James G. Beierlein, professor of agricultural economics in the College of Agricultural Sciences, is the 2009 recipient of the Barash Award for Human Service.
Created in 1975 by the family of the late Sy Barash, the award honors a full-time member of the faculty or staff or student body on the University Park campus who, apart from his or her regular duties, has contributed the most to human causes, public service activities and organizations or the welfare of fellow humans.
Since he joined the Penn State faculty in 1977, Beierlein has been involved in a wide range of student-related activities aimed at fostering the adjustment and personal growth of new and advancing University students. He organized and has taught the College’s Freshman Seminar virtually every year since its inception in 1988 and has written a textbook for use in such courses. He also works with the Episcopal Campus Ministry on campus, serving as a member and chair of the ministry’s advisory committee, and as liaison and coordinator of student activities for the Episcopal Diocese in Harrisburg.
Active in the Penn State Federal Credit Union (PSFCU), he has served in various capacities on its board and as head of the asset-liability committee, using his financial knowledge and experience to contribute to the PSFCU’s growth and stability.
In the community, Beierlein was a member of the State College Water Authority for nearly 15 years and has been active in the Boy Scouts of America, serving as a pack leader and a scoutmaster and, since1996, as a fundraiser for the Boy Scouts in Centre County.