UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — 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:
- Jennifer Billett, assistant research administrator in the Strategic Interdisciplinary Research Office (SIRO), whose nominator wrote: “Jennifer is an incredible asset in the proposals submission office. Her cheerful demeanor, can-do attitude, ability to work under deadline pressures, flexibility and attention to detail are special indeed! Thank you, Jennifer, for everything you do to enable world-class research here at Penn State.”
- Matthew Bodek, coordinator of instructional design at Penn State Brandywine, whose nominator wrote: “Matt plays an essential role in faculty success utilizing effective pedagogies and educational technology. Thanks to Matt’s proactive approach providing faculty training in areas like accessible teaching, our students also succeed. He is a key leader on projects from Earth Science Week to Zine Fest.”
- Dawn Bowersox, office manager for Penn State Learning in Undergraduate Education, whose nominator wrote: “Between coordinating financial operations, collaborating with diverse stakeholders to move forward essential projects, and endlessly supporting staff members with their various inquiries and program needs, Dawn is always efficient, effective and most notably empathetic and kind to us all.”
- Lea Caprio, administrative support manager at the Department of Mechanical Engineering in the College of Engineering, whose nominator wrote: “I'd like to give a shoutout to Lea for always being there when I need to work through any difficult situation that I have and need some advice. She has been a person in our department that I can lean on and go to for professional advice. I appreciate you, Lea!”
- Linda Eckard, administrative assistant in the Nutrition Links State Office, Penn State Extension, whose nominator wrote: “While Linda is results-driven, her respectful, supportive and trustworthy nature makes it easy for folks to work with her. She is someone our whole team can count on!”
- Amber Fluke, buyer in Central Procurement, whose nominator wrote: “Amber is always so supportive and happy to help others. Her guidance, knowledge and expertise help us a lot, make our job easier and save a lot of time.”
- Douglas Hendershot, category lead in Central Procurement, whose nominator wrote: “Doug is always so happy to help others whenever he can. His knowledge, expertise and efforts help save us a lot of time.”
- Terri Hewitt, gift planning specialist in the Division of Development and Alumni Relations, whose nominator wrote: “Terri wholly embodies the ‘We Are!’ spirit. She goes above and beyond every day, even after hours or during winter break to make sure donor gifts are processed and questions are answered quickly — and always with kindness. She helps every fundraiser in every fundraising unit and is a true team player!”
- Thomas Iwinski, instructional designer in the College of Engineering, whose nominator wrote: “Tom takes on great responsibility to coordinate the college's online offerings and certified micro-credentials. He does this flawlessly, organizing the work to support remote students with quality instruction and accessibility. Tom is a true team player, ensuring students are postured for success.”
- Eileen Kowalski, associate teaching professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the College of Health and Human Development (HHD), whose nominator wrote: “When you think of the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department, you think of Eileen. She has been a part of the department for a long time. Her students love her classes. She is a great asset by leading community partnerships with preschools to help build a language and literacy skills.”
- Jim Ladlee, state program leader for emerging and advanced technology in Penn State Extension, whose nominator wrote: “Jim has completely changed my mind regarding how I can use artificial intelligence in my everyday tasks. His enthusiasm for sharing his vast knowledge of AI has piqued my curiosity and prompted me to attend his Zoom meetings. Thanks for showing me the way, Jim!”
- Jamie McCallicher, financial assistant for Housing and Food Services at Penn State Berks, whose nominator wrote: “Jamie’s reach, effort and impact on our campus and the students we serve truly feel limitless. She brings an exceptional combination of approachability, responsiveness and genuine care. She is always willing to step in at a moment’s notice and is always grounded in advocacy for those who need support most.”
- Kelly Oleynik, annual giving specialist in the Division of Development and Alumni Relations, whose nominator wrote: “Kelly’s pleasant and professional demeanor, paired with her strong knowledge of annual giving, makes her an invaluable resource for Giving Tuesday and the annual board appeal. Her willingness to help, attention to detail and proactive approach truly exemplify the ‘We Are!’ spirit.”
- Jenn Panasiti, stewardship officer in the Division of Development and Alumni Relations, whose nominator wrote: “Jenn has become a valued contributor of the central stewardship team. She is skilled in her complex role, has improved processes and supports team needs with grace. We’re grateful for her positivity and sense of humor, which make her a joy to work with!”
- Elizabeth Perryman, administrative support assistant in the Nutrition Links State Office, Penn State Extension, whose nominator wrote: “While Beth’s own responsibilities are always handled with great professionalism, she is also willing to take time to assist others in all aspects of their jobs to ensure their success. She is a great co-worker to have on our team!”
- Mia Powell, stewardship officer in the Division of Development and Alumni Relations, whose nominator wrote: “Since I joined the Development and Alumni Relations team at Penn State Brandywine in December, Mia has been immensely helpful and kind in my onboarding process. Her patience and guidance will not be forgotten!”
- Darcy Rameker, assistant vice president for Student Affairs, whose nominator wrote: “Darcy is a compassionate leader who puts students first in everything she does. She leads her team to do the same. I have so much respect for the work she does, and I am so thankful for her leadership and kindness.”
- Ronald Rossman Jr., systems administrator in Penn State IT, whose nominator wrote: “I needed assistance writing a script to move files around a Linux VM server. Ronald was super patient with me and my slew of questions over the course of multiple days — and probably weeks — but now everything is working great thanks to him.”
- Bonnie St. George, pharmacy technician in University Health Services (UHS), whose nominator wrote: “I want to give a shoutout to Bonnie for her incredible cheerfulness and optimistic spirit. Her positive attitude can truly brighten anyone's day. Her smile and presence make both colleagues and students feel happier and more supported. We are so lucky to have Bonnie at UHS!”
- Joan Stover, grant and contract accountant in the College of Health and Human Development (HHD), whose nominator wrote: “Joan is always super helpful, quick to respond and works diligently to resolve financial issues, which isn’t always easy — especially across colleges. Our team at Penn State Extension Nutrition Links is extremely grateful to work with Joan!”
- Jennifer Taylor-Hillebrand, director of the Subaward Administration and Compliance Office in the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research, whose nominator wrote: “Jennifer, thank you for always keeping an open mind and asking for our input. You are very appreciated! Your job is hard, always being pulled in so many directions, but you always have time for us no matter what. It makes such a big difference. Thank you!”
- Hope Wenzel, admissions assistant in Enrollment Management, whose nominator wrote: “Hope plays a vital behind-the-scenes role in our undergraduate admissions process. Her expertise with STARs, exceptional attention to detail and deep knowledge make her an invaluable resource. She supports complex issues with kindness and professionalism every day.”
Thank you Jennifer, Matthew, Dawn, Lea, Linda, Amber, Douglas, Terri, Thomas, Eileen, Jim, Jamie, Kelly, Jenn, Elizabeth, Mia, Darcy, Ronald, Bonnie, Joan, Jennifer and Hope — 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.