Let's hear a 'We Are!' for these Penn Staters — June 26

As part of our regular “We Are!” feature, we recognize 21 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: 

• Beth Bamford, IT project manager at Penn State World Campus, whose nominator wrote: “Beth is nominated for her stellar leadership and kind support in sending surveys to the Penn State Project Management Working Group listserv, helping two undergrad industrial engineering student teams ace their ‘Analyze’ Six Sigma presentations.”
• Mandee Baumer, associate professor of legal writing at Penn State Dickinson Law, whose nominator wrote: “Professor Baumer inspires her students during 1L year, which is an extremely hard feat as it is a year filled with stress and imposter syndrome. Not only does she bring a positive energy that is contagious, she pushes her students to improve through constructive feedback and an open door for meetings.”   
• Meredith Coleman, administrative assistant in Housing and Food Services at University Park, whose nominator wrote: “Meredith goes above and beyond for our team and campus community by striving for excellence. She’s dedicated, dependable and customer-service focused. Her support of the recent NACAS conference was outstanding. With 25 years of service, we are lucky to have her. She is a true blue and white Penn Stater!” 
• Edward Cruz, conference services and events planner at Penn State Great Valley, whose nominator wrote: “Ed is an outstanding teammate. He meticulously manages campus events to ensure a seamless experience for all. He collaborates across various teams to enhance communication and operations. His passion for his work and dedication to the campus and community are palpable. We are grateful for Ed!” 
• Allain Daigle, instructional designer for Penn State Fayette and Penn State Greater Allegheny, whose nominator wrote: “Allain is a fantastic collaborator because he brings creativity and a fresh perspective to every project with which he is involved. He is a thoughtful innovator who views a problem from multiple perspectives, keeping the faculty and student experiences at the forefront of all potential solutions.”    
• Marcus Englert, associate director for student services at Penn State Dickinson Law, whose nominator wrote: “Thank you to Marcus, who is the backbone of our student organizations and who support us students in every way.” 
• Tara Felix, associate professor in the College of Agricultural Sciences and beef Extension specialist, whose nominator wrote: “Dr. Felix is a fantastic educator, both in the classrooms on campus and at the farms and fields of the Pennsylvania beef industry. She is an excellent mentor for students. Her Extension work is done with an eye on optimal profit for beef producers. Dr. Felix is truly outstanding in her field.” 
• Sheryl Flick, office manager in the College of Agricultural Sciences, whose nominator wrote: “Sheryl has worked hard to create an uplifting environment for the office. Going above and beyond, she has offered several team-building events for her staff to explore Penn State by going to the planetarium, offering volunteer opportunities, attending game days, and participating in competitive walking activities, to name a few.” 
• Pete Hanchar, facilities and safety coordinator for the Department of Food Science in the College of Agricultural Sciences, whose nominator wrote: “Pete is a dedicated and compassionate University employee who consistently goes the extra mile for the folks in our department and college. His passion and dedication to ensuring the safety of those in our building does not go unnoticed. Thank you, Pete!” 
• Alicia Iverson, lecturer and GeoGraphics Lab manager in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, who received multiple nominations. One nominator wrote: “Huge kudos to Alicia for all the thought, care and creativity she put into the inaugural Community Mapping Day. I’ve never been to an event that felt so intentional and inspiring — from her thoughtful questions to the creative supplies and the genuine sense of community. I’m still smiling about it.” A second nominator wrote: “Alicia did a fantastic job organizing and leading the inaugural Community Mapping Day in the Department of Geography. She put together a wonderful event that drew together students, faculty, staff and members of the broader community to work on making maps together in a fun and welcoming setting.” Another nominator wrote: “Alicia should be recognized for her incredible mentorship as lab manager of the GeoGraphics Lab and for making Community Mapping Day such a meaningful experience. Her care, creativity and support continue to inspire research and extend a sense of belonging.” 
• Mary Krupa, conservation interpreter at Shaver’s Creek, whose nominator wrote: “Mary is a wonderful ambassador for Shaver's Creek. She always goes out of her way to share information with visitors about the animals. She makes my kids feel welcome by listening to their questions and ideas with serious consideration. Thank you, Mary, for encouraging their love of nature!” 
• Carla McClusick, customer service representative for University Health Services, whose nominator wrote: “Carla provides exceptional customer service and dedication to patient care. When my prescription was delivered without the necessary pen needles for my next dosage, Carla stepped in immediately to help. She not only resolved the issue quickly but went above and beyond by arranging delivery on her personal time.” 
• Sara McConkey, interim CRM director in the Smeal College of Business, whose nominator wrote: “Sara always demonstrates how kindness and leadership can go together even when we face headwinds. She never forgets to consider the people around her and how her words and actions can lift up her team’s work.” 
• Jim Nachtman, assistant athletic director for media and video production for Intercollegiate Athletics, whose nominator wrote: “Jim goes above and beyond for his colleagues and for Penn State athletics. He has dedicated countless hours and weekends, rain or shine, to providing media coverage of Penn State fans’ favorite sports to enjoy nationwide. He has served Penn State Athletics for more than 34 years and deserves his flowers!” 
• Bella Provenzano, assistant professor of psychology at Penn State Scranton, whose nominator wrote: “Dr. Provenzano deserves a shoutout for her ability to engage her students in such a way that at the end of her classes, you have learned more information that you thought possible. She flawlessly teaches her students without ever losing a beat. She's always available to her students when they need help.” 
• Marie Reilly, professor of law at Penn State Dickinson Law, whose nominator wrote: “Professor Reilly is an incredible teacher who makes complex material in contracts and sales clear and engaging. She’s also kind and welcoming, and she truly cares about her students’ success — both in and out of the classroom.” 
• Jennifer Saunders, assistant financial officer in Student Affairs, whose nominator wrote: “Jennifer's guidance and support are invaluable, whether it's explaining complex financial reports, assisting with software tools or providing mentorship. Her dedication to fostering a collaborative and knowledgeable environment makes a huge difference. Thank you, Jennifer, for all that you do!”    
• Scott Sheaffer, director of communications and creative services in the College of Health and Human Development, whose nominator wrote: “Scott leads with integrity, empathy and purpose. His steady guidance fosters a culture of trust, collaboration and respect. He supports our team's growth, celebrates our wins and helps us meet challenges with confidence. We’re grateful for his leadership and the team culture he’s built.”  
• Connie Smith, project manager in the Strategic Interdisciplinary Research Office (SIRO), whose nominator wrote: “Connie has been a pillar at SIRO and a driving force behind the success of NIH training grants! She brought much-needed structure and helped launch the Training Grant Working Group, which will create a vital resource for the entire University. Her leadership, expertise, and dedication are truly outstanding!” 
• Julia Snyder, administrative support assistant in the College of Engineering, whose nominator wrote: “Julia did a great job triaging our graduation drop-in sessions by addressing numerous questions professionally and with great patience!  Additionally, Julia has done a great job with numerous recent override requests at a fast and furious pace!” 
• Chisato Tada, international student adviser for Penn State Global, who received multiple nominations. One nominator wrote: “Chisato is kind, helpful and incredibly knowledgeable! She makes herself available on short notice to collaborate with staff in other units to work on behalf of students. She clearly explains complex policies and procedures, and she conducts her work with a high degree of empathy and professionalism.” Another nominator wrote: “Chisato is a wonderful colleague and international student adviser. She is respectful, dedicated, compassionate and collaborative. Thank you, Chisato, for all that you do for your students!”  

Thank you Beth, Mandee, Meredith, Edward, Allain, Marcus, Tara, Sheryl, Pete, Alicia, Mary, Carla, Sara, Jim, Bella, Marie, Scott, Connie, Julia and Chisato — 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.