UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Mike Herr, better known to generations of Penn Staters as "Mike the Mailman," is scheduled to be featured tonight (Feb. 8) on CBS Evening News' "On the Road" segment.
Correspondent Steve Hartman visited the University Park Post Office on Wednesday to film the segment on how Herr has become a beloved campus figure, and how the joy and fun he brings to his work has made going to the post office an enjoyable experience for the campus community.
Known for his perpetually friendly demeanor and sense of humor, Herr has been serving customers at Penn State's University Park campus post office in McAllister Building since 1978. In that time, he has transformed the post office into a welcoming spot on campus, adorned with quirky posters, photos of community members and friends and a list of the students and staff who bring him cookies each month, among other items.
Herr, and former longtime co-worker Don "The Mail Guy" Plotz, made a tradition of stopping business for a moment to ring a bell and point out a customer with a nice pair of sneakers. He will stamp a late birthday card with "Sent this last week." Many have noted he has what seems to be a near photographic memory of postal ZIP codes. Herr is such a part of campus life that he is often a part of the Homecoming Parade -- even serving as honorary grand marshal with Plotz in 2007.
CBS Evening News airs at 6:30 p.m. in the State College area and many markets. Check local listings for the time in your area.