"Mike the Mailman," aka Michael C. Herr, the University Park Post Office window technician, was honored Monday, May 12, for 35 years of service to the U.S. Postal Service.
He received a certificate of commendation remarking on his loyal service signed by Richard Celino, the Erie district manager, and a silver pin, presented by Kathy Punt, supervisor of customer service, from the State College Post Office.
The surprise presentation left Herr only momentarily speechless before he joshed, "It seemed just like yesterday."
Herr, and post office window clerk "Don the Mail Guy" Plotz are familiar and beloved figures on the University Park campus. Their Cookie of the Month competition brings in about 12-18 batches a month for the postal employees to sample. Winners' names are posted on a Wall of Fame behind the mail counter. The postal employees are part of the annual homecoming parade where they carry signs reminding students to send cookies to the post office.
The post office, with its glass case of student photos and quirky homemade signs, is a warm and friendly presence to the students who pass through there laden with packages and in search of stamps. Herr, wearing a commemorative stamp necktie, passes out Tootsie Rolls to visitors and a bell rings while Plotz holds up a hand-lettered cardboard sign declaring "Nice Sneakers" to a student wearing a new pair of black Nikes.
Asked about his years of service, Herr said, "It's a wonderful life. I'm content to celebrate the life I've been given."
For photos, go to http://live.psu.edu/flickrset/72157625082531257 online.