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

• Jane Ashton, director of continuing education at Penn State Wilkes-Barre, whose nominator wrote: “Jane always keeps the campus informed about the wonderful things the Continuing Education Department does. Recently, she and her department hosted our first-ever coffee happy hour to bring our campus community together.” 

• Richard Gabel, senior applications programmer in the Office of Research Information Systems (ORIS), whose nominator wrote: “Rich is always available to help when an issue arises. He is always ready to lend a hand to those in need, and always with a smile. ORIS is lucky to have Rich.” 

• Tracy Garnick, director of student services and engagement at Penn State Hazleton, whose nominator wrote: “The Student Services and Engagement team started the semester with several unexpected challenges. Tracy and her team handled the challenges with grace and utmost professionalism, making sure the engagement opportunities for our students never skipped a beat.” 

• Lindsey Hess, research project manager in the College of Health and Human Development, whose nominator wrote: “Thank you to Lindsey, who coordinates all aspects of our office’s success. We are so thankful for your incredible leadership and grace!” 

• Kellie Karaky, undergraduate studies coordinator in the College of the Liberal Arts, whose nominator wrote, “Kellie has kept the sociology/criminology department running through a lot of staff turnover and done it all with a smile on her face. She’s kind, easy to talk to and smart as a whip. Thank you for everything, Kellie!” 

• Cheyenne Mayernick, marketing communications specialist in the Smeal College of Business, whose nominator wrote: “Cheyenne puts her best foot forward every single day. She is an extremely hard worker who radiates positivity and kindness. Cheyenne wears many hats supporting enrollment marketing for all of the residential graduate programs and is always willing to help where needed and give it her best shot.” 

• Ryan Morgan, systems design specialist at Auxiliary and Business Services Information Technology, whose nominator wrote: “Ryan is always looking for a way to improve the Penn State experience, whether it’s for a student or staff member. He is responsible for implementing many upgrades and features to eLiving, Penn State’s online housing portal, that services more than 15,000 every year.” 

• Patricia Patrick, clinical associate professor of accounting in the Smeal College of Business, whose nominator wrote: “I have had this professor for both the fall and spring semester, and she has always gone above and beyond for her students. She has reignited my passion for my major.” 

• Christian Pester, the Thomas K. Hepler Early Career Professor in Chemical Engineering, whose nominator wrote: “Dr. Pester is an excellent colleague, mentor, teacher and all-around embodiment of Penn State’s ideals. His care for the experience of the graduate and undergraduate students in chemical engineering is second to none, making Dr. Pester a true asset to our campus.”  

Thank you Jane, Richard, Tracy, Lindsey, Kellie, Cheyenne, Ryan, Patricia and Christian — and to everyone who helps make Penn State such an incredible community! 

Do you know someone who deserves a shoutout? If you do, consider nominating that person by filling out a short online form.