Sending a 'We Are!' to these Penn Staters Dec. 3

As part of our regular "We Are!" feature, we recognize 16 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:

• Di Anne Barnard, HR assistant in Penn State Human Resources, whose nominator wrote: "A huge shout-out to Di for her unwavering commitment to customer service, positive attitude and upbeat demeanor. Di offers support and a genuine smile in all situations. Her positivity is refreshing. Thank you for your hard work, Di!"

• Cindy Beauchamp, senior executive assistant to the chancellor at Penn State Altoona, whose nominator wrote: "Cindy has been an amazingly collaborative partner. She and I have had to work together to manage the chancellor's schedule. She is extremely considerate, thoughtful and so easy to work with. She is always so accommodating and friendly!"

• Justin Bradnick, ground operations for physical plant and maintenance operations at Penn State Harrisburg, whose nominator wrote: "Justin helped organize, collect and transport donations for Hurricane Helene relief in coordination with our local township. Justin took it upon himself to ask to lead this campaign with support from the campus and fellow OPP employees. Thanks to all members of the Penn State Harrisburg community that contributed!"

• Robyn Chotiner, adjunct lecturer at Penn State New Kensington, whose nominator wrote: "Robyn is an awesome educator and a wonderful colleague. She is always ready to help where and when needed, even as an adjunct faculty member. When we were short staffed during welcome days, she volunteered all three days to come early in the morning to help with the events."

• Alan Cook, farm machinery operator and mechanic in the College of Agricultural Sciences, whose nominator wrote: "Al is always willing to go above and beyond what's expected. From answering an after-hours call to coming in late in the evening to help a graduate student whose car keys got locked in an office at the farm, Al always brings a positive attitude and the brightens the days of others."

• Sarah Davis, extension educator in Penn State Extension, whose nominator wrote: "Sarah has quickly become an integral part of her team. She is carrying on the legacy of a recently retired employee and is now shepherding our home food preservation newsletter and articles. She has a great reputation in the community and represents herself and the University well."

• Dustin Elliott, associate professor of psychology in the College of the Liberal Arts, whose nominator wrote: "He is the greatest teacher I have ever had. He makes me so interested in everything we learn about, and you can actually tell that he loves what he does. I look forward to class because of him, and he deserves the recognition."

• Cheri Graham, director of information technology in Student Affairs, who received multiple nominations. One nominator wrote: "Cheri is a stellar example of a great leader. She is passionate about making sure that those she leads feel that they 'fit' and are a valuable part of the team. She champions tirelessly to make sure we have the resources we need to support all 35 of our Student Affairs units." Another nominator wrote: "Cheri is the epitome of Penn State Values, constantly and consistently looking to improve student services while caring for her staff and colleagues. She leads by example, providing support and guidance. Her dedication makes her a true role model to everyone lucky enough to work with her." A third nominator wrote: "Cheri is one of those special people that leaves such a positive lasting impression. She is incredibly knowledgeable and warm. She takes the time and makes the effort because she cares that people feel included and welcomed. This makes such a difference." Yet another nominator wrote: "Cheri's leadership has greatly improved our operations and project workflows. Her dedication, compassion and focus on student success are truly inspiring. We are incredibly fortunate to have you on our team and we will miss you when you retire in December!"

• Meg Meloy, McKinley Professor of Business Administration and professor of marketing in the Smeal College of Business, whose nominator wrote: "Dr. Meloy's passion for Smeal and the Marketing Department shines each day. She coaches and inspires students and enthusiastically cultivates engagement with marketing alumni. Dr. Meloy provides faculty with innovative leadership that fosters research and growth."

• Emory McKenna, administrative support assistant in the College of Health and Human Development, who received multiple nominations. One nominator wrote: "This is on behalf of a few folks in the Rainbow Roar Employee Resource Group: We want to thank Emory for being both a huge supporter as well as a personable and welcoming individual in the space! They do a lot of work to create environments where people of all backgrounds feel like they belong." Another nominator wrote: "Emory has a way of making people feel so welcomed and included even when most of the people don't know each other in a hybrid event. They care about the details and have a true empathy for different people's experiences. They inspire me to do better."

• Maria Mosley, academic adviser in the College of Engineering, whose nominator wrote: "Thank you, Maria, for going above and beyond for students! Maria is the lead for the student Engineering Peer Advising Leaders (EPALs) program, which provides additional support to students. Through her leadership and mentorship, she has positively impacted the program's participants."

• Sherry Scully, admissions and student aid administrative support assistant at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, whose nominator wrote: "Sherry is invaluable to Penn State. She is a natural leader, especially during times of immense change. Her dedication to her team, the campus and the students is unwavering. Sherry's sharp wit, humor and authenticity make working with her a daily gift."

• Lauren Steinberg, senior director of development in the College of Agricultural Sciences, whose nominator wrote: "Lauren is creative, selfless and strategic, and she leads the Ag Sciences development and alumni team with compassion and grace. Through her volunteer work at Three Dots, Happy Valley Improv and her own State College Home Project, she also brings beauty, joy and a sense of community to our town."

• Kathy Swidwa, assistant director of marketing and branding in the College of the Liberal Arts, whose nominator wrote: "When our team moved from IT to Strategic Communications within our college, Kathy stepped up to lead us without missing a beat all while balancing her existing role. She was always available for advice and made time to celebrate our successes. Kathy's leadership was essential to our success during this transition."

• Nick Trunzo, marketing and communications specialist at Penn State Greater Allegheny, whose nominator wrote: "Nick is a creative and energetic member of the team. He puts 110% effort into all the marketing materials he creates and is a consistent presence across campus. His passion for the campus and his work shine on social media."

• Adam Tussey, IT support specialist in Penn State IT, whose nominator wrote: "Adam is phenomenal. He goes above and beyond. He is very methodical, yet efficient, in his approach. He makes you feel as if your problem is a mystery that you and he are solving together. He is the best!"

Thank you Di Anne, Cindy, Justin, Robyn, Alan, Sarah, Dustin, Cheri, Meg, Emory, Maria, Sherry, Lauren, Kathy, Nick and Adam - 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.