HUB-Robeson Center director recognized for above-and-beyond dedication

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Edgar A. Whiting Award is given to a longtime college union or student activities professional, who has consistently performed above and beyond the call of duty in their role within the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) and professional service for their institution. This year Mary Edgington, senior director of the HUB-Robeson Center, Student Affairs facilities and staff development, received the award for her dedication to the University and its students.

Penn State and Edgington were recognized this year during the awards section of the Region VII regional conference, which was hosted at Penn State from Nov. 1-3.

Edgington said that she is humbled and honored to receive this award.

“I have volunteered with this organization for over 30 years and it is a wonderful community of fine colleagues who have challenged and inspired me over the years and have helped me grow and develop and learn new things every day that I have been able to bring back to my home institution to provide better programs and services for our students,” she said.

ACUI was founded in 1914 and is a nonprofit educational organization that brings together college union and student activities professionals from hundreds of schools in seven different countries and is the professional home to thousands of campus community-builders around the world. Primarily focused on the work of those within the college unions and student activities field, the association strives to provide an inclusive, welcoming community for all those who choose to belong. According to their website, ACUI’s mission is to support its members in the development of community through education, advocacy and the delivery of services.

Edgington hopes that this recognition "will inspire other people to give back to their professional associations of choice, to volunteer, to get involved, to give back, and to pay it forward."