result in meaningful jobs for students. Her efforts directly enhance outcomes for both students and employer partners. Her dedication, dependability and pursuit of excellence make her a vital member of our team.”
- Zach Doran, cyber security systems engineer in Penn State IT, whose nominator wrote: “Zach is the kind of colleague everyone hopes to work with. Always quick to respond and easy to collaborate with, he brings a positive presence to every interaction. His dependability and willingness to help make every project smoother. We are truly grateful for him!”
- Jessie Edson, genetics laboratory manager in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management in the College of Agricultural Sciences, whose nominator wrote: “Jessie plays a key role in keeping our unit running smoothly. She is always willing to step up in a moment’s notice. Her positive disposition and willingness to be a team player is much appreciated. She is someone that we can all depend on!”
- Amy Fisher, student engagement coordinator at Penn State Great Valley, whose nominator wrote: “Amy makes every event at Great Valley special. Even though she had a daughter graduating at University Park this year, she still organized a great commencement at Great Valley — and everything was organized to perfection. She always goes above and beyond what is expected for our students.”
- Tracy Garnick, director of student services and engagement at Penn State Hazleton, whose nominator wrote: “Special shout out to Tracy for always going above and beyond for her staff and students! Her leadership, mentorship and unwavering support create an environment where everyone feels encouraged to learn, grow and succeed. Tracy’s dedication and compassion make a positive impact every single day.”
- Trisha Gates, graphic design specialist in Penn State Outreach, whose nominator wrote: “Trisha is an invaluable member of the Outreach marketing content team! She brings a positive attitude and determined spirit to every project. As a photographer, videographer, interviewer and storyteller representing Outreach throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, she shines in her role!”
- Florencia “Flo” Gercar Pepper, academic adviser in Smeal College of Business, whose nominator wrote: “Flo is extremely caring and approaches each student with compassion and kindness while serving as a fierce advocate. Her work coordinating NSO sessions is Herculean, and her ability to keep everyone informed and consistent is commendable. She is instrumental in supporting the success of students.”
- Caley Glasgow, Salesforce business analyst and administrator in Penn State IT, whose nominator wrote: “Caley consistently steps up to help others, takes on new challenges with enthusiasm and is always willing to learn something new. She investigates new approaches resulting in innovative solutions for all units. Her collaborative spirit and can-do attitude make her an invaluable teammate.”
- Holly Hawkins, academic program coordinator in the College of Education, whose nominator wrote: “Holly goes above and beyond to support graduate students. Her responsiveness and clarity in navigating complex administrative processes have been invaluable. She approaches every request with patience, warmth and efficiency, making a meaningful difference in students’ experiences.”
- Kevin Hulburt, director of the Journey Success Center in the College of Education, whose nominator wrote: “Kevin was the driving force behind the Student Success Unconference. With many volunteers supporting the work, Kevin’s inclusive leadership made it possible — like a conductor, elevating ideas and talents, keeping the group aligned and creating a meaningful experience for all.”
- Matthew Kleiman, executive director of the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing and clinical professor of criminology in the College of the Liberal Arts, whose nominator wrote: “Dr. Matthew Kleiman's leadership, unwavering advocacy and dedication continually advance the Commission's mission. He consistently champions the needs of the agency while supporting staff with genuine care. His storytelling, positivity and humor brighten the workplace.”
- Kathy Koetje-Simin, strategic finance partner in the College of Health and Human Development (HHD), whose nominator wrote: “Kathy is a fantastic strategic finance partner who leads with heart. She brings thoughtful, insightful perspectives during times of change and is a true champion for her college. Her dedication and leadership make a meaningful impact every day.”
- Manuel Llinás, Ernest C. Pollard Professor in Biotechnology in Eberly College of Science, whose nominator wrote: “While many keep their successful award, research consortia and review panel experience to themselves, Manuel is a team player. Without prompting, he volunteers to coach faculty within and outside his unit on strengthening their research proposals for success, boosting junior researchers' confidence.”
- Rebecca Martin, environmental services supervisor in the Office of Physical Plant, whose nominator wrote: “Becca not only meets our immediate needs, but she also follows up to find the root of a problem and create a long-term solution. It's wonderful to find someone with this level of dedication to service. Thank you so much, Becca!”
- Stacey Newell, web designer in the College of the Liberal Arts, whose nominator wrote: “Stacey is the kind of designer who never cuts corners. She takes on extra work, stays late when it matters and delivers polished, high-quality results every time. Our college community is better served because of her dedication.”
- Sharon Patterson, lead academic program coordinator at Penn State Great Valley, whose nominator wrote: “Sharon consistently goes above and beyond expectation. She is an amazing teammate, volunteers as our USAC representative and co-chairs the WE cARE committee. She is wonderful at training new staff with patience and kindness, the first one to volunteer and a truly inspiring coworker to work with.”
- Melanie Port, undergraduate academic program coordinator in the College of Health and Human Development (HHD), whose nominator wrote: “Melanie provides pinnacle faculty support to our undergraduate students by navigating in our diverse internship program demands. She started Project Stitches at Penn State to support our KINES 414 course for unsheltered individuals in need of hats, blankets and gloves through a crocheting campaign!”
- Kristy Rimmey, academic program assistant in the College of Education, whose nominator wrote: “Kristy has been a tremendous help in navigating complex travel funding processes, offering clear guidance and timely support at every step. Her thoroughness makes stressful situations manageable, and her assistance with essential teaching resources is equally appreciated.”
- Jonathan Siegle, systems developer in Penn State IT, whose nominator wrote: “For two weeks, my email messages were delivered to spam. Jon guided me through the solution, then followed up at 5:52 a.m. after noticing it hadn't applied. His proactive, after-hours monitoring and responsiveness show exceptional dedication and care. His commitment truly distinguishes him!”
- Chris Sigler, associate teaching professor of food science in the College of Agricultural Sciences, whose nominator wrote: “Chris always brings an intense excitement to every role he is in. He finds ways to connect with every student and colleague. He listens so closely to each of their stories while in the background he is always trying to come up with ways that he can make their experience better.”
- Adrianne Vasey, associate teaching professor of biology in Eberly College of Science, whose nominator wrote: “I came to her in a rough, unsupported space and she provided valuable advice and resources, following up the next day to let me know my presence was missed. We bonded over our struggles with self-advocacy. This is me advocating for her — she is someone who truly cares about people and backs it up with action.”
Thank you to these individuals and everyone across the University who contributes to making 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.