Sending a 'We Are!' to these Penn Staters -- March 31

As part of our regular “We Are!” feature, we recognize 19 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: 

• Anna Akintunde, talent acquisition specialist in Human Resources, whose nominator wrote: “Anna brightens the department with her infectious humor and unwavering support. She consistently makes time to listen, helping her unit navigate challenges and supporting colleagues through difficult situations. She consistently goes above and beyond and makes everyone feel valued. Thank you, Anna!” 
• Kristy Fisher, administrative support coordinator for undergraduate advising in the College of Engineering, whose nominator wrote: “Kristy is instrumental to student success. She flawlessly coordinates several administrators' calendars, their financial tasks, schedules and student appointments, and she strengthens the entire Advising Center. Her competence and sense of duty make the College of Engineering run smoothly.” 
• Josh Gray, student wellness specialist at Penn State Harrisburg, whose nominator wrote: “Josh's passion and commitment to our students, staff and faculty to promote and create a healthier state of living and being is infectious. He always greets everyone with a warm smile, a kind heart and willingness to support our ‘healthier’ goals. He is a true asset to our campus.” 
• Jodi Heaton, senior administrative manager and assistant to the head of the Department of Biobehavioral Health (BBH) in the College of Health and Human Development, whose nominator wrote: “Jodi advances the Penn State Values through the highest degree of professionalism. As the lead administrator in BBH, Jodi makes the department stronger through her commitment to the growth of others, to creating a positive environment, and to problem solving so that others can do what they do best.” 
• Jimmy Hughes, instructional technology specialist in the College of Engineering, whose nominator wrote: “Jimmy serves in the Office of Digital Learning and has taken the lead on accessibility for remote instruction. His knowledge, ability to gather requirements and find solutions while managing many projects is a testament to his dedication and expertise. He is a true team member.” 
• Wendy Kephart, administrative assistant for academic affairs at Penn State Abington, whose nominator wrote: “Wendy has jumped in and taken on many responsibilities at Abington. She assisted with New Student Orientation (NSO) last year, making it better than it has ever been. She has taken on administrative responsibilities in advising, as well as in covering the administrative responsibilities for the division of social sciences.” 
• Stephanie Kutch, administrative support manager for Penn State World Campus, whose nominator wrote: “Stephanie has been a very positive and invaluable resource who never gives the impression that she does not have time for you. Despite having a full plate of responsibilities, she has graciously given her time and talents to assist us with onboarding a new administrative support person in our unit.” 
• Rick MacZura, production supervisor at the Center for the Performing Arts, whose nominator wrote: “Rick is a helpful, kind and caring co-worker. He offers valuable insight when talking through challenging projects. I believe he tries every day to make something easier for someone else, even if it means it makes something a bit more difficult for him.” 
• Cynthia MannellaNickell, administrative support manager for the Department of Health Policy and Administration in the College of Health and Human Development, whose nominator wrote: “Cynthia is fair, open-minded and flexible. She always stops to listen and goes out of her way to check in on her employees. Her willingness to help the staff and faculty in our department goes above and beyond and is much appreciated!” 
• Kolette Miller, buyer in Central Procurement at University Park, whose nominator wrote: “Kolette is a godsend to the Procurement department. She works incredibly hard and has the patience of a saint! She even made the tedious process of purchasing software semi-enjoyable, and her diligence in getting a refund from a vendor is unmatched.” 
• Margaret Moses, executive communicator in the Office of Vice President for Information Technology, whose nominator wrote: “Margaret is a true team player, always going above and beyond. She tackles every challenge with dedication and a positive attitude, putting in extra effort to keep things running smoothly. She is invaluable.” 
• Cathy O’Connell, business analyst in Human Resources, whose nominator wrote: “Cathy's thoughtful approach, attention to detail, and solution-driven mindset makes collaboration effortless. Our work together has many moving parts and intersects with a variety of University partners, and she always handles each effort with kindness, patience and a genuine intent to improve things.” 
• Shelly Ormsby, financial specialist in the Office of the Vice President for Commonwealth Campuses, whose nominator wrote: “A big shoutout to Shelly for being an amazing, supportive employee! She’s gone above and beyond helping the finance office across Berks, Lehigh Valley and Schuylkill campuses, answering questions and stepping in as an approver. Shelly’s positivity and dedication have truly made a difference. Thank you!” 
• Heather Perry, research project manager at the College of Medicine, whose nominator wrote: “Heather's dedication, commitment and leadership have been key to the successful growth of the Lion Mobile medical unit. She is the spark that keeps it moving and approaches the days’ challenges and surprises with such ease and grace. Heather is an absolute joy to work with and an amazing person!” 
• Melissa Porter-Krum, youth program compliance specialist in the Office of Ethics and Compliance, whose nominator wrote: “Melissa's unwavering dedication, perseverance and passion for protecting children do not go unnoticed. Her hard work inspires those around her, and she takes the front seat in driving meaningful progress. Melissa deserves recognition for her outstanding efforts and the impact she makes every day!” 
• Victoria Prewitt-Rodriguez, administrative support coordinator for Campus Recreation, whose nominator wrote: “Victoria has been an amazing asset to our team. There have been dozens of on-campus interviews over her time with the department, for which she has overseen scheduling and executing, and she handles it all with grace — even with back-to-back-to-back schedules.” 
• Veena Raman, associate teaching professor in communication arts and sciences in the College of the Liberal Arts, whose nominator wrote: “As a teaching colleague and in her role as assistant director of undergraduate studies, Veena is one of those people who makes everyone around her better. She is sharp, diligent, upbeat and kind. She is selfless and supportive. I feel lucky every time I get to work with her.” 
• Brenda Schultz, personal counselor and career counselor at Penn State Beaver, whose nominator wrote: “Brenda is instrumental to our students' professional success and personal well-being. She is kind, compassionate and knowledgeable, and she helps students in a multitude of ways from counseling to resume creation and internship assistance to organizing professional networking events on campus.” 
• Heather Shank, administrative assistant for academic affairs at Penn State Brandywine, whose nominator wrote: “Heather is an over-the-top welcoming presence with a full candy dish! Because of it she has developed friendly relationships with many students who stop by on a regular basis to catch up and share their successes or concerns. She is an excellent worker, but this is beyond her scope of responsibility!” 

Thank you Anna, Kristy, Josh, Jodi, Jimmy, Wendy, Stephanie, Rick, Cynthia, Kolette, Margaret, Cathy, Shelly, Heather, Melissa, Victoria, Veena, Brenda and Heather — 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.