Sending a 'We Are!' to these Penn Staters — Week of Sept. 9

As part of our regular “We Are!” feature, we recognize 15 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: 

• Nagib Alhadi, international immigration specialist for Penn State Global, whose nominator wrote: “Nagib supports the campuses with international faculty hiring and compliance. He answers some of the most intricate questions with ease. He carefully responds to inquiries with lightning speed. I'm not sure he sleeps! His expertise and knowledge are a blessing.”  
• Olivia Beveridge, administrative assistant in the College of the Liberal Arts, whose nominator wrote: “Olivia is the type of team member you want in your corner. She's steadfast, efficient, incredibly hard working and reliable. Her thoughtfulness is understated and boundless. Seeing her evolve in the five years we've worked together has been so gratifying.” 
• Don Brennan, assistant director of Residence Life at Penn State Brandywine, whose nominator wrote: “Don’s dedication, enthusiasm and leadership qualities are simply outstanding, and we are incredibly grateful to have him as part of our team. Through advocacy, support and resources, Don ensures that every student can thrive.” 
• Lorraine Grattan, program manager for graduate programs in the Nese College of Nursing, who received multiple nominations. One nominator wrote: “Lorraine is always working to make our graduate programs better. Completing her work is not enough. She works to make sure that our students are getting the best information in the timeliest manner. By the standard of her work, she is making the rest us better and improving our program.” Another nominator wrote: “Lorraine has completely organized the graduate program in the Nese College of Nursing. She is detail-oriented and remains focused on budgetary restraints while getting the best that she can for our students and staff. She is kind and leads our team to be the best that they can be.” 
• Kelly Griffith, director of the Office for Summer Session in Undergraduate Education, whose nominator wrote: “Kelly is a force of one when it comes to the Learning Edge Academic Program (LEAP). Kelly selects and trains LEAP Mentors, organizes the LEAP ‘prides,’ and creates programs for students. She is focused on keeping first-year students the center of her program.” 
• Michael Hoffman, director of facilities and safety in the College of Agricultural Sciences, whose nominator wrote: “Mike goes above and beyond to accommodate his employees, helps when the time is needed and gives his all in matters large and small.  Mike is one of the best managers I have ever had. He treats everyone as family.” 
• Danae Kruczynski, pricing and proposal analyst at Applied Research Laboratory, whose nominator wrote: “Danae is the consummate professional. She has an eye for detail and performs her role with diligence, accuracy and conscientiousness. She is a joy to work with and a valuable member of the ARL team.  No one is more deserving of a ‘We Are!’ shoutout!” 
• Molly Martin, academic program coordinator in the College of Agricultural Sciences, whose nominator wrote: “Molly genuinely cares about students' success. She goes the extra mile to help students and support faculty and staff. She always has a smile and kind words, and she is a wizard at solving all those little problems that creep up from time to time.” 
• Martha Nyce, academic adviser at Penn State Harrisburg, whose nominator wrote: “Martha is a model of pure altruism, always offering to help others without the expectation of reciprocation. She has a positive attitude and a strong work ethic. She brings her authentic self to work each day, igniting others to do the same. Martha, thank you for being a champion of student success!” 
• Clayton Richardson, administrative support assistant in the College of Arts and Architecture, whose nominator wrote: “Clayton is cheerful, welcoming and instructive to anyone who walks into the Academic Affairs suite in Borland Building.  He works hard to accommodate every high schooler student's request for a tour of the Arts District and helps in promoting Penn State with his interested and excited attitude.” 
• Rebecca Shultz, research administrator in the Nese College of Nursing, whose nominator wrote: “Rebecca has been amazing with our nursing faculty when they submit research proposals. She goes above and beyond daily to ensure they have the support they need to submit a quality proposal. Further, she is kind and fun to work with. She enjoys her job, which shows in her demeanor and positive attitude.”   
• Alanna Smith, accounting assistant in the Office of Budget and Finance, whose nominator wrote: “Alanna took the lead on procedure and form reviews and helped to document business processes. Alanna established review committees with individuals across the University and always conducts herself in a courteous and professional manner. Alanna is truly an asset to the Office of Budget and Finance.” 
• Shelly Spearly and Roberta Kulp, administrative assistants for the Nittany Lion Club in Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics, whose nominator wrote: “Through staff transitions, Shelly and Roberta have been called upon to provide more and varied support than ‘normal’ duties.  They have not only made the transition seamless to the team, but they have managed to do it with a smile and a laugh along the way. They truly embody team spirit.” 
• Sarah Spiegel, customized programs manager for Penn State Global, whose nominator wrote: “Sarah has been instrumental for our education abroad team! She has helped to streamline processes, update systems and take on new projects, and she always jumps in to help her colleagues. Her work to support programming at the Commonwealth Campuses is so detailed and diligent. Thank you, Sarah!” 

Thank you to Nagib, Olivia, Don, Lorraine, Kelly, Michael, Danae, Molly, Martha, Clayton, Rebecca, Alanna, Shelly, Roberta and Sarah — 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.