As part of our regular “We Are!” feature, we recognize 20 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:
- Aida Bonson, administrative assistant in the Office of Undergraduate Education, who received multiple nominations. One nominator wrote: “Aida is a consummate professional who anticipates and addresses issues before they happen. I benefit from this every day. More importantly, I routinely hear from others across the University about how much they appreciate Aida for the work she does and the way she treats everyone she encounters.” Another nominator wrote: “Over several years of reorganization and shifting roles, Aida has maintained a consistently helpful and efficient presence in the Office of Undergraduate Education. She has willingly taken on new responsibilities and acquired new skills. She has excelled at building connection and community.” A third nominator wrote: “Aida does amazing work. She is not hesitant to take on new tasks and is able to maintain her high level of support through thick and thin. Aida has tremendous integrity, commitment and efficiency. She is dependable and she does not hesitate to go the extra mile to help students and families.”
- Alexis Brooks, human resources consultant for Information Technology Services, whose nominator wrote: “A big shout out to Alexis for leading the IT OST transition on the HR side. She managed over 400 moves with care and precision, stayed responsive to questions, and made sure every detail was handled smoothly. Her dedication truly embodies the ‘We Are!’ spirit.”
- Kelly Chan, administrative assistant in Academic Affairs at Penn State Abington, whose nominator wrote: “Kelly helped me facilitate all the spending and paperwork for a grant by doing all the purchasing including ordering, reimbursements, payments, helping with hiring and payroll, and coordinating deliveries of several items and materials — often heavy and unwieldly. Kelly patiently made it all work.”
- Sarah Kate Dills, IT support specialist in Penn State IT, whose nominator wrote: “Sarah Kate supports more than 40 student employees with dedication — offering help with tasks, life and Penn State. Her thoughtful gestures and fun challenges foster an inclusive, welcoming team culture. She’s a steady, positive force who makes a difference every day.”
- Kerry Hair, core research technologist at the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, whose nominator wrote: “On behalf of the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research (OSVPR) Staff Advisory Council, we thank Kerry for her outstanding leadership, vision and dedication in launching the new OSVPR STAC. Her efforts laid the foundation for meaningful collaboration, advocacy and growth, setting a lasting example of initiative, inclusion and service.”
- Nathan Hamm, facilities representative at the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, whose nominator wrote: “Nathan stays ahead of the game in our various Core Facilites projects by anticipating problems and bringing multiple solution options to the table in order to keep these important efforts moving forward so that research can continue with minimal interruption.”
- Elizabeth “Beth” Hunt, financial aid specialist in Enrollment Management, whose nominator wrote: “Beth works with our LPN student program that spans three separate campus locations. Financial aid awarding is completed manually, which takes great time and care to ensure its accuracy. She has demonstrated wonderful communication to the campuses and great care for this particular group of students.”
- Dennis Maney, senior designer in the College of Health and Human Development (HHD), whose nominator wrote: “Dennis has been the creative backbone of our team for 17 years. He blends brand standards with artistic vision to bring ideas to life. His thoughtful, consistent work helps shape how the college is seen and remembered.”
- Susan Mayer, financial specialist for the Mont Alto, Brandywine and York campuses, whose nominator wrote: “Susan happily always goes the extra mile to solve seemingly unsolvable problems. She digs out what is holding something from getting accomplished, even when others have given up, and then works incredibly fast to complete the job at hand. Because of her, the campus is a better place.”
- Michelle McConnell, advising assistant at Penn State World Campus, whose nominator wrote: “Michelle is known for her calm and skilled support of World Campus students. She shines as a multimedia specialist, and her video montages are a staff retreat favorite! Michelle brings insight, patience and a strong student-focused mindset to her work. Kudos, Michelle!”
- Jason Morris, applications developer in Penn State IT, whose nominator wrote: “Jason provides tireless support for Faculty Senate's system for undergraduate petition review. He is so knowledgeable with programming. He works behind the scenes to help us with endless fixes, updates and improvements that make things easier for everyone. He's so patient and kind. We'd be lost without him!”
- Scott Ogden, facilities manager in Student Affairs, who received multiple nominations. One nominator wrote: “Scott wears many hats in his role. No matter the situation, he always seeks a positive outcome with a positive attitude. He's a great role model for his team and a wonderful colleague.” Another nominator wrote: “Scott is the hidden heartbeat of the HUB-Robeson Center. His integrity, respect for others and unwavering accountability make him a true role model at Penn State. He offers thoughtful advice, supports those around him, and serves as the behind-the-scenes hero who keeps the show running.”
- George Rainey, systems administrator at Penn State Global, whose nominator wrote: “George is always willing to go above and beyond when help is needed. He is kind, friendly and thoughtful. He takes the time to understand our technological needs and offers guidance when necessary. He works hard and is a great asset to Penn State Global. He keeps our technology moving forward!”
- Ellen Rodgers, project manager at Penn State World Campus, whose nominator wrote: “Ellen is an incredible project manager. She is efficient and effective in ensuring deadlines are met and projects stay on schedule. She is an excellent communicator, and she truly cares about her work and the projects she manages. She is an amazing colleague. We are fortunate to work with her!”
- Lynne Shala, business intelligence specialist for Penn State IT - Development and Alumni Relations - Information Systems, whose nominator wrote: “Huge thanks to Lynne for taking time out of her hectic schedule to help me navigate a task that’s new to me in my role. She was quick to respond, thorough in her follow-up, and went out of her way to make sure everything was done correctly and quickly. I’m so grateful for her support and expertise!”
- Stephanie Vlajic, academic adviser at Penn State World Campus, whose nominator wrote: “Stephanie juggles many duties that contribute to student success and volunteers to do more when a need arises. She is always so positive in her interactions and has a passion to ensure everyone can be successful in reaching their goals. She is a true leader and contributor to a positive team morale!”
- Matthew Winslow, administrative assistant for health promotion and wellness in Student Affairs, whose nominator wrote: “I'm nominating Matt for his positivity, professionalism and support. He fosters a welcoming team environment, streamlines onboarding and is always ready to help. His steady presence and teamwork make him an invaluable asset.”
- Katie Wysocki, director of the Career Enrichment Network in the College of the Liberal Arts, whose nominator wrote: “Katie is an incredible supervisor and leader. She’s supportive, flexible and open to input, always encouraging collaboration and ideas. She fosters a positive, team-centered environment rooted in student-focused values and career readiness. She is a true advocate in every sense of the word.”
- Samantha Yon, financial associate in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS), whose nominator wrote: “Sam recently pitched in to assist in getting a foreign vendor paid, which encountered many hurdles along the way. Her diligence and perseverance finally paid off — after weeks of multiple communications — and the vendor received payment. Thank you, Sam, for all you do for EMS. Keep up the great work!”
- Kurt Young, administrative assistant in Auxiliary and Business Services (ABS), whose nominator wrote: “Kurt did an outstanding job coordinating the distribution of marketing materials for the 2,000 first-year students arriving for Summer Session II. He organized all the materials and volunteers, making it easy to distribute items across East Halls. We are lucky to have him on our ABS team.”
Thank you Aida, Alexis, Kelly, Sarah Kate, Kerry, Nathan, Beth, Dennis, Susan, Michelle, Jason, Scott, George, Ellen, Lynne, Stephanie, Matthew, Katie, Samantha and Kurt — 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.