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: 

• Kim Birch, administrative assistant at Penn State Abington, whose nominator wrote: “A huge shoutout to Kim for her incredible support of our education students as they prepare for classroom observation hours. Kim has tirelessly handled background clearances and placement logistics, and even updated the website. CI295 and CI495 wouldn’t run smoothly without her!”

• Cassidy Casner, administrative support assistant in the Nese College of Nursing, whose nominator wrote: “Cassidy has gone above and beyond her duties to create a welcoming environment during the building renovation. Many people have relied on Cassidy for assistance, from answering questions to providing directions in the temporary workspace. She deserves a ‘We Are!’ shoutout for always lending a helping hand!” 

• Jen Clouser, talent management specialist in Human Resources, whose nominator wrote: “Jen deserves a ‘We Are!’ shoutout from the employees of the College of Medicine. Jen worked with Penn State Health IT to incorporate required training into the Learning Resource Network. She is truly a pleasure to work with.”  

• Jennifer Dareneau, associate teaching professor at Penn State Berks, whose nominator wrote: “Jennifer deserves a shoutout for her work developing KINES 197N, an interdomain course focused on writing and running in nonprofits that is making magic happen between student coaches who support and inspire girls from the community as part of a Girls on the Run team.” 

• Teri DeAngelo, records specialist at Penn State Behrend, whose nominator wrote: “When a staffing shortage caused us to need help scheduling final exams, Teri graciously taught me how to use the software, provided tips and answered questions along the way. And I’m from a different campus! She is a great teacher and embodies a kind, compassionate and patient spirit.” 

• Barbara Duncan, administrative assistant for Penn State Sustainability, whose nominator wrote: “Barbara, without fail, manages the idiosyncrasies of our team and ensures that we can get the work done. She accommodates our requests, even if it means working late. She is an expert on how to navigate Penn State and is always the one to check in on the well-being of our diverse part-time staff.” 

• Julian Fung, academic adviser in Penn State World Campus, whose nominator wrote: “Julian is an amazing support system and adviser to many World Campus students. He takes careful time to listen to the concerns and goals of students and always offers sound advice. His response time is also pretty amazing. He is a trusted and incredible academic adviser.” 

• Kelly Heaps, accounting specialist and team lead in Finance and Business, whose nominator wrote: “We created a truly messy problem back in the first days of SIMBA. We tried to get help, but we couldn’t find anyone able to solve it. Kelly decided that somebody had to fix our problem. She reached out to another department and made it happen.” 

• Gwen Miller, facilities administrative assistant in the College of Arts and Architecture, whose nominator wrote: “Gwen has taken on an avalanche of requests as the Stuckeman School is in the middle of a management transition. She answers every request promptly and pleasantly and has made our lives so much easier. Thank you, Gwen, for reminding us that ‘We Are!’ in this together!” 

• Karen Mullen, administrative assistant and graduate student coordinator in the College of Agricultural Sciences, whose nominator wrote: “Karen is the salt of the earth and goes way above and beyond to help co-workers, students and faculty. She's focal point of the department activity committee and has demonstrated her ‘can-do’ attitude on countless occasions. She is also the ‘decorator-in- chief' who keeps the workplace festive and cheerful.” 

• Nicolle Nicastro, library services associate in University Libraries, whose nominator wrote: “Nicolle’s expertise in library resources is invaluable, and we often rely on her guidance and expertise. Beyond her skills, her positive attitude and collaborative spirit make working with her a true pleasure. Our team is better because of Nicolle’s support and dedication to the University.” 

• Ashley Owens, director of student accountability and conflict response and interim associate director for Student Affairs at Penn State Altoona, whose nominator wrote: “Ashley goes above and beyond to support, serve and be present for students, faculty and staff. Something I admire most about Ashley is how she genuinely cares about the people she works with or interacts with. She makes those around her feel heard and seen!” 

• Harriet Rokavec, extension program coordinator in Penn State Extension, whose nominator wrote: “Harriet’s institutional knowledge is priceless. When items are identified in a meeting that need to be addressed, she often completes the tasks before the meeting ends. She helps others to get to the brighter moment on the other side of overwhelming tasks.” 

• Barb Sellers, administrative support assistant in the College of Agricultural Sciences, whose nominator wrote: “Barb exemplifies being a team player. She has the option to work a hybrid schedule but chooses to be in the office five days a week. Whether it’s checking the mailroom for a delivery, assisting staff or students, or just being available in the building for whatever arises, Barb readily and kindly helps out.” 

• Mary Waechter, administrative support manager in the College of Health and Human Development, whose nominator wrote: “Mary looks out for all faculty, students and staff. She has come in due to water main breaks, freezer and refrigerator malfunctions, and other problems after hours. She works to keep the department and the research going. Mary truly embodies the ‘We Are!’ attitude and brings that to work every day!” 

Thank you Kim, Cassidy, Jen, Jennifer, Teri, Barbara, Julian, Kelly, Gwen, Karen, Nicolle, Ashley, Harriet, Barb and Mary — 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.