Sending a 'We Are!' to these Penn Staters — Dec. 16

As part of our regular “We Are!” feature, we recognize 14 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 Colledge, director of corporate engagement at the Corporate Engagement Center, whose nominator wrote: “Beth’s positive attitude and willingness to help others, no matter how busy she is, truly make her an invaluable asset to our team and to Penn State. Her vast institutional knowledge, combined with her good humor and calm demeanor in the face of challenges, makes working with her a true pleasure.” 
• Rebecca Cross, academic program coordinator for the School of Global Languages, Literatures, and Cultures in the College of the Liberal Arts, whose nominator wrote: “Becky has been instrumental in helping me find success at the University.  She has stepped up and helped our students with class schedules, helped get courses scheduled for faculty, and taught me much about LionPath and other systems.  Her kindness, assistance and flexibility deserve recognition!” 
• Izac Diaz, IT systems manager at Penn State Lehigh Valley, whose nominator wrote: “Izac is a rockstar on our campus! He consistently arrives with a smile to resolve any tech issue and even proactively checks in to see how we're doing and if we have any IT questions. His positive attitude, expertise and dedication make him an invaluable asset to our campus!” 
• Jill Dickun, interim director of Student Affairs and student success coordinator at Penn State New Kensington, whose nominator wrote: “Jill has stepped into a daunting position as an interim director of Student Affairs with many systems and moving parts. She has done a phenomenal job! She has shown empathy and excitement in working with our student body. Our students are fortunate to have an exemplary employee at PSNK!” 
• Lorraine Donahue, executive director of graduate education operations and administration in the Fox Graduate School, whose nominator wrote: “Lorraine has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout the Enterprise Constituent Relationship Management (ECRM) Learner Org project Her strategic thinking has been instrumental in steering the project towards success. Lorraine set a clear direction for the team, ensuring alignment with the goals while fostering a collaborative atmosphere.” 
• Denise Gladd, assistant to the head of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) in the College of Health and Human Development, whose nominator wrote: “Denise juggles many roles in finances, grants, events, facilities, HR and more. No matter what she is asked to do, she makes it happen. She helps others feel part of the team and encourages them to do their best. She personifies the 'We Are!’ spirit and makes CSD a place where faculty and students want to be.” 
• Mark Kenepp, engineering systems specialist in the Penn State Facilities Engineering Institute, whose nominator wrote: “Mark deserves a shoutout for his exceptional leadership in running our Visible Emissions Training Program (Smoke School). He works collaboratively, ensuring smooth operations across the commonwealth. Resilient, resourceful and reliable, Mark is a valued asset and a standout team member!” 
• Patrice Lombard, athletic director at Penn State Hazleton, whose nominator wrote: “Patrice has worked for Penn State for many years in multiple roles.  She works long hours, going above and beyond to help students, staff, faculty and local communities.  She has helped us with timely information helping student-athletes at our campus to be excused from classes.” 
• Jennifer Malaga, student success coach at Penn State Hazleton, whose nominator wrote: “Jennifer has been invaluable partner in working with the students who visit the Student Success Center, especially our emergent multilingual students.  She is loved by the students and sincerely cares about helping them to be the best students they can be.  We'd be lost without her!” 
• Kristin Pastva, event planner in the College of Health and Human Development, whose nominator wrote: “Kristin (KP) does so many different jobs in our department — from coordinating events to connecting with alumni to running our social media, and more! — and makes them all look easy. She also uplifts others and brings great energy to the office. Thank you, KP!” 
• Richel Perretti, assistant director of procurement compliance, policy and contracts in Central Procurement, whose nominator wrote: “Richel deserves a shoutout for her exceptional attention to detail in contract reviews. Thorough, fastidious and solution-oriented, she consistently prioritizes the best interests of all parties involved. Her dedication and expertise make her an invaluable asset to the University!” 
• Linda Rhen, teaching professor of special education at Penn State Harrisburg, whose nominator wrote: “Dr. Rhen tirelessly works to promote the accessibility of education. She teaches pre-service teacher candidates about the needs of students with disabilities. She also established and leads the Career Studies program, helping students with intellectual abilities to attend Penn State.” 
• Diana Stumpf, undergraduate studies adviser and programs coordinator in the Division of Undergraduate Studies, whose nominator wrote: “Diana's work in her first-year seminar, PSU 18, is something to be admired. Her students consistently tell me how they love working with her; how she ‘makes class fun to be in;’ and how she helps them explore their potential at Penn State without pressuring them to commit to a single major.” 
• Bill Waugh, facilities project manager in the Applied Research Laboratory, whose nominator wrote: “Bill is always up for the task and goes the extra mile to get things accomplished. His willingness to help anyone out and support other’s needs, all with the most positive outlook and attitude, makes our office environment all the more enjoyable.” 

Thank you Beth, Rebecca, Izac, Jill, Lorraine, Denise, Mark, Patrice, Jennifer, Kristin, Richel, Linda, Diana and Bill — 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.