Nese College of Nursing

Mary Runco receives 2017 Award for Excellence in Support Services

Marwan Wafa, Penn State Worthington Scranton chancellor, presents the 2017 Award for Excellence in Support Services to Mary Runco, administrative assistant in academic affairs/nursing. Credit: Amy Gruzesky / Penn StateCreative Commons

DUNMORE, Pa. — Mary Runco, administrative assistant for academic affairs/nursing at Penn State Worthington Scranton, was recently named the recipient of the campus’ Award for Excellence in Support Services.

This annual award recognizes staff assistants and technical services employees at the campus for their contribution to the teaching-learning climate on campus. 

During a special awards ceremony held at the campus to honor faculty and staff for their accomplishments during the past academic year, Todd Adams, assistant professor of arts and humanities, read the nomination for Runco.

“Mary is the heart and soul of the nursing department. She works diligently every day to ensure that all nursing faculty have their needs met as well as ensuring that all students have submitted all necessary paperwork and comply with all rules and regulations, which has become more complex through the years. In addition, she has been critical to the department’s success in our transition from the associate degree in nursing to the bachelor of science in nursing degree.

“Personally, Mary has been a mentor, a colleague, but most importantly, a friend. She has always been there to listen, whether I was a student or a professor here on campus. Above all else, Mary deserves this award because when all else fails, and I do not know an answer to something, I can always say, ‘lets go and ask Mary’ and, as always, she knows.  She is an asset to all of us here at Penn State University.”

Last Updated August 9, 2017