Sending a 'We Are!' to these Penn Staters — Aug. 27

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: 

• Elaine Arsenault, researcher in the College of the Liberal Arts, whose nominator wrote: “I work with Elaine at the Criminal Justice Research Center and we recently had an urgent project come up that required a quick turnaround. Elaine was extremely helpful in assisting the team to get through the work in time. Her flexibility in taking on this project with short notice is greatly appreciated.” 
• Sarah Cichy, research project manager in the College of Medicine, whose nominator wrote: “Sarah exudes professionalism and is an exemplary leader in grant writing, qualitative analysis and evaluation. She consistently performs ‘above and beyond.’ She's trusted, organized, thoughtful and well-respected on the ECHO and CTSI teams. I am so fortunate to work alongside her.” 
• Jodi Oberfoell Harris, senior director for organizational effectiveness at Penn State World Campus, whose nominator wrote: “Jodi was a great help in assisting our team with running data analytics. She met with a small group from Academic Affairs at Penn State Hazleton and walked us through Starfish Analytics. With her help, we can better understand and interpret our data. We appreciate Jodi’s expertise and time!” 
• Michelle Howe, nutrition education adviser for Penn State Extension, whose nominator wrote: “Michelle shares nutrition education and health information with youth who are living at the Youth Intervention Center in Lancaster, and she was given an award for Nutrition Links as the ongoing program of the year for 2023. Her dedication and empathetic approach are evident in her work.” 
• Kristin McGraw, graduate enrollment services coordinator in the Fox Graduate School, whose nominator wrote: “Kristin's tireless and thorough streamlining of the Graduate School's graduation process has been a tremendous win for the records team and their work for each semester's graduation checks. She's made improvements and revisions every semester for the past few years that have benefited everyone.” 
• Deanna Nagle, student art engagement manager in Student Affairs, whose nominator wrote: “In a recent retreat we were discussing the groups' goals and accomplishments from the year, and we felt like we fell short on some things, Deanna reminded us, ‘it's not about how fast we get there as long as we're moving in the right direction.’ Her perspective set the tone for a successful retreat.” 
• Lisa O’Hara, associate clinical professor of management and organization in the Smeal College of Business, whose nominator wrote: “Dr. O’Hara is a role model, mentor, coach and friend to students and alumni. She strives to develop students academically, professionally and personally. Dr. O’Hara has advised student organizations and represented the M&O department at events, and she provides valuable insights inside and outside of the classroom.” 
• Pamela Passmore, administrative support assistant with Penn State Extension, whose nominator wrote: “Extension admins in 67 counties were challenged to analyze three years of SIMBA financials. Staff spent days cross-referencing reports to reach zero balance. Pam finished her task and jumped in to help three other staff members resolve their issues. Without her dedication, the job would not have been completed.” 
• Diane Plummer, executive assistant to the senior vice president for research, whose nominator wrote: “Diane always goes above and beyond to help facilitate requests our team makes to the SVPR, many of which are urgent and have a tight turnaround time. She's always pleasant and professional, and her attention to detail is appreciated. Working with Diane is always a pleasure!” 
• Reita Rockey, financial coordinator in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, whose nominator wrote: “Reita is kind, considerate and an absolute powerhouse with the workload that she is able to complete in a week. Despite her workload she never turns down the chance to help others, whether that is by training, answering questions or even assisting other units.” 
• Bobby Stephens, IT support specialist for Penn State Outreach, whose nominator wrote: “Bobby helped me when I unexpectedly called on him for consultation regarding a mobile iPad cart for the Education team at WPSU. More than just providing consultation regarding an unexpected obstacle in putting the cart together, he came up with a new solution and installed it quickly.” 
• Annie Troyan, assistant sports camps manager for Intercollegiate Athletics, and Brooke Wilson, program coordinator for sports camps, who received multiple nominations. One nominator wrote: “Annie and Brooke have stepped up in the face of a resignation and retirement and have worked tirelessly to ensure that sports camps at University Park have been able to run this summer. They show up with a great attitude and gets it done!” Another nominator wrote: “This dynamic duo in the Intercollegiate Athletics sport camps office make programs possible at University Park! Between June and August, 27 teams offer camps. There are over 100 camps in total serving more than 10,000 children from across the country. Without Annie and Brooke to keep all things organized, this wouldn’t be possible!” 
• Tina Weidele, assistant financial officer at Penn State Lehigh Valley, whose nominator wrote: “Tina is an incredible team member! Her kindness, compassion, calm level-headedness and willingness to go the extra mile to help others are incomparable. She makes our campus better, and we are so lucky to have her on our staff.” 

Thank you Elaine, Sarah, Jodi, Michelle, Kristin, Deanna, Lisa, Pamela, Diane, Reita, Bobby, Annie, Brooke and Tina — 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.