Academics

Support Staff Award honors Long

University Park, Pa. – Patricia J. Long, alumni and development specialist in the College of Engineering, has been honored with the 2011 Support Staff Award.

The award recognizes the overall high-quality performance of a full-time member of the support staff with at least five years of active service in fulfilling the mission of the University and of his or her college or administrative unit. It also recognizes dedicated focus to customer service, commitment to quality improvement, outstanding skills and abilities, teamwork and professionalism.

A Penn State employee for more than 28 years, Long is responsible for complex activities in the College of Engineering's Alumni and Public Relations and Development Division, focusing on the College's alumni volunteers, donors and supporters.

"Trish is a terrific team player and she serves as a role model for many of the other members of the College's Dean's Office," one nominator wrote. "Her ability to work with donors as well as with colleagues throughout the University is invaluable in setting a tone and a positive relationship with Penn State and its principal donors."

Long also is responsible for coordinating the annual Outstanding Engineering Alumni Awards and, after each of these events, she polls the entire External Relations staff seeking suggestions for the next year's program. "She does not simply solicit input," another nominator wrote, "but makes adjustments based on it, always with an eye toward improvement."

Credited with keeping the External College Relations team "on-track and on deadline," Long was recognized by her peers in 2001 with the Peer Review of Exceptional Performance (PREP) Award.

Last Updated March 16, 2011

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