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:
- Tony Bailey, interim academic records manager in the Office of the Vice President for Commonwealth Campuses, whose nominator wrote: “Tony serves the Commonwealth Campus students, faculty and staff with excellence. Tony's role is often behind the scenes, but the impact of his dedication to our campuses is realized each semester when student degree audits are cleaned up through course subs and student degrees are awarded.”
- Jason Bierly, lead plumber in the Office of Physical Plant, whose nominator wrote: “Jason went above and beyond when McCoy Natatorium reported a hot water issue. He took quick action, developed a plan for a fix in no time, and had the problem resolved in less than a day, restoring hot water to the pools. His responsiveness and dedication are truly appreciated. Thanks, Jason!”
- Sara Brennen, director of communications for the Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center in the College of Health and Human Development, whose nominator wrote: “Sara's work as the chair for the Staff Advisory Council for the College of Health and Human Development could be used as a guide for how to be a highly effective leader. She is someone with a deep sense of integrity and compassion, which is apparent in all she does. Sara's leadership is inspiring!”
- Pat Corbett, grants and contracts administrator in Penn State Global, whose nominator wrote: “Pat is the ultimate guarantor of ensuring that our international agreements are legally sound. He goes the extra mile to explore the most sticky and nuanced clauses and requests, and he brings in the same knowledge and curiosity in learning a new database system in the Partnership Agreements team.”
- Cori Donaghy, assistant to the associate dean for undergraduate education in the College of Arts and Architecture, whose nominator wrote: “Cori has morphed her position into the generator that keeps the Office of Undergraduate Education motor running smoothly. She had to learn the job ‘on the fly' during COVID. Cori is also the spark plug for the motor that keeps the associate dean's office running smoothly. She excels at routine tasks, unwaveringly takes on new tasks as needed, and quickly assembles the correct team to do the task. She sees a hole and fills it. We wouldn't be the team we are without her.”
- Penny Gates, administrative support assistant in the Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS), who received multiple nominations. One nominator wrote: “Penny is the first friendly face many see each day, always offering care, attention and warmth. Her presence helps create a welcoming, safe space for students and staff alike. We’re so grateful for all she does to support the DUS community!” Another nominator wrote: “Penny goes above and beyond for our new and continuing DUS students and staff, demonstrating flexibility and eagerness to learn new processes during our new NSO process. Penny works tirelessly to ensure new students are connected with academic advisers during their ACCS cycles.”
- Ashley Griffith, assistant director for New Student Orientation (NSO) programs, whose nominator wrote: “Ashley has gone above and beyond in recruiting, selecting and training our 30 orientation leaders, bringing care, attention to detail and an inspiring example that empowers students. Her leadership ensures a thoughtful, supportive and exceptional experience for all.”
- Joe Hughes, general manager at Penn State Golf Courses, whose nominator wrote: “Joe's friendly demeanor has made the Penn State Golf Courses a welcoming place for all. He leads a stellar staff who create opportunities for all to engage with the golf course in many ways. Activities like trivia nights and a Mother's Day brunch show the commitment to community involvement.”
- Rich Joyce, technical advisor for the Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program (PennTAP) at Penn State Schuylkill, whose nominator wrote: “PennTAP has transitioned to a new CRM platform. Rich was an integral part of the transition team. He prioritized the needs of our funders, clients and management while planning for the efficiency of the technical advisors' time. His dedication to a seamless transition was greatly appreciated.”
- Mallorie McIlwain, communications and marketing specialist in the Institute for Computational and Data Sciences (ICDS), whose nominator wrote: “Mallorie's work on moving forward a busy week at ICDS is nothing less than amazing. The way she ran AI Week and turned out other stories all while maintaining a great attitude helped us out tremendously!”
- Devan Miller, academic adviser in the Nese College of Nursing, whose nominator wrote: “Thank you to Devan for launching a book club in the college! Her initiative has fostered camaraderie, sparked meaningful discussions and built a positive, collaborative work environment. Her efforts truly embody the spirit of community and professional growth.”
- Sarah Moryken, financial specialist in the Fox Graduate School, whose nominator wrote: “Sarah is always patient, kind and thorough. She explains policies clearly and takes time not only to answer questions but also to explain the reasoning behind them, ensuring faculty and staff feel supported and informed.”
- Sara Nachtman, IT support specialist in Penn State IT, whose nominator wrote: “Sarah Nachtman, IT support specialist in Penn State IT, is an absolute rockstar! She consistently goes above and beyond with everything, doing so with grace, a kind smile, and a can-do spirit that lifts everyone around her! Her positive, go-getting attitude is truly contagious and so appreciated!”
- Brooke Owen, director of the Office for Career Development in the College of Health and Human Development (HHD), whose nominator wrote: “Brooke does a fantastic job getting HHD students off on their career exploration with events, webinars and more. In April, she planned a dynamic alumni-student networking session that was a roaring success for both groups!”
- Megan Owens, assistant dean for student services and engagement in the College of Health and Human Development (HHD), whose nominator wrote: “Megan is a wonderful leader for students and staff! She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure HHD students feel welcomed, supported and included at Penn State. Always thinking of others, she finds ways to brighten their day. She truly embodies leadership and the Penn State Values!”
- Rob Peeler, assistant director of engagement in the College of Health and Human Development (HHD), whose nominator wrote: “Rob leads with kindness, vision and creativity. He’s a strong communicator who brings innovative ideas to our team and supports us with a calm, encouraging presence. He is always ready to help and guide others.”
- Michelle Powers, administrative support manager in the College of the Liberal Arts, who received multiple nominations. One nominator wrote: “Michelle always goes above and beyond! She is not only a reliable leader, but also a thoughtful and supportive teammate. Her organization, professionalism and unwavering support keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. We’re so grateful for all that you do, Michelle!” Another nominator wrote: “Michelle is truly the glue that holds LAUS together! She consistently goes above and beyond, whether it's coordinating office moves, offering unwavering support or catching every detail with precision. Michelle brings a positive attitude and a warm smile to everything she does!”
- Sarah Ray, academic records manager in Enrollment Management, whose nominator wrote: “Sarah is my go-to person for sensitive FERPA questions and tricky academic record situations. She handles everything with the utmost professionalism and a calm demeanor. I trust her judgement and value her insight so very much.”
- Karen Royer, administrative support manager in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, whose nominator wrote: “Karen made herself available to me when I had questions about graduate assistant hiring restrictions. Her willingness to reach across the University and serve as an expert was hugely appreciated! Thanks, Karen!”
- Natasha Urbanik, financial coordinator in the Eberly College of Science, whose nominator wrote: “Natasha is a true team player, always willing to take on or learn new tasks. She is knowledgeable in the many aspects of the purchasing, reconciliation and approval processes. This allows her to serve as a problem solver at any level. Thank you, Natasha, for all you do for ECoS Finance!”
Thank you Tony, Jason, Sara, Pat, Cori, Penny, Ashley, Joe, Rich, Mallorie, Devan, Sarah, Sara, Brooke, Megan, Rob, Michelle, Sarah, Karen and Natasha — 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.