Sending a 'We Are!' to these Penn Staters -- April 28

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: 

• Alyssa Adams, administrative support assistant in the College of Education, whose nominator wrote: “Alyssa flawlessly handles all contact with students, staff, faculty and parents with grace, caring and understanding, and she remains calm when faced with challenging situations. She juggles it all with skill. Alyssa is a terrific asset and an invaluable team player.” 
• Tina Black, facilities and IT administrative support in the Bellisario College of Communications, whose nominator wrote: “Since joining the college in October, Tina has brought exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to helping our college run smoothly. From help with purchasing to logistics and operations, she goes above and beyond to support faculty, students and staff. Thank you, Tina!” 
• Michelle Bogovic, academic records coordinator in the Office of the Registrar at Penn State Harrisburg, whose nominator wrote: “Michelle deserves a shoutout for her dedication to scheduling classrooms for faculty, which is a challenge. Even though it is her job, it is evident that she takes what she does to heart. Her heart and dedication get her through the day knowing that she has given her all, and for that she should be commended.” 
• Marnie Deibler, proposal and award generalist for the Department of Geography in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, whose nominator wrote: “I’m grateful for Marnie’s guidance in navigating complex grant proposals. She helps keep us on track with deadlines and prepares materials with great attention to detail. Even under tight deadlines and pressure, she remains calm, patient and friendly. We’re lucky to have her on our team!” 
• Becky Fultz, senior academic services specialist for education abroad in Penn State Global, whose nominator wrote: “Becky is a huge team player and is always willing to help others. She goes above and beyond and is so good at her job. She is someone you can always count on and never backs down from a challenge. She will see even the most difficult projects through. Shout out to such a great coworker!” 
• Stephanie Hrico, project manager in the Strategic Interdisciplinary Research Office (SIRO), whose nominator wrote: “Stephanie has seamlessly integrated into SIRO’s Project Management Office and made an immediate impact! Managing the TSF CURE program is no easy task due to its funding restrictions and numerous projects, but she navigates it with expertise and dedication. Her hard work has not gone unnoticed.” 
• Justin Jones, administrative assistant for maintenance and operations at Penn State Behrend, whose nominator wrote: “Justin has been so helpful with questions related to the new work order system. Not only has he been timely in his responses, but he provides advice to those submitting work orders. I forgot to include something on a work order, and within an hour or so of him receiving my email he made the update.” 
• Kim Keller, administrative coordinator for the Department of English in the College of the Liberal Arts, whose nominator wrote: “Kim exudes strength and support. With more than 25 years at the University, she is a wealth of wisdom and knowledge acting as the cornerstone for the department in so many ways. Kim's revolving door is always open, and she manages multiple tasks and requests with a mountain of patience. We'd be lost without her!” 
• Marisa Klein, assistant director of the conflict of interest (COI) program in the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research, whose nominator wrote: “Marisa recently led the entire COI program during an interim period with no director. She did so with grace, humility and support for her staff. She is a team player, does more than her fair share of the work, and is endlessly giving and supportive. She is an asset to our growth and success!” 
• Christine Lockard, employer relations engagement coordinator in the Smeal College of Business, whose nominator wrote: “Christine helped manage all logistics for our college's spring career fairs and networking events, including catering, parking, technology, event set up, registration and communications. The events ran seamlessly, and student attendance marked a 30% increase thanks to her efforts and energy!” 
• Terra Noerr, licensed practical nurse at University Health Services, whose nominator wrote: “Terra will go above and beyond not only for the patients, but for her colleagues! She is such a team player and is willing to help anyone on the floor. Terra, you are a great nurse and a hard worker. 'We Are!' appreciative of you!” 
• Stephanie Ponnett, academic program specialist at Penn State Harrisburg, whose nominator wrote: “I proudly nominate Stephanie for her outstanding support of Honors Programs, Faculty Senate, Study Abroad, Curriculum Affairs, and grade petitions. Her meticulous work, efficiency and dedication ensure seamless operations, benefiting faculty and students alike. She is truly an invaluable asset.” 
• Nicole Schwindenhammer, academic program coordinator in the College of the Liberal Arts, whose nominator wrote: “Nicole's kindness comes through in her work. She goes the extra mile to help her graduate students succeed. She can always be counted on to help her fellow staff when they are in need, and she finds creative ways to solve problems. Nicole kindness infects and affects anyone she comes in contact with.” 
• Maggie Slattery, assistant dean and director of the Office for General Education in Undergraduate Education, whose nominator wrote: “Maggie is a champion of gen ed and has a knack for making complex processes simple. She gently guides important aspects of her area with kindness and a bit of humor. Most recently, Maggie reached out to me in email to acknowledge a tricky situation. This was unexpected but much appreciated.” 
• Maria Stein, assistant dean for career development at Penn State Dickinson Law, whose nominator wrote: “Dean Stein works tirelessly in support of our law students, developing engaging programs and offering sage advice and wisdom as they navigate the (at times) daunting legal recruitment landscape. She is firm, fair, consistent and an advocate for all students at both campus locations.” 
• Matthew Uncles, building services clerk in the College of Engineering, whose nominator wrote: “Matt deserves a shoutout for supporting the Engineering library during our huge transition, checking in and making our space comfy, and finding and personally delivering equipment and office supplies that got lost. We appreciate your warm smile and sleuthing skills, Matt. Thank you!” 
• Tracy Walker, associate director of housing and food services for Commonwealth Campuses, whose nominator wrote: “Tracy is always a helpful and supportive lifeline to all of us staff assistants across the commonwealth. We are all lucky to have her! Recently, she went above and beyond in assisting me with some questions that I had and assisted in getting them all resolved for the students' accounts.” 
• Michael Ward, financial associate for Penn State University Libraries, who received multiple nominations. One nominator wrote: “Mike successfully helped me via register and pay for an online conference via a Teams video conferencing session right before the deadline closed. He was calm and very supportive even though I was nervous and worried we would miss the deadline. Thank you, Mike!” A second nominator wrote: “Mike is a travel reimbursement wizard! He patiently guides travelers through the process and all of the associated policies, and he processes their reimbursements timely and accurately — usually the same day they are submitted! His services are greatly valued here at the Libraries.” 
• Jeffrey Warner, senior director for outreach and orientation in the Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS), whose nominator wrote: “Jeff is a leader who creates space for people to show up authentically and listens without judgment. You know he has your back. His trust in our work shows in the way he supports flexibility when needed and encourages us trying new things to better support students and colleagues. Thank you, Jeff!” 
• Hannah Weisberg, academic program coordinator in the School of Behavioral Sciences and Education at Penn State Harrisburg, whose nominator wrote: “Hannah is a treasure! In a short time, she has made a significant impact by skillfully navigating multiple projects and going above and beyond to support our team. She is congenial, organized, efficient and a true team player. Her positive attitude, attention to detail and professionalism shine.” 

Thank you Alyssa, Tina, Michelle, Marnie, Becky, Stephanie, Justin, Kim, Marisa, Christine, Terra, Stephanie, Nicole, Maggie, Maria, Matthew, Tracy, Michael, Jeffrey and Hannah — 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.