Academics

Ceremony celebrates Hazleton faculty, staff for years of service milestones

HAZLETON, Pa. — Dedication was the theme of a virtual ceremony on Oct. 7 honoring employees for their years of service to Penn State Hazleton. 

More than two dozen faculty and staff were recognized by Chancellor Gary Lawler and other Penn State Hazleton leaders, who commended them on their work ethic, enthusiasm and commitment to the campus and University. 

Employees recognized during the ceremony include: 

One year: Barbara Acker, administrative support assistant; Mesude Bayrakci-Boz, assistant professor of engineering; Matthew DeMarco, maintenance worker; Nancy Elko, administrative support assistant; Elizabeth Huck, instructional designer; Eshani Lee, assistant professor of chemistry; Liam Martin, police services officer; Joshua Parcha, assistant professor of corporate communication; Colleen Rancho, records specialist; Christen Reese, director of campus development and alumni relations; Gina Regula, education program assistant; and Megan Schall, assistant professor of biology. 

Five years: Lorie Kramer, associate teaching professor of rehabilitation and human services; Mary Mehalshick, financial assistant; Christine Shatto, assistant teaching professor of physical therapy; and Mark Tranguch, director of housing and food services. 

10 years: Beatriz Glick, assistant teaching professor of Spanish; and James Palicki, maintenance mechanic. 

15 years: Guillermo Lara, janitorial worker; Justin Nordstrom, professor of history and honors program coordinator; Sandra Wagner, residence hall utility worker; and Amie Yenser, assistant teaching professor of biology. 

20 years: Charles Dewald, letters, arts and sciences program coordinator, assistant teaching professor of English, and writing lab assistant; Ralph Lindsey, police services officer; Christine Mencer, director of information technology; Shannon Richie, reference and instruction librarian and associate librarian; and Lisa Witner, residence hall utility worker. 

25 years: David Natt, food preparer; and Rosemarie Petrilla, physical therapy program coordinator and teaching professor of physical therapy. 

30 years: Thomas Smialek, professor of music and integrative arts, and Patrice Wirth, janitorial worker. 

35 years: Michael Chura, facilities supervisor. 

Last Updated October 14, 2020