MIDDLETOWN, Pa. — Dawn Hamaty, human resources consultant at Penn State Harrisburg, received the 2024 Staff Morale Award from Penn State University Staff Advisory Council.
The Staff Morale Award recognizes a staff person who embodies the University values of integrity, respect, responsibility, discovery, excellence, and community and who leads with enthusiasm and fosters a respectful, cooperative work environment. Hamaty was honored, alongside two other USAC award winners, at a ceremony May 10 at University Park.
“I am truly honored to receive the USAC Staff Morale Award and to be included among the other amazing recipients recognized this year,” Hamaty said. “I am very appreciative of the time and effort invested by my nominators and for their kind words. I am grateful for this recognition; it motivates me to continue to serve and support the Penn State Harrisburg community.”
In Hamaty’s nomination letter, she was described as someone who is always there to support and build up her colleagues and does whatever needs to be done to ensure their success. The nomination letter noted that Hamaty is a champion of important campus efforts, including Harrisburg’s mentoring program, as well as professional development opportunities focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
In a letter of support from a colleague, Hamaty was described as someone who is naturally talented in establishing a workplace atmosphere that cultivates respect and collaboration. She is known for offering small gestures of kindness and for fostering connections through shared passions and interests.
One letter of support included:
“Dawn is a subtle, gentle, calming morale booster. She helps the boat stay steady and intentionally navigates us toward tranquil, more peaceful waters. She encourages, motivates, inspires and celebrates her colleagues … Dawn has enriched the culture at Penn State Harrisburg and made it a better place to work for her colleagues.”
Hamaty joined Penn State Harrisburg’s School of Business Administration in November 1991 as an administrative assistant. She became a human resources consultant in 2017.
In 2006, she graduated from Penn State Harrisburg with a master’s degree in training and development and certificate in human resources. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in music from Millersville University. Prior to joining Penn State Harrisburg, she was the director of marketing for the Harrisburg Symphony Association.