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: 

• Rachel Avila, administrative support coordinator in the Office of Planning, Assessment, and Institutional Research, who received multiple nominations. One nominator wrote: “Rachel is an amazing addition to our office. She is introspective, supportive and always productively communicative in her interactions with people across Penn State. She helps to keep things organized and moving, and her curiosity drives her to learn more about the complex work our office does.” A second nominator wrote: “Rachel is always willing to lend a hand in any way she can. She regularly goes above and beyond by learning new software or skills to assist with projects. No matter the task, Rachel steps up with a smile on her face and a can-do attitude, making her invaluable to the team and the work we do.” Another nominator wrote: “Rachel excels in supporting our large staff across diverse projects, consistently demonstrating exceptional problem-solving skills. She is always willing to lend a hand, making her a vital team member. Her dedication and teamwork truly embody our values!” 
• Cristina Bass, Salesforce business analyst in the Fox Graduate School, whose nominator wrote: “Cris has been at Penn State for approximately a year, but you would think she has been around for much longer based on the expertise she brings to Fox Graduate School and to the ECRM Learner Org project. Her dedication to delivering a CRM platform that meets the business' needs and is unparalleled.” 
• Lynda Bennett, administrative assistant in the Nese College of Nursing, whose nominator wrote: “With exceptional organizational skills, a positive attitude and strong communication abilities, Lynda is the heart of ‘We Are!’. Her versatility and dedication shine as she finds efficient ways to complete tasks. She is the wheels on the bus, keeping the undergraduate nursing program running smoothly.”
• Cat Chamberlain, accounting assistant for the Nittany Lion Club, whose nominator wrote: “I recently had the opportunity to work on a project with Cat.  It was the first time I had met her, and I have to say that it was a pleasure to interact with someone who has so much enthusiasm for her work with the University.” 
• Anne Dixon, lead marketing strategist in Auxiliary and Business Services, whose nominator wrote: “For decades, Anne has dedicated herself to improving student experiences in Auxiliary and Business Services by preparing marketing wayfinding, and decor. Her impact is seen across the commonwealth.” 
• Dennis Dozier, administrative support assistant for advising and career services at Penn State Brandywine, whose nominator wrote: “Dennis manages student traffic through our Advising and Career Services office with professionalism and care. He has been instrumental during transitions in our advising office, assisting with search arrangements and maintaining a high level of service to the campus.” 
• Jaimie Garrison, assistant director, lead post-award in the Office of Engineering Research Administration in the College of Engineering, whose nominator wrote: “The entire College of Engineering community relies on Jaimie's knowledge and expertise in grants and contracts administration. She always makes time to answer complicated and challenging questions, and I deeply appreciate her efforts and dedication. Thank you, Jaimie!” 
• Naomi Hedrick, administrative assistant in the Applied Research Laboratory, whose nominator wrote: “Naomi has been a great friend and coworker to me when I first moved to State College and started working at ARL. She has been fantastic to work with and has taken the time to teach me the ropes. Naomi is very knowledgeable, and her caring demeanor has made this big transition easier on not only me but my family.” 
• Cyndy Hill, director of the Penn State Parents Program, whose nominator wrote: “Cyndy leads a team of over 50 volunteers to organize and run Parents and Families Weekend. She does it with grace, kindness and a smile. She makes parents and families feel welcome on campus and goes out of her way to think of the smallest details to make that weekend an awesome event.” 
• Rosemary Jorden, labor and employee relations specialist in Penn State Human Resources, whose nominator wrote: “Rosemary took my complex question and not only provided me with an interim response that gave some history on the process, but she also contacted a couple other agencies — including some outside of Penn State — to get additional information to fully and completely answer my question. She truly went above and beyond!” 
• Caitlin Kline, education program coordinator at the College of Medicine, whose nominator wrote: “Caitlin is brilliant and creative with her solutions for quality improvement. She has a contagious can-do attitude and demonstrates passion in supporting her colleagues and community. I am in awe of her thoughtful onboarding of teammates and attention to detail. Penn State is lucky to have Caitlin.” 
• T. Renae McNair, assistant teaching professor of psychology at Penn State Scranton, whose nominator wrote: “Dr. McNair has been more than an advisor and professor. She is incredibly down to earth. She takes the time to get to know her students. She goes the extra mile and then some! Multiple times I was unsure of myself, and Dr. McNair has been there and encouraged me every step of the way! Kudos!” 
• Matthew Mitra, production manager and technical director for the Kulkarni Theatre at Penn State Harrisburg, whose nominator wrote: “Matt has given 150% at Kulkarni Theatre on Chekhov's ‘Three Sisters,’ directed by Emily MacLeod. Leading a team of 16 students who are scholars first, Matt has them well-trained, appreciated and happy! He is invaluable at the Harrisburg campus!” 
• Cathleen Phillips, education program specialist at Penn State Berks, whose nominator wrote: “Cathleen is a valuable resource in planning events for students from middle school, high school and beyond. She ensures that events emulate the vision of the faculty presenting workshops, and she covers every detail to make things run smoothly. Her professionalism and positive attitude shine through!” 
• Deb Phillips, mail courier for Auxiliary and Business Services, whose nominator wrote: “Deb is a ray of sunshine! No matter what her day brings, she always has a smile on her face. She always goes the extra mile to make sure I receive my mail and packages, sometimes even making an extra stop if I'm waiting for something. A big ‘We Are!’ to Deb!” 
• Kathryn Pitts, administrative assistant for academic affairs at Penn State Lehigh Valley, whose nominator wrote: “Kathryn exemplifies customer service, consistently exceeding expectations with unwavering positivity. Her dedication to supporting others and her thoughtfulness have a profound impact on our campus community. Her contributions elevate the experience for all, and we are truly fortunate to have her.” 
• Daniel Poeschl, instructional technology specialist at Penn State Harrisburg, whose nominator wrote: “Dan goes above and beyond to consistently produce high quality work that highlights the people and events on our campus. His videos are outstanding, and his work benefits our courses and our campus. He is adaptable and he steps up to do what is needed to get the project done.” 
• Michele Rice, director of prior learning assessment in the Office of Undergraduate Education, whose nominator wrote: “Michele has worked tirelessly and cheerfully to expand opportunities for Penn State students to receive credit for their prior learning experiences and to improve the processes by which that credit is awarded.  She maximizes opportunities to learn more about her field and to share her knowledge.” 
• Diane Sanders, international student adviser at Penn State Berks, whose nominator wrote: “Diane has made an incredible impact since joining our team. Her energy and talents have brought new ideas to life at Berks. She ensures international students’ voices and perspectives are heard. Her dedication to students and communication skills are real game changers. Diane, we are happy to have you!” 
• Christopher Shelton, associate professor of clinical psychology at Penn State Behrend, whose nominator wrote: “Chris does a great job in sharing his expertise of clinical psychology in the classroom while offering support and reliable instruction to students! As the founder and director of the VAR Lab on campus, he does a great job in supporting others. He goes above and beyond every day!” 
• Jordan Sneath, talent acquisition specialist in Penn State Human Resources, whose nominator wrote: “Jordan’s outstanding skills in prescreening candidates are pivotal to the success of staff searches, while her positive demeanor and eagerness to help create an enjoyable collaborative environment. Her commitment to exceeding expectations distinguishes her as a valuable team asset.” 

Thank you Rachel, Cristina, Lynda, Cat, Anne, Dennis, Jaimie, Naomi, Cyndy, Rosemary, Caitlin, Renae, Matthew, Cathleen, Deb, Kathryn, Daniel, Michele, Diane, Christopher and Jordan — 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.