Sending a 'We Are!' to these Penn Staters - March 13

As part of our regular “We Are!” feature, we recognize 15 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:  

• Nicole Bauman, director of administration in the Office of Entrepreneurship and Commercialization, whose nominator wrote: “Nicole’s unwavering support, advocacy, hard work, dedication and outstanding attitude illuminate our office daily. She fosters a positive and inclusive workplace, ensuring every team member feels valued and supported.” 
• Megan Ciganek, admissions counselor at Penn State Harrisburg, whose nominator wrote: “Megan should be recognized for her outstanding performance as an admissions counselor. She is always approachable, and she is a voice for the University that shows through her informative and energetic presentations to prospective students. She is a dedicated advocate on behalf of Penn State.” 
• Tim Cotter, marketing and communications specialist at Penn State DuBois, whose nominator wrote: “Tim is the true meaning of ‘We Are!’ with his dedication and teamwork. He seamlessly handles additional responsibilities with proficiency. His positive presence on campus, genuine interactions and collaborative spirit significantly contribute to fostering an inclusive workplace and community.” 
• Liz Cummings, Human Resources consultant in the College of Education and in the Ross & Carol Nese College of Nursing, whose nominator wrote: “Liz epitomizes customer service. One faculty member writes, ‘An important part of the engagement equation is the way that we treat others.  Your work with me was outstanding. You were persistent, you communicated extremely well, and you kept the process moving. I appreciate your steady hand.’” 
• Tracey Demko, finance manager for Penn State Outreach, whose nominator wrote: “Tracey is always there to help answer your questions in a timely manner and will go above and beyond to work on a budget for a fast-approaching deadline. She is a Penn State employee I think of as a role model when we talk about the ‘We Are!’ family.” 
• Lauren DeVincent, talent acquisition specialist in Human Resources, whose nominator wrote: “Since Lauren has been with Penn State, she has been an incredible colleague and team player! She is upbeat, friendly, super intelligent, and thoughtful. She has worked on several projects for the team that have added significant value to our work and goals. I want to thank Lauren for all she does!” 
• Katherine Evans, administrative assistant in the College of the Liberal Arts, whose nominator wrote: “Thank you to Katherine, who always goes the extra mile to support other members of our team.   She always gives 100% and no task is ever left undone. All her hard work is appreciated. Katherine is an amazing asset not just to the department, but to Penn State as well.” 
• Kelly Heaps, accounting assistant in the Office of Budget and Finance, whose nominator wrote: “Kelly is patient and kind, and she has exceptional knowledge of her job. She has gone above and beyond many times to help. She always approaches with kindness, and she is never demeaning. She is genuinely a caring person that likes to help others. She is appreciated and makes a difference!” 
• Kristie Kalvin, academic recovery specialist in the College of the Liberal Arts, whose nominator wrote: “As the academic recovery specialist for the entire college, Kristie supports students who are in the most tenuous situations. Tirelessly, she helps them as they navigate a host of challenges. She does it with integrity and, above all, with compassion. It's had work and she does it with heart.” 
• Bobbi Kyler, IT consultant for Business Operations, whose nominator wrote: “Bobbi worked with me to resolve a billing issue. She was very thorough and timely, and she handled my requests with grace and ease. When I thanked her for her tireless efforts, she replied ‘It's my job so I'm glad to help and do what I can to assist.’ This is validated by her work.” 
• Shirley Piotrowski, multimedia specialist at Penn State Great Valley, whose nominator wrote: “I nominate Shirley for outstanding multimedia work. Her innovative approach has transformed our courses, making learning engaging and effective. Shirley's creativity and technical skills have set new standards in educational content, enriching both curriculum and community.” 
• Dawn Schott, assistant director of Student Health Services at Penn State Harrisburg, whose nominator wrote: “Nurse Dawn is always going above and beyond for our students and their health, ensuring they feel safe talking to and being treated by her. Dawn is always thinking of new and best practices to help our students and their time at Penn State. She has a huge heart for our students, and it shows!” 
• Valerie Struble, assistant to the senior associate dean in the Smeal College of Business, whose nominator wrote: “Valerie exudes ‘We Are!’ She is such a welcoming person! Although she has a very demanding job, she has constant high energy, makes everyone around her happy, and is someone you just want to be around. She works so hard every day and has a fantastic reputation with everyone at Smeal.”    
• Bei Sarah Wang, financial coordinator in the College of Education, whose nominator wrote: “Bei is always helpful and respectful to every faculty, student and staff member. She works hard every minute of the day and is always positive. She is an example of excellence, and she deserves to be recognized for it.” 
• Rachel Weaver, undergraduate program coordinator in the Eberly College of Science, whose nominator wrote: “Rachel is the absolute best leader of our undergraduate office. She is incredibly knowledgeable and resourceful. She is always quick to respond and help with a huge smile. She sets such a positive vibe in the office. We are so very grateful for Rachel!” 

Thank you Nicole, Megan, Tim, Liz, Tracey, Lauren, Katherine, Kelly, Kristie, Bobbi, Shirley, Dawn, Valerie, Bei and Rachel — and to everyone who helps make Penn State such an incredible community! 

Do you know a Penn Stater who deserves a shoutout? If you do, consider nominating that individual by filling out a short online form.