SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — As the fall semester came to a close, Penn State Schuylkill's faculty and staff joined together to celebrate those who received annual honors, including the Outstanding Staff Award and faculty awards for teaching, research and service.
Outstanding Staff Award
Andrea Solinski, lab supervisor, earned this year's Outstanding Staff Award, which is awarded annually to a full-time nonacademic employee who has provided exceptional service on behalf of the campus.
Solinski's colleagues describe her as an “unsung hero” whose willingness to help goes far beyond her role as a lab supervisor. Nominators highlighted her empathy, initiative and proactive approach, saying she “never says no” when it comes to supporting students, colleagues or campus events. Solinski's efforts include organizing the college’s poster conference, enhancing lab processes, and playing key roles in events like the Sustainability Forum and Carnival of Hope. Her commitment to excellence and community-building, combined with her warm and approachable nature, make her an invaluable asset to Penn State Schuylkill.
Faculty Awards
Excellence in Research or Creative Accomplishments Award
Valerie Schrade, professor of communication, arts and sciences, earned Penn State Schuylkill's 2024 Excellence in Research or Creative Accomplishments Award. This award recognizes and encourages excellence in the scholarship of research and creative accomplishments based on a long history of high-quality research.
"Valerie is a great researcher. On top of the work she does on her own, she also does a significant amount of research with our students. She is the model for a faculty member on this campus for doing research and incorporating students in it," said Cory Scherer, interim chancellor and director of academic affairs.
Excellence in Service Award
Janelle Gruber, lecturer and program coordinator of corporate communication, earned Penn State Schuylkill's 2024 Excellence in Service Award, which recognizes excellence in service to the University or the community.
"Janelle has been in charge of the corporate communication program for a few years now and it is quite a challenge — juggling the program across multiple campuses — yet she does it quite well," Scherer said.
Excellence in Teaching Award
Sarah Princiotta, assistant professor of biology, earned Penn State Schuylkill's 2024 Excellence in Teaching Award, which recognizes and encourages an exemplary commitment to excellence in teaching.
"Sarah does a great job in the classroom. Feedback comments from students show that she really cares about what our students learn and making sure they learn it in a way that sticks with them, which is the ultimate goal of all teachers," Scherer said.
Years of Service Awards
Also during the ceremony, the campus community celebrated faculty and staff members who reached service milestone anniversaries in 2024:
30 years of service
- Harold Aurand, teaching professor of history
25 years of service
- Nancy Schorschinsky, lecturer of mathematics and statistics
20 years of service
- Barbara Wade, lecturer of psychology
15 years of service
- Ronald Kelly, assistant teaching professor and program coordinator of criminal justice
- Anne Mercuri, lecturer and program coordinator of human development and family studies
- Lee Silvergerg, professor of chemistry and division coordinator of STEM
10 years of service
- Marianne Adam, teaching professor of nursing and director for undergraduate nursing education
- Jon Curvery, maintenance worker
- Nathaniel Kotzmoyer, groundskeeper
- Robin Welsh, advising manager
Five years of service
- Rebecca Bolton, lecturer of mathematics and physics
- Steven Guers, sergeant, University Police and Public Safety
- Sarah Princiotta, assistant professor of biology
- Mary Ann Smith, lecturer of biology