The historic Sutherland Building buzzes with activity, but for 23 years there was an oasis of calm amid the chaos. Tucked into an alcove on the first floor, Harry Felton manned the Penn State Abington post office with his mellow personality and a genuine interest in the people who comprise the campus community.
His easy smile made people slow down, say hello, and stop for conversation. Until his retirement last month, Harry was a steadying presence on the ever-evolving campus since his return in 1992.
Return? Yes, few were aware that Harry enrolled at Abington in 1956. He left for University Park in 1959 and returned 33 years later to run the post office.
“Abington provided me with an education and a career,” Harry said. “Everyone here was so nice all of the time. It’s not like other places where you work and not feel that atmosphere.”