Three Penn State staff members were honored with Deans' Excellence awards during an annual recognition event conducted by the College of Communications on the University Park campus.
Honorees were system administrator Yu-Tai Chung, staff assistant Stephanie Girouard and academic adviser Kyrie Harding.
Chung helps maintain computer and network systems in the College of Communications. He works with all PC-related devices and laboratories, and assists with Web-based projects, creating and maintaining applications that benefit faculty, staff and students. He does that -- and much more -- in an efficient, timely manner.
"Yu-Tai consistently goes well above and beyond the call of duty," said Jeremy Wright, who supervises systems administration. "His effective response time is terrific. He is one of the most capably multitaskers I have ever come across. He does not hesitate to take action and follow up until a situation is resolved."
Girouard works in the Office of Internships and Career Services, which serves more than 500 students seeking for-credit internships and graduating seniors seeking jobs. In that role, she administers the day-to-day operation of an ever-bustling and busy office. This past year she also took a leadership role in the development of COMM Career Center, a comprehensive, online source for communications-specific job postings for students.
"Stephanie produced quality work in an efficient manner for those requesting information and she does it with a pleasant demeanor. Here efficiency certainly helped us become a stronger unit," said Bob Martin, assistant dean for internships and career services. "Frankly, we would not have been able to launch COMM Career Center had it not been for Stephanie’s perseverance and efforts."
Harding handles her advising duties, working with dozens of students on a weekly basis, and also coordinates the peer mentor program. Under her leadership, the peer mentor program added mentors and served more students than ever during the past year.
"Kyrie provides exceptional customer service. She is sensitive to students' needs and does her best to help," said Jamey Perry, assistant dean for academic services. “She has taken the peer mentor program to a new level in one year."
Each of the three staff honorees received a Penn State clock and a monetary award.